Oregon’s Dramatic Coastline Highway 101
Highway 101, also known as the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, is known for its 363 miles of breathtaking and dramatic coastline. It is unlike any other. The highway runs the entire Oregon coastline from the Columbia River to California, and didn’t exist prior to the 1930s. It’s home to many quaint little seaside towns, isolated pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, historic lighthouses, sand dunes, and lots of sea life. It remains relatively unspoiled, even today.
Recommended Travel Route
Bucket List Routes
Portland to Brookings and Return
Time: 15 hrs
Miles: 780 miles
Minimum: 5 days
Preferred: 1 week +
Overnight Stays (1 – 2 days each)
Cannon Beach
Depoe Bay, Otter Crest, or Newport
Yachats
Bandon
Seattle to San Francisco
Highway 101 (or reverse)
Time: 18 hrs
Miles: 900
Minimum: 7 days
Preferred: 9 – 10+ days
Seattle to Olympic National Park
to Brookings to San Francisco
(Entire Highway 101)
Time: 26 hrs
Miles: 1200
Minimum: 9 days
Preferred: 2+ weeks
Be sure to drive to Cape Flattery and
stay in the Park several nights.
All are approximate miles and times for planning.
Be Aware
Many recreation sites, hiking trails, and parks require passes and/or permits. Be sure to read up on the different passes to determine which may be best for you and which sites require one.
The oldest American settlement west of the Mississippi, has a dramatic view of the Columbia River as you pass over the Astoria-Meglar bridge. If you are a bridge-lover, you will love this one; as it’s the longest continual truss bridge in North America. It climbs high above the water to give you incredible views of this historic town.
Popular attractions are River Tours down the Columbia River, the Maritime Museum, Fort Stevens State Park, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.
For a quick ½ hour detour off this bridge to an amazing lighthouse, you can cross the bridge over into Washington State to visit Cape Disappointment State Park.
Rich in Northwest history, you can learn about U.S. military history and experience the story of Lewis & Clark. Perched high on the cliffs you will see the North Head Lighthouse, which guided ships from the Pacific Ocean into the mouth of the Columbia River. The winds are high, and the waves crashing. Storms roll in and the views can become spectacular. Swimming is not recommended in this area; but you will be mesmerized by its crashing waves.
Long Beach
Located near Cape Disappointment is Long Beach. It’s known as the “World’s Longest Beach”, reaching 28 miles. Some claim this is not true and it’s the world’s largest drivable beach. This too is disputed, as vehicles are forbidden to drive on parts of it, and you can even get stuck. Never the less, it’s a nice claim to come home with that you visited the area. Now, lets head back over my favorite bridge back to Oregon and continue down the coastline.
Seaside
An early resort town known for its surf breaks and an early 1920s promenade. A popular place for enjoying the beach, shopping, and surfing.
Cannon Beach
This is a must stop along the Oregon Coastline. It can get crowded, and hotels book out fast. Its also a very expensive little town and hard to find parking. Yet, it’s a super cute little town and the views from this area are breathtaking. I would recommend an overnight stay, two, or three here (if you can afford it). The town streets are lined with gorgeous flowers and lead to many small boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. There is something for the entire family, even your pets here.
Cannon Beach, voted once by National Geographic as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world, is known for its long sandy shores and the iconic Haystack Rock, standing tall in the ocean. You will want to see it during sunrise and sunset (high tides and low), as both views are spectacular. It’s just a short drive north to Ecola State Park, which offers sweeping views of the entire coastline, coves, and a lighthouse. It can get very windy on its cliffs, so take a jacket (even in summer). Just to the south lies Hug Point and its State Recreation Site. Here you will find waterfalls onto the sandy shores, caves and coves. Parking is limited and it’s important to look at tide times, as you can easily get stuck out in these caves as the tides come in. Hug Point is a playground for the young and old. You don’t want to miss it. Look for strong winds to spiral sand around you, it’s lots of fun, and you will want to spend hours here.
Haystack Rock (known for its seasonal tufted puffins).
Ecola State Park
Super cute town.
Rugged rocks and coves.
Star fish
Abundant anemones, mussels, and urchins.
Sea caves at Hug Point
Filled with boutiques and restaurants. They even put water bowls out for your pets.
View from my favorite hotel: Hallmark Resort Hotel & Spa
Imagine waking up to this view.
Ready to feel what’s it like to be standing on Cannon Beach?
Watch the following video.
How about Hug Point?
Oswald West State Park
Four miles of secluded sandy beaches, rainforest, and hiking trails along the coastline. It was named after the Oregon governor that started the process of securing it’s beaches for the public. Popular hikes here are Blumenthal Falls off Short Sand Beach, Cape Falcon Trailhead, or Elk Flats Trail (known for spectacular views for wedding portraits). Be sure to stop at the Neahkahnie Viewpoints.
