Maine is known for its rocky coastline, but Jasper Beach, located in Howard Cove, Machiasport, rocks out to its own unique music. I first visited this beach way back in 2016, but recently returned during Asa’s World Tour of Maine. Please join me for a stroll down memory lane, with Chuck Billy’s review from when I was just a puppy, and more interested in eating rocks than being a rock star.
Jasper Beach, Machiasport, Maine (November 21, 2016)
Jasper Beach, located in Howard Cove, Machiasport, Maine, is a scenic place for a dog friendly walk. However, if you are looking to spend the day at a sandy beach, this place isn’t for you. But if you would like to see a unique geological formation which is said to occur in only one other place on earth in Japan, then this beach entirely made of rocks is worth the trek off the beaten path.
Now first a disclaimer. Named for the millions of wave polished stones that cover this pocket beach, Jasper Beach doesn’t actually consist entirely of jasper. Instead geologists believe most of the rocks are rhyolite. But the confusion is understandable. Jasper is an iron-rich form of silica, and that iron is what gives it the reddish / brown hue. Rhyolite is also reddish, but is from volcanic rock. With millions of rocks here, no one has volunteered though to study them all to determine which rock is dominant.
Regardless of what the stones are, the music they make as the tide rolls in and out is hypnotic, and the sea caves that have formed in the bedrock surrounding the beach are interesting to explore. In addition, beyond the steep rock dunes and storm berms are fresh and saltwater lagoons, making this a beautiful location for a dog walk.
Dogs are allowed at this town owned beach under voice control. However, if your dog fancies himself to be a connoisseur of rocks, such as our puppy, Asa, then be sure to bring along a leash! This is not a beach for barefoot strolls, and the rocks do provide a bit of a challenge. We visited in the fall, but please keep in mind on warm summer days these rocks would be hot and uncomfortable on paws. To find this hidden gem, follow Port Road through Machiasport, past Bucks Harbor. Look for the sign for Jasper Beach on the left. There you will find a small parking area straight ahead, and a larger lot to the left.
2025 Update: I’m happy to say I am no longer tempted to eat rocks! Also I’m taking a slower approach these days, rather than explore the entire beach, I just enjoyed sitting and listening to the surf. Oh and remember my seal friends I saw in Lubec? Well they popped up in the water off this beach too! Making for a fun and leisurely way to spend a gray and rainy afternoon.
