You can absolutely do it! My suggestion would be to drive from Portland to the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway. Take in the waterfalls, take in the misty air, take in the probable rain (bring a rain jacket) and then stop for ice cream at EastWind Drive Thru in Cascade Locks before making your way…
There are 363 miles of options for romantic escapes on the Oregon Coast, so your decision will depend on the kind of experience you are after. I would list Cannon Beach, Yachats and Bandon as great small towns that offer options in luxurious resorts with views, intimate dining and beautiful scenic areas nearby. Cannon Beach,…
The nearest charter boat services to Cannon Beach would be in Garibaldi, south of Cannon Beach, or to the north, in Astoria or Ilwaco. Some charter services specifically offer burial at sea charters, including Garibaldi Charters and Pacific Salmon Charters. It should be noted that Haystack Rock is at the edge of the shoreline and,…
At the top of my list would be Ecola State Park, just 15 minutes south of Seaside. It offers easy walking paths with beautiful coastal views of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock and other sea stacks, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and the capes and headlands miles to the south. It can be a great bird-watching location, too….
Much has been written about finding fossils on the Central Oregon Coast north of Newport. I expect the focus on fossils on this portion of the Oregon Coast is primarily due to fossil enthusiast Guy DiTorrice who freely shares his knowledge. You may want to contact him regarding information on other areas of the Oregon…
My favorite campgrounds that put you close to the ocean and nature include Cape Lookout State Park on the North Oregon Coast, Beverly Beach on the Central Oregon Coast and Sunset Bay State Park on the South Oregon Coast. Cape Lookout, west of Tillamook, is beautiful campground adjacent to the ocean and a long stretch…
I would recommend you start your coastal tour in Bandon, one of my favorite beaches and small towns on the Oregon Coast. However, the stretch of US 101 between Brookings and Port Orford is also a beautiful drive and passes through the scenic Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Otherwise, Bandon fits nicely with your interest…
The South Oregon Coast has many attractions that you could easily spend two days without traveling too far up the coast, depending on how long you want to linger and explore. DAY ONE: I would save a full day for Harris Beach State Park and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Plan your visit…
Agates are found along many beaches on the Oregon Coast that are adjacent to cliffs and streams. In addition to finding a good location for agates, beach conditions are a critical factor. Typically, sand builds up on beaches during the summer and covers gravel beds containing agates, while winter storms loosen agates from cliff sides…
There are many great attractions and scenic areas between Newport and Astoria. My must stops for any trip in the immediate Newport area would include the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and the historic bayfront. If you have at least a couple hours to devote, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is also a must. As you…
Is is sunny or rainy on the Oregon Coast in September? Yes! In case my sense of humor does not translate, you should be prepared for rain just about any time you visit the Oregon Coast, though September often offers some of the most dependably sunny weather of the year. September’s high temperatures average in…
Newport has many great attractions that you might not want to miss. The historic bay front is uniquely interesting, a mix of tourist attractions and working waterfront. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is on my top 10 list of places not to miss. It’s got a beautiful lighthouse, great views, bird watching, seal watching and…
The Newport area is great for kids. In addition to Ripley’s, there is also Undersea Gardens and Wax Works wax museum on the historic bayfront and the fabulous Oregon Coast Aquarium on the north side of the bay. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a great place for all ages. It’s a good place…
I actually grew up in South Dakota so I definitely want you to have an amazing time. And I am absolutely sure you will! Highway 101 down the Coast is an amazing drive. I’d highly, highly recommend this over taking I-5 South. There are tide pools, the Goonies House, crabbing, local surf spots, delicious seafood…
If enter Oregon at Brookings, you may want to make Harris Beach State Park your first stop, especially if you are there during low tide. Harris Beach is one of Oregon’s seven Marine Gardens that are protected intertidal areas. There are also interesting rock formations and this is a good marine life and bird-watching area. In…
That’s a tough one. There are a wide variety of kayaking opportunities along Oregon’s 363-mile coastline and the “best” would really be determined by your skill level and the type of paddling experience you are after. There are scenic bays, rivers and estuaries, especially in Tillamook County; there are large lakes, notably in the Florence…
Two days traveling the Oregon Coast means severely limit stopping and spending any time at the many attractions along the 363-mile coastline. Newport or Yachats make a good first overnight stop to explore some of the amazing scenic areas on the Central Oregon Coast. Top scenic attractions to make time for include Devils Punchbowl, Yaquina Head…
There are several choices for good port or fishing towns on the Oregon Coast. On the North Oregon Coast, you could consider Astoria with its working riverfront ranging from fishing boats and international commercial ships to recreational boats and cruise ships. There’s a lovely river walk that allows you to take in the views of…
Rockaway Beach makes a good base for exploring the coast north and south with several great accessible attractions for the elderly or those with mobility issues. A good day trip north would include taking in the amazing highway-side viewpoints on Neahkahnie Mountain north of Manzanita and a visit to Ecola State Park where amazing viewpoints…
I would have to go with Cape Lookout State Park on the North Oregon Coast. RV spaces are more toward the center of the park and the beachfront sites are dedicated to tents. You will find a link to the campground map on the Cape Lookout page of the Oregon State Parks website. Happy exploring!
