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Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

The Oregon coastline is arguably the best stretch of road along the Pacific Coast - there is no other section of Highway 101 or 1 that stays so consistently close to the ocean. Rugged headlands, large rivers, and quiet beach towns are found throughout the entire coast. There is so much to explore with very few population centers close by, which means everything feels relaxed and local.

Along this stretch of Highway 101 you can expect to find delicious cheese factories, amazing microbreweries, scrumptious seafood, and plenty of charmingly quirky motels and bed & breakfasts.

Here's what you'll find in the Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

• Graphic Guides To...
• Three Capes Scenic Route
• Oregon Sand Dunes
• Rogue River
• Trip Planning Advice, including...
• A suggested itinerary
• The highest rated lodging & camping by area

The Mighty Columbia River

The Columbia is the fourth largest river by volume in North America, and the largest by volume to enter the Pacific. Over the course of 1243 miles this river drops 2690 feet from Columbia Lake, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon. For over 15,000 years native tribes fished, traveled, and traded along the Columbia River. Salmon served as both a major source of food and also as a focal point of their religious beliefs. Many historic fishing sites, such as Celilo Falls, were submerged when hydroelectric dams were built.

In the area known as Columbia Bar , where the river meets the ocean, conditions change from calm to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Over 2000 ships and 700 live have been lost in this one area alone, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Pacific (1) .

5 Absolutely Cannot Pass-Up Destinations

Local advice from skyler lanning.

• 1) Ecola State Park is a great hiking destination, with old growth rain forest and fantastic trails hugging the cape. The trails also offer great views of the crashing surf below, with numerous vantage points looking directly onto the famous Haystack Rock.
• 2) Neahkahnie Overlook is the highest viewpoint along the Oregon Coast and uses this to full effect - it offers visitors enormous 180 degree views of the coastline. On a clear day, common sights are the town of Manzanita, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Three Arch Rocks.
• 3) Manzanita which mean “Little Apple,” is a very cute and quaint coastal town that makes for a great stop. They have a cool coffee shop, aptly named Manzanita Coffee Shop, a number of confectionary shops, and a very stroll-able main street.
• 4) The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop for locals and tourists alike. It is a cooperative-owned cheese maker that produces 40 million pounds of cheese annually. They offer self-guided tours of their production lines, complimentary cheese tastings, and amazing ice cream for purchase.
• 5) Whale watching is always in season along the Oregon Coast, due to a permanent whale population numbering around 40. Peak viewing is usually in June and December, with whale watchers trying to catch glimpses of the thousands of whales on their annual migration. Regardless of the time of year, Depot Bay and their whale-watching center is a fantastic stop to catch sightings. Interesting side note - the city also has the world's smallest harbor.

Skyler Lanning and his wife Maria operate Wildwood Adventures, a day tour company out of Portland, OR. They offer public and customized tours to some of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. For more information visit www.WildwoodTours.com

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On your website, 6) three capes scenic route, the three capes, local advice from jeremy strober.

The best stop along Highway 101 in Oregon requires that you veer off of Highway 101 by just 3 miles. The Three Capes Scenic Route begins just south of Cloverdale and takes you to Pacific City where you’ll find Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost Cape along the Three Capes Route.

In Pacific City, you will find the lesser-known Haystack Rock, towering 357 feet above the water. Adjacent to the Cape, it makes for beautiful eye-candy as you stare west.

Photo by Jeremy Strober

Sitting right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda is the Pelican Pub & Brewery, one of the state’s award-winning breweries. The Pelican offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the beach al fresco.

The Cape provides for some of the most diverse activities along the coast. It is the Home of the Dory Fleet, a flat-bottom fishing boat that launches off the sand into the surf and has done so from this spot for over 100 years. It is one of the best surfing spots along the coast, providing perfect breakers courtesy of the sandbar that stretches from the Rock to the Cape. Kayakers launch here to fish or ride the waves. The marine garden provides tidepooling galore. And the 18 story sand dune creates a mecca for climbing, running, jumping, and sand boarding.