Elk Flats Trail
Rockaway Beach and The Three Graces
Tillamook
Home of the Tillamook Creamey, a top tourist attraction along the coastline. You can eat, shop, and learn about their more than 108 years of experience in making cheese. They also have ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, and butter. If you have never tried Tillamook ice cream, this is a must stop. They are super creamy, decadent, and flavorful. There will be something for everyone here.
Oceanside
Travel up from the south on Netarts Oceanside Highway W towards Symons State Scenic Viewpoint. Just past this viewpoint you will find Oceanside Beach State Park, park here. Oceanside is a quaint little town styled in typical European fashion. You will find many vacation rentals here and families visit for weeks. As you walk onto the beach, head towards the far right. Just past a jetted peak, known as Maxwell Point, you will be able to access Tunnel Beach; but only in low tides. Around the next point is Agate Beach and Lost Boy Cave, also only accessed during low tide. As you can image the reason for the name of the cave, it’s a stark reminder to be back before high tide returns, or you may be the one “lost”.
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Heading back you will cross onto Cape Meares Scenic Loop, passing more beaches on your way to the lighthouse. Cape Meares sits 200 feet high on a cliff and has amazing views of the coastline. You will not want to miss this stop. Cape Meares is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route. The other two are Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda.
Cape Meares has the one of the highest population colonies of nesting sea birds on the continent. With over 3 miles of hiking trails, a unique shaped tree called the “Octopus Tree”, it is a known area for spotting whales and sea lions. Be sure to walk then entire loop around this peninsula. It’s a very easy walk and wheel-chair accessible.
Cape Lookout
Has hiking trails that are great for families. I personally don’t think the 5 mile hike is worth it when there is so much to see and do on this coastline. But if you have time, you are certainly welcome to it. I will tell you, the kids, although easy for them to do, won’t enjoy the length of it.
Cape Kiwanda
Known as the locals “secret beach”, they probably don’t want me writing about it, so “shhh”. There is a beach and a huge sand dune. It is usually packed and many locals hanging out at the Pelican Brewing for spectacular views and refreshments. The food is actually quite good here. Parking will be difficult to find, and you may have to wait awhile. Once you find parking, head up the large sand dune to the very top (and not in flip flops). You will wonder why you are doing this, or how you will get back down. But once you get to the top, you will realize why. There are large cliffs with crashing waves hitting caves and crevasses. The sand dune edges are fenced off. It is important not to cross them, as the sand can crumble suddenly under your feet. Several people have actually died on these sand dunes falling into the ocean. Be sure to give yourself a couple of hours to get up, walk around, watch the waves, and get back down (either running down unintentionally or scooting on your bottom as you slip going down).
Lincoln City and Depoe Bay
Small town areas with shopping, restaurants, casino, wildlife, whale watching, and lighthouses. Find family fun with a skate park and kite flying here. It’s also pet friendly. You will want to stop for the Memorial Wall, and maybe some of its cute shops to stretch your legs. A great place for an overnight stay.
Tip: Stop at Boiler State Bay State Scenic Viewpoint for panoramic views, known for spotting gray whales and sea birds.
View from Tidal Raves Seafood Grill, Depoe Bay.
I highly recommend this restaurant. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time.
Otter Crest Area
Heading down Hwy 101 you will want to stop at the Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint and the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. If you didn’t stay overnight in Depoe Bay, you will definitely want to stay here. The Inn at Otter Crest is a beautiful relaxing resort set high up on a ocean bluff. It has 35 acres of lush walking trails, a children’s playground, heated outdoor pools, and its own beach. You cannot beat the views this resort offers.
Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
Shaped by the wave action of two sea caves that probably collapsed, it’s the perfect short stop for a picnic. Parking is limited, but people don’t usually stay long, so just wait.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Our next stop on this glorious drive will blow you away, it did me. Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and extends out onto a peninsula one mile long. The area has several paths, boardwalks, and hiking trails. Beautiful purple, yellow, and white flowers line the hills along its bluffs. It does require a permit, $7 per vehicle, good for 3 days.
As you walk along its trails, you will see harbor seals lined along the rocky shores of Cobble Beach and Quarry Cove. Cobble Beach is made up of black rock and black sand. If you get the chance to hike down to the beach area, look up for an amazing view of the white light house among white cliffs, colored flowers, and blue waters. You may also see whales and birds.
For the best views of this spectacular lighthouse, hike Salal trail at the end of the parking lot near the restrooms. It will take you to the top where you can overlook then entire peninsula.
Newport
Known as the “Dungeness Crab Capital of the World”, it has an active fishing community, the state’s second tallest lighthouse, a brewery, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Mo’s, known for it’s world famous clam chowder.
Seal Rock
Two a half miles of partially submerged rocks. A great spot to explore.
Yachats
My favorite city along the Oregon Coastline. It’s known for breaktaking coastal views, relaxation, and hotels among its rugged shorelines. Yachacts has spa-oriented hotels, art galleries, small shops, and restaurants. Home to the famous Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, it’s the perfect spot to spend a few days soaking in all the beauty this area has to offer. If you don’t spend a few days here, you will regret it. Trust me!
