From the Mountains to the Sea: A Guide to Driving the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s a great place to travel and explore. The coastline is full of dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and sandy beaches. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy, from hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, the Oregon Coast is the perfect destination.

It had been over 30 years since I had been to the Oregon coast I remember as a small child walking down the rugged sandy beaches and seeing starfish and rock formations that one typically does not see anywhere else on the United States coasts. So when it came time for vacation planning the Oregon cost came to mind. Not unlike the secret trip, the rest of the family wanted to leave the planning to me. We only have about a week to make our trip so we started in Portland and made our way about halfway down the coast before returning to Portland to fly home.

Astoria

Astoria is a beautiful coastal town in Oregon. The quaint downtown area is perfect for exploring, and there are plenty of great restaurants and shops to check out. The views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains are simply stunning, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.

We toured Astoria as a photo stop on our way to Cannon Beach where we would spend our first nights in Oregon. The town offers a lot of picturesque spots to see the history of an early fishing town. It was a great introduction to the Oregon coast and reminded me of a small version of Boston. Of course, great picture spots were not our only reason for visiting. As fans of the movie “The Goonies” we wanted to tour some of the local spots featured in the movie.

The Goonies – Museum

George Flavel House Museum is a 19th-century Victorian mansion in Astoria, Oregon that was used as the primary filming location for the 1985 cult classic film The Goonies. The house was built in 1885 by sea captain George Flavel and is now owned and operated as a museum by the Clatsop County Historical Society. The museum is open to the public for tours and features a variety of Goonies-themed exhibits, including original props and costumes from the film.

The house is located at 441 8th Street in Astoria and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This was the site where the main charters’ father worked and the Goonies rode their bikes past on their way to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy.

The Goonies – Jail

The Astoria Goonies Jail is a must-see for any fan of the classic film The Goonies. This unique attraction is located in the basement of the Clatsop County Courthouse, and it was used as a holding cell for real prisoners in the early 1900s. Visitors can explore the jail, which has been featured in several films and television shows and learn about its history.

The Astoria Goonies Jail is featured in the opening scene of the movie where the Fratelli family is breaking out one of their own and proceeds to a car chase through another one of Oregon’s top tourist attractions, Haystack Rock.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a beautiful coastal town in Oregon, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy some amazing food. The town is home to some of the best restaurants in the state, and you’ll find everything from seafood to Italian cuisine. There are also plenty of great cafes and bakeries to enjoy, so you’ll never go hungry in Cannon Beach.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay, there are plenty of options in Cannon Beach. There are several hotels and inns that offer stunning views of the ocean, and you can also find vacation rentals if you’re interested in staying in a more private setting. In our case, we stayed at The Waves at Cannon Beach which was right on the beach and within walking distance of Haystack Rock which is the first must-see destination on Oregon’s coast (and again featured in The Goonies).

Cannon Beach is a great place to visit any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful in the summer. The town comes alive with tourists, and there are plenty of events and activities to keep you busy. You can enjoy the beach, go on hikes, or simply relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.

Haystack Rock

Haystack Rock is an iconic landmark in Cannon Beach, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The rock is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, which makes it a great place to bird-watch. There are a number of ways to experience Haystack Rock, including hiking, picnicking, and simply enjoying the views.

During your visit, DEFINATELY visit during low tide. During low tide, you are able to walk right up to the rock that is normally surrounded by the ocean and not accessible. Based on the time of year we visited, this was in the early hours which was great. The crowds were non-existent and the temperature was perfect.

We were treated with large cliffs with sealife coving the entire bottom portion of the rock. Of course, this allowed for great viewing of the starfish as seen above. We also lucked out that morning with the tide out and found ourselves treasure-hunting for what had been lost to the sea. Let’s just say we walked away with an extra Go-Pro for our efforts.

As you can see from this pool, the tide was completely out and you could nearly walk all away around it. Several hours later, the closest you could get was about where the picture was taken from. The dark area near the bottom shows you about how high the water gets and where you will be treated to significant sealife against the walls.

Indian Beach

The Indian Beach Oregon coast is one of the most beautiful and secluded areas on the entire west coast. This beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can find a number of different activities to do while at Indian Beach, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

There are also several hiking trails located nearby that offer breathtaking views of the natural scenery. Indian Beach Oregon is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible beauty of nature.

Indian Beach was close to Cannon Beach if that is where your home base is, but Cape Falcon Trailhead was equally impressive. Be sure to take one of these hikes during your visit to the area.

Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site

The Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site is located on the Oregon Coast just south of Cannon Beach. It is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and beachcombing. There are also a few campsites available for those who wish to stay overnight. The views from the top of the cliffs are stunning, and there is always a chance to see some wildlife.

