Whaleshead Beach Rockhounding – A framed view of the beach through green foliage, with driftwood scattered across the sand and a backdrop of distant trees and blue sky.



Whaleshead Beach is 7 miles northwest of Brookings, known for its beautiful scenery and amazing rock formations.

The beach is part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, with sandy shores, rocky areas, and incredible ocean views. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rockhounding, exploring tide pools, and hiking.

The beach's most famous landmark is a huge rock shaped like a whale's head. When waves crash against this rock, water sprays upward just like a whale spouting!

There's also a cool cave with a natural window framing the coastal views. Because Whaleshead Beach is more secluded, you can often enjoy quiet moments, even during the busy summer months.

Hiking trails pass through Whaleshead Beach, so it's easy to reach scenic viewpoints and see the natural beauty of the area.



Whaleshead Beach Rockhounding – A variety of rocks, including a large weathered one and smaller colorful stones, partially submerged in wet sand and shallow water.
Whaleshead Beach Rocks

Whaleshead Beach Rockhounding

Whaleshead Beach is a great place to find beautiful agates, colorful jasper, shells, and driftwood.

The best times for rockhounding here are after big storms or during low tides. That's when waves uncover hidden treasures on the beach.

Remember, digging with tools is not allowed, so only collect rocks that you can pick up by hand or use a Sand Dipper Beach Scoop.



Whaleshead Beach Rockhounding – A close-up of a translucent white rock among smooth, wet stones on the sandy shore.
Whaleshead Beach Agate

Beyond the Rocks: Exploring the Area

In addition to rockhounding, Whaleshead Beach has many other ways to enjoy beach life.

If you love hiking, you'll enjoy trails with amazing views. You can hike:

  • South toward House Rock for dramatic ocean scenery.
  • North toward Indian Sands for lush forest trails and coastal views.

A short but steep quarter-mile hike nearby takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the beach, ocean, and coastline. It's perfect for taking great photos!

The tide pools at Whaleshead Beach are filled with colorful sea life, like sea stars, crabs, anemones, and tiny fish. Tidepool exploring is best during low tides. Please remember never to disturb the delicate ocean ecosystem.

And if you want even more beachcombing adventures, make sure to visit nearby spots like Harris Beach, Lone Ranch Beach, and Secret Beach.

Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwood, sneaker waves, and never turn your back to the ocean.



Whaleshead Beach Rockhounding – A scenic view of Whaleshead Beach with tide pools, scattered rocks, and towering sea stacks under a bright blue sky.

Whaleshead Beach | Facts

Material: Agate, jasper, shells, driftwood
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: 7 miles northwest of Brookings • Oregon • USA
Road access: Any vehicle

Places to Stay Near Whaleshead Beach

Whaleshead Beach doesn't allow camping. The nearest hotel is the Whaleshead Beach Resort, a 15-minute walk from the shore.

The Gold Beach and Brookings have even more places to stay.



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Whaleshead Beach Directions & Contacts

From Highway 101 in Brookings,

  • Take US-101 North for 8 miles
  • Turn left onto the beach parking driveway.

The 0.3 miles of the road from Highway 101 to the beach is rough and uneven in some spots. 4WD is suggested, but you can still make it on a regular vehicle if you are careful. Check the road conditions during the wet season.

Whaleshead Beach, Brookings, OR 97415



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