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Pacific Coast Highway: Oregon - Washington

Trails, natural wonders, beaches & charming seaside villages await.

  • 30
  • 15:25
  • 659 mi
  • $105
Take This Trip

Created by kbaetz - August 10th 2018

Should you choose to road trip the Pacific Coast along Oregon and Washington, prepare to encounter historic seaside resorts, traditional fishing villages, and more natural wonders than you can handle. The Pacific Coast is a world unto itself. This was the end of Lewis and Clark's westward journey and even today holds some secrets for travelers that are just waiting to be discovered. You'll drive down windy roads, along seaside cliffs, past hidden beach coves, through lush valleys with waterfalls, and into towering, old-growth forests.

Photo of Chetco River Inn
3.8

21202 High Prairie Rd, Brookings, OR, US

Chetco River Inn

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If you are beginning in or around Brookings, Oregon, the Chetco River Inn offers fantastic riverside lodging. There are two rentals here, a 5-bedroom lodge, and a 2-bedroom cottage, depending on how many people you're traveling with. Either way, this peaceful, off-the-grid, riverside stay is the perfect starting point for your Pacific Coast journey.

1
44mi 01h 10m

29430 Ellensburg Ave, Gold Beach, OR, US

Spinners Seafood, Steak & Chophouse

1

Since you're driving up the coast, enjoy some local seafood! The Dungenesse crab legs and wild salmon at Spinners Seafood, Steak and Chophouse in Gold Beach, OR are a classic favorite.

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34mi 00h 40m

91814 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR, US

Cape Blanco State Park

2

Work off all that food at Cape Blanco State Park. This state park marks the westernmost point in Oregon and contains the state's southernmost lighthouse, which offers incredible coastal views of the Pacific Ocean from the top. Plus, there are cabins and campsites above the bluff, in case you're so enchanted by the beauty that you decide to stay the night.

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24mi 00h 30m

155 First St, Bandon, OR, US

Tony's Crab Shack

3

Sure, there are tons of seafood options along the Oregon coast, but Tony's Crab Shack is notable for their fresh ingredients and their dedication to making their seafood shine. You know it's good because there isn't really anything deep-fried on the menu!

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23mi 00h 28m

997 S 1st St, Coos Bay, OR, US

Abby's Legendary Pizza

4

But, if you're sick of seafood, you can't go wrong with pizza from Abby's Legendary Pizza in Coos Bay, a favorite regional chain. Taco pizza and a great salad bar will keep you from getting burnt out on crab, oysters, and salmon (as if that's even possible).

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29mi 00h 37m
Photo of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
4.0

855 U.S. 101, Reedsport, OR, US

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

5

Once you reach Reedsport, Oregon plan to spend some time in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This is the largest expanse of coastal dunes in the country! Whether you just want to hike or play in the sand, or you're into kayaking or OHVing, you can do it here. Fun fact: Frank Herbert was inspired to write his famous novel "Dune" after researching this unique landscape!

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18mi 00h 23m
Photo of Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters
4.5

1240 Bay St, Florence, OR, US

Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters

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Nothing goes with a misty Oregon morning better than a cup of locally-roasted coffee. Hit up Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters in Florence, and take your drink and snack out to the back porch to enjoy views of the river and bridge.

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12mi 00h 18m
Photo of Heceta Head Lighthouse
4.5

725 Summer St, Florence, OR, US

Heceta Head Lighthouse

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While in Florence, visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is one of Oregon's most popular (and most photographed) lighthouses. But the coolest part is that one of the lightkeepers' cottages has been turned into a B&B, so you can spend a whole night immersed in maritime history.

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36mi 00h 47m

2820 SE Ferry Slip Rd, Newport, OR, US

Oregon Coast Aquarium

8

From shipwrecks and seabirds to seals and jellyfish, the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is all about the wildlife that's unique to the Oregon Coast and beyond. Don't miss out on their otter exhibit: it's the cutest thing ever!

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1mi 00h 04m

748 SW Bay Blvd, Newport, OR, US

Rogue Ales Public House

9

Newport Oregon is also home to Rogue Ales Public House. Known for their booze and brews, this Newport pub incorporates both into their seriously delicious fancy pub fare. There's also a B&B located above the restaurant, which is pretty convenient if you find that you've sampled one too many of their beers.