You can reconnect to Highway 101 as you travel north, after visiting Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

As the operator of three local lodging establishments, Jeremy Stober often gets asked about the unique places to eat, drink, and visit. Being able to recommend the perfect match to a guest’s desire is his favorite part of the hospitality business! Find out more at www.yourlittlebeachtown.com

Conde McCullough - Bridge Builder

In the early 20th century, towns along the rugged Oregon coast were practically unreachable. By the 1920s, rapidly growing interest in coastal tourism prompted the funding of a highway that would span the entire length (2) . Over the course of five years, from 1921 to 1926, section by section of Highway 101 was completed. Among the many challenges the engineers faced were the many rivers that ran from the Coastal Range Mountains to the ocean. Ferries were commonly used to transport cars and good across the rivers, but they couldn’t keep up with the increasing demands the highway brought. Instead, it was decided that bridges must connect each section of road.

Conde McCullough, the Oregon state bridge engineer at the time, was presented with the opportunity to design and build the infrastructure for these key links to the highway. McCullough wasn’t just interested in making the bridges structurally sound, but also architecturally beautiful. Over the course of fifteen years, McCullough designed a total of fourteen bridges along Highway 101. These bridges are constructed in a variety of styles and materials. You will find them adorned with Gothic spires, art deco obelisks, and Romanesque arches (3) .

Some notable bridges include the Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport), the Siuslaw River Bridge (Florence), and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge (Astoria).

McCullough went on to help design over 600 bridges in his lifetime.

Loving This Guide? Get your own copy for upcoming trips

• Hundreds of the best places to eat, sight see, and stay along the Pacific Coast Highway from Port Angeles WA to San Diego CA.
• 26 beautifully drawn sections of the coast. Each section highlights a mix of over 20 eateries, breweries, hikes, bed & breakfasts, camping, viewpoints, local wildlife, and much more!
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• Purchase a copy of the Pacific Coast Highway Graphical Guide now and we’ll add an article listing our favorite Must-Have Travel Apps that will help you save money and travel stress-free.

8) Oregon Sand Dunes

Local advice from stephen hoshaw.

Nestled along Highway 101, Florence is well suited for all types of adventure. With long sandy beaches and dunes, scenic viewpoints, and rocky coastal panoramas, this might be one of the best places to experience the Oregon Coast.

Photo by Josh Alder

Search for coastal wildlife while whale watching from Heceta Head Lighthouse scenic viewpoint. Or venture underground at the Sea Lion Caves to hear the echo of barking sea lions.

At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Master Park thrill-seeking adventurers can choose between sandboarding or riding in dune buggies between the massive hills of sand.

Josh Tenge back flips in Sand Master Park

Florence’s Old Town district offers boutique shopping experiences and cozy coastal meals at local hotspots like Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Waterfront Depot.

Stephen grew up in the Northwest and has fond memories of both week-long family reunions at the Coast, and quick day trips from Eugene with friends. Whether storm watching from the Heceta Head Lighthouse in winter months, or walking through the warm sand at Sand Master Park during breezy coastal summers, the Oregon Coast has always provided a relaxing escape. Learn more at www.eugenecascadescoast.org

Formation of Sand Dunes

The combination of desert sands, old growth forests, lakes, and ocean found at Oregon Sand Dunes is unique to the southern Oregon coast. By why is it here?

12 million years ago, uplifting layers of sedimentary rock formed what is now the Oregon Coastal Range mountains. As these mountains eroded, the soft rocks traveled downstream and were broken into small granular pieces. These sediments were then deposited at the mouth of the rivers along a gently sloping marine layer called the Coos Bay Dune Sheet. Unlike the headlands found to the north and south, this flat sandstone bottom allows for sands to be picked up and deposited by waves along the shorelines. Finally, these sands were picked up by the wind and dropped over 2.5 miles inland to form the dunes (4) .

Over thousands of year, the dunes have been shaped by wind and water into a vast array of shapes and sizes.

The Legend of Face Rock

By Visitor7 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many years ago, the great chief Siskiyou of the mountain tribes planned a visit to four coastal tribes. His daughter Ewauna was to accompany him, which was a great honor. Chief Necomah, being the strongest of the four coastal Chiefs, decided that as a group they would host the greatest potlatch as a show of respect and of their own prosperity.

The days leading up to the potlatch were full of preparation. Necomah ordered massive amounts of clams and mussels to be harvested and stored for the meal. The Elks tribe brought a hundred salmon, cleaned and ready to be roasted. The Sixes brought meat from a dozen elks. The Rogues carried in twenty horses loaded with deer meat. Armed warriors stood guard on the bluff watching for Seatka, the evil spirit of the sea.

Chief Siskiyou arrived with his daughter, who had never before seen the sea. She was enthralled by its beauty despite being warned not to wander near it for fear Seatka would snatch her. With her was her loyal dog Komax and her cat with kittens.

