Taking an Oregon Coast highway journey is, in my view, among the best methods to expertise this lovely part of the Pacific Northwest. The rugged shoreline is residence to every thing from towering mountains to sand dunes and countless seashores. The Oregon coast is understood for its moody look and a few of the most lovely ocean views within the Pacific Northwest.
I lived in Oregon in 2022 and spent practically each weekend both mountain climbing the luxurious trails or out exploring the coast. I used to be capable of expertise a lot of the realm and it has change into considered one of my favourite locations that I’ve been.
On this submit, I’ll cowl extra of the most effective issues to do on an Oregon Coast highway journey. When you’re in search of a day-by-day journey, take a look at Bearfoot Principle’s Oregon Coast highway journey itinerary.
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1. Portland
Situated nearly 2 hours from the Oregon coast, Portland is the right spot to begin your highway journey. It’s the most important metropolis in Oregon and is residence to a global airport, making it simple to fly out and in of in addition to choose up a rental automotive earlier than hitting the highway.
Earlier than you allow Portland, take a look at a few of the iconic locations:
2. Fort Stevens State Park
When most individuals highway journey the Oregon coast, they head straight to Astoria and skip over Fort Stevens State Park. However this park has dozens of mountain climbing trails, many who observe the ocean shoreline and a few that result in previous forts that had been used within the Spanish-American Warfare, World Warfare I, and World Warfare II. I believe it’s effectively definitely worth the cease.
My favourite factor to do within the park is to take a look at the Peter Iredale Shipwreck. Not solely are the views out over the Pacific Ocean superb, however you’ll additionally study concerning the historical past of the shipwreck. We packed a pleasant lunch for our hike and spent a couple of hours exploring the wreck and seashore.
3. Astoria
Astoria is the right little coastal city so as to add to your Oregon highway journey itinerary.
When you’re an enormous film fan, you then’ve most likely seen The Goonies a time or two. Lots of the scenes in The Goonies had been filmed in Astoria together with a couple of of the character’s homes and the Oregon Movie Museum, which was used because the county jail.
However even for non-movie lovers, Astoria is a stupendous location. Take a stroll up the Astoria Column for unbelievable views of the Columbia River Gorge or take a self-guided tour of the Flavel Home Museum.
4. Seaside
When you’re a fan of charming small cities, then Seaside may simply be considered one of your favourite stops on the Oregon Coast! This cute coastal city affords loads for guests to do, whether or not you want wandering by boutiques, going for a hike, awaiting wildlife, or grabbing a chunk to eat.
I like to recommend taking a stroll alongside the Seaside Promenade which traces the Pacific Ocean and awaiting seals within the water. Or, deliver the youngsters on a experience on the Seaside Carousel, which has been round for over 25 years. Lastly, stroll by the quaint downtown and cease on the many native outlets.
5. Saddle Mountain State Pure Space
When you’re a hiker and don’t thoughts going barely off the crushed path, then a go to to Saddle Mountain needs to be included in your itinerary! The hike is round 5 miles lengthy, covers just below 1,800 toes of elevation acquire, and takes a median of 4 hours to complete.
The path may be difficult and also you’ll need to just be sure you have a sturdy pair of mountain climbing footwear since there may be a whole lot of elevation acquire. However when you’ve made it to the highest, you’ll have superb views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding mountain ranges.
Saddle Mountain’s summit stands at 3,290 toes, so that you’ll have an excellent vantage level above the encircling panorama.
6. Ecola State Park
This lovely Oregon state park stretches alongside the Pacific shoreline and makes for an excellent place to get out and discover in your Oregon Coast highway journey.
Top-of-the-line locations inside the park is Ecola Level, which offers a few of the finest views over the ocean from Crescent Seaside and Indian Seaside. From this vantage level, you can even see the spot the place Fratelli’s hideout was positioned within the film, The Goonies. You’ll additionally be capable to see Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, which some folks declare is haunted.
You probably have time, I like to recommend wandering across the mountain climbing trails which can be scattered all through the park.
7. Cannon Seaside
One of the crucial fashionable stops on the Oregon coast is Cannon Seaside. As quickly as you arrive at this beautiful seashore you’ll know precisely why it’s so liked amongst locals and guests alike!
The enormous Haystack Rock sits simply off of the shore. Haystack Rock is considered one of Oregon’s most well-known landmarks and in addition one of many largest sea stacks within the Pacific Northwest.
Whether or not you intend to look at dawn or sundown on the seashore, have a romantic picnic on the shoreline, or just benefit from the views, Cannon Seaside is unquestionably price including to your itinerary.
8. Hug Level State Recreation Space
Hug Level State Recreation Space is considered one of my favourite stops on the Oregon coast. It’s a hidden gem the place you received’t discover a whole lot of different guests, which makes it much more particular.
This little seashore is positioned simply south of Cannon Seaside and is residence to a small waterfall that runs straight into the ocean, referred to as Hug Level Falls.
You’ll have to just be sure you go to at low tide as a result of you will want to cross over an space that will get fairly deep to achieve the falls. However when you’ve made it, you may benefit from the solitude as you discover the waterfall and the ocean caves surrounding it.
