Visiting Oceanside & Tunnel Beach, Oregon

Visiting Oceanside & Tunnel Beach, Oregon

You roll in, the ocean suddenly fills the windshield, and there it is: a wide crescent of sand facing the rugged silhouettes of the Three Arch Rocks. The vibe is simple—salt air, seabirds, and a beach that rewards anyone willing to wander a little farther than the first “toes in the sand” spot.

And then there’s the tunnel—a real passage carved through Maxwell Point that leads to Tunnel Beach, a cobbly little pocket on the other side that feels like you discovered it yourself (even though, yes, everyone’s here for the same reason).

Getting there 

Your easiest starting point is Oceanside Beach State Recreation Site, right in town. There’s a public parking area and the beach access path drops you onto the sand. Parking can be limited in peak season, so arriving earlier (or later) is the move.

Oceanside Beach

Oceanside Beach invites you to slow down. On a clear day, the offshore rock islands are ridiculously photogenic. The Three Arch Rocks, a protected National Wildlife Refuge you can view from the beach (no access out there—just admire from shore).

What to do here:

• Beachcomb and tidepool (especially when the water pulls back)
  
  
• Watch the sky—Oceanside can get colorful with kites and sometimes hang gliders/paragliders
  
  
• Agate-hunt in the right season (winter storms can strip away sand and reveal more treasures)

The walk to the tunnel: follow the shoreline north

From the main beach access, you’ll head north along the sand toward the headland (Maxwell Point). It’s an easy, classic “walk-and-look-at-everything” shoreline stroll—waves on one side, cliffs on the other, and that constant temptation to stop every 30 seconds for photos.

When you reach Maxwell Point, you’ll see the star attraction: a tunnel through the rock.

Tunnel Beach

The tunnel itself feels like a coastal secret. You step into the cool, shadowy passage, hear the ocean get louder, and then—boom—light at the end, framing the Pacific like a postcard.

On the far side is Tunnel Beach, a short, cobblestone-edged stretch backed by rock walls that makes it feel tucked away from the world.

A couple of quick, important notes:

• The tunnel is the gateway, but your ability to explore the beach beyond depends on the tide—plan around lower tides so you’re not forced into slippery rock scrambles or getting pinched by rising water.
  
  
• The footing on Tunnel Beach is often round rocks and gravel, so shoes with decent traction are your friend.

The wildlife backdrop

Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge supports major seabird colonies and is also known as the only pupping site of Steller sea lions on the north Oregon coast, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Watching from shore is part of the magic here: binoculars make it even better.

When to go

• For the tunnel + exploring: aim for low tide windows (or better yet, a good “big low” day).
  
  
• For beachcombing/photography: early morning and late afternoon give you softer light and (usually) fewer people.
  
  
• For a cozy, moody coast day: Oceanside is great in shoulder season when the weather is dramatic and the town feels extra quiet.

A few practical tips that make the day smoother

• Check tides before you go, and keep an eye on the clock while you’re on the far side of the tunnel.
  
  
• Pack layers—even sunny coast days can flip fast.