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13mi 00h 19m
Photo of Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum
4.5

Ellingson St. & U.S. 101, Depoe Bay, OR, US

Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum

10

Next up is the Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum at Depoe Bay. This local museum focuses on whales and sharks, aka the ocean's coolest creatures. You can also arrange a whale-watching tour here, and pick up some saltwater taffy for the road.

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14mi 00h 24m

4157 N Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR, US

McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub

11

If there's one thing people in Oregon love more than fresh seafood, it's craft beer. At McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub in Lincoln City you can enjoy your beer and food in a historic lighthouse-turned brewpub. It doesn't get more Oregon than that!

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42mi 01h 02m
Photo of Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
4.4

Lighthouse Road, Tillamook, OR, US

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint

12

Plan to pull over at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Oceanside, OR, for one heck of a view. Hiking trails, an 1890's lighthouse, birdwatching, and old-growth forests add to the coastal beauty here, and make it an essential Pacific Coast road trip stop.

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11mi 00h 19m
Photo of Tillamook Cheese Factory
4.0

4175 Highway 101 N, Tillamook, OR, US

Tillamook Cheese Factory

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Oregonians also love their cheese. Specifically, Tillamook cheddar cheese. The adorable Tillamook Cheese Factory tour lets you experience the process of how their beloved cheeses are made. You can also sample some of their most popular offerings, too!

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38mi 00h 54m

Ecola Rd, Cannon Beach, OR, US

Cannon Beach

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If you were a fan of the 1980's childhood classic film "The Goonies," then you definitely need to stop at Cannon Beach to visit this iconic movie filming location. Even if you haven't seen the movie, it's one of Oregon's most spectacular beaches, with peaceful waves and mysterious rock formations.

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25mi 00h 35m
Photo of Hotel Elliott Astoria
4.0

357 12th St, Astoria, OR, US

Hotel Elliott Astoria

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15

After the beach, check into the Hotel Elliot in Astoria. This adorable boutique hotel is the definition of Oregon luxury. You can walk to most places in the amazing town of Astoria from the hotel, and then come back to enjoy a nightcap on the rooftop bar, before drifting off to sleep in their amazingly comfy beds.

16
0mi 00h 01m

732 Duane St, Astoria, OR, US

Oregon Film Museum

16

The Oregon Film Museum is a must-visit in Astoria. It's actually an historic jail that's been turned into a little museum dedicated to movies filmed in the state... including "The Goonies", which featured the building in the movie. :)

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19mi 00h 28m

2506 Pacific Ave N, Long Beach, WA, US

Corral Drive In

17

Once you get to Long Beach, Washington, take a break and relax with a drive-in movie at Corral Drive In. Here you can catch a double feature while enjoying a slice of pepperoni pizza with extra cheese from their onsite restaurant!

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7mi 00h 11m
Photo of Worlds Longest Drivable Beach
4.1

3914 Pacific Way, Seaview, WA 98644, Long Beach, WA, US

Worlds Longest Drivable Beach

18

Also in Long Beach is the World's Longest Drivable Beach. This is where famed 19th century explorers Lewis and Clark ended their epic cross-country journey, but you've still got a little further to go. Either way, this long stretch of sandy shore is a great place to take a break. If you're lucky, you can catch the Kite Festival, the Sandcastle competition, or one of the other events that happen on the beach.

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90mi 01h 56m
Photo of Westport Maritime Museum & Grays Harbor Lighthouse
4.5

1020 W Ocean Ave, Westport, WA, US

Westport Maritime Museum & Grays Harbor Lighthouse

19

Next, head to the Westport Maritime Museum and Grays Harbor Lighthouse. This local museum, in a historic Coast Guard building, is definitely worth a visit. There are exhibits on knot-tying, marine life, the science and history of the coast, beachcombing (super helpful for your next stroll along the shore) and, of course, the lighthouse itself.

Best time to visit: Since summer is the high tourist season, September, after Labor Day, is ideal. The weather is still beautiful from September through October and you can avoid the crowds, since most people are back to work and kids are back in school. However, since the crowds are slightly diminished during fall, lots of older RVers choose fall weekends for road trips along this route. Springtime is a bit unreliable in regards to the weather, and can be quite rainy-- this part of the country is known for its grey skies. If you visit between November and June you might get a glimpse of the gray whales on their annual migration.