Bob Creek Beach, Oregon – Lesser Known Beach Guide Series

Today’s beach that deserves to be more popular is Bob Creek Beach, also known as Bob’s Creek Beach or Bob Creek Wayside. It is part of the Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, a series of four highway pull-offs on Route 101.

It is such a hidden gem that the official Oregon Parks website for the scenic viewpoint has paragraph-length descriptions of the other three, including the first one that doesn’t even have a name.

However, for Bob Creek, the description simply says “This stop offers beach access and agate hunting.” It’s the Rodney Dangerfield of scenic viewpoints, no respect at all!

What to Expect

Bob Creek Beach is a small, crescent moon-shaped beach that is split into two sections by the namesake creek.

There are two main reasons why Bob Creek isn’t more popular. First, it’s between Cape Perpetua and Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park, both of which offer more services and more sand on their beaches for relaxing.

Secondly, it is part of both a protected shell midden that prevents digging into the sand for beachcombing and a marine reserve that prevents fishing. However, both of those things can be done within a few miles in either direction.

Where is Bob Creek Beach Located?

Bob Creek Beach is about four miles south of Yachats (population 690) and 20 miles north of Florence (population 9,396).

From Florence, you’ll want to take Highway 101 North and turn right onto Bob Creek Road. From Yachats, take Highway 101 South and turn left on Bob Creek Road.

Once you make that turn, you’ll turn onto the unpaved road and, after a short trip on an unpaved road, you’ll reach the small parking lot, which has room for about nine vehicles at a time.

Getting to the Beach

From the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the beach on mostly flat ground. You can go to either the northern part of the beach or the southern part.

Both sides are a bit rocky, with the northern part having a lot of gravel and the southern half featuring large boulders, rock formations, and caves.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of space to relax in the sand here or a lot of sand to relax in. However, there are still many great rocks, agates, and sea creatures to see here.

Things to Do on Bob Creek Beach

Tidepooling and Beachcombing

This is a great spot for agate hunting, tide-pooling, beachcombing, and rockhounding. However, there is one important thing to keep in mind.

Bob Creek Beach is part of a protected archeological site called a “shell midden,” essentially a dump site for mollusk shells that was used by an early civilization hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

Because of this, visitors are only allowed to take things off the beach that are on the surface – no digging is allowed on the beach. That said, you’ll still find some amazing stuff if you come as the tide is going out!

Cave Exploration

On the south side of the beach, there are several small caves that you can explore doing low tide. The floors are very slippery, though, so you’ll want strong shoes and to exercise caution.

Where to Stay

For lodging, if you want more options and lower prices, Newport is probably the best choice. It’s only 20 miles from the beach and is one of the more populous cities on the coast, with a population of almost 10,000.

However, if you want to stay closer to the beach to ensure you get there at 9 AM when it opens up, Yachats is considerably smaller but much closer.

There are also a pair of rental cabins just across the road from the beach, which can be a little more expensive but if you’d like a romantic getaway and the ability to walk to the beach without having to fight for one of the nine spots.

There are several RV parks and campgrounds in the area, including the Sea Perch RV Resort and the Cape Perpetua Campground, both of which are just a short distance away on Highway 101.

Other Activities in the Area

Carl G. Washburne State Park

If you’d like a more popular state beach with a few more amenities and a lot of hiking trails, Carl G. Washburne State Park is an excellent choice. It has access to the Hobbit Trail and Heceta Head Lighthouse, among others.

Cape Perpetua

Cape Perpetua is home to some of the most unique natural features you’ll ever see, including Thor’s Well, the Devils Churn, and the Spouting Horn. You’ll want to visit these during low tide, as they can be quite dangerous otherwise.

The Rest of Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint

For some of the best photograph opportunities on the entire Oregon Coast, you’ll want to stop by the other three parts of the scenic viewpoint.

Neptune offers views of whales, sea lions, and occasionally, deer. Strawberry Hill offers a staircase to a beach and a chance to see harbor seals. The unnamed one near Gwynn Creek is a great spot for picnics.

Siulslaw National Forest

The Siuslaw National Forest (of which Bob Creek Beach is part!) features many great hiking opportunities, backwoods camping, beautiful photography spots, wildlife, and much more!

Speaking of wildlife, though, you’ll want to be careful because there are bears and other predators here. With the proper precautions and safety tips in mind, though, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Final Thoughts

Bob’s Creek Beach is a great place for tidepoolers and other beachcombers, but you’ll want to get there early, as the parking lot fills up pretty quickly.

The main drawback here is that there are no bathrooms, but

It is definitely worth the visit, however! Between the beach and the other three highway pull-offs that make up the Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint, your vacation photos will make everyone jealous back home. We can’t wait to see you soon!