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Fishing Rock State Recreation Site

4.7
·262 reviews·Depoe Bay, United States

A hidden coastal gem with a magical forest trail leading to dramatic ocean views and treacherous headlands.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
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First viewing point

Fishing Rock State Recreation Site

Best Time

Weekdays, late afternoon

Fewer crowds, golden hour light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden coastal gem with a magical forest trail leading to dramatic ocean views and treacherous headlands.

4.7
(262 reviews)

"This place will always hold a special place in my heart because my boyfriend decided it would be the perfect place to propose marriage!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Look for the Hidden Entrance

No big signs! Find the parking lot behind the bead shop for this coastal gem.

⚠️ Respect Cliff Edges

Undercut cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Stay well back for your safety.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 262 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Enchanting Forest Trail

Enchanting Forest Trail

Entrance trail

Walk through a magical, dark canopy of coastal shrubs to breathtaking ocean vistas.

Dramatic Headland Views

Dramatic Headland Views

End of the headland trail

Experience powerful waves crashing against rocks and enjoy panoramic coastal scenery.

Tide Pool Exploration

Tide Pool Exploration

Near the island (dangerous access)

Discover fascinating marine life in the tide pools, but access is treacherous and not recommended.

Gleneden Beach Access

Gleneden Beach Access

South end of the beach

Enjoy a stretch of beach perfect for a stroll, with opportunities for surfing and agate hunting.

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Planning Your Visit

Hidden Gem Alert!

This coastal spot is a true hidden gem, often missed by travelers! Look for the unassuming entrance behind a bead shop. No major signs mean fewer crowds, but also no facilities, so plan accordingly.

Tread Carefully on the Headland

The headland offers stunning views and tide pools, but it's windy and treacherous. Undercut cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Always keep a safe distance, especially with children.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, golden hour light
Crowd
Low
When
Spring mornings
Why
Clearer skies, calmer seas
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Looking for help planning a romantic Oregon Coast trip with great whale watching!

This is a great place very close to Depoe Bay: whalecoveinn.com Depoe Bay is good for seeing whales because there is a resident whale population. However, right now a lot of whales are passing by as they migrate south.

🤫 Look for the Hidden Entrance

No big signs! Find the parking lot behind the bead shop for this coastal gem. Reddit

⚠️ Respect Cliff Edges

Undercut cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Stay well back for your safety. Reddit

reddit.com

Whale watching and kids fishing mid Oct & coastal overnighter?

Hello. Appreciate this is about the coast rather than Portland but we are flying in//out of Portland and only have 4 days, so Portland is going to be our base. Wondering what the chances are of seeing whales in mid Oct and whether you know which sea town we should head to?…

reddit.com

First time Oregon coast family trip

Driving up from SF bay area to Portland in first week of April. Right now I am planning overnight somewhere on Oregon/CA borger (Ashland, Medford). Then stay in Portland for 2 days. Then drive south along the coast till Brooking. If we leave Portland on Tuesday morning, we have…

👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended

The trails can be a bit sketchy in places, especially near the headland. Reddit

🚻 No Facilities Onsite

Plan ahead and use restrooms before you arrive. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Look for the Hidden Entrance

No big signs! Find the parking lot behind the bead shop for this coastal gem. Reddit

⚠️ Respect Cliff Edges

Undercut cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Stay well back for your safety. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended

The trails can be a bit sketchy in places, especially near the headland. Reddit

🚻 No Facilities Onsite

Plan ahead and use restrooms before you arrive. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

The forest tunnel and headland offer incredible photo opportunities. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(262 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Fishing Rock State Recreation Site as a surprisingly beautiful and rewarding hidden gem. The enchanting forest trail and dramatic coastal views are consistently praised. However, the lack of facilities and the significant safety hazards posed by unstable, undercut cliffs are recurring concerns that require careful attention.

"A small gem hidden on a section of the coast with so much beauty. There are no signs advertising the park. It is tucked away behind the bead shop in a neighborhood.

There a small parking a lot and then a trail across to street leading to a creepy wood. The trail splits. One part leads down to the beach and other to the end of the headland.

The headland is windy and treacherous, but it provides access to amazing tide pools near the island. This is dangerous to reach.

The beach is the south end of Gleneden’s Beach. There is some surfing and at times small agates on the beach."

Rain Dog

"Super cool trail through the thick coastal shrubs to beautiful views."

Beverly Garrett

"This is a great hike! There is a little parking lot but no facilities.
Lots of bang for your buck! Not long, technical or a difficult hike! You enter through a tunnel Of trees, before it opens up and you get your first views of the ocean. Continue one, the path gets a lot of sketchy but still doable and you get way more views of the beaches and crashing waves. Well worth and highly recommend!"

Beach Girl

What People Like

Hidden gem status
Magical forest trail
Dramatic ocean views

What People Dislike

Dangerous cliff edges
No onsite facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Fishing Rock State Recreation Site is a bit of a hidden gem! Look for a small dirt parking lot tucked away behind a bead shop in a neighborhood. There are no large signs advertising the park, making it easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Reddit

Yes, there's a small dirt parking area that can accommodate about 10-15 vehicles. It fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Reddit

Yes, Fishing Rock State Recreation Site is located near Lincoln City, making it a convenient stop along the Oregon Coast. It's often overlooked in searches for local attractions. Reddit

From the parking lot, you'll find a trail that crosses the street, leading into a dense coastal forest. The trail then splits, with one path leading to the beach and another to the headland. Reddit

Absolutely! If you're driving along the Oregon Coast, Fishing Rock is a fantastic, quick stop for stunning views and a unique hike. It's a great addition to a longer coastal journey. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Fishing Rock State Recreation Site is free to enter. There are no admission fees, making it an accessible and budget-friendly stop on the Oregon Coast. Reddit

As a state recreation site, Fishing Rock is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check with the Oregon State Parks department for any specific advisories or closures. Reddit

Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or other facilities directly at Fishing Rock State Recreation Site. Visitors are advised to use facilities before arriving. Reddit

There's no need to book anything in advance as it's a free, open-access recreation site. Just show up and explore! Reddit

It's often described as a hidden gem, so it tends to be less crowded than more well-known coastal attractions. However, it can get busier on weekends and during peak season. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike is relatively short but highly rewarding. You'll walk through a dense, almost fairy-tale-like forest tunnel before emerging to spectacular ocean views. The path can get a bit sketchy near the headland, so watch your step. Reddit

While tide pools are present near the island, accessing them is considered dangerous due to the windy and treacherous conditions and undercut cliffs. It's best to admire them from a safe distance. Reddit

You might spot seagulls, and if you're lucky, marine life in the tide pools. The forest itself is rich with moss, mushrooms, and various plants. Reddit

The beach at the south end of Gleneden's Beach, accessible from Fishing Rock, does offer opportunities for surfing, though conditions can vary. Reddit

The enchanting forest trail with its dense canopy and the dramatic headland offering panoramic ocean views are prime spots for photography. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the dramatic coastal scenery. Early mornings can also offer clear skies and calmer seas for photography. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and the immersive forest trail. A polarizing filter can help manage glare on the water and enhance sky colors. Reddit

Don't miss the unique 'tunnel of trees' effect on the main trail, and the powerful waves crashing against the rocks on the headland. The tide pools, viewed from a safe distance, can also be photogenic. Reddit

Absolutely not. While the views are stunning, the cliffs are undercut and unstable. Prioritize safety over a photo and maintain a significant distance. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to Oregon State Parks regulations. It's best to check the official Oregon State Parks website for current drone policies before flying. Reddit

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