The Beach at Holmes Sea Cove
The view along the southern Oregon Coast is one of the most
beautiful in the world. Huge black rocks rise out of the waves.
"Turtle Rock" appears to be a giant black turtle craning its neck
skyward. "Bird Island", which for many years was called "Goat
Island", used to be the summer home of a flock of goats. Each
summer, an enterprising farmer would row his flock over in a small
boat to take advantage of the grazing and lack of predators.
All of the beaches in Oregon are public, but this beach is only
easily accessible by homeowners. To reach the beach from the house
follow the rock steps down past the gazebo to the top of the trail.
You wander through alders and beautiful red rhododendrons.
A side trail part-way down, takes you to the park, which has a huge
rock. It's a perfect place to sit and contemplate nature. You can
let the sounds from the creek soothe away life's cares.
Barbara is climbing on a rock that forms a small cove just north of
the trail entrance. Below her is a small sand slide that usually
forms every summer. It gets about eight to ten feet high. The first
of two large points is in the background to the north.
This photo also shows some of the many faces that you'll see in the rocks of this area if you let your imagination wander a bit. There are more in the next picture, including an old bearded face on the spire at the top right.
This is the first large point to the north. There are three caves
and many nooks and crannies to explore in this jumble of giant
rocks. The large log up in the rocks is resting about head height.
It's a graphic example of what winter storms can do.
When we were kids, this point was one of our favorite places. In the summer we would wall up a small fire place in the cave that is closest to the ocean. Then every winter the storms would completely demolish our work.
This giant root has probably been on our beach for twenty years. For
most of that time it was just north of the sand slide to the south.
A series of heavy storms moved it up by the first big point to the
north. We've also had a couple of logs about three feet in diameter
wash thirty yards up our creek. Years later they washed back out to
the beach. You should never under estimate the power of the ocean.
The beach is a wonderful place for children to play and explore, but
it's very important to keep a watchful eye on them. You should
always be aware of what the ocean is doing. Be especially aware that
waves can move or roll logs that you're standing on. You can also be
surprised by 'sneaker waves' that are larger than the ones that are
normally coming in.
Bed and Breakfast Information: The Cottage
Bed and Breakfast Information: The Pacific Suite
Description of the Trail and Park
Brookings Chamber of Commerce--Includes weather and road conditions