Standing on top of the rugged cliffs of Otter Rock, the Inn at Otter Crest offers more than just breathtaking Central Oregon Coast views and cozy lodging. It serves as your gateway to some of the most serene and secluded beaches in the nation. If you’re seeking where to stay on the Oregon Coast, the Inn at Otter Crest offers a tranquil escape from the usual coastal crowds with plenty of hidden gems in the area just a short journey away!
Explore These 3 Secluded Beaches on the Oregon Coast
1. Moolack Beach
Moolack Beach, also known as Moolack Shores, is a rugged, undeveloped stretch of sand located about five miles north of Newport along the Oregon Coast. Wade Creek is often seen as the dividing line between Moolack and Beverly Beach, and it’s one of the favorite secluded beaches for beachcombers.
The beach features a dynamic shoreline influenced by a tidal range of nearly 10 feet, changing from wide expanses of sand to narrow strips with the seasons. With its black sandstone and shifting surface, Moolack Beach is an excellent place to search for sea glass, agates, fossils, and ancient petrified wood, including remnants of trees that lived 4,500 years ago.
2. Starfish Cove
Tucked just north of Yaquina Head in Newport, Oregon, Starfish Cove is one of the best secluded beaches on the Oregon Coast. There are two ways to reach the cove. The “easy way” begins at the public parking lot on NW 68th Street, followed by a flat, one-mile walk south along the beach. The “hard way” is a steep and slippery descent from the NW 55th Street Viewpoint, best suited for travelers without dogs, kids, or gear.
Starfish Cove is free to access, dog-friendly, and offers views of Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Colony Rock, a seasonal nesting site for seabirds. Though the beach disappears during high tides and storms, it’s a peaceful and picturesque destination during low tide that’s ideal for exploring tide pools and admiring the rugged coastline.
With no amenities on-site, visitors should plan accordingly and enjoy one of the Oregon Coast’s best-kept secrets!
3. Otter Rock Marine Reserve
Guests at the Inn at Otter Crest enjoy direct access to the Otter Rock Marine Reserve, one of just seven protected marine gardens on the Oregon Coast. The stairway by our pool leads directly to the beach at the Otter Rock Marine Reserve! This is Oregon’s smallest marine reserve, but it’s still one of the most beautiful secluded beaches in the area, covering 1.2 square miles of diverse coastal habitat.
As a no-take zone, the reserve prohibits the harvesting of animals, seaweed, and any ocean development, preserving a rich ecosystem of rocky intertidal zones, kelp beds, sand dollar flats, and underwater reefs. Visitors can observe marine life such as sea stars, anemones, mussels, and seals along the shoreline—especially near the Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area, which provides convenient access to the reserve.
Ready to uncover the secluded beaches of the Central Oregon Coast? Let the Inn at Otter Crest be your home base for an unforgettable journey into these secluded beaches!