- Destinations
Epic Spring Coastal Oregon and Redwoods Road Trip
One of the best road trips in the Pacific Northwest is a coastal Oregon and Redwoods road trip. Some of the most iconic images of the West Coast can be seen on this trip and it is a great place to travel to year round. This trip is packed with towering trees, cascading waterfalls, and beautiful coastlines. Follow along on this epic five-day California Redwoods and Oregon Coast Itinerary!
In this guide, you will find stops for each day of the trip, optional add-ons, a packing guide, and helpful travel tips! I completed this trip in a Cabana Van Rental during the spring and thought it was the perfect way to enjoy a dry camping experience and avoid large crowds. This is how I would prefer to complete the trip. There are so many great ways to do this trip so I hope this inspires your planning!
Just a heads up! This post contains some affiliate links which means I earn a commision at no additional cost to you. Thanks in advance for your support.
Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (+ Redwoods Guide)
The best part about a trip to the Oregon Coast is that it is suited for a weekend trip, a long weekend trip, or if you have extra time a week-long adventure-packed itinerary. No matter the amount of time you have or the distance you wish to travel down or up the coast, you’re guaranteed to have great views of the Pacific Ocean.
You will find the destinations listed in this blog post on the map below.
Planning Your Oregon Coast Itinerary
The untouched and natural beauty of the Oregon Coast makes it the perfect place for a nature-driven vacation. But before you start your trip, there are a few things to think about:
- Time of Year
- Beginning and Ending Your Trip
- Number of Days
- Pick a Home Base(or Not)
The first section of this blog post covers the details of planning your trip before jumping into the best things you can do in the best places along the Oregon Coast.
Oregon Coast Itinerary Planning at a glance
Before driving down the coast, here are a few planning highlights for your trip to the Oregon Coast.
- Getting There: The ideal route is North to South, so you’ll want to fly into Portland International Airport. Check Flights Here!
- Getting Around: You’ll need a rental car to travel down the coast. Find rental car deals here!
- Where to Stay: Depending on the type of adventure you want, you can camp or stay in hotels. Find Lodging Here.
- Ideal Length of Trip: 5+ Days
- Best Months to Visit: Late June – October
When to do an oregon coast road trip?
The time of year that you complete your Oregon Coast Road Trip is going to depend entirely on you!
For classic, moody Oregon Coast vibes, the spring is the perfect time to go, but you’ll need to be prepared for wet conditions. Think waterproof boots and rain jackets. Even late spring brings the chance of light to heavy rain.
In the summer months, the area is hot and dry. For longer, strenuous hikes keep that in mind when determining how much water to carry.
While the winter months do get chilly, the proximity to the Pacific Ocean rarely results in snowy conditions. High winds and wet conditions make for unpleasant conditions, but trails and activities along the coast remain accessible.
How many days does it take to drive the oregon coast?
Depending on your starting location, a typical Oregon Coast itinerary is completed North to South beginning in Portland, OR, and ending in Brookings, OR before turning around or deciding to continue down to Redwoods State and National Park in Northern California.
For travelers flying in and out of Portland, OR for this trip, a minimum of five days for the entire coast to account for travel in and out of Portland is best.
The ideal number of days for an Oregon Coast Itinerary plus Redwoods State and National Park in California is eight days.
Choosing a home base (or not)
Depending on your travel style, you may want to post up in a city for a couple of days to explore the area in more depth rather than get a brief overview by driving through.
Picking a home base such as Cannon Beach and Pacific City makes it easy to comfortably stay a couple of nights in one great spot and spend your days exploring from that hub before moving on to the next city a couple of days later. This is an especially great way to explore the entire Oregon coast for people looking to stay in VRBOs that have a minimum stay requirement.
Day 1 - Northern Coast
The first day of the Oregon Coast road trip begins with the classic and iconic landmarks along the Oregon Coastal Highway.
