Harris Beach State Park, located just 2 miles northwest of Brookings on the South Oregon Coast, is known for its dramatic coastal scenery. The park features a mix of sandy shores, rocky outcrops, and towering sea stacks that rise from the ocean. It is a haven for nature lovers, offering opportunities to explore tide pools, watch for marine life, and take in breathtaking views of the Pacific.
The most impressive sea stack formation is Bird Island, also called Goat Island. This rugged monolith dominates the coastal scenery. As the largest island off the Oregon coast, it is a designated National Wildlife Sanctuary and home to numerous seabirds, including puffins. Migrating gray whales, sea lions, and harbor seals are often spotted along the shoreline.
Hiking trails wind through the coastal forest and lead to scenic overlooks, making it easy to experience the area's natural beauty.
If you want to extend your stay, the park has a well-equipped campground with tent sites, RV hookups, and yurts.
Harris Beach State Park Rockhounding
The beach offers opportunities to find agates, jaspers, and marine fossils.
Rockhounding here is the most productive after storms, when waves churn up hidden treasures or during low tides, revealing areas usually submerged.
Before visiting the park, be sure to review Oregon State Parks Rockhounding Regulations. Keep in mind that digging with any tools is prohibited, so limit your collecting to surface finds. You can gather rocks by hand or use a Sand Dipper Beach Scoop.
Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area
In addition to rockhounding, Harris Beach has many other fun things to do.
If you love hiking, you will enjoy scenic trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. One trail even goes all the way back to Brookings if you want a longer hike.
The sea stacks and headlands of Oregon's oldest geological formations are a paradise for photographers.
The marine garden of the beach has tidepools filled with colorful sea life, including starfish, crabs, anemones, and tiny fish. Just be careful and don't disturb the fragile ecosystem. The best time to explore tidepools is during low tides.
And if you want even more rockhounding adventures, check the nearby places such as Whaleshead Beach, McVay Rock State Recreation Site, and Chetco River sites.
Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwood, sneaker waves, and never turn your back to the ocean.
Harris Beach State Park | Facts
Material: Agate, jasper, idocrase (vesuvianite), and marine fossils
Tools: Sand Dipper Square Scoop
Land type: Beach
Best time to visit: Year-round
Land manager: Oregon State Parks
Fees: None for day-use
Location: 2 miles northwest of Brookings • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle
Places to Stay Near Harris Beach State Park
Harris Beach State Park campground has:
- 65 RV sites with full hookups
- 25 electrical sites with water
- 59 tent sites
- 6 yurts (some pet-friendly!)
- Hikers and bikers camp
The campground also has flush toilets, hot showers, a playground for kids, and firewood for sale. But remember, you have to reserve your spot ahead of time on the Oregon State Parks website.
If camping isn't your style, Brookings is close by and has many lodging options.
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Harris Beach State Park Directions & Contacts
From Highway 101 in Brookings,
- Take US-101 North/Chetco Avenue for 1.5 miles
- Turn left toward Old US Highway 101.
Once you turn into Old US Highway 101, on your left there will be a smaller parking lot for a few car at Sunset Point.
Continue straight, and you will reach a bigger parking lot in 0.3 miles.
Harris Beach State Park Campground driveway will be on your right.
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