There are few drives in the world as consistently breathtaking as the 363-mile journey down U.S. Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast. It’s a route of constant, jaw-dropping drama. One moment, you’re in a lush, temperate rainforest; the next, you burst out onto a cliffside with the Pacific Ocean exploding against monolithic sea stacks below.
Unlike many coastlines, this one belongs to everyone. Thanks to the state’s landmark 1967 Beach Bill, every-single-inch of the coast, from the sandy beaches to the rocky tide pools, is free and public.
This isn’t just a drive; it’s a pilgrimage. Whether you have three days or three weeks, here is your guide to the scenic journey, from its most epic cliffs and beaches to its best-kept hidden gems.
🏔️ The Towering Cliffs: The Best Views from Above
The Oregon Coast’s true character is defined by its dramatic, rugged cliffs, where the forest seems to tumble directly into the sea.
1. Ecola State Park (North Coast)
This is the “classic” Oregon Coast view you’ve seen in photos (and in movies like The Goonies). Just north of Cannon Beach, this state park offers several viewpoints. The main one, Ecola Point, gives you a sweeping panorama of the coastline south, with the iconic “Terrible Tilly” lighthouse on a distant rock and sea stacks dotting the water.
2. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (Central Coast)
If you want to feel like you’re on top of the world, this is the place. The Cape Perpetua Overlook is the highest viewpoint on the Oregon Coast accessible by car, sitting 800 feet above the ocean. On a clear day, you can see 70 miles of coastline. While here, don’t miss the chaos at sea level:
- Thor’s Well: A collapsing sea cave that looks like a “drainpipe to the ocean,” especially at high tide.
- Devil’s Churn: A narrow, violent inlet where waves crash with explosive force.
🌊 The Iconic Beaches: Sea Stacks & Sandy Shores
While the cliffs offer the drama, the beaches are where you can feel the sand under your boots and explore the coast’s famous landmarks up close.
1. Cannon Beach (North Coast)
This is the superstar of the Oregon Coast, and for good reason. The 235-foot Haystack Rock dominates the shoreline, creating a stunning silhouette at sunset. But its real magic is revealed at low tide. The rock’s base becomes a massive, accessible tide pool garden, teeming with green anemones, colorful sea stars, and (in early summer) nesting Tufted Puffins on its grassy peak.
2. Bandon (South Coast)
While Cannon Beach has one famous rock, Bandon has a forest of them. The beaches here are a photographer’s dream, scattered with dozens of dramatic sea stacks like Face Rock and the Howling Dog. The South Coast is more rugged and less crowded, and Bandon’s beaches are the perfect place to feel the wild, untamed spirit of the region.
✨ The Hidden Gems: Beyond the Main Viewpoints
The most famous spots are must-sees, but the real magic of an Oregon Coast road trip is in the discoveries you make in between.
1. Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (South Coast)
This 12-mile stretch of Highway 101 is arguably the most beautiful part of the entire drive. It’s not one single park but a series of unmarked trailheads and pullouts that lead to some of the most stunning views on the planet. Don’t miss:
- Natural Bridges: A short, steep trail leads to a viewpoint of seven massive sea arches.
- Arch Rock: An easy, paved loop to a perfect “window” in the rock.
- Whaleshead Beach: A sprawling, quiet beach with a rock that looks (you guessed it) like a whale’s head.
2. Oswald West State Park (North Coast)
Tucked between Manzanita and Cannon Beach, this park is a local favorite. The main parking lot is on the highway, and you must take a 0.25-mile trail through an old-growth forest (with towering Sitka spruce) to reach Short Sand Beach. This stunning cove, framed by cliffs, is a favorite for surfers and families looking to escape the wind.
3. Cape Meares Scenic Loop (North Coast)
Many travelers stay on Highway 101 and miss this gem. This short, 3-mile detour just north of Tillamook takes you to the Cape Meares Lighthouse (the shortest on the coast) and, more bizarrely, the Octopus Tree. This massive Sitka spruce has grown with 6-7 massive trunks fanning out from its base, creating a truly strange and magical sight.
🚗 Pro-Tips for Your Oregon Coast Journey
- Drive North to South: If you can, start in Astoria (north) and drive south. All the pullouts and viewpoints will be on your right, making it much easier and safer to stop.
- Pack Layers. And Then Pack More Layers: The Oregon Coast is famous for its “microclimates.” It can be sunny one moment and foggy and windy the next, even in summer. A good windbreaker and a rain jacket are non-negotiable.
- Check the Tide Tables: This is not a suggestion; it’s a rule. Many of the best spots (like the tide pools at Cannon Beach or Thor’s Well) are only accessible or safe at low tide.
- Book Lodging in Advance: The charming coastal towns (like Cannon Beach, Newport, and Bandon) are small, and hotels sell out months in advance, especially from June to September.
Your Adventure Awaits
The Oregon Coast is a journey that changes with the weather, the tide, and the light. It’s a place that demands you slow down, pull over, and breathe in the fresh, salty air. So pack your jacket, grab your camera, and get ready for one of the greatest road trips of your life.
What part of the Oregon Coast are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments!