On the morning of the second day, everyone convened in beautiful regalia and commenced the feast. They celebrated this unique visit while eating until they were too tired, at which point they proceeded to sleep in place. Ewauna, wishing to see more of the sea, slipped away from the sleeping camp. A full moon shown down on her as she played at the edge of the ocean.

Finally, she set her basket of kittens down and told Komax to keep watch. Ewauna ran out into the ocean and dove in the crashing surf. She swam for a long time and was slowly pulled away from shore. She was so enraptured that she was unable to hear Komax barking a warning.

Suddenly, the moon became blocked by a dark hand as the fearsome creature Seatka emerged from the water. Komax grabbed the basket of kittens and swam out to help Ewauna. He sunk his sharp teeth into Seatka but was swatted away, along with the basket. Seatka tried to make Ewauna look at him, for his power lived in his gaze, but she stubbornly look straight up at the moon.

Chief Siskiyou rose at sunrise, alarmed to find his daughter missing. Everyone rushed to the sea, only to find Ewauna stubbornly staring up towards the moon with Seatka still trying to meet her gaze. Eventually she turned into stone and you can still see her face gazing up toward the moon to this day (5) .

10) Rogue River

Wild and scenic rivers.

The Rogue River travels 215 miles and over 1 mile in elevation from its source in Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. This river is famous for its stellar whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rogue was one of the original eight river listed under the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (6) . This act focuses on the need to protect our rivers as pristine and scenic areas. Since the inception of the act, over 203 rivers have been granted this status.

Dams have been a controversial topic along the Rogue for over a hundred years. Many dams were originally built to provide hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. However, even with fish ladders designed into the dams, salmon populations dropped dramatically. Numerous dams have been constructed and then demolished -- one was even dynamited by a group of angry commercial fishermen! Now only the William L. Jess Dam remains, which is located 157 miles from the mouth of the river.

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's one way to do it.

• Spend the morning exploring the marina and shops along the Riverwalk in Astoria, give yourself plenty of time to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
• Stop at Buoy Beer Company for lunch and an afternoon brew then head to the Astoria Column for a relaxing walk and excellent views.
• Grab dinner at Northwest Wild and stay at either the Norblad Hotel or camp in nearby Fort Stevens State Park.
• Head out to the beach at sunrise and grab some pictures of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
• Continue south and stop at either the Seaside Turnaround to check out the shops or hike at Ecola State Park.
• Pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint (highest along the Oregon coast) on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (free samples!).
• Grab lunch at Blue Heron Cheese Company then jump on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
• Check out the lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares and stop at Lex’s Cool Stuff for brownies and 2nd hand shopping.
• Hike the 4.8 mile Cape Trail then head into Pacific City for dinner at the Pelican Pub.
• Stay at Pacific City or camp to the north at Cape Lookout.
• Grab breakfast at Cafe on Hawk Creek on the way down to Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio.
• Check out glass art being made or maybe make your own, then continue south to watch for ocean birds at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
• Head out on a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay. Afterwards taste some salt water taffy at Ainslee’s and get lunch at Gracie’s Sea Hag.
• As you continue south turn off onto Otter Crest Scenic Loop where you can taste some wine while watching surf crash at the Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Tour Yaquina Lighthouse or spend some time walking the beach at South Beach State Park.
• Enjoy a hot bowl of slumgullion at Luna Sea.
• Stay at the Fireside Motel or camp at Cape Perpetua State Park.
• Take a morning stroll down the Hobbit Trail to the beach, then stop at the Sea Lion Caves on your way to Florence.
• Spend the late morning exploring the sand dunes either by renting an ATV or taking a hike.
• Grab lunch at Harbor Light Restaurant or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market. In the afternoon take the Cape Arago scenic loop, stopping to enjoy the parks along the way.
• Explore the town of Bandon and eat dinner at the Bandon Fish Market.
• Stay at the Bandon Beach Motel or camp at Bullards Beach State Park.
• Spend the morning stopping at sights like Face Rock, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and Battle Rock Park.
• Eat lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips then hike up the Humbug Mountain Trail.
• Check in to the Gold Beach Inn then drive down to Myer’s Creek Beach for the sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at the Barnacle Bistro.
• Continue your journey to California, stopping at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint on the way.

