Seal Rock, Oregon: Tide Pools, Quiet Beaches & Where to Stay

Seal Rock is one of the Oregon Coast's best-kept secrets — a small, unincorporated community about 10 miles south of Newport and 5 miles north of Waldport. There's no downtown to speak of, just dramatic basalt rocks, tide pools, quiet beaches, and forested hillsides. If you want the central coast without the crowds, this is your spot.

Seal Rock State Recreation Site

The town's namesake park is the place to start. A short trail (steep in spots) leads down through the trees to the beach, with an accessible viewpoint partway down overlooking the rocks and tide pools. The landmark is Elephant Rock, a hulking mass of columnar basalt where seabirds nest and harbor seals haul out on the rocks below. The offshore rocks are part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, so admire them from the sand — climbing on them is off-limits.

Tide pooling at low tide

Seal Rock has some of the most rewarding tide pools on this stretch of coast. At low tide, the basalt ledges reveal mussel beds, sea stars, and bright green anemones. Check a tide table before you go, step carefully on the slick rocks, and leave everything where you find it.

Brian Booth State Park: Ona Beach and Beaver Creek

Just north of town, Brian Booth State Park combines Ona Beach and the Beaver Creek State Natural Area. Ona Beach has a big picnic area and a footbridge over the creek to the sand — a great spot for a family beach day. Inland, the Beaver Creek marsh is a calm, beginner-friendly paddle through wetlands home to river otters, beavers, and plenty of birds, and the park has miles of hiking trails through marsh and coastal forest.

Crab and clam in Alsea Bay

Head 5 miles south to Waldport and Alsea Bay, a favorite for crabbing and clamming. The bay is unusual in Oregon because you don't need a minus tide to dig for clams here. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's current rules and shellfish safety status before harvesting.

Day-trip to Newport

When you want more action, Newport is a quick drive north: the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the sea lions on the Historic Bayfront, and the Nye Beach arts district. Then retreat back to Seal Rock's peace and quiet for the evening.

Where to stay in Seal Rock

Seal Rock is mostly homes — many oceanfront, perched above the beach with sweeping views — and a lot of them welcome dogs. Browse vacation rentals in Seal Rock to see the full lineup.

For a big group, Our Ocean Vista is an oceanfront five-bedroom on a private acre with beach access and a hot tub, sleeping 10. Ocean Dream is a pet-friendly oceanfront home with a game room for up to 8. Above the Waves is a remodeled A-frame with ocean views from two floors.

Smaller parties have great options too: The Cottage Seal Rock is a two-bedroom with private beach access, and Sandalwood is a three-bedroom just two blocks from the beach. Couples traveling with a dog will love Driftwood Cottage, an oceanfront one-bedroom with views up and down the coast.

Book direct and skip the fees

Every home on BeachCombers NW is booked directly with the owner or local manager, so you never pay booking fees. Find your spot among the Seal Rock vacation rentals, or browse all Oregon Coast vacation rentals.