This Oregon Coast highway journey combines jaw-dropping surroundings with an unforgettable ambiance.
The way in which the fog rolls in off the Pacific. The sound of waves thudding into rocks. The small cities the place life nonetheless feels pleasantly unplugged. It’s a shoreline that invitations you to decelerate, breathe salty air and take the scenic route each time.
Stretching over 360 miles from Astoria within the north to Brookings close to the California border, this highway journey packs in moody cliffs, windswept dunes, dramatic sea stacks, working harbours and lengthy, empty seashores the place the loudest sound is normally your individual footsteps.
Right here’s a information to this scenic drive – no dashing, loads of aspect stops, and plenty of room for wild moments in between.
Route Overview
Astoria → Cannon Seashore → Cape Kiwanda (Pacific Metropolis) → Newport (optionally available) → Heceta Head → Bandon → Brookings
Ideally suited journey size: 5–7 days
Greatest time to go: Late spring to early autumn – for milder climate, fewer washouts and the very best probability of that golden coastal gentle
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Begin: Astoria – maritime grit & riverside historical past
Begin in Astoria, a working port city the place the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean.
It’s obtained character in spades – barely scruffy, quietly hip and filled with historical past.
Suppose Victorian-era properties, salmon canneries changed into galleries, and a movie connection or two (sure, that is The Goonies city).
Climb the Astoria Column for panoramic views or wander alongside the Riverwalk, the place cargo ships float previous as sea lions bark from the docks.
Pop into Fort George Brewery for a pint of one thing native – they do wonderful IPAs – or seize fish and chips from a riverside meals cart.
It’s an awesome introduction to the Oregon Coast’s barely offbeat, deeply scenic vibe.
Cease 1: Cannon Seashore – sea stacks, sand & artwork
Head to Cannon Seashore, slightly below 30 miles down the coast and residential to one in all Oregon’s most iconic sights – Haystack Rock.
This hulking sea stack rises 72 metres from the shoreline and is usually framed by mist or seabirds, relying on the temper of the climate.
You may stroll proper as much as it at low tide, the place rock swimming pools reveal starfish, anemones and scuttling crabs.
The city itself is upmarket however pleasant – filled with small galleries, artisan espresso outlets and boutique inns.
Take a stroll down Hemlock Road, seize a pastry from Sea Stage Bakery, or sit out on the sand for sundown and watch the sunshine shift over the rock.
If you happen to fancy a hike, the paths at Ecola State Park supply lush forest walks with clifftop ocean views. The Indian Seashore path is especially photogenic.
Keep: The ocean‑entrance The Waves presents snug rooms with seashore views, useful microwaves and fridges, plus a scorching tub to unwind after exploring Cannon Seashore.
Cease 2: Cape Kiwanda – sand dunes and surf tradition
Additional south, Cape Kiwanda at Pacific Metropolis marks a change in temper. It’s a bit extra rugged, much less polished, and nice for energetic travellers.
The cape is understood for its big sand dune – which you’ll be able to climb (put together to be breathless) – and a headland that juts into the ocean with highly effective waves always crashing in opposition to it.
The seashore is vast, dramatic and sometimes dotted with surfers braving the chilly Pacific.
You’ll additionally see dory boats launching instantly from the seashore – a conventional fishing technique nonetheless going sturdy right here.
Pelican Brewing sits proper on the sand and is a perfect spot for a post-hike pint or informal lunch with probably the greatest views on the complete coast.
Keep: If you happen to go for a trendy keep proper by the surf and dunes after exploring Cape Kiwanda, take into account Inn at Cape Kiwanda simply inside Pacific Metropolis.
Non-compulsory Cease: Newport – coastal city with character
Simply south of Cape Kiwanda, Newport makes a strong in a single day cease if you need a bit extra buzz.
The Historic Bayfront has working fishing boats, sea lions piled on floating docks, and old-school seafood joints serving chowder and crab legs by the pound.
You may as well go to Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s tallest, or the close by Satan’s Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave that foams and roars with the tide.
For one thing quirky, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is among the higher marine centres within the area and makes rainy-day choice.
Cease 3: Heceta Head – lighthouse perched on a cliff
Some of the photogenic spots on the entire route is Heceta Head Lighthouse, close to the city of Florence.
The lighthouse sits on a cliff, usually shrouded in mist, and appears like one thing from a gothic novel – particularly in early morning or late afternoon gentle.
You may stroll up from Satan’s Elbow State Park, a phenomenal crescent seashore the place the surf crashes onto sea-worn rocks.
The path to the lighthouse is brief however steep, with dramatic pay-off views over the headland.
If you happen to’re fortunate, you may spot migrating gray whales offshore; this stretch of coast is prime territory, particularly in spring and autumn.
Keep: For a peaceable retreat inside simple attain of the lighthouse and seashore, attempt Forest Haven Retreat in Florence.
Cease 4: Bandon – coastal drama & inventive aptitude
Heading south, Bandon usually catches travellers abruptly. It’s not probably the most well-known spot, but it surely’s one of the crucial visually placing.
The seashore right here is suffering from large, sculptural sea stacks that seem like they’ve been dropped from house. All set in opposition to golden sands and thundering surf.
The outdated city is small however artistic, with artwork studios, cafés and some nice seafood choices.
Face Rock Creamery is price a go to for handmade cheeses and surprisingly good grilled cheese sandwiches.
For photographers, the sunshine right here is magical, particularly throughout the golden hour when the ocean stacks forged lengthy shadows throughout the seashore.
Keep: If you happen to want to keep the night time right here after exploring Bandon’s dramatic coast, take into account Beachfront Bandon Trip Rental with Ocean View which presents direct seashore entry and sea views.
Closing cease: Brookings – Southern Gateway with secret seashores
End your journey in Brookings, the final cease earlier than the California border.
It’s much less dramatic than earlier sections however makes base to discover the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall. It’s a stretch of rugged shoreline that hides a number of the most lovely, lesser-known spots on the route.
Highlights embody:
- Pure Bridges Viewpoint – a rock arch shaped by years of pounding surf.
- Secret Seashore – not that secret, however nonetheless quiet and beautiful.
- Whaleshead Seashore – dramatic and sometimes abandoned, with loads of driftwood for impromptu seating.
Brookings has a subtler attraction; a mixture of coastal calm and entry to severe pure magnificence.
It’s a peaceable place to finish the journey, ideally with a windswept seashore stroll and a gradual dinner with ocean views.
Keep: For a fantastically appointed vacation dwelling only a quick drive from the coast, select Chapman Lane.
Necessities
Driving time (with out stops): Approx. 8–9 hours complete.
What to pack: Waterproof jacket, layers for fog and solar, good strolling footwear, digicam, snacks for spontaneous picnic stops.
Driving tip: Freeway 101 is well-maintained however slim and winding in components. Keep away from dashing and replenish in larger cities as petrol stations will be sparse alongside some stretches.
Closing Ideas
This highway journeys feels very elemental – water, wind, rock and timber – and it has a rhythm that’s exhausting to shake.
The size of all of it, the sunshine, the sense of house and solitude you get on a misty morning drive or a cliff-edge hike – it’s road-tripping at its greatest.
Take the coastal curves gradual, cease for each lighthouse, and don’t be shocked in case you begin planning your return journey earlier than you’ve even crossed the California line.