Ecola State Park
Located between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park is a little off Route 101, but worth the detour to the coast! The 9 miles of coastline is a haven for tidepooling and wildlife viewing year-round. Drive through an old-growth Sitka Spruce Forest until you reach the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy a picnic on Indian Beach, take a short hike on the 2.5-mile Clatsop Loop Trail, or simply enjoy the sandy beach before continuing on to the next stop!
Haystack Rock
Haystack Rock is an extremely popular destination in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Located just off the beach is a towering stone that is widely recognized along the west coast. Even on rainy days, the beach is busy! Dogs are allowed off-leash and are free to run and play with their owners and other furry-tailed friends.
One of the coolest parts of Haystack is the tide pools that exist at low tide surrounding the stone. This is the only area where your furry friend is not allowed. While visiting tide pools, be mindful that these are living communities and practice caution. Never pick up anything out of a tide pool and do not step on any of the specimens that live in this fragile ecosystem.
The parking lot for Haystack is on the opposite side of the street from the beach, about one block over. It’s free to park there but parking is limited. They do have oversized parking in this parking lot. On sunny days it will be challenging to find a parking space! There are also public restrooms!
After visiting Haystack, be sure to stop in Pelican Brewing Company for a bite to eat and a refreshing brew!
Hug Point
Just like all coastal areas, keeping track of high and low tides at Hug Point is imperative. While a stop at Hug Point is still worthwhile at high tide, there is plenty more to see at low tide.
At high tide, the beach directly accessible after the parking lot provides ample space for exploration. There is a small cave off to the right that provides views of the entire beach.
At low tide, the accessible beach area is much more extensive. There are more caverns to explore in the area which provide unique views of this carved area by the sea.
The parking lot is sizable and it has a pit toilet.
Oswald West State Park
Considered one of the most spectacular parks in Oregon. The state park consists of a collection of shorter trails and a few longer ones but none longer than 7 miles!
If you have extra time, consider doing the North Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail for sweeping views of the surrounding area.
Cape Kiwanda
Probably one of the most picturesque stops of this day’s journey is Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Located in a small beach town, this area had a large beach with plenty of places to roam, run, lay, and play. Driftwood shelters and seating were arranged all along the beach area.
One of the draws to this cape is the large sand dune directly north of the beach entrance. Many people sled and shred these steep dunes. A short hike to various vantage points provides hikers with a birdseye view of the shore below.
Dogs can play off-leash here just be sure to pick up after them! There is a parking lot at the beach entrance that requires a $10 parking fee. If visiting this area, you may even get a chance to see a Dory boat. Be on the lookout! This parking lot is right next to another Pelican Brewing Location!
Other Stops
Seaside
The downtown area of seaside just north of Cannon Beach, roughly 15 minutes away, is an extremely cute Pacific Northwest beach town. With cute boutiques, historic buildings, and niche restaurants, it’s a great stopping place. The city has been growing and undergoing some development so there might be some construction in the surrounding areas, but don’t let that deter you from stopping! My favorite stops in Seaside are Seaside Aquarium and Seaside Brewery.
Rockaway Beach
Rockaway is a great stopping point for day one! There are tons of restaurants, campgrounds, and places to sleep in the area. Stopping here would make for a more leisurely pace to get through the itinerary. Hike the Old-Growth Cedar Trail on the Boardwalk or view the sea stacks on Rockaway Beach.
Tillamook Creamery
In the city of Tillamook is the Tillamook Creamery connected to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. It is definitely worthy of a quick stop in for a short self-guided tour of the cheese factory, a bite of creamy ice cream or delectable cheese curds, and a visit to the gift shop for cheese and cow themed items for your family and friends. My quick twenty minute stop at the creamery was full of smiles, laughs and dairy!
Cape Meares
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint is a quick stop along the route, but it is a longer detour off of Route 101. However, it is a fantastic stop to see the renowned Octopus-shaped Sitka Spruce and Cape Meares Lighthouse. In spring, it is a popular destination for birders viewing nesting seabirds like the cormorants and pigeon guillemots.
Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout State Park boarding Netarts Bay is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route, the 40-mile condensed Oregon Coast Itinerary. Complete the guided nature trail to learn all about the different types of local foliage along the coast!
Where to Stay
Devils Lake Recreation Area
Oregon State Park Campgrounds are elite. Whenever you’re traveling in Oregon you’ll love staying in their campgrounds because they are so well taken care of and have so many nice facilities. Some of the facilities included heated bathrooms, showers, and a sink for washing dishes.
Oregon State Parks also offer neat yurts that people can stay in! So if you’re traveling by car and don’t want to set up a tent, you could always stay in a yurt!
A beachfront hotel in Lincoln City with an on-site restaurant, indoor pool and private balcony with ocean views!
This private condo has beach access and gorgeous ocean views while remaining dog-friendly!
Where to eat
Here are a couple of my favorite places to eat along the route:
Pelican Brewing in Cannon Beach
Lazy Susan Cafe in Cannon Beach
The Grateful Bread Bakery & Restaurant in Lincoln City
On road trips, I typically pack my own meals to minimize cost!
Day 2 - Central Coast
There is so much to see on day two! When I completed this part of my itinerary, many of the stops were improvised because they caught our eye along the way. If you see something on the drive you think might be fun or cool STOP.
Begin your day at SALT, a delicious coffee shop and gift shop in Lincoln City!
Depoe Bay
If you’re completing your Oregon Coast Itinerary between June and mid-November, consider stopping in Depoe Bay, the “Whale watching capital of the Oregon Coast”. During that time whales draw near the shore making it easy to spot them from the coast.
Stop at the OPRD Whale Watching Center to borrow available binoculars and learn about the gray whale migration and other marine life that you can spot from the sea wall! Learn more here.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
One of my favorite aquariums to date is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This beautifully crafted aquarium combines indoor and outdoor exhibits to share the full story of coast life. Providing visitors an up-close view of estuaries, an immersive experience with the open ocean, and live enrichment for their animals makes this aquarium a true educational facility.
I spent about an hour there and saw every exhibit. It was somewhat rushed but still worthy of a stop! If you do go to this aquarium be aware that you will need to go outside to see some of the exhibits and should dress according to the weather!
Thor's Well
Thor’s Well is a quick stop that demonstrates just how beautiful and unforgiving the rugged Oregon coast can be. A small inlet on the rocky coast, carved by crashing waves, has created a splashing pool for incoming ocean water. As waves come into the pool they explode upwards. A short trail leads hikers to the well where there is an overlook. If you are hiking out onto the rocky coast, be cautious not to go too far out as crashing waves can pull you out to sea.
While visiting Thor’s Well be sure to stop in the visitors center across the street. There is a wonderful museum about the history of the land and there are regularly scheduled nature talks by park rangers!
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Another iconic Oregon Coast lighthouse, the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is located on the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and is home to sea lions, grey whales, Roosevelt elk, and common murres.
The trail is relatively easy, a mile round trip with only 130 feet of elevation gain.
If you’re feeling lucky, you can try to reserve a night at the B&B. You can book a room with ocean views at the inn. For booking information, click here.
Other Stops
Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area
A large geologic feature on the Pacific Ocean coast, visitors can see waves crash into the cavern. This pullover only requires about 30 minutes but parking is limited!
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
This active lighthouse is on the westernmost headland in the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site in the Oregon State Park system. The large parking area makes it easy to get a parking spot and explore the area, before hopping back on the scenic highway.
Where to Stay
Located in Florence is a full home with kitchen access close to the Sea Lion Caves and Bidwell Lake.
Cape Perpetua Campground
37 standard non-electric campsites
Where to Eat
Salt Coffee in Lincoln City
Pines Dines in the coastal town of Lincoln City
Salty Dawg Bar & Grill in Bayshore
Day 3 - Southern Coast
The Southern Coast of Oregon has fewer crowds while having plenty of outdoor activities and some of my favorite things along the scenic highway.
Coos Bay and the Oregon Dunes
The city of Coos Bay celebrates its history of lumber products and shipbuilding. You can stop here for excellent seafood at Coach House or at Front Stree Food Trucks before making your way to the south entrance of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
The Oregon Dune can reach almost 500 feet tall in areas making them an exhilarating activity for adrenalin junkies looking to go sand surfing on the sand dunes. For more information about the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, visit the park website here.
Face Rock & Oregon Island National Wildlife Refuge
A quick and worthwhile stop down the Oregon Coast is Face Rock. This secluded beach area had inspiring rock formations and plenty of sea birds. This understated beach is a perfect stopping point to watch crashing waves and avoid large crowds. There is a short paved trail along the top of a cliff overhang where walkers can get the vantage point of the beach below as well as read information about birds and tide pooling on the beach.
During low tide, extensive tide pools are visible for exploration. Be mindful not to disturb these habitats as well as any nesting seabirds. During nesting season, disruption to nests causes significant stress and utilizes significant energy of the bird. While dogs are allowed on the beach, just be mindful of wildlife.
Prehistoric Gardens
A stop that most people make because of the life-sized tyrannosaurus rex statue just off the road, Prehistoric Gardens is a must-stop for anyone who enjoys dinosaurs and a little bit of fun. A quick stop off the Oregon Coast Scenic Route in an old-growth forest is a short trail that weaves through life-size replicas of famous dinosaurs.
Each dinosaur has a plaque that provides pronunciation assistance, the meaning behind the name, and facts about the dinosaur. Follow the dinosaur tracks to each dinosaur and learn some information along the way!
This was a great pit stop that took about 30 minutes to complete. Might take longer with children. The cost for an adult ticket was $10.
Natural Bridges
While the rain had finally subsided, the fog had rolled in so views were limited. Just a short walk from the pull-off is a landing with views of the natural bridges on the Oregon Coast. However, what impressed me about this stop was the short trail past the landing.
It was a 0.5-mile round trip with minimal elevation gain. The lush forest was beautiful and was a great way to see a section of the Oregon Coast Trail. If you have a minute and just want to see a beautiful forest, this 15-minute walk is well worth the time.
Other Stops
If you have the time on day three, consider adding these stops to your itinerary!
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
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Battle Rock
Another stunning pull-off down the Oregon Coast. With a large parking lot and a tiny visitor center, Battle Rock is another quick stop for beautiful views.
Where to Stay
A unique Bread and Breakfast experience located near Prehistoric Gardens with Mountain Views.
Located in the Port of Brookings, this Inn offers private beach view terraces and an outdoor heated pool and hot tub.
Harris Beach State Park
Another fantastic campground, this campground had expansive views of the ocean. Each site had an electric hook up and plenty of space.
Where to Eat
Battle Rock Coffee in Port Orford
Barnacle Bistro in Gold Beach
Superfly Martini Bar & Grill in Gold Beach
Day 4 - Northern California
On Day 4 you’re either making your way into Northern California to Redwoods State and National Park or headed back up to Portland, OR to complete your Oregon Coast Itinerary!
Enderts Beach
A secluded beach off the beaten path, Enderts Beach was a great start to the day. This 2.5-mile trail leads down to a beach for some tide pooling.
The short trail begins along the side of a cliff providing glimpses of the beach below. Meandering through the coastal forest, hikers eventually emerge onto the beach.
With striking rock formations and impressive tide pooling, the amount of time you spend at this beach is entirely up to you. Whether you just want a quick look or are interested in spending more time exploring the area, the beach is almost entirely your own to explore.
Ossagon Trail to Gold Bluff Beach
An exquisite combination between land and sea, the Ossagon Trail is truly wonderful. Listed as one of the 100 Classic Hikes of California, it’s easy to see why it is such a beloved trail.
Beginning in Prairie Creek Redwood State Park, hikers are immediately immersed in old-growth forests. It was wonderfully encapsulating to be surrounded by such magnificent trees.
Starting to lose elevation, the descent to the ocean begins. There is roughly 1000’ of elevation loss to get to the beach which means that needs to be gained back on the way out. The trail is not very steep and the elevation is gradual. Reaching the beach feels so rewarding. It stretches for miles and there are plenty of areas to explore.
Take your time going back up. I was again struck by the magnificence of the redwoods the same way I was on the way in.
Fern Canyon
My favorite stop of the day and honestly the entire trip is Fern Canyon. This small canyon trail is filled with cascading ferns. Walking between these impressive walls of flora it feels otherworldly.
The trail loops through the canyon and brings you back to the trailhead, or you can explore the canyon as much as you’d like and go back the way that you came. The canyon can have varying amounts of water in it so be sure to wear waterproof shoes!
There is a day pass fee in this area of $10 and in the summer it is permit entrance only. During periods of heavy rain, the area is sometimes closed due to the road conditions leading to the canyon. So be sure to check the day before. It’s a rough road and when the potholes are filled with water it’s hard to tell how deep they are, take it slow. There is also a stream crossing you might have to do with your vehicle during periods of high rain.
Where to Stay
If provided the opportunity, Gold Bluff Beach Campground is a small, lovely campground in Redwoods State Park two miles from Fern Canyon. The campsite only has 25 spots so they are hard to come by in the summer. The sites are situated right on the beach and are perfect.
The sites are remote and there are no electric or water hook ups. It is also not accessible to RVs or trailers. They do have flush toilets for campers!
Because the area is secluded and only accessible via a dirt road, check road conditions frequently before your trip because there are instances of road closures leading to the site.
Day 5 - Avenue of the Giants to Founders Grove
The furthest south Redwoods State Park should not be missed! I was encapsulated by the forests in this park.
Auto Tour
Upon exiting the Redwood Highway to begin driving on Avenue of the Giants, pick up a pamphlet for the Auto Tour. The Avenue of the Giants is a 32-mile stretch of road that runs parallel to Highway 101 and is engulfed in Redwoods.
Along Avenue of the Giants, there are eight designated stops that tell the story of Redwood Growth, Survival, and Conservation. Some of the stops include a short hike. The pamphlet also includes a map, brief descriptions of each stop, and relative distances between each stop.
The pamphlets can be picked up at the north or south end of the Avenue. The first stop on the north end, Drury Chaney Grove – Stop 8, is considered one of the nicest trails in the park and is a must-see. Even on a sunny day, the tree cover provides so much shade it feels like you’ve lost track of time.
Humboldt Redwoods State Visitor Center & Gould Grove Nature Walk
I’ve always been a big fan of stopping at the visitor centers for both state and national parks. The Humboldt Visitor Center, which is a stop on the Auto Tour, has a wonderfully curated museum and a nice gift shop. There is a small picnic area and restrooms.
Across the street from the visitors center is the Gould Grove Nature Walk. The nature walk is a great way to enjoy some fresh air before driving to the next destination. The short 0.6-mile trail weaves through old redwoods along a glistening river. The ground cover is a sea of clover giving the forest a vibrant green color. Be on the lookout for large nurse logs on this hike!
Founders Grove
Founders Grove is not a part of the auto tour in Humboldt State Park but it is a beautiful hike. Situated at the trailhead is the founding tree, the largest tree in the grove.
For $1 there are pamphlets to read for a walking tour around the numbered plaques on this trail. Within the hike, the process of recycling life is everywhere. Fallen trees provide nutrients for new growth and provide a way for young saplings to capture the sun’s rays. This is a magnificent stop.
Coastal Oregon Road Trip Packing Guide
Your packing list will vary slightly depending on the time of year, but remember, coastal areas tend to be chillier and rain is inevitable! The following items should be on your packing list any time of the year!
Outerwear
For outerwear, a rain jacket is a must as well as an insulated jacket. The jackets below are jackets I love and use both for hiking and everyday use. If you’re doing this trip during an especially rainy time, consider bringing a second rain jacket as it might be difficult for your jacket to dry off between uses. Rain jackets are great for both rain and wind!
