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HomeRoad Trip7-Day Oregon Coast Highway Journey Itinerary – Bearfoot Principle

7-Day Oregon Coast Highway Journey Itinerary – Bearfoot Principle


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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 highway 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 luxurious forested trails at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall, I liked each second of our journey.

On this publish, I share an ideal 7-day Oregon Coast highway 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 nearly 400 miles lengthy, and there’s a ton to see and do inside that distance. Since I’m primarily desirous about mountain climbing 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 highway journey itinerary:

  • Stroll alongside a few of Oregon’s greatest seashores
  • Discover charming coastal cities
  • Hike lush temperate rainforest trails
  • Get pleasure from scenic overlooks of the Pacific Ocean
  • DAY 1: Portland & Astoria
  • DAY 2: Ecola State Park & Cannon Seashore
  • DAY 3: Hug Level & Oswald West State Parks
  • DAY 4: Cape Kiwanda & Newport
  • DAY 5: Yachats, Sea Lion Caves & Oregon Dunes
  • DAY 6: Bullard Seashore
  • DAY 7: Return to Portland

Day 1: Portland to Astoria

Day 1 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 98 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 2 hours
  • ON THE WAY – Hike to Beaver Falls, cease on the Fern Hill Glass Studio
  • CAMPING OPTION – Fort Stevens State Park
  • LODGING OPTION – Numerous resort choices in Astoria

Portland

I like to recommend beginning your Oregon Coast highway 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 be a enjoyable metropolis to discover. Under are just a few concepts on learn how to profit from your time there.

Issues to do in Portland

  • Discover a few of the greatest hikes round Portland
  • Stroll across the famend Japanese Gardens
  • Get misplaced in Powell’s Bookstore
  • Expertise the meals cart and meals truck tradition (a lot of that are plant-based!)
  • Take a day journey to Multnomah Falls – simply remember it will get REALLY busy on weekends! (Word – this isn’t on the way in which to Astoria, so solely go right here in case you have additional time in Portland)
Woman standing in front of Multnomah Falls in OregonWoman standing in front of Multnomah Falls in Oregon
Multnomah Falls is an extremely stunning waterfall solely half-hour from Portland

Astoria

When you’re able to hit the highway and embark in your Oregon Coast highway 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 possibly can hike to Beaver Falls, which is about midway between Portland and Astoria. (Word: the path is a brief drive off the freeway, so that you’ll have to get instructions to the trailhead). The 0.6-mile path ends at a reasonably waterfall cascading right into a pool of water.

Beaver Falls outside of portland OregonBeaver Falls outside of portland Oregon
The hike to Beaver Falls is brief and candy and the reward is price it!

In Astoria, you’ve gotten a number 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 be taught extra in regards to the historical past, head to the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

I additionally suggest strolling down Astoria’s picturesque fundamental road, which is lined with superbly preserved Victorian houses and buildings, together with the enduring Flavel Home Museum. For nice views, drive as much as the Astoria Column the place you’ll additionally discover a number of mountain climbing trails.

When you’re into motion pictures, Astoria can be dwelling 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

  • Go to the Columbia River Maritime Museum to study Astoria’s historical past
  • Stroll down the charming fundamental road lined with Victorian buildings
  • Drive as much as the Astoria Column and stretch your legs on the mountain climbing trails
  • Drive out to Sundown Seashore to observe the sundown over the Pacific Ocean
  • Stroll via the Oregon Movie Museum
Views out over river delta from hike near Astoria, OregonViews out over river delta from hike near Astoria, Oregon
Views out over Astoria and the Columbia River from the Astoria Column
Quick on Time?

When you don’t have a full 7-days, I like to recommend skipping Astoria (except you’re a MAJOR Goonies Fan) and going straight to Ecola State Park close to Cannon Seashore by way of US-26 West. You’ll shave off a little bit of driving time and the primary day and a half of this itinerary. For a 3-day itinerary possibility, learn to the tip of this publish.

Day 2: Astoria to Cannon Seashore

Day 2 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 26 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 40 minutes
  • ON THE WAY – Fort Steven State Park, Lewis and Clark Nationwide Historic Park, Ecola State Park
  • CAMPING OPTION – There are a number of RV Resorts in Cannon Seashore
  • LODGING OPTIONCannon Seashore accommodations

Fort Steven State Park

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

Peter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park in OregonPeter Iredale Shipwreck at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon
The Peter Iredale shipwreck at Fort Steven State Park

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. When you’re into historical past, it is a cool place to take a look at for an hour or two.

The park incorporates 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 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 an exquisite park with a number of mountain climbing trails and gorgeous viewpoints. Park on the Ecola Level Viewpoint and hike to Indian Seashore for superb views and nice tidepooling.

Word: This path may be very muddy, so remember to put on good mountain climbing boots and think about using trekking poles.

