 | | Agency: | Oregon State Parks | | Location: | On the north edge of Brookings on U.S. 101 | | Difficulty: | Easier | | Distance: | 2 miles (one way) | | Elevation Change: | 834 feet | | High Point: | 243 feet | | Visited: | Mar 2006 | | Season: | Year round | | 2D/3D Trail Map |
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Harris Beach State Park offers a marvelously varied terrain. One can enjoy the traditional pursuits of picnicing, strolling the beach and running from the waves, or take the more adventurous route to the top of a large rock pinnacle for a birdseye view. The route to the top, though somewhat exposed in places and certainly one which requires precise footing, is not overly difficult and has a terrific view. A short walk further south leads to a relatively deserted beach, the perfect place for a romantic interlude. Just follow the short Rock Beach Path around a corner and over a small, rock-jumbled headland A favorite spot for viewing sea life including sea stars and anemones, is just north of the day use area. A short path leads from the parking lot to Harris Creek, which can be crossed either by fording, or log hopping. Head up the beach about a quarter mile to the rocks. Here at low tide there are plenty of black turban snails, California mussels, common sea stars, and green anemone to be seen. Occasionally an octopus washes up to be quickly pecked apart by gulls. These ubiquitous and aggressive gulls, by the way, make it virtually impossible to picnic here in peace. Some seem to enjoy feeding the birds and squirrels, but when it comes time for people to eat, the rest area on the opposite side of Highway 101 from the park entrance is a much better and quieter place to do. There, in addition to a little peace and quiet, you will find water, restrooms, and sturdy picnic tables. Harris Beach Loop Trail (~ 1 mile)
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Mile 0.42 |
(22-MAR-06 09:46:14AM)
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Descend steps from the parking lot to the beach and walk south. The trail passes between a hill and an impressive, hundred-foot-high rock pinnacle, angles right, then splits into two narrow tracks. There used to be a rock here which was covered with graffiti, but the rock has fallen into the ocean. No great loss in terms of scenery, I must say. Taking the right branch leads to a series of less populated beaches, the first of which can be completely submerged at high tide. A mountainous rock shelters this beach from the surf, except for a keyhole shaped notch which filters the pounding waves into pretty, concentric semi-circles.
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Mile 0.65 |
(22-MAR-06 09:54:37AM)
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A scramble over rocks leads to yet another beach, this one a broad crescent with plenty to explore. A rock castle, which can be scrambled most of the way to the top, rises from the margin of sand and surf. There is also a small creek, and a rock cave.
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Mile 0.71 |
(22-MAR-06 09:56:52AM)
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Nice views north and south from a saddle about halfway up the trail.
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Mile 0.74 |
(22-MAR-06 09:58:38AM)
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Back at the junction, turn left to ascend a series of stone steps to another crossroads. The left branch scrambles up dirt to a pinnacle with a great viewpoint. There is an interesting sandstone tablet part way up, into which many people have gouged their initials and other symbols.
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Mile 0.93 |
(22-MAR-06 10:05:43AM)
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After descending the pinnacle, continue up the path which switchbacks up to the park access road, passing an interpretive sign and a beckoning park bench. To complete the loop, cross the park access road here and walk up the campground road until you meet up with another trail to the left. This trail leads briefly to a junction with a small brown sign. The left fork leads up to the top of Harris Butte.
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Mile 1.21 |
(22-MAR-06 10:09:54AM)
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The top of Harris Butte, at 243 feet the highest point in the park, provides a rewarding vista of both the beach and people walking on it and north up the coast. It's well worth the small extra effort. Back at the sign, a left turn leads a few hundred meters through woods back to the beach picnic / parking area, completing our loop.
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Mile 0.53 |
(22-MAR-06 10:21:28AM)
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View north from the parking area, showing the part of the beach which is best for viewing tidal life.
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Mile 0.53 |
(22-MAR-06 10:21:40AM)
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If you're minimally nimble, you can cross this jumble of logs to reach the north end of the beach without getting your feet wet.
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