Mcvay Rock State Recreation Site
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
McVay Rock State Recreation Site is a small park located in the coastal town of Brookings, Oregon.
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Summary
Visitors come to the park to enjoy its stunning ocean views, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. The park is open year-round and offers numerous recreational activities, such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching.
One of the main attractions of McVay Rock State Recreation Site is the McVay Rock itself, which is a large rock formation located offshore. Visitors can observe harbor seals and seabirds resting on the rocks during low tide. A short trail in the park leads to a viewpoint overlooking McVay Rock.
Another notable feature of the park is the sandy beach, which is ideal for beachcombing, playing in the sand, and soaking up the sun. Beachgoers should be aware of the strong ocean currents and undertows, however, and should exercise caution when swimming or wading in the water.
McVay Rock State Recreation Site is also home to a variety of wildlife, including gray whales, sea lions, and numerous bird species. Visitors can spot these animals by walking along the park's trails or from designated lookout points.
The best time to visit McVay Rock State Recreation Site is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry, and the ocean is calmer for swimming and water activities. However, the park is also beautiful during the fall and winter months when visitors can observe the dramatic waves and stormy weather.
Overall, McVay Rock State Recreation Site is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, beachgoers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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