Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Photo: Dankarl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oregon Recreation Area

Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Seal Rock, OR
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Pic­nicking
  • Beach­combing

🌤 Weather at Seal Rock State Recreation Site by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
40–58 °F50–64 °F42–66 °F38–52 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Newport 1 SE, 9 mi away, elevation 8 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🦭 Seal Rock State Recreation Site — A day-use beach access south of Newport with offshore rocks that shelter seals, sea lions and sea birds

Seal Rock State Recreation Site is a small day-use site south of Newport in Lincoln County, Oregon. OPRD describes large offshore rock formations that provide habitat for seals, sea lions, sea birds and other marine life.

A short trail leads to a sandy beach with tidepools and ocean views. The trail is steep in areas, and an ADA accessible viewpoint at the midway point looks over the beach and tidepools. A picnic area near the parking lot sits in a stand of shore pine, spruce and salal.

There is no campground, and OPRD does not charge a day-use fee.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationSouth of Newport, Lincoln County, OR. The park’s coordinates are 44.4962, -124.0876.
Sizeabout 4.7 acres (OPRD)
FacilitiesBeach access, exhibit information, fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, flush restrooms, viewpoint, wildlife viewing
CampingNone (day use only)
Day-use permitFree (no day-use parking permit required)

Things to Do

  • Walk the short trail to the beach and look at the tidepools.
  • Stop at the ADA accessible viewpoint at the midway point for views of the beach and tidepools.
  • Look out at the offshore rocks that serve as habitat for seals, sea lions and sea birds.
  • Picnic near the parking lot among shore pine, spruce and salal.
  • Fish; OPRD lists fishing among the site’s facilities.

History

Lincoln County gave the initial 0.24 acre for this state wayside in 1929. Two other purchases of private land followed in 1936 and 1942.

The large rocks called “Castle,” “Tourist” and “Elephant” were obtained from the federal government in 1928.

Visitor Tips

  • OPRD says the trail to the beach is steep in areas.
  • If steps are a problem, the ADA accessible viewpoint at the midway point offers views of the beach and tidepools.
  • OPRD lists flush restrooms at the site.
  • OPRD lists 541-867-7451 for questions about the site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp at Seal Rock State Recreation Site?

No. This is a day-use site and OPRD lists no overnight camping here.

What can I see from the viewpoint?

OPRD says the ADA accessible viewpoint at the midway point of the trail has views of the beach and tidepools. The offshore rocks provide habitat for seals, sea lions, sea birds and other marine life.

Do I need a day-use permit?

No. OPRD does not charge a day-use fee here, so no day-use parking permit is required.

Nearby Attractions

Seal Rock is on the central coast, and the closest state parks on this site are Brian Booth State Park, 1.7 miles away, and Ona Beach State Park, 1.9 miles away. Driftwood Beach State Recreation Site is 2.3 miles away and Governor Patterson Memorial State Recreation Site is 5.7 miles away. All distances are in a straight line.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Brian Booth State Park (a short drive away) and Ona Beach State Park (a short drive away).

🦭 Visit Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Current status, alerts and directions from Oregon State Parks.

📍 Official park page

Sources: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) park page; U.S. Census Bureau geocoder (county). As of October 2026.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to state parks and other public lands in the United States. Our editorial team compiles park profiles from official agency and operator sources and other identified references, and follows our published editorial policy and review methodology. Where a profile shows a source-check date, that date applies to the detail it names. We correct errors when we find them or when readers report them.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
Pet fees statewide rule
$10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine

Are dogs allowed at Seal Rock State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: October 24, 2026

Park Map

Seal Rock, OR

Plan your gear for Seal Rock State Recreation Site

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: