Take a Trip Down the Scenic Oregon Coast

Famous for stunning beaches and breathtaking views, a trip along the Oregon Coast is a marvel to explore. Add these to your must-see destinations on your next down Oregon’s Coast Highway:

Peter Iredale and Fort Stevens State Park. The Northern coast of Oregon is infamously known as the Graveyard of the Pacific due to over 2,000 shipwrecks off its shores. While most are still under water, the Peter Iredale – a 275-foot sailing ship – sits along the shore near Fort Stevens exactly where ran aground in 1906 and was abandoned. During low tide, you can walk right up to it.  While there, take time to explore the beaches, hiking and biking trails and historic Fort Stevens at the Fort Stevens State Park.

Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Named as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world by National Geographic, no trip along Oregon’s coast is complete without a stop at Cannon Beach. While there, make a point to visit Haystack Rock – one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks. Formed millions of years ago by lava flows, this 235-foot rock is home to a variety of wildlife that can be seen at low tide – everything from colorful sea stars and other tidepool creatures to puffins. For movie buffs, this is where The Goonies was filmed.

Hug Point. Before Highway 101 was completed in the 1920s, beaches were the main way to travel the Oregon Coast. For obvious reasons, this was a challenge even at low tide. Today, you can walk along the old road that stagecoaches took and see the wheel ruts left from their trips carved in the ruts. While there, visit the beautiful waterfall at Adair Point.

Depoe Bay. Besides being the Whale Watching Capital of Oregon, Depoe Bay is also the world’s smallest natural navigable harbor.  If you don’t want to go out in a boat to see the whales (which we highly recommend), head over to Boiler Bay to see migrating and resident gray whales, oceangoing birds or just take in the spectacular panoramic view.

Devil’s Punchbowl. Devil’s Punchbowl began as a sea cave created over hundreds of years by the ocean. At some point, the cave’s ceiling collapsed and exposed the sea’s undercurrents you see today. Visitors can stand by the edge and observe this site, and perhaps glimpse the frequent groups of seals and sea lions congregated nearby. If you are brave enough, you can take a short hike down into Devil’s Puchbowl itself during low tide and explore the tidepools and the various sea creatures that live there.

Tillamook Cheese Factory. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory on your trip down the Oregon Coast. The self-guided tour of this dairy farm gives a close-up view of the cheese-making process and draws more than one million visitors each year. While Tillamook is best-known for its cheese, try some of its other products too – yogurt, ice cream, sour cream and butter.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse. At 93-feet tall, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest along the Oregon Coast. Take a tour of this lighthouse that’s been active since 1873, or walk along the rocky shore to explore the tide pools, see bald eagles, the resident peregrine falcons and other sea and wildlife.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.  This 12-mile corridor encompasses high cliffs, stunning seastacks, beautiful beaches and secret coves. Take time to get out and explore the area as you pass through.  Visit the Natural Bridges and Thunder Rock Cove, picnic at Arch Rock, or hike around Cape Ferrelo.

These are just some of the highlights for a trip up the Oregon Coast. Looking for a more extensive itinerary? Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at (805) 236-4437.  We’re happy to help you plan your next vacation!