Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Arch Rock in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor was our favorite hidden gem today. It is just a short walk to the viewpoint, and worth every step. And a bonus was the ocean the most beautiful color of green and blue. And it was fun driving over the highest bridge in Oregon while touring the area … “Thomas Creek Bridge over U.S. Highway 101 is Oregon's tallest bridge at 345 feet.” And we loved that the name of Bruce’s Bones Creek made us think of Papa. There is tons to explore here!

Explore more at stateparks.oregon.gov … Craggy bluffs, secluded beaches, and offshore rock formations await visitors along the 12 ocean-hugging miles of Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, located between Brookings and Gold Beach along Highway 101.

This stretch of the highway features one turnoff after another, each with access to picnic areas, viewpoints and trailheads that connect an 18-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail.

There are a couple of ways to experience this park: pick a trailhead and spend the day hiking one of the sections, or stop at each parking area and explore its features.

Here are some highlights to help plan your trip:

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint: A mile-long hike leads to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and photo-worthy Oregon sunsets. The Cape is also an excellent spot for whale watching in fall and spring.

House Rock Viewpoint: A memorial commemorates Samuel H. Boardman, the first Oregon State Parks superintendent and the park's namesake. The 4-mile trail between Cape Ferrelo and House Rock offers many side trails to secluded beaches.

Whaleshead Beach: This oceanfront picnic area has gorgeous views and an easy, flat path to the beach.

Natural Bridge: Follow a short trail to one of the best viewpoints in the park — the seven iconic arch rocks and blowholes known as Natural Bridges. Here you'll find a memorial to Dr. Samuel Dicken, who first envisioned the Oregon Coast Trail.

Arch Rock: From the paved parking lot, a short path leads to an overlook featuring a series of offshore sea stacks and islands.

Whether you hike all 18 miles or just 1/4 of a mile, take a moment to consider the multitudes who have walked the same worn path for millennia: Native Americans, explorers, gold seekers and settlers.