Stonefield Beach — Local services in Florence

The locals might get mad about this little secret of a beach getting out.

Here are some pro tips:

If you're going up highway 101, heading north, the parking lot before the bridge on your left is the easiest path to get down to the beach. LOTS OF TIDEPOOLS.

The one Google maps takes you (the one after the bridge on your left), is the harder path to the beach. The parking lot could fit quite a few cars if people parked diagonally. No trash cans and no bathroom.

When walking down the path it just seems like it ends, or like you'll have to cross the river to get there. Although.... if you look to the right there is a narrow path through the bushes (I am 5'4" and had to crouch till I was about "halfway to a chair"). It leads out to a path you can take out the beach but it is a wonderful spot for tide pools, nice pebble treasures, and everything you could want from a beach (except a bathroom and trash can). My children 4 and 6 had no problem accomplishing the task.

A stroller would not make it and neither would utlity carts. If you want a less popular beach that still has everything.... here you go.

For a bathroom: I think it is called like "Ocean Beach", it 2 miles south on 101 from Stonefield Beach on the right hand side and has a public restroom and beach...

Be prepared to pull into a small and potentially crowded, dirt parking area. Larger rigs or those towing anything should avoid turning in, as there is not much room to turn around. If you're lucky enough to get a spot, this is a great beach for a day of relaxing. The path down is partially paved and then turns to soft sand. Fairly easy to get down and not a long distance. Just to the your right at the end of the trail is a nice little cove and mini bluff that offered a wonder reprieve from the wind. Sand is super soft and could be difficult to walk in for some. Wouldn't recommend a stroller unless you have one designed for it. One family did ok with a wagon. Plenty of beach to enjoy, even with high tide. We'll be back for sure....

Stonefield is a serious trip – and there’s way more than the pictures show on Google Maps. The other side of the creek is the actual treasure land, covered in really wildly-colored rockbed formations. The entrance to this (as the creek isn’t always easy to cross) is on the north side of the creek along Hwy 101. (Search for the Upper Lane County Virtual Tour for full details on this access). Walk down that dusty-then-forested path, and you encounter some almost-magical greenery alongside the creek, with a bench and everything. Fossils abound on this...