As you might be able to tell by now, there are tons of beaches and little coves to explore near Cannon Beach. Definitely plan to stay several nights and venture out to each of these. Those that never make it past Cannon Beach miss some of the nicest areas of the coastline.

Cape Falcon Trailhead

The Cape Falcon Trailhead is a beautiful place to take a hike and enjoy the scenery. It is located in Oregon near the town of Cannon Beach. The trailhead provides access to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from Cape Falcon. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. It is a great place for a family hike or a romantic hike for two. There are also many different kinds of birds and wildlife to see along the way. This is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy nature.

There are several different hiking trails to choose from, so you can find one that’s perfect for your fitness level. The views from the top of the trail are stunning.

We decided to take a hike one of the days we were staying in the Cannon Beach area which was not too difficult at all and offered some great views.

Short Sand Beach

Short Sand Beach is a beautiful beach located in Oregon next door to Cape Falcon Trailhead. It is known for its stunning scenery and its sandy shores. The beach is also popular for its surfing and bodyboarding. Even if you don’t make use of the trailhead be sure to visit Short Sand Beach.

The beach is also a great place to take a walk or go for a jog. If you’re looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Manzanita Beach

Manzanita Beach is situated on the coast of Manzanita, Oregon, and is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent surfing conditions. Visitors to the beach can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing. Manzanita Beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Oregon Coast.

Given all there was to see, we did not go to the beach, but were able to take a great photo from one of the overlooks. You can see Manzanita Beach in the distance.

Silver Point Interpretive Overlook

The Silver Point Interpretive Overlook is located on the north side of the Columbia Gorge, near Cannon Beach. This scenic spot provides stunning views of the river and gorge, as well as Mt. Hood in the distance.

In addition to the Cape Falcon Trailhead, we made a quick stop for fantastic pictures of the coast.

Arcadia Beach

Arcadia Beach State Heritage Area is a state park located in Lincoln County. The park is situated on the Oregon Coast between the towns of Depoe Bay and Lincoln City, near Cape Kiwanda. Arcadia Beach was once a popular tourist destination, but it fell into disrepair after being hit by several storms in the early 1900s.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is located on the Oregon Coast, just south of Tillamook. It was built in 1890 and is one of the state’s most recognizable landmarks. The light from the lighthouse can be seen for 21 miles out to sea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history. There is also a gift shop and a picnic area.

From the lighthouse and a short hike to it, there are great views of the coast. I would argue the surrounding area is more reason than enough to add it to your itinerary, but the lighthouse itself was a bit underwhelming compared to some of the others noted in the article.

Tillamook Factory

The Tillamook Factory is a cheese factory located in Tillamook, Oregon. The factory is open to the public for tours and also has a cafe, gift shop, and ice cream parlor. Tillamook cheese is made from milk produced by local dairy farms. The milk is transported to the factory where it is pasteurized and then turned into cheese. The Tillamook Factory produces a variety of cheeses including cheddar, Swiss, and pepper jack.

The Tillamook Factory is a popular tourist destination for both Oregonians and out-of-state visitors. We made a stop on our way to our next hotel for some great ice cream and grilled cheese sandwiches. A word of advice, do not eat before your visit. We made the mistake of having just eaten a full meal before arriving which limited our desire to try other foods they had as well huge ice cream cones. We did our best to eat what we could but certainly could have made it one of our meals for the day.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a beacon of light and hope along the Oregon Coast. Standing 93 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. The light from its first-order Fresnel lens can be seen for 21 miles out to sea.

Today, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is open to the public for tours. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Oregon coast from the top of the lighthouse tower. We made a stop at The Yaquina Head Lighthouse on our way to Yachats and definitely worth the stop along the way.

Yachats

Yachats is a small coastal town in Oregon that is known for its scenic beauty and friendly atmosphere. The town is located on the central Oregon Coast, about halfway between Newport and Florence. Yachats is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, as there are numerous hiking trails and beaches nearby. In addition, the town is home to several Art galleries and shops.

Yachats is situated on an 804-acre state park, which includes the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. The town is also adjacent to the Siuslaw National Forest, making it an ideal base for exploring the Oregon Coast.

Similar to Astoria, Yachats was a picture spot for us on our way to our next stop, but it certainly looked like a spot you could call home for a few nights. We stayed just north at The Overleaf Lodge & Spa

Seal Sanctuary

Seal Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Yachats Oregon. It is located on the central Oregon coast and provides a safe haven for seals and other marine life. The sanctuary is also a research center for scientists from all over the world.

The Seal Sanctuary was founded in 1992 by Dr. Michael A. Miller. It is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured or orphaned marine mammals. The sanctuary is also committed to educating the public about the importance of marine conservation.