Top Rated Places to Stay

• Norblad Hotel
• Cannery Pier Hotel
• Astoria Crest Motel
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Astoria/Warrenton KOA
• Kampers West
• Inn of the Four Winds
• Inn at Seaside
• The Gilbert Inn
• Bud's RV and Campground

Cannon Beach

• Stephanie Inn
• Sea Breeze Court
• Inn at Cannon Beach
• Wright's for Camping
• RV Resort at Cannon Beach
• Sea Haven Motel
• Coast Cabins
• Ocean Inn at Manzanita
• Nehalem Bay State Park
• Kelly's Brighton Marina

Rockaway Beach

• Garibaldi House Inn & Suites
• Surfside Resort
• Tradewinds Motel
• Shorewood RV Park
• Rockaway Beach RV Park
• The Ashley Inn at Tillamook
• Shilo Inn Suites Hotel
• Thyme and Tide B&B
• Terimore Lodging by the Sea
• Three Arch Inn
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Netarts Bay RV Resort

Pacific City

• Inn at Cape Kiwanda
• Cottages at Cape Kiwanda
• Surf & Sand Inn
• Cape Kiwanda RV Park

Lincoln City

• Looking Glass Inn
• Baywood Shores B&B
• Pelican Shores Inn
• Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
• Devil's Lake RV Park
• Inn at Arch Rock
• Whale Cove Inn
• Depoe Bay Inn
• Sylvia Beach Hotel
• Moolack Shores Motel
• Agate Beach Motel
• South Beach State Park
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Whaler's Rest RV Park
• Cliff House B&B
• Terry-A-While
• Waldport/Newport KOA
• Beachside State Recreation Site
• Fireside Motel
• Deane's Oceanfront Lodge
• SeaQuest Inn B&B
• Tillicum Beach Campground
• Cape Perpetua Campground
• Old Town Inn
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
• Carl G. Washburne State Park
• Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Winchester Bay RV Resort
• William M. Tugman State Park
• Umpqua Sand Camping
• Osprey Point RV Resort
• Itty Bitty Inn
• Old Tower House B&B
• Sunset Bay State Park
• Oregon Dunes KOA
• Bandon Beach Motel
• Table Rock Motel
• Bullards Beach State Park
• Bandon RV Park

Port Orford

• WildSpring Guest Habitat
• The Compass Rose B&B
• Shoreline Motel
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Bandon/Port Orford KOA
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Gold Beach Inn
• Tu Tu Tun Lodge
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• Secret Camp RV Park
• Ocean Suites
• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Mount Emily Ranch
• Harris Beach State Park
• Driftwood RV Park

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Oregon coast has to offer. ** Get $35 off your first night if you sign up with this link **

Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen ( www.sarahjeagen.com )

• 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Bar
• 2) http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/highway_101_oregon_coast_highway_/#.VwRNmxMrJ_U
• 3) http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notmccullough.htm
• 4) http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev7_007155
• 5) http://thebandonguide.com/the-legend-of-face-rock
• 6) http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php

Have you explored this stretch of road? Leave your recommendations below!

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Highway 101 Road Conditions from Crescent City, California to Reedsport, Oregon - 4/15

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SEE WEBCAM LINKS DOWN BELOW FOR REAL TIME INFORMATION

Sunken grade reported 11 miles north of Brookings in Curry County. Use caution.

Sunken grade reported 12 miles south of Port Orford in Curry County. Use caution.

Sunken grade reported 5 miles south of Port Orford in Curry County. Use caution.

CONSTRUCTION ALERTS :

Coos County - Mile post 300 - mile post 301 - Road construction is occurring. Prepare to slow. Watch for workers. Watch for construction at the Jefferson Street and Madrona Avenue intersections of U.S. 101. This work will involve shoulder closures and intermittent flagging. At 12th Street (near Driftwood Elementary School), watch for lane shifts and flagging on U.S. 101.

Coos County -  Mile post 233 - 241 -  Road construction is occurring. Prepare to slow. Watch for workers.

Highway 101 webcams. These update in real time.

