While this spot has been well-documented as a great destination, I still have yet to have any trouble with crowds when I shoot there. Especially if you plan for a weekday adventure, your chances of having this oasis to yourself is high. Plus, in the off-season, you get this gorgeous cloud coverage and sunlight peek-a-boos that every Oregon photographer dies for! Secret Beach, Oregon is located in the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. The closest town is Brookings, Oregon. What’s great about this area is you can get views of the Oregon Coast AND you can get beautiful old-growth forests all in one area. From the natural bridges to the redwood trails, this area has so many beautiful places to explore and photograph. I’ve never seen such intense coastal rock formations, it is seriously a one-of-a-kind place. Secret Beach is a quick little hike from the parking area. I always tell my couples though to bring decent shoes to wear on the hike as it can get muddy. You also have to scramble down a decent rock side to get to the beach area, which is why I recommend good shoes! Once on the beach, you can explore your little “secret” oasis: a little cove with beautiful waves, rock formations stretching out of the water, and sometimes a little waterfall! It’s the perfect little hideaway for your engagement session. Plus, standing on the top of the rocky area makes the most IG worthy photos (scroll down and you’ll see towards the end!)

If you’re up for an adventure, a 45-min drive can take you into some of the most gorgeous redwoods you’ve ever seen! There is an Oregon Redwoods Trail area, which is a great option as dogs are allowed here and you don’t have to cross the state border. The best and biggest Redwoods, though, will be across the border. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the closest and offers stunning old-growth backdrops. Dogs are (unfortunately) not allowed in this area, but if it’s just the humans exploring, we are good to go! The Smith River runs through the area and there are lots of spots to explore the river’s edge. Farther south are other areas of the Redwood National and State Parks.

It was so much fun running around this area with Keelie and Caleb. We talked about their trip down the Oregon Coast Highway and all of their adventures they have planned along the way. This Secret Beach engagement session was definitely one for the books. It was so fun to document them in one of my favorite places!

Want to see another Oregon Coast session? Click here!

Want to chat more about planning your epic Secret Beach engagement or elopement? Let’s chat!