Disguised as a simple rest stop and lookout point, Rocky Creek State Park conceals forest trails, rocky climbs, and volcanic troughs just waiting for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Rocky Creek Park has More Than Meets the Eye
An unsuspecting traveler turns off Highway 101 into the Rocky Creek State Park. Acres of green grass spread out on both sides of the park roadway, but the small looping roadway is unremarkable. Even from a parked car, it’s apparent the ocean views stretch to the horizon. If the road weary traveler isn’t careful, they might be caught up in the ocean vista, the room to run for children, dogs, and exuberant grandparents, and the sights and sounds of this rocky stretch of the Oregon coast and miss the forest shrouded treasures of this park.
But the astute road rider notices across the rocky expanse on the north side of the park a chain link fence lining the ledge of the forest. By taking the trail that leads past the park’s restrooms and into the forest, travelers can access the forest beyond and the rocks below. One side trail leads to the edge of the cliff where it descends onto the rocks. The main trail continues through the forest and parallels the chain link fence as it skirts across a picture window like view only to plunge back into the forest.
Two Paths Converged in the Rocky Creek Park Woods
If you have enough time, I recommend trying both paths. For safety, take the path down onto the rocks at lower tides and in clear weather. At high tides and during storms, the rocks are not safe, the waves have been known to climb quite high up the cliffs. Always be safe when you are only a sneaker wave from the ocean. Sneaker waves reach higher and farther than other waves; they are unpredictable. But from a respectable distance, they are impressive.
Descending to the Ocean Rocks
As you descend onto the rocks, you no longer just hear the waves pounding into the rocks, you feel the concussion. As the water sprays heavenward, you feel the light cool mist as it returns to earth. Too close and it’s more like a shower. If you feel that, you’re probably too close.
The trails along the rock face are of medium difficulty. Anyone with balance problems, or who has a hard time climbing over rough rocks probably shouldn’t stray out onto the rocks too far. The beginning is steep, and mid-trail I found it necessary to climb up and over rocks. For the healthy and adventurous, the rocks yield up close views of sea palms, brackish pools and crashing waves. They provide a challenging respite from too many hours in the car.
The Rocky Creek Park Main Trail
The main trail at the top has only mild grades throughout, altogether a pleasant walking experience. It winds through the forest and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the Little Whale Cove at the north end of the Rocky Creek Park. At several points along the trail, the forest opens up to framed vistas of the Pacific.
Where to See the Rocky Creek Trough
After walking the north trail, follow the fence line to the south until the fence ends and a small trail leads down onto the rocks below. From the vantage point of the rocks, looking to the north, the Rocky Creek Park trough is visible. The ocean cuts between the mainland and a finger of volcanic rock seeking to separate the two with unceasing onslaught of waves. In calm weather, the waves gently nudge the bridge between the two. During storms, I’ve seen them breach the connecting rock and threaten to break free of their coastal boundaries. When the winter storms rage and the waves reach as high as the parking lot sending water spouts careening skyward, it’s time to move back from the edge.
Winter Storm Watching at Rocky Creek Park
Rocky Creek Park is a premier spot to watch those legendary Oregon coast winter storms. But don’t wander close to the edge. The average waves may not ascend the rock sea wall, but then there’s nothing average about an Oregon coast winter storm, and it’s not unusual to see the odd wave encroach onto the top of the park. When the storm driven waves collide with the volcanic sea wall at the park, it’s like watery fireworks exploding into the air.
Getting to Rocky Creek and Beyond
Rocky Creek is two miles south of Depoe Bay and eleven miles north of Newport, right on Highway 101 at the south end of Little Whale Cove. From Rocky Creek Park in Oregon, it’s only a five and a half mile drive north to Fogarty Creek Park, Fishing Rock, The Surfrider Resort and Big Mountain Coffee Roaster.
Jon Thompson - Jon Thompson - freelance article and commercial writer with background in education, business, advertising, sales and emergency ...
Join the Conversation