As many times as Scott and I have camped on the Oregon coast, we never realized there is this really cool beach area in Oceanside. The ‘Three Arch Capes’ are what drew us there - three large rock formations jutting out of the water just off the beach and visible from afar along a scenic route just outside of Tillamook. Here’s what they look like from a viewpoint we stopped at:
And here’s the close-up view after you drive down into Oceanside:
Beautiful, of course, but here’s the really cool thing we discovered - a tunnel that leads you to a hidden beach area. We discovered the tunnel quite by accident, while walking along the beach in Oceanside. We were just out for a nice stroll along the ocean with my husband’s brother along for the ride when we noticed this odd-looking concrete structure that people kept walking into. So of course, we had to go check it out for ourselves.
We were very surprised to see that the structure was actually an entrance to a tunnel that went clear through to the other side of this gigantic cliff that jutted out into the surf.
And what did we find on the other side? A beautiful ‘hidden’ beach area full of agates… and agate hunters.
The weather was great, the view was gorgeous and we did some exploring.
Here is my favorite shot of the tunnel - look closely and you can see someone standing at the other end.
And the coolest shot, by far, was one I took by pointing the camera inside one of the holes in the tunnel.
I highly recommend checking out this little gem on the Oregon coast. When approaching Tillamook on Highway 101, simply follow the signs for the Three Capes Scenic Route and head on into Oceanside. Park in the beach access parking lot, walk down towards the water and then hang a right and you’ll see the tunnel.
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Tags: beach, Oregon coast, scenic route
March 7th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Thanks for the info! We’ve been through there, but didn’t stop and visit the beach. Where do you camp? Great photos! We’re always looking for places where we can add to our agate collection.
March 8th, 2009 at 5:25 am
We were staying at Sand Lake when we visited Oceanside. We go there about once or twice a year to hang out with our ATV loving friends and relatives (it’s on the dunes). Don’t really recommend it unless you don’t mind loud engines and folks staying up late partying. We go to relive our youth a little and have a good time.
March 29th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Loon Lake Lodge & RV Resort is an Oregon coast rv park that offers Oregon camping, boating, and fishing in the Oregon coast area and makes an excellent Oregon campground for deer and elk hunting! The lodge also offers Oregon cabin rentals as well as yurt rentals The Lodge and RV Resort is located just minutes from Reedsport, and offers year-round resort Oregon coast lodging in our cabins, yurts, and motel, or waterfront Oregon camping at our scenic tent or RV park sites with full-hookups, satellite TV and free Wi-fi, all on one mile of lake frontage on the scenic Loon Lake. The marina offers jet ski rentals, Oregon boat rentals, and pontoon boats.