Unofficial Secret Beach Pullout on U.S. 101 Closing June 22
ODOT and Oregon Parks officials say increased use of the undeveloped roadside area has created safety, erosion and litter concerns near the Oregon Coast Trail.
BROOKINGS, Ore. — A popular but unofficial roadside pullout used by visitors heading to Secret Beach and the Oregon Coast Trail will close to parking later this month because of safety and environmental concerns.
Beginning Monday, June 22, the undeveloped gravel area along U.S. 101 at milepost 345.4, between Brookings and Gold Beach, will no longer be available for parking.
Officials with the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said the location was never designed, maintained or approved as a parking area or trail access point. In recent years, however, websites and social media posts have directed more visitors to the pullout as an entry point to Secret Beach.
That increased use has led to erosion, litter, damage along the pavement edge and traffic safety concerns on a narrow stretch of highway.
“There are several reasons for making this change, but our main concern is safety,” said Glen Pederson, ODOT district manager. “We have heard from local residents, law enforcement and community leaders about crashes and near misses on this stretch of highway, especially during busy times when people are walking and biking on the highway.”
Vehicles are parked along the unofficial gravel pullout on U.S. 101 at milepost 345.4 north of Brookings. ODOT plans to close the area to parking beginning June 22 because of safety and environmental concerns tied to unofficial access for Secret Beach and the Oregon Coast Trail. Photo courtesy of ODOT
The speed limit along that section of U.S. 101 is 55 mph. ODOT said northbound drivers have limited visibility approaching the area, making it difficult to stop for pedestrians, vehicles entering or leaving the pullout, or overflow vehicles parked along the narrow shoulder.
The highway is also part of the Oregon Coast Bike Route. Parked vehicles can force cyclists into traffic as they pass through the area.
To block access beyond the paved shoulder, crews will extend the guardrail near the pullout. “No Parking” signs will also be installed along both sides of U.S. 101 in the area.
Access to Secret Beach and nearby sections of the Oregon Coast Trail will remain available through designated parking lots and trailheads maintained by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
“Our facilities are designed and maintained for people to park and access the trail safely,” said Justin Helberg, South Coast District Manager for OPRD. “People wishing to hike to Secret Beach don’t have to travel far to reach a designated parking area.”
Nearby no-fee OPRD Maintained parking areas include:
Arch Rock, milepost 344.8 (0.6 miles north)
Spruce Island, milepost 345.0 (0.4 miles north)
Thunder Rock Cove, milepost 345.8 (0.4 miles south)
Natural Bridges, milepost 346 (0.6 miles south)
OPRD recommends visitors have a flexible plan in case a parking lot is full and continue to the next designated trailhead when needed. Hikers should also check tide tables before heading out and bring water and appropriate hiking gear.
More information is available through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Cover image: A Google Maps image shows the unofficial gravel pullout along U.S. 101 at milepost 345.4 north of Brookings. ODOT plans to close the area to parking beginning June 22 because of safety and environmental concerns tied to access for Secret Beach and the Oregon Coast Trail. Image via Google Maps
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