The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Wind, Waves and a Long, Winding Road. Yes, it's possible to drive the entire Pacific Coast Scenic Byway in a single day. But it's also pointless. Because you wouldn't have time to experience any of the breathtaking viewpoints, stunning state parks and quaint coastal towns. So rather than drive with blinders on, take a full day to explore each of the following regions detailed on the following page.
1.
Astoria to Cannon Beach
Your journey begins in Astoria, where historic attractions include the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the 125-foot Astoria Column. Heading south on U. S. Route 101, you'll find the Fort Clatsop National Memorial, a replica of Lewis and Clark's 1805-06 winter outpost.
The Lewis and Clark trail ended at what is now Seaside, a resort town famous for its promenade. Next stop is Cannon Beach, a charming community known for its art galleries, tide pools and sunsets behind Haystack Rock.
2.
A Taste of Tillamook and Lincoln City
From Cannon Beach, you'll see several miles of gorgeous coastal scenery and quiet retreats. As the highway drifts inland, you'll arrive in Tillamook, where Oregon's largest cheese factory invites you to tour and taste. When you reach the ocean again, you'll soon be seeing playful kites soaring above Lincoln City and colorful art galleries all over town.
3.
Depoe Bay and Newport
Just a stone's throw away, Depoe Bay offers fishing and whale-watching excursions from the world's smallest navigable harbor. The Coast's most photographed seascape is just a few miles south at Cape Foulweather. Keep your camera out to shoot Devil's Punch Bowl, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and the tide pools north of Newport. Cradling beautiful Yaquina Bay, Newport will satisfy you with fresh seafood at its Old Town bayfront, and stimulate you at the renowned Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Mark O. Hatfield Marine Science Center.
4.
Waldport to Florence
Heading south through Waldport, the spectacular scenery continues around Yachats, a quiet village at the foot of Cape Perpetua. Below the cape, tides rush through a narrow shoreline channel called Devil's Churn.
From here, it's not far to picturesque Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves, an underground viewpoint for Steller sea lions. Next is Florence, Oregon's rhododendron capital and gateway to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
5.
Digging the Dunes
Around Florence, the rugged coast gives way to 47 miles of gently rolling dunes, stretching nearly to North Bend. Honeyman State Park is a great place to explore this 14,000-acre sand box. The Recreation Area Headquarters are in Reedsport, a town where it's possible to view Roosevelt elk and migrating whales within the same hour.
6.
The Bay Area and Bandon
The neighboring cities of North Bend and Coos Bay make up the Coast's largest urban area, offering a wealth of recreational and cultural activities. Next is Bandon, a charming town famous for its lighthouse, giant sea stacks, cheese factory and cranberry harvest.
7.
Port Orford to the Border
The last stretch visits Port Orford, a busy fishing center. Farther on, Gold Beach straddles the Rogue River, offering irresistible salmon and steelhead runs. The eight-mile stretch heading into Brookings and Harbor saves some of the most incredible scenery _ and nicest weather _ for last. The tour ends here in Oregon's "Banana Belt," just five miles north of the California border.
For detailed coastal information, call the Oregon Coast Visitor Association at 888-628-2101 or contact local chambers and visitor centers.