North of Crescent City -  http://www1.dot.ca.gov/cwwp2/data/d1/cctv/image/us101northofsr197lookingsouth/us101northofsr197lookingsouth.jpg

Brookings -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/Hwy%20101%20at%20Brookings%20SB_pid1807.JPG?rand=1480452061708

Gold Beach -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/US101%20at%20Gold%20Beach_pid2336.JPG?rand=1480452090371

Port Orford -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/US101%20at%20Port%20Orford_pid2507.JPG?rand=1480452110568

101 & Bullards Brdige -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/US101%20at%20Bullards%20Bridge%20N_pid2908.JPG?rand=1480452138922

Coos Bay -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/US101%20at%20Mc%20Cullough%20Bridge_pid2384.JPG?rand=1480452177997

Reedsport -  http://tripcheck.com/RoadCams/cams/US101%20at%20Reedsport_pid2349.JPG?rand=1480452207128

Oregon State Cams - TripCheck

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• HOW IT WORKS
• TRIP PLANNERS

Oregon Coast Trip Planner

Oregon Coast, Hwy 101 Trip Planner

It just doesn’t get any more rugged than the Oregon Coast. The landscape is diverse with endless opportunities to explore on an epic road trip. Every view along the coast is met with words of wonderment. How can waves lapping at a sandy shore or crashing over volcanic outcrops be so spectacular? How can a forest smell so good! Our tour takes you on the journey to discover just that – and of course where to find the creature comforts in the towns along the way. From top-to-toe, the coastline beaches are all classified as public and yours to explore. 

How to Get Here Entrance Fees Map Where to Stay When to Visit How Much Time Do You Need How to Avoid the Crowds Things to See and Do Best Hikes Family Fun Adventures Packing List Top Travel Tips

How To Get Here

Most visitors coming to Oregon use the Portland International Airport. It is serviced by most major airlines including Alaska, American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, WestJet and Air Canada.

Rental cars are readily available at the airport and from there, beginning your tour in Astoria is only 2 hours away.

Because the audio tour covers nearly 200 miles of the Oregon Coast, there are many places to join the tour.

Arriving from Washington State along the coast, just feed onto the Astoria-Megler Bridge for an impressive arrival into Oregon.

From Portland, use the I-5 north and then 30 to arrive in Astoria to begin the full tour experience. You can of course choose to join the coast at points south of Astoria if you wish.

For those making their way up the coast from northern California, keep following 101 and you will join tour commentary at the pretty town of Florence.

Entrance Fees

Depending on the state park you visit, there could be a small parking fee and each is clearly marked. The vending machines will use your Visa or MasterCard, and attendants are stationed at the popular parks. For more information or to buy a year-long pass,visit the Oregon State Parks website .

Consider purchasing the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport. It’s a multi-agency day use passport covering entry or day use fees at dozens of sites along the coast. You can pick it up ahead of time, or ask at the first state or natural area where fees are paid.

Oregon Coast Tour Map

Where to stay.

The coastal towns host a variety of accommodations from tenting under the stars to five-star hotels but the most important tip we can offer is to plan far in advance for any overnight stays. Reservations are highly recommended from March through November.

Like A Tour Guide In Your Car

When To Visit

Summertime is peak season for the Oregon Coast and you can expect constant crowds from Memorial Day through to Labor Day weekend. With fewer visitors and cooler temperatures, spring and fall are generally the best times to visit. April tends to be the best time for wildflower viewing and fall colors usually peak in early October. Winter or “storm watching season” can also be an excellent time to visit – the waves are amazing!

How Much Time Do You Need to Visit the Oregon Coast

Without stopping, you can drive from Astoria to Florence in under five hours. But what’s the fun in that? You need to build in time to stop for a visit to an aquarium or to stroll the beach, take a hike or build a sandcastle. And what would a visit to the Oregon Coast be without a bowl of slumgullion or a Pronto Pup? Consider savoring the adventure and plotting out places to stay over for two or three nights.

How to Avoid the Crowds

Don’t worry if summer is the only time you have to visit the Oregon Coast, there’s plenty of ways to escape the crowds. The towns and top scenic attractions will get busy but that’s your cue to pull off at one of the beaches and take a stroll. Look for hidden floats on the beach at Lincoln City, or poke around a tidal pool. It’s a great place to just breathe.

If you need to check places like the Tillamook Creamery tour off your list, consider visiting first thing in the morning.

Things to See and Do along the Oregon Coast

Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies with picture-perfect Victorian-age homes overlooking the port. Climb to the top of the Astoria Column to get a birds-eye view of where the Columbia River dumps into the Pacific Ocean. Visit the Riverwalk Trail to find a perfect spot for lunch. And just for fun, drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The four-mile (6.4-kilometer) long bridge was the last link to connect Highway 101 between the Canadian and Mexican borders.