9. Oswald West State Park
Whether or not you’re a surfer, hiker, or simply somebody wanting to soak up the ocean views, Oswald West State Park has all of it. You’ll be able to calm down on the secluded sandy seashore, get out and catch a wave, or stroll alongside a bit of the Oregon Coast Path.
Neahkahnie Viewpoint is among the finest lookouts, which affords views of the temperate rainforest that traces the coast in addition to the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Cape Falcon Path and Elk Flats Path are two different mountain climbing trails that wind by the park and now have superb views.
10. Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space
There’s one thing very particular about Cape Kiwanda and it’s considered one of my all-time favourite locations in Oregon, particularly to watch the dawn. This lovely spot is not like anyplace else I’ve been – it should be seen to be believed!
Situated in Pacific Metropolis, you’ll uncover superb views at Cape Kiwanda by climbing the daunting sand dune that you simply see from the parking zone. Sure, it’s troublesome, however sure, it’s price it.
When you’ve made it to the highest of the dune, you’ll be met with awe-inspiring views of crimson and orange sandstone rocks that line the coast. The waves crash into these rocks and create a stupendous distinction between the orange rocks and blue water.
If you wish to stretch your legs, you may stroll alongside the whole sand dune and seek for extra hidden and particular viewpoints.
11. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Simply earlier than reaching the favored coastal city of Newport, you’ll run into Yaquina Head Lighthouse. This lovely lighthouse is perched up excessive on the shoreline.
It’s the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and when you’ve snapped a couple of pictures, you may discover the tidepools on the seashore to discover which can be teeming with small marine animals like starfish, crabs, and clams.
12. Newport
The coastal city of Newport is a well-liked place for guests. There are all types of issues to do from museums to taking in its pure magnificence.
When you’re involved in studying about marine life, head to the Oregon Coast Aquarium the place you may see starfish, coral reefs, and rock swimming pools. Then go to Ripley’s Consider it or Not Museum for a enjoyable journey, particularly when you have little children with you.
As for pure magnificence round Newport, take a look at Satan’s Punchbowl, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and South Seaside State Park.
13. Cape Perpetua
The Oregon Coast is stuffed with many alternative capes and bays that present beautiful overlooks. Cape Perpetua is considered one of my favourite lookouts as a result of it’s one of many highest viewpoints and it’s additionally accessible by automotive.
The overlook affords superb views of the luxurious forests that line the coast and the dramatic rocky shoreline. You’ll be able to see some views from the parking zone, however it’s finest to take the quick stroll to the overlook to get the most effective vistas!
14. Thor’s Effectively
Thor’s Effectively is among the most original and attention-grabbing issues to do on the Oregon Coast. It’s positioned proper off the highway close to Cape Perpetua and is simple to get to.
Thor’s Effectively seems to be a bottomless gap that drains ocean water because it crashes over the rocks. You’ll be able to stand near the sinkhole and watch because the water washes away and seemingly disappears.
The finest time to go to is nearly an hour earlier than excessive tide, so you may see Thor’s Effectively empty after which refill once more with water. Excessive tide occurs as soon as early within the morning and as soon as within the afternoon, about each 12 hours.
15. Heceta Head Lighthouse
When you’re a fan of lighthouses, you then most undoubtedly need to make a cease at Heceta Head Lighthouse close to Florence. The lighthouse sits perched excessive on a rock above the Pacific Ocean and is considered one of Oregon’s most photographed lighthouses.
Except for simply the lighthouse, there are tons of different issues to do right here as effectively.
Cease on the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint and stroll right down to the seashore the place you’ll discover tidepools to discover. You may even spot seals swimming offshore and birds flying above the rock formations.
16. Sea Lion Caves
When you’re in search of a straightforward approach to spot some wildlife whereas exploring the Oregon Coast, make a cease at Sea Lion Caves. This privately owned wildlife protect is residence to the most important sea collapse America and a big inhabitants of Stellar sea lions.
These marine animals stay within the collapse a pure setting, so it isn’t like a zoo. The ocean lions come and go as they need, so it’s all a shock as to what you’ll see throughout your go to.
17. Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space
For adventurous vacationers, a cease at Oregon Dunes close to Gardiner is a should. From strolling round and having fun with the views of the dunes in opposition to the shoreline to cruising by the dunes on an ATV, there are many issues to do.
The Oregon Dunes space is large and there are many locations to go to, however the Umpqua Dunes space is among the hottest for ATV driving. You would additionally strive your hand at sandboarding!
18. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall
One other fashionable cease on the Oregon shoreline is Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall, which is residence to the well-known Pure Bridges. This set of pure arches and bridges discovered simply off the coast are a few of the most photographed pure options on the coast.
Along with the Bridges, there are a number of different viewpoints at Samuel H. Boardman together with the Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint and the Home Rock Viewpoint. Each of those overlooks may be reached by quick walks. Look ahead to whales within the distance, as I’ve seen them right here earlier than!
Placing collectively a Pacific Northwest highway journey? Take a look at these posts for assist planning your journey:
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Have you ever explored this space? What are your favourite issues to do on the Oregon Coast? What locations do you need to go to essentially the most? Depart a remark under!
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