Overleaf Lodge and Spa and its sister property Fireside Motel
Both are excellent places to stay in Yachats. Overleaf is luxury at its finest, whereas Fireside is practical, clean, and budget-friendly. You can’t go wrong with either. Go with your taste and budget. Either gives the amazing coastal views along the 804 trail. Ready to make smores with an evening camp fire on the beach?
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Cape Perpetua, one of my favorites, has the highest viewpoint by car on the Oregon Coastline at its overlook. Here you will see the spruce rainforest transition into the sea. The early explorer James Cook first observed the area in 1778 and in 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as a base camp for young men in training. It has a Visitor’s Center, many trails, tide pools, churns, spouting horns, and dramatic coastal views.
The tide pools can only be seen at low tide. While the Spouting Horn, Thor’s Well, and Devil’s Churn are best seen at high tide and during winter storms. Devil’s Churn also has restrooms, a coffee shop, a wheelchair accessible viewpoint, and an information station in the summer months. This is a must-see stop. Don’t miss it!
WARNING ENTIRE CAPE PERPETUA SCENIC AREA:
These areas are very rocky and slippery, so use extreme caution when exploring. Sturdy shoes and a walking stick are the recommended tide pool gear.
Never turn your back on the ocean! Waves may catch you by surprise (especially when you aren’t focusing to get that perfect picture).
Know the tide table and never leave children unattended.
It only takes a few wrong steps to put you in the line of danger, beware.
Also know that it is illegal to remove or collect any creatures from the tide pools, as they are part of a protected marine garden.
Devil’s Churn
At the top is a viewpoint with very limited free 15 minute parking. You will want to pay the fee to park longer, allowing you the time to hike down to the actual churn to see its crashing waves. Honestly you could spend hours here, and you will want to. Be careful though, as the waves sneak up on you and the rocks are very slippery. Check out the tide schedules, as water comes in quickly in this area.
Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint
These pullouts encompass four areas and are other great areas to explore.
Ona Restaurant & Lounge
Ready for dinner in Yachats? There are many places to choose, but one of my personal favorites with great food and a view, is Ona Restaurant & Lounge. A little on the pricey side, it’s the perfect spot to end the day.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
An actual working lighthouse casting light rays some 21 miles out to sea; the brightest light on the Oregon coast. Sitting 205 feet high on bluffs, it’s the most photographed lighthouse in the U.S. In saying that, you can imagine the amount of visitors it gets. It does have a large parking lot and costs $5. The hike up is short, just ½ mile, but it may be a little steep for some at 150 feet gain in elevation.
The Lighthouse has one of the last remaining Lightkeeper’s cottages on the Pacific Coast where you can make reservations to stay. How cool is that?
Florence
One of the fastest growing cities in Oregon, it has a large number of people choosing it as their retirement home along the Oregon Coastline. It stands at the northern edge of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. America’s largest sea cave, The Sea Lion Caves, is located here. In winter you will find hundreds of sea lions in the cave, and in the spring they move to the rocky areas outside the caves for breeding and birthing. This is a great stop for family fun.
Other popular attractions on this drive are the Cape Creek Bridge and Hobbit Beach.
Reedsport
Known for the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area; it’s an area where you can rent an all-terrain vehicle to ride in the sand, hike, or ride a horse. The Umpqua lighthouse is also here, which attracts many visitors to the area.
Coos Bay is the name for both the city and the body of water. It is the largest town along the southern Oregon Coastline. Along with North Bend, a nearby city, it makes up the largest metro area on the entire Oregon Coastline. It’s known for the gardens of Shore Acres and the Charleston Marine Life Center aquarium.
Bandon
One of my other favorite locations, was largely burned down some seventy years ago, rebuilt, it is now a popular destination among tourists. It is best known as the best golf destination along the Oregon Coastline, if not all of Oregon. With lots of golf, shops, restaurants, and lodges, it also falls nothing short of specular views of the rugged coastline. You will find abundant sea life here and worth a few days stay.
Popular attractions are the Cape Argo State Park and Lighthouse, Coquille River Lighthouse, the Bandon Oregon Coast Walk, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Bandon Beach, Kronenberg County Park, Bandon State Natural Area, and Devils Kitchen.
is walking distance to the beach.
Imagine Seeing This…
Want to feel the rugged coastline?
Gold Beach to Brookings
You’ve almost made it to the most southern tip of the Oregon coastline! Don’t stop short and miss out on this breathtaking scenery. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor lies here, along with rivers, fishing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and even some redwood groves. If you are really daring, you can continue the 101 all the way to San Francisco. But for me, that’s another trip.
Do you have a favorite spot or activity along the Oregon Coastline?
What about your favorite lodging or restaurant?
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This article is dedicated to:
My dear friend Mary.
Mary Helton | 3rd Nov 18
Beautiful article. I have it on my list when I move up there!
Journey Jitters | 3rd Nov 18
Thank you Mary. I can’t wait to hear what you have learned from your own travels.