The Seal Sanctuary is home to seals, sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, and fur seals. We didn’t spend a lot of time here but was a great place on the way.

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint is a state park in Oregon located on the coast near the town of Depoe Bay. The park offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from its cliffs, as well as hiking trails through its lush forest. Visitors can also see wildflowers blooming in the springtime and enjoy whale watching from the park during the winter months. Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of Oregon’s Coast.

We made a quick stop to view the river and take a few photos.

Devil’s Churn

Devil’s Churn is a spectacular natural feature located in the state of Oregon, USA. Devil’s Churn is a narrow and deep channel that has been carved into the basalt rock by years of wave action. The churn is located at the end of the Cape Kiwanda State Scenic Area and is accessible only by foot. There is no bridge or other man-made structure that spans the churn, making it a truly natural and unspoiled feature.

The best time to visit Devil’s Churn is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the waves are typically calmer. The churn can be dangerous during high tide or when there are large waves, so it is important to use caution when visiting. There are several viewing areas along the cliffs above the churn where you can safely watch the waves crash into the narrow channel.

While Devil’s Churn was worth visiting, I actually found the surrounding area more interesting, and frankly one of my top spots of our trip. The area was picturesque and we spend just as much time exploring the cove that was nearby.

Similar to Haystack Rock, you will want to visit during low tide which will allow you to walk the beach area and find TONS of sea life. Just be sure to make your way back up before the tide comes in.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Head Lighthouse is a beautiful place to visit in Oregon. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the history of the lighthouse is fascinating. If you’re looking for a unique place to visit that is full of natural beauty and interesting history, Heceta Head Lighthouse is the perfect spot.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Oregon Coast. The light station sits atop a cliff that stands 205 feet above the ocean, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The original lens from Heceta Lighthouse is on display at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland.

For a price, you can stay in the side buildings. It caters to couples and is quite expensive, we choose to drive past the lighthouse to the next cove to capture a stunning photo.

Sea Lion Caves

The Sea Lion Caves are located on the Oregon Coast, just north of Florence. These caves are a must-see for anyone visiting the area, as they offer a unique and incredible experience.

The Sea Lion Caves are home to a colony of Steller sea lions, which are some of the largest in the world. These animals are truly a sight to behold, and it is an unforgettable experience to watch them in their natural habitat.

The Sea Lion Caves are open all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the sea lions are most active. During this time, you can also see other wildlife such as whales, dolphins, and seals.

The cave is a popular tourist destination and has been featured in numerous films and television shows. If you are planning a trip to the Sea Lion Caves, be sure to book your tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly.

This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip (in addition to Haystack Rock, Devil’s Churn area). Go early for fewer crowds.

Sand Dunes – Four Wheeling

Four wheeling is a popular activity on the Oregon sand dunes. There are many different trails that you can take your four-wheeler on. Some of the trails are more challenging than others, so make sure to pick one that is suitable for your skill level.

We are not avid riders, but we did stop and rent some four-wheelers for a few hours. There were large hills you could go over as well as a short flat trail ride to the coast we went down. It was something different for the family to do but can imagine if you’re into four-wheeling this would be right up your alley. As always, be careful in this type of activity as they were pretty easy to roll over in this type of terain.

Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area

The Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area is located in the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon. It is one of the few places in the Pacific Northwest where you can see elk all year round. The viewing area is open all year, but the best time to see the elk is from late September through early November when the elk are in their mating season. There is a large parking area at the viewing area, as well as a restroom and picnic tables.

You won’t spend a lot of time here, but certainly worth a stop if you’re in the area.

River Rafting

If you are looking for a great way to spend a day, Oregon River Rafting is a great option. It is a great way to get out and explore the state while getting some exercise. You can also find many different types of rafts to choose from.

Along with a number of the other sites, this was one of the highlights of the trip. We stayed at Steamboat Inn which was nice and the tour company picked us up from there and took us out for the day. We did the North Umpqua full-day trip that included class II and class III rapids. We were a bit timid that this might be a bit much with the kids but found it safe and exciting. I believe they had a section that was less intense but would highly recommend this one 1) which was far more fun, 2) constant excitement, and 3) less paddling in slow water.

As you can see from the pictures, we are the ones in the front raft, it was not too bad and the guide was well equipt to handle anything that came at us, of course directly us when to paddle to get that extra bump of energy when needed.

Multnomah Falls

Multnomah Falls is a waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge, east of Portland, Oregon. The falls drop in two major steps, split into an upper tier of 542 feet (165 m) and a lower tier of 69 feet (21 m), with a total height of 620 feet (189 m). Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the state of Oregon.

