7-Day Oregon Coast Highway Journey Itinerary – Bearfoot Concept

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Anybody who has visited the Pacific Northwest will in all probability agree that the Oregon Coast is likely one of the most stunning locations in North America. Stretching 363 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River to the California state line, this rugged shoreline is residence to many hidden gems and countless alternatives for out of doors journey.

I did an Oregon Coast street journey in 2021, and I used to be blown away by all of the superb hidden coves, scenic overlooks, abandoned seashores, and distinctive stops alongside the best way.

From the favored (however stunning!) Cannon Seaside to the luxurious forested trails at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall, I beloved each second of our journey.

On this put up, I share an ideal 7-day Oregon Coast street journey itinerary that hits all the perfect stops and sights alongside the shoreline.

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Oregon Coast Highway Journey at a Look

The Oregon Coast is sort of 400 miles lengthy, and there’s a ton to see and do inside that distance. Since I’m primarily inquisitive about climbing and out of doors actions, this itinerary focuses totally on getting out in nature and having fun with the seashores, trails, and tidepools.

Right here’s an outline of what you’ll see and do on this 7-day Oregon Coast street journey itinerary:

Day 1: Portland to Astoria

Portland

I like to recommend beginning your Oregon Coast street journey in Portland, particularly if you happen to’ll be flying in. Portland has a big worldwide airport and there are many choices for automobile leases or camper van leases.

When you’ve got an additional day or two, Portland can also be a enjoyable metropolis to discover. Under are just a few concepts on find out how to benefit from your time there.

Issues to do in Portland

Astoria

When you’re able to hit the street and embark in your Oregon Coast street journey, set your GPS to Astoria – your first cease. Astoria is a couple of two-hour drive from Portland and far of it’s alongside the Columbia River.

If you wish to stretch your legs, you possibly can hike to Beaver Falls, which is about midway between Portland and Astoria. (Notice: the path is a brief drive off the freeway, so that you’ll must get instructions to the trailhead). The 0.6-mile path ends at a reasonably waterfall cascading right into a pool of water.

In Astoria, you might have numerous choices for exploring! It’s a captivating port metropolis nestled on the mouth of the mighty Columbia River. Astoria is acknowledged because the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, based in 1811 as a fur buying and selling put up. If you wish to be taught extra in regards to the historical past, head to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

I additionally suggest strolling down Astoria’s picturesque essential road, which is lined with fantastically preserved Victorian properties and buildings, together with the long-lasting Flavel Home Museum. For nice views, drive as much as the Astoria Column the place you’ll additionally discover numerous climbing trails.

Should you’re into motion pictures, Astoria can also be residence to the Oregon Movie Museum, the place you possibly can be taught in regards to the making of The Goonies!

Issues to do in Astoria

Day 2: Astoria to Cannon Seaside

Fort Steven State Park

Should you didn’t camp right here final evening, it’s price driving out to Fort Steven State Park within the morning to discover the seashore and Peter Iredale shipwreck that sits proper offshore. You too can drive all the best way out onto the jetty to see the confluence of the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River.

Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park

After trying out the shipwreck, begin heading south towards Cannon Seaside. On the best way, you’ll cross near Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park. Should you’re into historical past, this can be a cool place to take a look at for an hour or two.

The park contains a reproduction of Fort Clatsop, the encampment of the explorers on the mouth of the Columbia River. There are additionally interactive shows the place you possibly can be taught in regards to the Corp of Discovery and Lewis and Clark’s 8,000-mile journey.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a gorgeous park with numerous climbing trails and beautiful viewpoints. Park on the Ecola Level Viewpoint and hike to Indian Seaside for superb views and nice tidepooling.

Notice: This path could be very muddy, so you’ll want to put on good climbing boots and think about using trekking poles.

You too can stroll for miles alongside Crescent Seaside which is proven within the picture under.

Cannon Seaside

Your closing vacation spot for immediately is the gorgeous Cannon Seaside! This beautiful seashore and quaint seashore city are among the many hottest on the Oregon Coast, however for good cause. Cannon Seaside options the towering Haystack Rock, which juts up out of the water not too far offshore.

Spend a while strolling the sandy seashore earlier than heading into city to seize dinner at Pelican Brewing. Additionally, Cannon Seaside may be very dog-friendly. Canine are allowed off-leash on the seashore so long as they’re underneath voice management.

Tip: There isn’t loads of nice tenting round right here, so this may be a spot to splurge on a Cannon seashore resort.

Day 3: Cannon Seaside to Camp Lookout State Park

Hug Level State Park

Hug Level is a small state park situated proper simply south of Cannon Seaside. It options a gorgeous seashore with a small waterfall which you can hike out to at low tide (it’s not accessible at excessive tide, so time your go to if you wish to see it). You may preserve strolling alongside the seashore previous the waterfall, however simply be conscious of the tide!

