Spanning 12 miles of the rugged coastline, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most beautiful jewels of southwestern Oregon.
Last updated: July 28, 2025
Accidentally at the State Scenic Corridor in Oregon
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Oregon. While Instagram constantly reminds travelers of the beauty and hiking trails of the place, its location is a little bit inconvenient for a visit. Located on the southwestern corner of Oregon, it hardly makes it on the list of popular Oregon road trip routes.
We visited the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor by accident. Actually, it might be just half true. I planned to add the place to our Oregon road trip itinerary. But since we had only a few days to spend in Oregon, the Corridor seemed to be way too far away from the rest of our points of interest.
Yet heavy snow and the lack of tire snow chains prevented us from going deeper into Central Oregon. Instead, we returned back Portland and from there went on to visit some of the places along the Oregon Coast, including the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is a 12-mile long state park along the Oregon coast. A rugged coastline with a few sand beaches and thick forests is known as one of the most fascinating places in Oregon.
Named in honor of the first Oregon superintendent, the Corridor entices with panoramic vistas, natural arches and bridges. Moreover, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is home to about 27 miles of the Oregon Coast Trail, making it especially irresistible for long-distance hikers.
How to Get to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
You can reach the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor via US-101. The majority of the park’s lookouts are located near the road with adjacent free parking lots.
The Best Time to Visit Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The state park is accessible all your round. Yet similar to the rest of Oregon, late spring to mid-fall suit the area exceptionally well. It’s neither cold nor scorching hot. The rain is moderate. And nature looks rejuvenated in the spring and vibrant in the fall.
Best Spots along the Scenic Drive
The entire 12-mile stretch of the park is a superb natural masterpiece. Every corner, every trail and speck takes your breath away. Those who don’t hike, can stop at many viewpoints and enjoy the scenic views from there.
Note: Some of these lookouts require a short walk from the parking lot.
Here are some of the best spots to visit in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
- Arch Rock (Mile 344.8)
- Secret Beach (Between Mile Marker 344-345)
- Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
- Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
- Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
- North Island (Mile 347.4)
- Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
- Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
- Whaleshead Viewpoint (Mile 349.3)
- House Rock Viewpoint (Mile 351.2)
- Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint (Mile 351.9)
- Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)
