1.
Flavel House to Fort Clatsop
The mouth of the Columbia River opens wide as the Oregon Coast Scenic Byway ~ All American Road begins its 363-mile long route at the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge. Shadows of the past are waiting to be explored in the city of Astoria, the oldest U.S. settlement west of the Rockies. The area’s history is evidenced in many gracious Victorian homes scaling the hillside, as a living testament to the harsh lives of early explorers and settlers. Don’t miss the 1883 Flavel House, the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park, and the Fort Clatsop National Memorial, a life-size replica of Lewis and Clark’s 1805-06 winter outpost.
2.
Lewis and Clark and Haystack Rock
Follow the Lewis and Clark trail south to the resort town of Seaside, famous for its two-mile beachfront promenade. Next stop is Cannon Beach, a popular artist community highlighted by massive shoreline monoliths known as Haystack Rock and the Needles.
3.
Nehalem Bay to Garibaldi Marina
Continuing south, the Byway passes breathtaking Hug Point, Oswald West and Nehalem Bay State Parks before reaching the busy fishing port of Garibaldi on Tillamook Bay. If you are looking for an adventure, Garibaldi Marina is the place to find out about charter fishing trips. Not ready to brave the open ocean? The marina can also help with renting all items necessary to catch fresh Dungeness crab.
4.
Tillamook
Highway 101 ventures inland to pastoral valleys of rich dairy land, where the city of Tillamook features the West’s largest cheese factory. Be sure to stop and savor the samples of delicious cheese or enjoy a hand-scooped ice cream cone at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Another stop to consider is the Tillamook Air Museum which is housed is the world’s largest wooden structure!
5.
Cape Meares to Pacific City
From Tillamook take the Three Capes Scenic Loop, which is actually the old Highway 101, to Cape Mears State Park. Visit the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast and take an easy stroll along a groomed path to the Octopus Tree, a majestic, old-growth Sitka Spruce. Another great stop along the scenic loop is Pacific City, with its giant sea stack, also named Haystack Rock. Pacific City is home to the Pacific Dory Fleet. During the summer months these unique fishing boats launch directly from the sandy beach into the roaring surf. The scenic loop rejoins the Oregon Coast Scenic Byway ~ Highway 101 just a few miles south of Pacific City. Continuing south over Cascade Head will either enable you to extend your trip into Lincoln City and the central coast region or to turn east onto Highway 18 to venture back to the Willamette Valley.
6.
Other Local Attractions
Astoria Column – The Column, built in 1926, is 125 feet high and has 164 steps spiraling to the top. While the view is best from the column's summit it's also pretty impressive from the surrounding park.
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Tillamook Forest Center – Oregon’s new forest education and recreation center beckons from the lush green landscape of the northern Coast Range Mountains.
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Munson Creek Falls – The highest waterfall in the Coast Range is an easy side trip from the Byway. Seven miles south of Tillamook, watch for a small sign to Munson Creek Falls and follow the narrow road a mile-and-a-half to the parking area. A short stroll takes you through the coastal rainforest to the base of this 266-foot cataract.
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7.
Places to Dine
The Cannery Café – Perched over the Columbia River, with an unbelievable view. Comfort food & exotics.One Sixth St, Astoria.
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Pelican Pub & Brewery – Award-winning, hand-crafted beer paired with delicious food in a casual atmosphere on the beach; 33180 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City.
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