The legendary hike to Angel's Rest is truly spectacular. Located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, this 5-mile trek will lead you past majestic waterfalls and through lush forestry to a stunning lookout point high above the Columbia River.
This enchanting hike begins at the Angel's Rest Trailhead, just off the Historic Columbia River Highway, less than an hour drive from Portland.
And then, all of the sudden, there you are! The amazing Angel's Rest. This incredible natural bluff juts out nearly 2000 feet above the expansive landscape.
I knew immediately coming across a trail with the word "secret" in the title, I was on the right track. Secret Beach Trail in Brookings, Oregon, is a beautiful and somewhat hidden gem that offers a fantastic coastal hiking experience. The trail is part of the Oregon Coast Trail system and leads to a secluded beach that's known for its stunning natural beauty.
The hike to Secret Beach is relatively short, about 1.8 miles out and back, making it accessible for most hikers. The trailhead is located at the end of a short road off Highway 101, and it starts with a descent through dense, forested terrain. As you make your way down, you’ll notice the trail can be a bit steep and rugged in parts so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Once you reach the beach, you’re greeted with dramatic rock formations, tide pools, and potentially even sea stacks. The beach itself is relatively small but offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is often less crowded than more well-known beaches, providing a more serene experience. It's a great spot for beachcombing, picnicking, and just enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Keep in mind that, due to its somewhat hidden location, the beach can be difficult to find and the trail may not be as well-marked as others. It’s a good idea to have a map or GPS on hand. Be aware that some parts of the trail involve steep descents and rocky areas, with ropes provided to help you navigate your way to the beach if you choose to go down. Access to the beach is only possible during low tide, so it’s important to check the tide charts before your visit.
Keep an eye out from March through October for an epic cliffside waterfall! This forms after a significant amount of rain, which makes the journey even more memorable. Bring a camera, you will not want to miss this!
Overall, Secret Beach Trail is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a peaceful escape with stunning coastal views and a bit of a secret adventure. Just make sure you check the weather conditions and trail conditions in advance before you head out.
Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way you can get even more information before you start your journey.
The Coolest Visitor Center In Oregon Has 26 Miles Of Trails And Natural Wonders
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center on the Oregon Coast offers access to stunning natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well, surrounded by breathtaking coastal and forest views.
The Oregon Coast is an utterly breathtaking expanse of sheer natural beauty surrounded by old-growth forests, Native American artifacts, and stunning natural wonders that will stick in your memory for years to come. Did you know there’s a visitor center in Oregon from which you can access all those things? Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is a hub near some of Oregon’s most impressive sights and natural wonders like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well.
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Cape Perpetua Visitor’s Center is located just off the Oregon Coast Highway about three miles south of the charming small town of Yachats. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The visitor center is a wealth of information about the surrounding area and its history. Plus, the staff is quite friendly and willing to answer any questions you may have. You may even be inspired to volunteer!
One of the first things you’ll notice is the utterly gorgeous coastal views with the scent of the ocean air and the sound of the crashing waves. This brings an interesting juxtaposed feeling of soothing yet invigorating wonder.
One of Oregon’s most powerful natural wonders, Devil’s Churn is just north of the visitor center. What was once the opening to an ancient lava tube is now a crucible of sheer oceanic force as waves crash into it and surge upwards with a thunderous roar.
Just to the south of the visitor center is another wonder that is the opposite of Devil’s Churn. Thor’s Well is a deep hole on the coast that seems to drink the ocean during high tide. It’s best to keep your distance from it as the currents are extremely strong.
If you’re able to pull your eyes off the mesmerizing ocean and head toward the forest, you will see equally breathtaking views along the 26 miles of trails that meander through old-growth forests. The combination of scents and sounds from the ocean and the forest creates a sensory feast.
Imagine walking among nature’s ancient giants where the forest meets the sea. Here, you will find a combination of salt and pine in the air and hear the birds of the forest, the wind through the trees, and the crashing surf in the background.
After only a few moments you will quickly understand why this is one of the best visitors centers in Oregon.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is one of those magical outdoor havens in Oregon that we love so much. Have you ever been to the coolest visitor center in Oregon? What are your favorite places nearby? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.
If you are looking for more things to do in Oregon take a closer look at Thor’s Well. Be sure to check with AllTrails before hiking to receive updates about closures and conditions.
Another of Oregon's famous natural wonders is further up the coast to the north. Take a look at why we love Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach in this video:
