Page 72 - SOM Summer 2017

the good life | Adventure

China Beach
Agate Beach
Access is surprisingly easy via an undeveloped trail that leads downhill Beachcombers find interesting rocks, a variety of shells, and many
to the shore from a small pullout along the southbound lane of Highway other natural wonders. Dense offshore mussel beds assure a ready
101 at milepost 344. From the center of the pullout, drop straight supply of the colorful shells, some of which are 8 inches long. Birds
down the hill to an Oregon Coast Trail marker, then turn left and then abound, and look for tracks left by river otters, raccoons, and even
right around a switchback to continue down the slope, through a few elk. Photographers revel in the early morning light and the potential
pine trees, and down to a modest ravine with a trail junction; turn left for bedazzling sunset shots, but bring a flashlight for the hike back up.
to reach the beach and listen to the traffic above, which is so close yet
you won’t find a single footprint in the sand. Two trails to China Beach plunge 350 vertical feet in less than a mile.
The easier trail begins at a wide gravel pullout at Highway 101 mile-
CHINA BEACH post 347.5, about 10 miles north of Brookings, along the southbound
Its surf magnificently studded with exotic rock spires, little-known lane, 0.25 miles north of Thomas Creek Bridge. Look for the split in
mile-long China Beach is among the most scenic beaches in Oregon. the guardrail marking the trailhead (and a small sign). Follow the trail
Its lovely gray sand is hidden between Thomas Point to the south and into the forest for about 20 steps to a big Sitka spruce tree on your
Spruce Creek Point to the north. left, one of its roots forming a ridge across the trail; a few steps past
the tree’s thick root, the trail splits. Take the fainter fork going right
This lonely beach is supreme at low tide (especially minus tides) and continue down this trail about 150 yards and turn right again at
when you can explore it from end to end, including intriguing tide an unmarked junction. Hike north for about one-third of a mile, after
pools on the south end of the beach along the foot of Thomas Point. which the trail begins its descent down to the beach.

China Beach

Hooskanaden Beach
70 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | summer 2017