Oregon Coast - Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

 Date: 01-Jul-2016Category:

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Coastline along Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

This month's image shows another one of our all-time favorite locations in the Pacific Northwest. While parts of the Oregon Coast are quite populated (or at least to some extent), there are still some secluded, little known spots such as this Scenic Corridor in the far south near the state's border with California. 12 miles of rugged and wild coast, with nearly vertical cliffs, rocky shores, small sandy beaches, lovely offshore islands and sea stacks as well as a considerable amount of intriguing sea arches. Untouched nature and unrivaled beauty around every cove and corner, the only location in Oregon being as scenic as the Olympic Coast in the state of Washington (at least in our opinion).

Up to now, there aren't many signs along Hwy #1 indicating all the overlooks, so most of them remain secretly hidden behind the dense Sitka spruce forest. Samuel H. Boardman Park is still one of those places along the Oregon Coast, where you can be all by yourself and enjoy nature at its finest. It is also the perfect place for photographers who do not shy away from a little exercise and who are willing to do some serious exploratory hikes. Social trails run through the woodlands giving access to many unofficial viewpoints and solitary beaches. They all start along the 27-mile-stretch of the famous long-distance hiking route Oregon Coast Trail, which runs straight through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Do not miss a stop at Arch Rock, walk down to Secret Beach and Thunder Rock Cove, explore the Natural Bridges area, China Beach and hike along the Indian Sand trails, where you can find another fabulous arch. There is neither an entrance fee nor a parking fee. Just make sure to bring along a good map, you'll definitely need it! You can download a pdf-file on your smartphone from the official website (please see "Brochures"). And we can also highly recommend "Photographing Oregon" by Greg Vaughn, an award-winning book and definitely the best travel guide photographers can get for this US State.

Brookings (OR) is the only major city nearby and it offers a few places to stay overnight besides the campground at Harris Beach State Park.


Image data:
taken back in spring 2011; 4 s at f/16, ISO 100; Canon EF 16-35mm 1:2.8 L II USM at 19 mm, Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Related Links: More "Seascape" images from the Pacific Northwest