Otter Point
This little secret is a must see for those who travel along the Oregon Coast.
Park your car and take a short walk out to the point and gaze at the waves crashing below, the surf at the cove to the north, or the broad long Bailey Beach to the south. On a clear day, it is possible to see the light from the Cape Blanco Lighthouse to the north. It is also an excellent whale watching point, if one is lucky.
There is access to Bailey Beach to the south through an easy 10 minute hike downhill.
For the adventurous, there is a short but challenging (unofficial?) trail on the north off the parking lot down to the secluded cove and beach. This is a steep climb. That area is great for tide pooling. This is not recommended at high tide and certainly not during storms. If you decide to hike beyond the next point at low tide, be careful to return before the tide comes in.
Bailey Beach
Bailey Beach is a lonely stretch of soft gentle sand that stretches more than 5 miles. It is not unusual to walk the length, from the center to the north end (about three miles) and not see a single person. The beach is bordered by the shear cliffs of Otter Point on the north and the Rogue River on the south. On a clear day, it is possible to see the light from the Cape Blanco Lighthouse to the north. During low tides, it is a favorite of the locals to dig for razor clams.
Access to Bailey Beach is easy at three points.
- Parking off the Old Coast Road just north of the Rogue River Jetty
- At the gravel parking lot a mile north off the Old Coast Road, or
- At Otter Point Park (see above) or from the center. The north hike includes a 10 minute down hill hike from Otter Point parking lot.
The easiest and best access point is from the center, at a gravel parking lot along the Old Coast Road.
Dogs are welcomed. 4-wheel drive access is allowed by licensed vehicles from the south. Use of off road vehicles such as ATV’s is prohibited and enforced.
USGA maps label this Barley Beach which is incorrect according to the locals.