Footwear
The shoes you bring on this trip should reflect the activities you plan on doing. However, the following suggestions are based on the need for waterproof shoes in a wet, rainy climate, wanting sandals on the beach, and believing that camp shoes are a necessity. If you’ll be spending time in town and cities my favorite travel shoes are blundstones because they can also be worn on short trails!
Hiking Layers
This again will vary depending on the time of year that you complete this trip. If you’re hiking every day, comfort will be important. Whether you love leggings or hiking pants, tank tops or t-shirts, layers will be valuable all year round.
Hiking Essentials
Whenever you’re hiking along the coast or in temperate rainforest, it is essential that you wear wool socks to avoid blisters and that you have a rain cover in your backpack.
Check Out the Ten Essentials of Hiking
Oregon Coast and Redwoods Road Trip Tips
Road trips are my FAVORITE way to travel and sightseeing. The following list is a variety of tips for a successful Coastal Oregon Road Trip but can be applied to any road trip you may take!
- Download the offline maps to the areas you’ll be traveling in. You never know when you’ll be without service.
- Print off your itinerary or take a screenshot of it on your phone so you have easy access.
- Create a longer list of possible activities that you can complete so you can choose in the moment! It makes your trip feel more authentic to how you’re feeling rather than regimented.
- Have a plan for wet/damp clothes. Set up a makeshift clothesline in your car for wet jackets and pants to dry.
- Screenshot the trail/activity name/city name etc. before you take pictures so you know exactly what the pictures are when you check them later. This is especially helpful if you’re making a lot of stops in a short amount of time.
- Check the road conditions along the coast the day before traveling. Road closures can change quickly during periods of heavy rain.
- Research hikes in advance. There are some hikes along the coast that require a permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the commonly asked questions and answers about an Oregon Coast Itinerary.
What is the three capes scenic route?
The Three Capes Scenic Loop is a 40-mile car tour on the Oregon Coast stopping at Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. This route is the best way to some of the highlights of the Oregon Coast if you do not have time to complete the entire Oregon Coast itinerary.
Where can you see sea stacks on the oregon coast?
The most popular sea stack on the Oregon Coast is Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. Other popular sea stacks on the Oregon Coast include Arch Rock(Boardman Corridor), Battle Rock (Port Orford), Pistol River Rocks(Gold Beach), and Proposal Rock (Neskowin).
How many days do you need to see the Oregon coast?
The minimum amount of time to see the entire Oregon coast is five days with travel days on either end. One day for each section of the Oregon Coast: Northern, Central, and Southern Coast. However, this is a jam-packed itinerary. A more leisurely trip would require closure to seven days.
Where do you start an Oregon Coast Road Trip?
The best place to start your Oregon Coast Road Trip is going to be flying in and out of Portland. This will be the largest airport in proximity to the starting point of your road trip down the coast, Astoria, OR. It is about a two-hour drive from Portland, OR to Astoria, OR where you will start your journey down the entire coast of Oregon.
What is the best month to visit the Oregon coast?
The best time to complete your Oregon Coast Itinerary would be in June. Foliage will still be green and temperatures moderate without a chance of precipitation. However, any time between June and October will be ideal months, Late October – April will have rain and cooler temperatures.
Pack It Up
The Oregon Coast is an unforgettable road trip. Whether you enjoy a leisurely seven-day itinerary or complete a jam-packed three to five-day itinerary, you’re bound to have the best time.
From breathtaking views to charming coastal towns to all the natural wonders in between, this little section of North America will hold a special place in your heart.
So have fun, eat some clam chowder, and enjoy the sandy beaches along the way!
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
The Ultimate Washington Map
Endless adventures, all at your fingertips
If you’ve ever wished you could access my adventure journals to uncover notes about hundreds of Washington destinations, now’s your chance. I spend an entire year creating this interactive map to make adventure more accessible. You can sort, filter, and explore my notes on hundreds of trails, breweries, campgrounds, and more.
Have a question? Put it in a comment and I'll get back to ya!
Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
