McPhillips Beach Trail

Total Miles 0.9
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Winter, Fall, Summer, Spring
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Rough rocky one-way steep terrain to beach south access entry point of this beach trail. North access is easier but softer sand to get stuck in. Soft and firm sand are both accessible. Easy to get stuck without 4WD in the softer sand. We have a Jeep JLU Rubicon so used 4WD High without lockers (Deactivate your traction assist or you will slow to a crawl). Once you access the south entrance and you are on the sand you can go either direction. To the north is a rocky point that can be driven around in low tide to access the north side where there is another access point. At high tide, you will need to use the road to go between the two. At the south entrance, there is a small parking area with a port-a-potty if you don't want to drive on the sand.

Photos of McPhillips Beach Trail

Difficulty

This is comprised of two sections of beach in Oregon that can be driven on. The beginning of this beach access is pretty steep and rough but even cars can access this area with caution. Once you have accessed the sandy beach you should stay on the wet sand unless you have 4WD. Carry recovery gear for yourself and or others. We needed to aid another vehicle/car with our MaxTrax boards as the tide was coming in. There is a tow service in town that will pull you out for 50 bucks we were told, 2023.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Karl Weir
Aug 01, 2025
Open
The beach was a combination of packed sand and loose sand with ruts. No issues with 4x4 but others should choose their track carefully. Remember to take your traction control off.
Rich Brenner
Apr 08, 2024
Open
Access by vehicle is dependent on the tide. Make sure the isn't high. There is a dirt parking lot half way down that you should use to scout the tide and make sure there aren't vehicles coming up the last short section. The last 10 feet is basically overflow from Miles creek, so if it's been raining, you'll be in shallow water and cobblestones before hitting the hard pack sand.

McPhillips Beach Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance

McPhillips Beach Trail Map

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