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

Woman standing on the edge of an overlook looking down at a sandy beach at Ecola State Park in OregonWoman standing on the edge of an overlook looking down at a sandy beach at Ecola State Park in Oregon
Ecola State Park viewpoint

Cannon Seashore

Your last vacation spot for in the present day is the attractive Cannon Seashore! This gorgeous seaside and quaint seaside city are among the many hottest on the Oregon Coast, however for good motive. 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 could be very dog-friendly. Canines are allowed off-leash on the seaside so long as they’re below voice management.

Tip: There isn’t plenty of nice tenting round right here, so this is likely to be a spot to splurge on a Cannon seaside resort.

Haystack Rock at Cannon beach with the sun setting behind it. A dog is sitting on the beachHaystack Rock at Cannon beach with the sun setting behind it. A dog is sitting on the beach
When you can, catch Cannon Seashore at sundown

Day 3: Cannon Seashore to Camp Lookout State Park

Day 3 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 52 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 1 hour quarter-hour
  • ON THE WAY – Hug Level State Park, Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie Viewpoint
  • CAMPING OPTION – Camp Lookout State Park Campground
  • LODGING OPTIONTillamook Resorts, Camp Lookout State Park has cabins and yurts

Hug Level State Park

Hug Level is a small state park positioned proper simply south of Cannon Seashore. It options an exquisite seaside with a small waterfall that 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 aware of the tide!

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

Waterfall at sandy beach at Hug Point in OregonWaterfall at sandy beach at Hug Point in Oregon
Be sure to go to the falls at Hug Level a low tide

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 mountain climbing trails, so pack a picnic lunch and lace up your boots.

I like to recommend mountain 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 acquire.

Camp Lookout State Park

Your vacation spot for in the present day 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 mountain climbing trails.

Day 4: Camp Lookout State Park to Newport

Day 4 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 62 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 1 hour half-hour
  • ON THE WAY – Cape Kiwanda, Satan’s Punchbowl, Yaquina Head Lighthouse
  • CAMPING OPTION – South Seashore State Park Campground
  • LODGING OPTIONNewport Resorts

Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space

Get an early begin in the present day so you possibly can spend a superb 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 one in all my favourite locations on the Oregon Coast. You’ll be able to stroll the seaside, discover tidepools, fly a kite, or just loosen up and watch the waves crash on the shore.

Cape Kiwanda State Park in OregonCape Kiwanda State Park in Oregon
Cape Kiwanda State Pure Space

Satan’s Punchbowl

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

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

Devil's Punchbowl on the Oregon Coast at sunsetDevil's Punchbowl on the Oregon Coast at sunset
Satan’s Punchbowl at Sundown. Attributable to it being excessive tide, i couldn’t stroll down onto the seaside

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

As you proceed south towards Newport, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one other nice cease in your Oregon Coast highway journey. This lighthouse is without doubt 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.

Yaquina Head LighthouseYaquina Head Lighthouse
The picturesque Yaquina Head Lighthouse

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 take a look at a few of the sights.

Newport is dwelling 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 Seashore State Campground which presents good clear campsites inside ear shot of the ocean.

Sprinter Van parked at a campsite at South Beach State Campground in OregonSprinter Van parked at a campsite at South Beach State Campground in Oregon
Our campsite at South Seashore Campground

Day 5: Newport to Coos Bay

Day 5 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 98 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 2 hours
  • ON THE WAY – Yachats, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Sea Lion Caves
  • CAMPING OPTION – Sundown Bay State Park
  • LODGING OPTIONCoos Bay Resorts

Yachats, Cape Perpetua, & Thor’s Properly

Heading south from Newport, your first cease in the present day is Yachats. Considered one 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 an exquisite location, and has a ton of native allure. When you’re on the lookout 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 Properly. All of those stops are very shut to one another, and you may get out to stretch your legs on a few of the mountain climbing 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 be taught extra in regards to the space.

Thor's Well outside of Yachats OregonThor's Well outside of Yachats Oregon
Thor’s Properly seemingly makes water disappear into its big cavern

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 Seashore. It’s 3.9 miles spherical journey with 1,000 toes of elevation acquire and takes you thru an exquisite forest earlier than spitting you out on the seaside.

Woman hiking through lush green forest from Heceta Head Lighthouse to hobbit beach on the oregon coastWoman hiking through lush green forest from Heceta Head Lighthouse to hobbit beach on the oregon coast
I liked mountain climbing via this coastal forest to Hobbit Seashore

Sea Lion Caves

Full disclosure – we didn’t do that, but it surely’s an excellent fashionable cease, so I wished 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 a superb 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 without 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 the earth. 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 could be very fashionable with ATVers, so it would 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, canine should not allowed on lots of the seashores within the Oregon Dunes Recreation space in the course of the snowy plover nesting season.

Word: You’ll move again via 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 price 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

Day 5 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 31 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 45 minutes (by way of Seven Satan’s Highway)
  • ON THE WAY – South Slough Nationwide Estuarine Analysis Reserve, Seven Satan’s State Recreation Website
  • CAMPING OPTION – Bullard Seashore State Park
  • LODGING OPTIONBandon Resorts, yurts accessible at Bullard Seashore State Park

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 via 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 vegetation.

