Southern Oregon Splendor

Samuel Boardman State Park stretches for ten miles along the southern Oregon coast between Gold Beach and Brookings. It was established through the efforts of the man of the same name, who was the superintendent of Oregon State Parks from 1929 to 1950. Upon his retirement, the park was named after him. It protects a stretch of coastline that is as spectacular as any I've seen, even Big Sur.


To me, this rock, adorned with gnarly trees, has the same delicate beauty as a scene from a Chinese silk screen. This particular day was very quiet. Overcast, dry, with only light wind. The atmosphere was tranquil and pensive.

The park has many turnouts off highway 101, including some picnic areas. This table is in jeopardy of being swallowed by the temperate jungle, watered by 80 to 100 inches of rain annually.

A trail winds through the park between the highway and the ocean. In some spots it goes right on the beach, but mostly it tracks through the coastal forest, hitting viewpoints like this one along the way.

A little closer to Gold Beach, the late afternoon light on a gray sand beach adds to the beauty.