6 Hidden Oregon Beaches That Are Every Bit As Stunning As Cannon Beach
Everyone knows Cannon Beach with its iconic Haystack Rock, but Oregon’s coastline hides so many more gems just waiting to be discovered.
I’ve spent years exploring the nooks and crannies of our rugged shore, finding peaceful spots where the crowds thin out and nature shines.
These six lesser-known beaches offer the same dramatic scenery, crashing waves, and magical sunsets as their famous cousin—but with a fraction of the tourists.
1. Cove Beach: Nature’s Secret Amphitheater
The first time I stumbled upon Cove Beach at Arch Cape, I actually gasped out loud. Tucked away just south of Cannon Beach, this hidden treasure feels like stepping into a private coastal sanctuary that someone forgot to put on the tourist maps.
Massive rock formations create a natural amphitheater where the ocean’s symphony plays exclusively for those in the know. Low tide reveals tide pools teeming with starfish, anemones, and tiny crabs – nature’s own aquarium without the admission fee!
The beach access requires a short walk down a residential street, which helps keep the crowds away. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, but remember there are no facilities here – just pure, unspoiled Oregon coast the way nature intended.
2. Secret Beach: The Coastal Treasure Hunt
Finding Secret Beach feels like completing a treasure hunt with the best prize ever! Nestled within Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, this pocket-sized paradise requires a half-mile hike through a fairytale forest before revealing itself between towering sea stacks.
My favorite memory here involves watching two sea otters playing in the surf while having the entire beach to myself on a Tuesday morning. The small stream that cuts through the sand creates perfect natural boundaries for impromptu sandcastle competitions with my nieces.
Timing is everything – visit during low tide or you might find your secret spot underwater! The effort to reach this gem keeps the crowds thin and preserves its wild character. Just be careful on the somewhat steep trail down.
3. Starfish Cove: Where Marine Life Throws A Party
Whoever named Starfish Cove wasn’t kidding around! This little-known spot near Newport hosts more marine life than some aquariums. The first time I visited, I counted seventeen purple and orange starfish clinging to a single rock formation – beat that, fancy tourist attractions!
Flanked by protective headlands, the sheltered waters create perfect conditions for starfish, sea anemones, and hermit crabs to thrive. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) can spend hours exploring the pools that appear during low tide.
Morning fog often shrouds the cove in mystery until burning off to reveal breathtaking clarity. Bring water shoes to navigate the rocky sections and a camera to capture the riot of colors. Just remember the golden rule: look but don’t touch these delicate creatures.
4. Short Beach: The Photographer’s Dream Canvas
Short Beach might have a modest name, but there’s nothing modest about its jaw-dropping beauty! Sandwiched between Oceanside and Cape Meares in Tillamook County, this photogenic stretch of shore features a waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach – Mother Nature showing off again.
Last summer, I spent a whole afternoon here watching bald eagles soar above while waves crashed against the dramatic rock formations. The light here does something magical around sunset, creating what photographers call the “golden hour” on steroids.
Access requires navigating down a somewhat hidden trail marked by a small wooden sign – your first clue that you’re heading somewhere special. The effort keeps away casual beachgoers, rewarding those willing to seek out this coastal masterpiece with relative solitude even during peak season.
5. Moolack Beach: Fossil Hunter’s Paradise
“You found another one?” my friend exclaimed as I picked up my third fossilized shell at Moolack Beach. Located just north of Newport, this lengthy stretch of sand sits beneath crumbling sandstone cliffs that continuously release ancient treasures onto the shore.
Winter storms reshape this beach dramatically, exposing agates, jasper, and fossils that might have been buried for millennia. The fascinating geological history lesson comes with a side of spectacular ocean views and far fewer footprints than nearby attractions.
Parking along Highway 101 provides easy access, though the somewhat steep path down requires sturdy shoes. Ghost forests – ancient tree stumps revealed at low tide – add an eerie, primeval atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Bring a small container for your fossil finds!
6. Driftwood Beach: Nature’s Sculpture Garden
Massive bleached logs scattered like pickup sticks played by giants – that was my first impression of Driftwood Beach near Waldport. This aptly named stretch of coast serves as nature’s sculpture garden, where storm-tossed trees create an ever-changing landscape of wooden monuments.
My dog absolutely loses his mind with joy here, weaving through the natural obstacle course of logs while I hunt for Japanese glass floats occasionally washed ashore. The beach stretches for miles, allowing plenty of space to find your own private spot away from the handful of other visitors.
Winter brings the most impressive driftwood collections, though summer offers warmer tide pools perfect for exploring. The easy access from Highway 101 makes this a convenient stop, yet somehow it remains overlooked by most coastal travelers heading to more famous destinations.