The falls are accessible via a short, 0.2-mile (0.32 km) hike from the Historic Columbia River Highway, which itself is east of Portland. A trailhead and parking lot are close to the highway’s Crown Point viaduct. From the trailhead, a paved footpath leads to a viewing platform at the top of the falls.

Accessing the falls is really easy and a quick 30-60mins added to your day. We went first thing in the morning when no one was there and enjoyed some quiet while walking around the falls area. There is;t much to see other than the falls, so it’s a quick addition to a day you’re in the area.

Toketee Falls

Located in the Umpqua National Forest, Toketee Falls is about 80 miles east of Eugene. The falls drop over a basalt columnar cliff, creating two tiers of cascading water. The upper tier is about 80 feet tall, while the lower tier drops another 40 feet. The total height of the falls is about 120 feet.

The best time to visit Toketee Falls is in the spring or early summer when the water flow is at its peak. However, the falls are also stunning in the fall, when the leaves of the surrounding trees change color. Toketee Falls is just a short hike from the trailhead, making it an easy destination for a day trip.

Both Toketee Falls and Multnomah Falls are worth a look if you’re in the area but certainly wouldn’t go completely out of your way to see them.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake located in the state of Oregon. The lake is situated in the caldera of an ancient volcano and is renowned for its deep blue color and clear water. Crater Lake is a popular destination for tourists and nature lovers alike. The lake is approximately 5 miles (8 km) wide and 1,943 feet (592 meters) deep, making it the deepest lake in the United States.

The water in Crater Lake is incredibly clear, due to the lack of rivers or streams that flow into the lake. In fact, the water is so clear that objects can be seen up to 140 feet (43 meters) below the surface. The average temperature of the water in Crater Lake is a cool 39 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius).

Depending on where you are headed, it was definitely a bit off the beaten path. After going along the organ coast, heading inland for the rifer rafting, and making the loop back to Portland, we fit it in on the final leg before making our way back to the Portland area. I wouldn’t say it was “on the way”, but certainly doable.

Cherries

When you come to Oregon, don’t forget to try the delicious cherries! The state is famous for its cherry production, and you’ll find them in abundance at farmers’ markets and grocery stores during the summer months.

There are two main types of cherries grown in Oregon: sweet cherries and tart cherries. Sweet cherries are typically eaten fresh, while tart cherries are used for baking and cooking.

If you want to pick your own cherries, as we did, there are several U-pick farms in Oregon. This was a great activity for the family with the added benefit of many quantities of cherries. In fact, we hit one location and before our drive was up we had eaten them all and had to find another location to do it again.

There are also a number of restaurants that sell cherry pie. We hit a roadside diner during our ride back to Portland and had a slice. It was great, but certainly be sure to get some fresh ones as well.

Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. Hiking, camping, skiing, and snowboarding are all popular activities in the area.

There are numerous trails of varying difficulty levels that wind through the forests and meadows surrounding Mt. Hood. The views from the top of the mountain are simply breathtaking, and well worth the effort it takes to get there.

We were staying at the lodge on the mountain and were able to ride the ski lift up to one of the viewpoints. You could also hike the same trail, but it was nice to have a mode of transportation as an alternative.

The Shining Lodge – Mt. Hood

If you’re a fan of the classic horror film The Shining, then you’ll definitely want to visit the lodge we stayed at (otherwise known as Timberline). This popular tourist destination is located in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest, and it offers visitors the chance to stay in the very same lodge that was used in the movie (at least the outside of it). Visitors can also take a tour of the lodge, learn about its history, and even watch a clip from the film.

If you’re looking for a truly terrifying experience, then you need to visit the Lodge at Mount Hood in Oregon. This hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of Jack Torrance, and it’s easy to see why. The Lodge is isolated and surrounded by dense forest, making it the perfect setting for a horror movie. There have been numerous reports of strange noises and sightings of ghostly figures at the Lodge, so if you’re brave enough to stay there, you may just have your own Shining experience.

The Witches Castle – Portland

The Witch’s Castle, also known as the Alberta Street Witches’ Castle, is a historic site located in Portland, Oregon. The castle was built in 1850 as a private residence, and it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Dr. Henry Lee Corbett. Dr. Corbett was a prominent Portland doctor and businessman who owned the castle from 1864 to 1880. He died in 1880, and his wife sold the castle shortly thereafter.

This was our last stop while in Portland where we boarded our plane back home the next day. It was a nice spot to get out of the city, but still in the city, for our final interaction with nature before heading home.

All in all, it was a great trip. We were not able to see everything and are planning to return in 2023 where we will arrive in Portland and plan to go all the way to San Francisco via the coast. Keep an eye out for that post as we plan spots we missed on this trip and many others that are in southern Oregon and northern California, including the Redwood Forest.

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