Neptune
Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint encompasses four pull offs from Highway 101.
The northernmost does not have an official name but is located next to Gwynn Creek. This spot offers access to a small isolated beach and plenty of grass for a picnic.
The next spot is labeled Neptune. Benches set on a cliff above the beach give you an excellent view of Cummins Creek, wildlife and the rock-pounding waves. From this location, you can watch for whales, see a variety of birds, sea lions and the occasional deer in the creek. The creek is also a great place to look for agates. At low tide you can walk to the south to see a natural cave and tidepools.
One more stop to the south is Strawberry Hill. This spot has excellent views of the ocean and a series of stairs that lead down to excellent tide pools and sandy beaches. During sunny days, harbor seals can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks just off shore.
The final stop is Bob Creek. This stop offers beach access and agate hunting.
Call for park info: 541-547-3416
Amenities and features
History
The first park tract was acquired in 1938. In 1965, 35.50 acres were traded to the U. S. Forest Service, and in 1974, several acres were purchased from a private owner. A. D. and Barbara Eggleston gave a small tract in 1981, thus completing the present park holding. Owing to the winter wave action on this rocky shore, the park was poetically named for Neptune, Roman god of the sea.