Trail through lush forest at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in OregonTrail through lush forest at South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in Oregon
the South Slough Trails is an exquisite and quiet path that’s price trying out in your option to Bandon

Seven Satan’s State Recreation Website

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

Bullard Seashore State Park

Your last vacation spot in your Oregon Coast highway journey! Bullard Seashore is the proper place to finish your journey. The 4.5-mile seaside 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

Day 7 Overview

  • DRIVING DISTANCE – 83 miles
  • DRIVE TIME – 1 hour 35 minutes
  • ON THE WAY – Ophir Seashore, Port Orford, Lone Ranch Seashore
  • CAMPING OPTION – Bullard Seashore State Park
  • LODGING OPTIONBandon Resorts, yurts accessible at Bullard Seashore State Park

In your last 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 plenty of nice hikes. We visited this space with my mother and father, and it was one in all my favourite areas alongside the entire Oregon Coast. It’s simply as fairly, and there are method fewer folks 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 simplest factor could be to remain on the identical campsite (or resort) in Bullard because the night time earlier than and make a day journey out of this.

Alternatively, if it’s important to make it again to Portland on day 7, you possibly can 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 a bit of bit again via 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

When you’ve got pups, you’re going to wish to cease right here. This is without doubt one of the few seashores in your journey that’s off-leash pleasant. The seaside is huge, there are only a few folks, and your canine can run for miles.

border collie and mini-aussie on Ophir Beach in Oregon on a sunny dayborder collie and mini-aussie on Ophir Beach in Oregon on a sunny day
Charlie and Gumbo liked Ophir Seashore

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 fashionable trails embody the Indian Sands Path and the Secret Seashore Path.

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

Woman holding dog at Oregon Coast lookout on Lone Rock BeachWoman holding dog at Oregon Coast lookout on Lone Rock Beach
The distinctive rock formations at Lone Rock Seashore

3-Day Oregon Coast Highway journey itinerary

Quick on time? When you don’t have a full seven days to highway journey the Oregon Coast, here’s a shortened itinerary that you could cowl on a protracted 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. Take a look at the point of view and hike right down to Indian or Crescent Seashore
  • Go to Cannon Seashore, seize some meals, and watch the sundown at Haystack Rock
  • Keep at a resort 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 Properly and proceed onto Heceta Head Lighthouse. Hike to Hobbit Seashore.
  • 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 elements in regards to the Oregon Coast is that it’s nice throughout any time of yr because the shoreline hardly ever 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 search 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 get pleasure from that magical and moody-coastal feeling that Oregon has.

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

Three people on a hiking trail on a sunny day o the Oregon coastThree people on a hiking trail on a sunny day o the Oregon coast
Go to the Oregon Coast within the shoulder seasons to keep away from the crowds

Suggestions for Your Oregon Coast Highway Journey

Under are just a few suggestions on your Oregon Coast highway journey to assist be certain that your journey goes easily.

  • Verify the climate: The climate on the Oregon Coast may be unpredictable. It’s what provides it its moody really feel! Make sure you test the climate so you recognize what to anticipate and might pack the suitable clothes like a rain jacket and many layers.
  • Store for picnic lunches: There are such a lot of nice picnic spots alongside the coast from parks to seashores. Packing a small cooler and looking for easy-to-make lunches is a good concept.
  • E-book lodging and campsites upfront: The lodging and campgrounds alongside the coast can refill in a short time, so remember to ebook far sufficient upfront that you simply don’t miss out in your first decisions. Additionally there may be little or no free dispersed tenting accessible alongside the Oregon coast, so be ready to pay for tenting.
  • Concentrate on seaside security: Whereas seashores are nice enjoyable, it’s necessary to grasp security on the seaside. Know when the tides will probably be high and low, take note of warning indicators, and watch out if you happen to do go for a swim.
  • Take your time: Dashing via a visit down the coast isn’t best. It’s greatest to take your time so you possibly can actually see every thing that there’s to see.
  • Have the required passes: When you’re visiting state parks, you’ll wish to just remember to have an Oregon State Parks move. Another areas alongside the coast additionally could require a move or allow, so remember to hold these in thoughts!
Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor sitting in a camp chair next to her dad at a campsite with their Sprinter vans behind themBearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor sitting in a camp chair next to her dad at a campsite with their Sprinter vans behind them
Tenting with my dad close to Ophir Seashore. Be certain that to ebook your campsites early, particularly on summer season weekends!

Placing collectively a Pacific Northwest highway journey? Take a look at these posts for assist planning your journey:

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Is an Oregon Coast highway journey in your bucket checklist? What questions do you continue to have about planning one? When you’ve already been there, what are your favourite stops, hikes, and issues to do? Go away a remark beneath!



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