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park was once the primary military defence installation right at the mouth of the Columbia River. It was manned for 84 years, but now sits silently with many artifacts waiting to be explored. Wander through the displays at the military museum then explore the concrete gun batteries. Underground tours take you into the chilling past. And don’t forget to stop along the shore to see the remains of the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale.

What may have been the end of the road for Lewis and Clark, Seaside is the beginning of fun for us. Seaside is Oregon’s answer to well, seaside fun. An old-time amusement park attracts the crowds but so does the 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) promenade and the restaurants and shops. That beach though is home to endless beach volleyball tournaments, clam digs and long walks in the sand. If you are looking for signature craft beer or Oregon clam chowder, this is your starting block.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is exactly why you are visiting the Oregon Coast. It’s a quaint yet bustling town with a wide-open beach with spectacular views of Haystack Rock. The massive basalt outcrop rises from the shore over 235 feet (72 meters), it’s surrounded by smaller sea stacks called “The Needles” and in low tide, the tidal pools are perfect for discovering tidepool creatures and sea birds. Sunsets here are spectacular.

Rockaway Beach

Can it get any tackier? In other words, this is a roadside attraction you don’t want to miss in Rockaway Beach. Pronto Pup is the original battered hotdog on a stick. While you wait for your Pronto Pup, take a ride on the coin-operated hotdog. Oh, yes… you want to!

Tillamook is more than just cheese, it’s ice cream too! The Tillamook Creamery draws in the crowds offering free tours and samples, but the town offers much more. Check out the air museum housed in the last remaining WWII blimp hangar, which is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. There are a few craft breweries in town with one boasting a beer fermented using locally sourced yeast and microflora. This is also your gateway to the Three Cape Scenic Loop.

Tunnel Beach

Ssssh! It’s a secret. Tunnel Beach near the town of Oceanside is not exactly a secret but it does lead to a secluded little beach. Back in the 1920’s some folks thought it would be fine to blast a hole in the base of the cliff to take visitors to a hidden beach. The 90-foot-long tunnel is accessed through what looks like an old war bunker where rocks and stray driftwood litters the floor. Its fun to go through. The shore leading to it is also a gem of a beach. No kidding, people love strolling this one to look for treasures like clear agates, green and bule jasper and marine fossils.

Lincoln City

The beach at Lincoln City seems to take the brunt of the winter storms leaving massive logs and driftwood washed up on the shore. It’s a perfect place to beachcomb. Especially on the days the volunteers have hidden signature glass floats amongst the beached logs and tall grasses for you to discover. What a find!!! If you don’t find one on the shore, Lincoln City has many glass blowers with shops full of beautiful ornaments to take home as a souvenir of your trip down the Oregon Coast.

Cape Meares State Park

Cape Meares State Park offers you a chance to go for hikes, watch for whales, visit an old lighthouse and see a sacred octopus tree. Yes, that’s what we said. At the end of a short trail is an old Sitka spruce that looks like an octopus with giant limbs pointing to the sky.

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area

Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area near Depoe Bay is a perfect example of the erosional powers of water. What might have been caves in the cliff have been beaten by relentless wave action that finally collapsed the roof. Now winter waves gush through the openings churning and foaming like a evil brew. But, if you are there in low tide, it’s a splendid spot to explore the tidal pools and even dare to explore the caldron.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area’s shore features like the Devils Churn, Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn are the perfect stops to see the rugged edge of the Oregon Coast. Waves smash over the jagged volcanic rocks casting a mist high into the sky. At low tide, trails take you closer to the action. If the tide is high, go inland on trails rich with thick coastal forests of Sitka spruce. Take a deep breath in to enjoy the best air possible before you drive a few miles down the road to visit the Sea Lion Caves. This attraction takes you into the largest cave on the west coast to see hundreds of rowdy (and smelly!) sea lions and birds.

Newport Beach

Newport Beach is home to two incredible learning facilities. Stop in at either the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Centre to learn about the species that live on or under the shores of the Oregon coast.

Cape Lookout

Cape Lookout hosts a wonder and gentle trail to the very tip of the cape. The 5-mile (8-kilometer) return trail wanders through thick stands of Sitka spruce and Hemlocks overhead and wild lilies and bright skunk cabbage at your feet. Depending on the season, bring your binoculars to look for migrating whales or, if the sky is clear, you can see all the way to Cape Foulweather, 39 miles  (63 kilometers) to the south.

