7-Day Oregon Coast Highway Journey Itinerary – Bearfoot Concept

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Anybody who has visited the Pacific Northwest will most likely agree that the Oregon Coast is without doubt 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 dwelling to many hidden gems and countless alternatives for outside 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 way in which.

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

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

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Oregon Coast Highway Journey at a Look

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

Right here’s an summary 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 automotive leases or camper van rentals.

In case you have an additional day or two, Portland can also be a enjoyable metropolis to discover. Beneath are a number of concepts on learn 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 few two-hour drive from Portland and far of it’s alongside the Columbia River.

If you wish to stretch your legs, you may hike to Beaver Falls, which is about midway between Portland and Astoria. (Be aware: 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 will have a lot of 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 publish. If you wish to study extra concerning the historical past, head to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

I additionally suggest strolling down Astoria’s picturesque predominant avenue, which is lined with superbly preserved Victorian houses 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 a lot of mountaineering trails.

In case you’re into films, Astoria can also be dwelling to the Oregon Movie Museum, the place you may study concerning the making of The Goonies!

Issues to do in Astoria

Day 2: Astoria to Cannon Seashore

Fort Steven State Park

In case you didn’t camp right here final evening, it’s value driving out to Fort Steven State Park within the morning to discover the seaside and Peter Iredale shipwreck that sits proper offshore. You can even drive all the way in which 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 Seashore. On the way in which, you’ll move near Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park. In case you’re into historical past, it is a cool place to take a look at for an hour or two.

The park contains a duplicate of Fort Clatsop, the encampment of the explorers on the mouth of the Columbia River. There are additionally interactive shows the place you may study concerning the Corp of Discovery and Lewis and Clark’s 8,000-mile journey.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is a phenomenal park with a lot of mountaineering trails and beautiful viewpoints. Park on the Ecola Level Viewpoint and hike to Indian Beach for superb views and nice tidepooling.

Be aware: This path could be very muddy, so you should definitely put on good hiking boots and think about using trekking poles.

You can even stroll for miles alongside Crescent Seashore which is proven within the picture beneath.

Cannon Seashore

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

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

Tip: There isn’t a variety of nice tenting round right here, so this could be a spot to splurge on a Cannon beach hotel.

Day 3: Cannon Seashore to Camp Lookout State Park

Hug Level State Park

Hug Level is a small state park situated proper simply south of Cannon Seashore. It options a phenomenal seaside with a small waterfall which you could 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’ll be able to hold strolling alongside the seaside previous the waterfall, however simply be conscious of the tide!

You gained’t discover a ton of vacationers at Hug Level, which makes it certainly 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 mountaineering trails, so pack a picnic lunch and lace up your boots.

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

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 may merely arrange camp and benefit from the peace and quiet of the park or head out on one of many many mountaineering trails.

Day 4: Camp Lookout State Park to Newport

Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space

Get an early begin immediately so you may spend an excellent period of time at Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space. This stunning space is only a brief drive from Camp Lookout State Park and it’s certainly one of my favourite locations on the Oregon Coast. You’ll be able to stroll the seaside, 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 a big gap. At excessive tide, you may see the motion from the point of view which is true subsequent to the 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 may stroll down into the punchbowl from the seaside. 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 without doubt one of the oldest lighthouses on the Pacific Coast and likewise the tallest lighthouse in Oregon, standing at 93 toes.

In case you have time, there are a number of brief trails at Yaquina Head Lighthouse in addition to a small interpretive heart if you wish to study extra about its historical past.

Newport

Newport is a captivating coastal city that has so much to see and do. Relying on what time you arrive, you may stroll round downtown or take a look at among the sights.

Newport is dwelling to the Oregon Coast Aquarium the place you may study concerning the native marine life and see some creatures up shut.

Simply south of Newport is the South Seashore State Campground which gives 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 all the pieces you’d hope a small Oregon Coast city to be: it’s laid again, set in a phenomenal location, and has a ton of native appeal. In case 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 may get out to stretch your legs on among the mountaineering trails.

I additionally suggest stopping in on the Cape Perpetua Customer Middle, which has nice views out over the shoreline and attention-grabbing shows to study extra concerning 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 may hike from Heceta Head Lighthouse down to Hobbit Beach. It’s 3.9 miles spherical journey with 1,000 toes of elevation acquire and takes you thru a phenomenal forest earlier than spitting you out on the seaside.

Sea Lion Caves

Full disclosure – we didn’t do that, however it’s an excellent 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 most important sea cave within the US!). There’s an excellent likelihood 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 without cost, there’s a parking space simply north of the Sea Lion Caves the place you could possibly 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 the earth. Right here, you may cease and play on the dunes and even rent 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 should most likely 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, canines will not be allowed on lots of the seashores within the Oregon Dunes Recreation space throughout the snowy plover nesting season.

Be aware: You’ll move again by the Oregon Dunes space if you happen to head again to Portland on the finish of your journey. You’ll be able to spend extra time exploring the dunes then.

Sundown Bay State Park

Whether or not you’re tenting right here or not, it’s value driving out to Sundown Bay State Park for the sundown! Seize a picnic dinner in Coos and sit on Sundown Seashore 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 trail is a 3-mile loop by this stunning space. A part of the path is on boardwalk and it’s a fantastic place to search for wildlife and discover the native crops.

Seven Satan’s State Recreation Web site

For a secluded seaside, head out to Satan’s State Recreation Web site. It’s a bit off the overwhelmed path, so that you’ll most probably have it to your self. Pack a picnic and spend a number of hours having fun with the solitude on this stunning seaside.

Bullard Seashore State Park

Your remaining vacation spot in your Oregon Coast street journey! Bullard Seashore is the proper place to finish your journey. The 4.5-mile seaside is nice for strolling, enjoying 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 remaining day, you get to discover the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall. Positioned about an hour south of Bandon, this space is extremely stunning with a variety of nice hikes. We visited this space with my mother and father, and it was certainly 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 on account of the truth that it’s farther from Portland.

Because you’ll must retrace your route as you make your method again north to Portland, the best factor could be to remain on the similar campsite (or lodge) in Bullard because the evening earlier than and make a day journey out of this.

Alternatively, if you must make it again to Portland on day 7, you may drive down Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall stopping at a seaside 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 somewhat bit again by 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 Seashore

In case you have pups, you’re going to need to cease right here. This is without doubt one of the few seashores in your journey that’s off-leash pleasant. The seaside is very large, there are only a few individuals, and your canines 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 Trail and the Secret Beach Trail.

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

3-Day Oregon Coast Highway journey itinerary

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

Day 1: Portland to Cannon Seashore

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

Day 2: Cannon Seashore 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 Seashore Campground and head to the seaside 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 Seashore.
• Discover the Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space through the John Dellenback Dunes Trailhead
• Drive again to Portland

Greatest Time to Go to the Oregon Coast

Among the best components concerning 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, however it was a lot simpler to search out campsites in October. In case you have 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 can be good, however there’s a higher danger of rain and fog.

Suggestions for Your Oregon Coast Highway Journey

Beneath are a number of suggestions on 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 checklist? What questions do you continue to have about planning one? In case you’ve already been there, what are your favourite stops, hikes, and issues to do? Go away a remark beneath!

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