You gained’t discover a ton of vacationers at Hug Level, which makes it considered one of my favourite stops to benefit from the magnificence and ruggedness of the Oregon Coast.

Oswald West State Park

Persevering with south from Hug Level, head to Oswad West State Park. When you arrive at Oswald West State Park, there are extra climbing trails, so pack a picnic lunch and lace up your boots.

I like to recommend climbing the Cape Falcon Path, which leads out to Cape Falcon Lookout. The path is 4.5 miles roundtrip with about 580 toes of elevation achieve.

Camp Lookout State Park

Your vacation spot for immediately is Camp Lookout State Park, which has a very nice campground in addition to yurts and cabins tucked again into the woods. In your method, pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint for a fast picture op that’s proper subsequent to the freeway.

Relying on what time you arrive on the campground, you possibly can merely arrange camp and benefit from the peace and quiet of the park or head out on one of many many climbing trails.

Day 4: Camp Lookout State Park to Newport

Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space

Get an early begin immediately so you possibly can spend a great period of time at Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space. This stunning space is only a quick drive from Camp Lookout State Park and it’s considered one of my favourite locations on the Oregon Coast. You may stroll the seashore, discover tidepools, fly a kite, or just chill out and watch the waves crash on the shore.

Satan’s Punchbowl

A fast pitstop, Satan’s Punchbowl is a collapsed sea cave the place the waves slam up by way of a big gap. At excessive tide, you possibly can see the motion from the perspective which is true subsequent to the car parking zone. And in case you are there throughout whale season, you would possibly get fortunate seeing some whales spouting offshore.

At low tide, you possibly can stroll down into the punchbowl from the seashore. The hike is fast – 0.8 miles spherical journey.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

As you proceed south towards Newport, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one other nice cease in your Oregon Coast street journey. This lighthouse is likely one of the oldest lighthouses on the Pacific Coast and in addition the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, standing at 93 toes.

When you’ve got time, there are just a few quick trails at Yaquina Head Lighthouse in addition to a small interpretive heart if you wish to be taught extra about its historical past.

Newport

Newport is a captivating coastal city that has lots to see and do. Relying on what time you arrive, you possibly can stroll round downtown or try among the sights.

Newport is residence to the Oregon Coast Aquarium the place you possibly can be taught in regards to the native marine life and see some creatures up shut.

Simply south of Newport is the South Seaside State Campground which affords good clear campsites inside ear shot of the ocean.

Day 5: Newport to Coos Bay

Yachats, Cape Perpetua, & Thor’s Effectively

Heading south from Newport, your first cease immediately is Yachats. One in every of my favourite small cities on the Oregon Coast, Yachats is every thing you’d hope a small Oregon Coast city to be: it’s laid again, set in a gorgeous location, and has a ton of native allure. Should you’re searching for breakfast or a mid-morning snack, cease at Inexperienced Salmon for scrumptious espresso and baked items.

After trying out Yachats, proceed a bit farther down Route 101 to Cape Perpetua, Satan’s Churn Lookout, and Thor’s Effectively. All of those stops are very shut to one another, and you will get out to stretch your legs on among the climbing trails.

I additionally suggest stopping in on the Cape Perpetua Customer Heart, which has nice views out over the shoreline and fascinating shows to be taught extra in regards to the space.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is a pleasant, fast cease as you proceed your drive. It’s a scenic lighthouse and price snapping a photograph of.

If you wish to discover this space additional, you possibly can hike from Heceta Head Lighthouse right down to Hobbit Seaside. It’s 3.9 miles spherical journey with 1,000 toes of elevation achieve and takes you thru a gorgeous forest earlier than spitting you out on the seashore.

Sea Lion Caves

Full disclosure – we didn’t do that, but it surely’s a brilliant standard cease, so I needed to say it. Simply south of Heceta Head Lighthouse are the Sea Lion Caves. This space is privately owned and also you’ll want to purchase a ticket to enter the cave (the biggest sea cave within the US!). There’s a great probability you’ll get to see Stellar sea lions lounging on rocks and diving into the water.

This isn’t a zoo, although, and the ocean lions come and go as they need, so seeing them isn’t assured. If you wish to view them at no cost, there’s a parking space simply north of the Sea Lion Caves the place you might be able to see them from the vantage level.

Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space

Your drive will take you thru Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space, one of many largest stretches of temperate coastal sand dunes on this planet. Right here, you possibly can cease and play on the dunes and even lease a dune buggy.

If you wish to spend extra time exploring the dunes, there are many tenting choices however know that this space may be very standard with ATVers, so it’s going to in all probability be loud and busy, particularly on weekends.

We sadly didn’t get nice climate right here. It was so foggy, you couldn’t even see the ocean. Additionally necessary to notice is that from Might 15-September 15, canine aren’t allowed on lots of the seashores within the Oregon Dunes Recreation space throughout the snowy plover nesting season.