God’s Thumb

God’s Thumb might be for the hearty and those willing to take on a steep climb. At 4.4 miles (7 kilometers) long, it has an elevation gain of 1,400 feet (427 meters). But the views of the strange thumb-like cliff hovering over the crashing waves way, way down keeps compels you to keep going. A stop along the journey at The Knoll gives you a beautiful view of Lincoln City. Reaching God’s Thumb might be a leap of faith for some as the trail is very exposed. Once you are there, the view is spectacular.

Oregon Coast Beaches

Oregon Coast beaches are wonderfully easy to hike. Centers like Seaside, Cannon Beach, Lincoln City, Rockaway Beach, Beverly Beach, Manzanita, Tillicum Beach and almost every other coastal center offers parking and access close to the beach. Walk as long and as far as you want between the impassible volcanic outcrops that bookend the sandy shores. With the beaches all designated as public property, it’s up to you to decide when to turn around.

Family Fun Adventures

Head to the beach.

A bucket, a shovel and imagination are all that is needed on a majority of the beaches on the Oregon Coast. And kids and kids at heart alike will love the sand for building sandcastles. If there are gumboots in the car and an investigative attitude, head to the tide pools at Yaquina Head during low tide.

Fuel Up for Family Fun

If amusement games and bumper cars are needed, the stop has to be Seaside. The amusement park is legendary. And to fuel the family and have fun at the same time, stop in at the original Pronto Pup in Rockaway Beach. While the pups are cooking, take turns riding the mechanical hotdog.

Aquariums and ATVs

An afternoon would be easy to spend at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport Beach where touch pools with sea stars and limpets are waiting to be explored. For the adventure seekers, head south to the sand dunes near Florence to spin around the dunes on ATVs.

Best Sunset Spots

Look west. Seriously, look west from anywhere on the coast and you are in for a treat that repeats every day at dusk. The best of the best however, might be at Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. But, let’s you decide.

Oregon Coast Packing List

Warm Layers: Pack plenty of layers including some warm ones regardless of the time of year you visit. You can always remove layers if it’s warmer than you expected and add them if you get cold.

Raingear: Coastal Oregon weather can be wet, or really wet so you’ll also want to make sure you have a jacket, rain gear, waterproof shoes, a hat, and even mittens.

Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must even if you’re not planning hiking. Flip flops or sandals for the beach make things a lot easier. Maybe bring a canvas tote to throw the beach shoes in so to minimize the sand dunes brought into your car.

Daypack: A comfortable pack makes all the difference. In addition to carrying an extra layer, water, and headlamp, it’s a good idea to throw a few snacks in there as well.

Sun Protection: Summer temperatures are typically pleasant on the Oregon Coast, but, there’s usually is a constant breeze from the ocean so consider a light cover even on hot days. Regardless, the sun can be intense and you’ll want to come prepared with a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Rain gear should only be a arms-reach away.

Water Bottles: Always bring water – refillable water bottles are recommended. And make sure you drink it! 

Headlamp: You never know when a hike is going to take longer than planned – we always throw a lightweight headlamp in our daypack just in case. 

Portable Phone Charger and Cable: If you’re taking pictures with your phone, running out of batteries may result in missed opportunities. A DC car charger is best, so that you can charge your phone while driving.

Plastic Bag: We always carry a plastic bag when we hike, so we can do our part and help keep the trails, beaches and waterways clean. If you see some trash along the way – especially that dang plastic, pick it up, drop it in the bag. When you get back to the trailhead, simply drop your bag in the recycling or trash bin and voila! You’ve helped keep the parks and coast beautiful for everyone who visits. And most importantly on the Oregon Coast, the marine life will thank you.

Top Tips for the Oregon Coast

• Reservations: Make reservations for lodging and camping well ahead of time.
• Oregon Coast Passport: Consider purchasing the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport. It is a multi-agency day use passport covering entry or day use fees at dozens of sites along the coast maintained by the state or the national park systems. You can pick it up ahead of time or ask at the first state or natural area where fees are paid.
• Start Early: Parking at popular trails and locations can be challenging at busy times - early arrivers score the best spaces!
• Sightseeing Stops: Be prepared to stop frequently - there are many sites that just require a short stop. We didn't come just to drive by!
• Phone Charger: Using location services will drain your battery faster so bring a 12V DC charger for keeping your phone charged throughout the day.

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