As if the secret beaches, spectacular cliffside vistas, and crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean were not enough, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on the southern Oregon coast also boasts a number of natural bridges—iconic archways carved by the sea. The Natural Bridges viewpoint—at mile marker 346 on Highway 1, about 11 miles north of Brookings and 17 miles south of Gold beach—offers distant views of two such bridges. Here the endless force of the sea has carved away part of the vertical cliffs, allowing the waters to seep into a shady cove, shelter from the main, wild ocean beyond. The viewpoint—itself a wooden platform—is a short walk from the parking area, but many will not be content to end there: several steep routes lead down from the Oregon Coast Trail to the sea-facing cliffs and even across the bridges themselves. While crossing the lowest/southernmost bridge is not recommended, hikers can descend sharply down well-trodden paths to the span, where additional coves, arches, and rock islands come into view. The bridges are photogenic and particularly spectacular around sunrise or sunset. (Note: A note of warning: the trails leading down to the natural bridges are not official and can be very steep and sketchy in places; tread carefully and don’t push your luck.)