Hot springs, waterfalls, & hidden beaches on Oregon's coast

After an 11 mile drive off the byway, you'll reach one of Oregon's most stunning waterfalls (and that's saying something, Oregon has over 200!), Proxy Falls. A short .75 mile hike from the parking lot, Proxy Falls is one of the best and most accessible waterfalls in the entire Pacific Northwest. As you reach the upper viewpoint, it’s easy to see why Proxy is likely the most photographed waterfall in Oregon. Its perfect oval shape is not only super unique, but it's perfectly framed by the abundant old growth forest in which it resides. A short but steep scramble down the hill leads to the ultra-lush base in Proxy Creek. With each step forward, the falls seem to grow taller and more imposing. The natural beauty here is infinite and almost overwhelming at times; places like these are incredibly special. You are likely to encounter several like-minded visitors at the falls, so if you want it to yourself, get there early.

After a few hours of driving west, I had finally reached the rugged southern Oregon coast. I stopped in downtown Bandon to grab a sandwich and some firewood, and I even made a couple friends in the process. That’s another amazing thing about the coast; everyone is extraordinarily friendly here. The other thing that the southern coast is known for is its unbelievable sea stacks that dot the shoreline. A local recommendation led me a few minutes away to Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. As I made my way down the wooden boardwalk to the beach, a couple seagulls circled effortlessly overhead and all I could do was smile at the perfect moment. After snapping some photos of the wizard’s hat at sunset, I built a fire on the beach and enjoyed my dinner in the shelter of a nearby sea cave. It was the perfect reward for a long day on the road.

The last stop on my road trip was Samuel H. Boardman State Park, a beautiful 90-minute drive down Highway 101. This section of coastline is, without a doubt, one of my favorite areas in the entire Pacific Northwest. There are several points where you can access the park, and each offers new and breathtaking viewpoints and trails for visitors to choose from. I decided to explore the Natural Bridge and it instantly became one of the very best places I've ever been to, anywhere. Picking your way through the densely forested switchback is not necessarily easy, but it's oh-so-worth the view at the end. As the trail meets the ocean and becomes a narrowing ridge line, you begin to see the sheer power of the ocean at work. Down below your feet, the water has managed to erode a perfect U-shaped opening in the rock, creating a suspended coastal arch that will afford you a one-of-a-kind traverse (use caution here!) With a secret beach tucked behind the arch, and many unique sea stacks just offshore, this small section of the southern Oregon coast was worth the 6 hours of driving on its own.