At a mile in length, and crossed by three streams, Whaleshead Beach is the longest stretch of open, sandy beach in the Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor. The beach takes its name from Whaleshead Island, a large rock just offshore that shoots a water spout into the air when waves hit it at a certain angle. The beach is easily accessible from a parking lot at the milepost 349.1 turnoff, or by a somewhat more challenging but rewarding hike along the Oregon Coast Trail from Hwy 101. There is also a breathtaking view of Whaleshead Island from a pullout at milepost 349.3. The Whaleshead area is also home to the only cluster of businesses along the corridor, including a small store, a restaurant and RV campsite. About a mile north of Whaleshead Beach along the Oregon Coast Trail, or accessible from a turnoff at milepost 348.6, you can see Indian Sands with its unusual sandstone formations and a spectacular view of the coastline. At the northern end of Whaleshead Beach is a picnic area with tables and a public restroom. Like the rest of the scenic corridor, there is no day use fee. WHERE: 8 mi. north of Brookings. Turn off Hwy 101 at the 348.6 milepost. MORE INFO: 800-551-6949, 541-469-2021, OregonStateParks.org, WhalesheadResort.com