Notice: You’ll cross again by way of the Oregon Dunes space if you happen to head again to Portland on the finish of your journey. You may spend extra time exploring the dunes then.

Sundown Bay State Park

Whether or not you’re tenting right here or not, it’s price driving out to Sundown Bay State Park for the sundown! Seize a picnic dinner in Coos and sit on Sundown Seaside for an unforgettable night.

Day 6: Coos Bay to Bandon

South Slough Nationwide Estuarine Analysis Reserve

Begin your day with a pleasant stroll on the South Slough Nationwide Estuarine Analysis Reserve. The South Slough path is a 3-mile loop by way of this stunning space. A part of the path is on boardwalk and it’s an incredible place to search for wildlife and discover the native crops.

Seven Satan’s State Recreation Website

For a secluded seashore, head out to Satan’s State Recreation Website. It’s a bit off the overwhelmed path, so that you’ll most definitely have it to your self. Pack a picnic and spend just a few hours having fun with the solitude on this stunning seashore.

Bullard Seaside State Park

Your closing vacation spot in your Oregon Coast street journey! Bullard Seaside is the right place to finish your journey. The 4.5-mile seashore is nice for strolling, taking part in on sand dunes, flying kites, and having fun with one final stunning sundown.

Day 7: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall Day Journey

In your closing day, you get to discover the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall. Situated about an hour south of Bandon, this space is extremely stunning with loads of nice hikes. We visited this space with my mother and father, and it was considered one of my favourite areas alongside the entire Oregon Coast. It’s simply as fairly, and there are method fewer individuals than the remainder of the coast attributable to the truth that it’s farther from Portland.

Because you’ll should retrace your route as you make your method again north to Portland, the simplest factor can be to remain on the identical campsite (or resort) in Bullard because the evening earlier than and make a day journey out of this.

Alternatively, if you need to make it again to Portland on day 7, you possibly can drive down Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall stopping at a seashore or two within the morning, after which spend the afternoon making the 5-hour drive again to Portland.

To get to Portland, you’ll retrace your steps a bit bit again by way of Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space. From there, you’ll flip inland to observe the Umpqua River earlier than getting on I-5 North to Portland.

Ophir Seaside

When you’ve got pups, you’re going to wish to cease right here. This is likely one of the few seashores in your journey that’s off-leash pleasant. The seashore is huge, there are only a few individuals, and your canine can run for miles.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall

The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall is a 12- mile part of freeway that hugs the cliffs alongside the Southern Oregon coast with a number of locations to get out and stretch your legs. Some standard trails embody the Indian Sands Path and the Secret Seaside Path.

Personally, we stopped at Lone Ranch Seaside which has ample parking, nooks and crannies to poke round in, and trails on each ends of the seashore.

3-Day Oregon Coast Highway journey itinerary

Quick on time? Should you don’t have a full seven days to street journey the Oregon Coast, here’s a shortened itinerary which you can cowl on an extended weekend.

Day 1: Portland to Cannon Seaside

• Begin your journey in Portland and head out in direction of the shoreline.
• Take Freeway 26 straight to Ecola State Park. Try the perspective and hike right down to Indian or Crescent Seaside
• Go to Cannon Seaside, seize some meals, and watch the sundown at Haystack Rock
• Keep at a resort in Cannon Seaside

Day 2: Cannon Seaside to Newport

• Drive down the coast and cease at Hug Level State Recreation Space and Cape Kiwanda.
• Make your method into Newport, stroll the waterfront, and seize a chunk to eat.
• Camp at South Seaside Campground and head to the seashore for sundown

Day 3: Newport to Coos Bay

• Driving down the coast, cease at Inexperienced Salmon espresso in Yachats for breakfast
• Cease at Thor’s Effectively and proceed onto Heceta Head Lighthouse. Hike to Hobbit Seaside.
• Discover the Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space by way of the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead
• Drive again to Portland

Finest Time to Go to the Oregon Coast

Among the finest components in regards to the Oregon Coast is that it’s nice throughout any time of 12 months for the reason that shoreline not often sees snow. Though it does get chilly in winter!

I’ve visited in each July and in October. Each instances I had superb climate, but it surely was a lot simpler to seek out campsites in October. When you’ve got flexibility, I like to recommend planning your journey within the fall from September to early November. Throughout these months, you’ll see fewer crowds however you’ll nonetheless get to take pleasure in that magical and moody-coastal feeling that Oregon has.

Spring on the Oregon coast may also be good, however there’s a higher danger of rain and fog.

Suggestions for Your Oregon Coast Highway Journey

Under are just a few ideas in your Oregon Coast street journey to assist be sure that your journey goes easily.

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Is an Oregon Coast street journey in your bucket listing? What questions do you continue to have about planning one? Should you’ve already been there, what are your favourite stops, hikes, and issues to do? Depart a remark under!

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