🌤 Weather at Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42–59 °F | 50–65 °F | 44–64 °F | 41–54 °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 Yachats, 1 mi away, elevation 50 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Secluded beach with exposed rock formations and tide pools — one of the quieter, lesser-known beaches on the central Oregon coast.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lane County, Oregon |
| Entry Fee | Free (Oregon Coast) / Day-Use Permit |
About Stonefield Beach
Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site features a secluded beach tucked between rocky headlands south of Yachats on the central Oregon coast. The beach is named for its dramatic cobblestone-strewn shoreline — rounded stones polished smooth by millennia of wave action create a distinctive sound as waves wash over them. This is one of the quieter, less-visited beaches on the coast.
Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site in Lane County provides access to a secluded beach on the central Oregon coast. The beach features a mix of sand and water-rounded stones, with rocky outcrops and tidepools at lower tides. The relatively uncrowded beach offers a quieter alternative to more popular central coast beaches.
Things to Do
Beachcombing for polished stones, driftwood, and agates is the main activity. The rocky outcrops on either side of the beach harbor excellent tide pools. The isolation makes it a peaceful retreat for those seeking solitude on an otherwise busy coast. Access is via a short but moderately steep trail from the highway pullout.
Beach walking, tidepooling, beachcombing for agates and interesting stones, whale watching, photography, and enjoying the solitude of a quieter Oregon coast beach.
Getting There
Located along Highway 101 approximately 3 miles south of Yachats in Lane County. Free parking pullout at the trailhead.
Insider Tips
Pocket beach: Stonefield is a small, intimate beach framed by headlands — the kind of hidden cove that makes the Oregon coast special. Pro tip: The beach access trail passes through a Sitka spruce tunnel — magical in fog. Beachcombing: After storms, the beach accumulates interesting driftwood, shells, and occasionally Japanese glass floats.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Warmest weather for beach exploration. Winter: Best beachcombing after storms. Spring: Wildflowers along the trail. Fall: Quiet and uncrowded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Japanese glass floats?
Glass balls once used by Japanese fishermen to float their nets — some crossed the Pacific on ocean currents and washed up on Oregon beaches. Authentic glass floats are now rare collector’s items. Lincoln City drops hand-blown replicas as part of its Finders Keepers program.
Wildlife & Nature
Stonefield Beach provides a secluded coastal experience along the central Oregon coast — a quiet beach between the busier attractions of Yachats and Florence. The beach’s scattered rocks and cobbles create small tidepool habitats that differ from the larger headland pools found elsewhere. These “micro-habitats” support species adapted to the stressful intertidal environment — barnacles, periwinkles, and shore crabs that can withstand hours of exposure to air and sun at low tide. The surrounding Sitka spruce forest supports varied thrushes — birds whose haunting, buzzy whistles echo through fog-shrouded forests and are considered one of the most evocative sounds of the Pacific Northwest. Roosevelt elk sometimes emerge on the beach at dawn. Gray whales pass close to shore during spring migration.
Nearby Attractions
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park offers camping and the Hobbit Trail — a magical path through stunted, moss-draped spruce. Heceta Head Lighthouse and its keeper’s house (now a B&B) are nearby. Sea Lion Caves — America’s largest sea cave — offers elevator access to the cave floor. Darlingtonia State Natural Site protects insectivorous cobra lily plants. Florence and Old Town offer waterfront dining. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area begins south of Florence.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is a short drive away, and Beachside State Recreation Site is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Oregon state parks online at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Stonefield Beach 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 Stonefield Beach 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
Park Location
Plan your gear for Stonefield Beach State Recreation Site
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
