Looking for a more serene beach getaway or day trip where you won’t be elbow-to-elbow with countless visitors? While there are some great national parks with beaches, you might want to consider a quieter, highly underrated alternative.
National Geographic just released its list of the country’s most underrated state parks. Delivering the “awe without the crowds,” it notes one Oregon park that may not be famous, but it’s just as unforgettable: Harris Beach State Park.
An Alternative to Washington State’s Olympic National Park
If you’ve been considering the rugged coast of Olympic National Park for your late summer beach trip, Nat Geo says, while it does offer mountains, rainforests, and a wild Pacific coastline, Harris Beach and its surroundings come close without being nearly as busy.
As the magazine highlights, it boasts dramatic seastacks just offshore and hidden tidepools, accessed by descending the Rockaway Beach Trailhead. Colorful anemones, sea stars, and crabs are just a few of the marine creatures you might see. Plus, the Klamath Mountains are nearby, and Jedidiah Smith Redwoods State Park in California is only 30 minutes south.
While there are peaceful beaches near Camden Hills State Park in Maine, no other state parks with beaches made the list.
A Rare Hidden Gem
Yes, we know “hidden gem” is a term that’s overused, but Harris has somehow managed to truly define it despite being recognized by multiple publications for its striking beauty and tranquility.
In 2023, Islands.com named it one of the most beautiful in the country, noting its miles of unspoiled sands, rock formations, and diverse wildlife. In the spring, watch for the migrating whales that pass by. There are often sea lions lounging around, and rare tufted puffins can be sighted too. Still, Harris Beach State Park doesn’t attract the masses, offering a tranquil beach paradise for a day trip, weekend escape, or longer.
Of course, we’re not surprised to see that Oregon was a standout when it comes to destinations with more peaceful stretches of sand. With a diverse coastline that spans 363 miles, we recently featured the state as home to some of the most underrated beaches in the U.S. If you need more inspiration, perhaps for a beach-hopping road trip along the Oregon coast, be sure to check out some of our other favorites, from Seaside in the north to Pretty Lone Ranch Beach in Brookings, just a five-minute drive from Harris Beach State Park!
