My wife and I decided to escape the city and head to the Oregon Coast for a day of exploration, scenic views, and fresh ocean air. The drive from Portland to the coast is an adventure in itself, and our stops along the way made it an unforgettable journey.

The Drive: Sunset Highway (Highway 26)

The journey began on Highway 26, aptly named the Sunset Highway, a scenic 90-minute drive west of Portland. As we wound our way through the rolling foothills of the Coast Range, we were greeted by lush forests and occasional glimpses of open fields. The roadside viewpoints offered peeks at the sprawling landscape, and the changing terrain hinted at the coastline waiting for us just ahead. With the windows down and the crisp air filling the car, we couldn’t wait to reach the beach.

Before reaching Seaside, we took a 20-minute detour from Highway 26 to visit Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, a peaceful spot known for its Roosevelt elk. The meadows were alive with grazing elk, framed by forested hills, offering an incredible chance to see wildlife up close. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, and binoculars are a must for a better view. This quick stop added a touch of nature’s magic to our journey to the coast!

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Seaside: A Nostalgic Stop

Our first stop was the quaint town of Seaside. Known for its family-friendly attractions, the town has a certain nostalgic charm. We started with a walk along the historic promenade, a 1.5-mile paved path that runs parallel to the beach. Couples, families, and bikers all shared the trail, enjoying views of the Pacific.

My wife couldn’t resist the classic arcades, and we spent some time testing our skills at skeeball and claw machines. Before leaving Seaside, we visited the Seaside Aquarium. The highlight for both of us was feeding the seals, who delighted us with their playful antics.

“Seaside is a classic beach town, and the promenade is perfect for a stroll. We loved feeding the seals at the aquarium; they were so full of personality!” — John P., via TripAdvisor

Ecola State Park: A Historical Hike

A short drive south brought us to Ecola State Park, nestled between Seaside and Cannon Beach. We parked the car and set out on a short hike through a lush Sitka spruce forest. The towering trees formed a natural canopy, and the air smelled of fresh pine and sea salt. After a few minutes, the trail opened up to reveal our first stunning view of the Oregon coastline. The endless expanse of ocean framed by rugged cliffs was breathtaking.

This park is steeped in history, as William Clark and 12 members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition once traversed these grounds in search of a beached whale. We also ventured to Indian Beach, another gem within the park. From one of the viewpoints, we spotted the Tillamook Lighthouse, standing resolutely on a rocky outcrop offshore.

Interesting Fact: Known as "Terrible Tilly," the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse was built in 1881 on a rocky islet about a mile offshore. Its construction was fraught with challenges, including treacherous seas and dangerous conditions for the workers. It was said to have cost more lives than any other lighthouse on the Pacific Coast during its construction.

Cannon Beach: Iconic Haystack Rock

Next, we arrived at Cannon Beach, where the iconic Haystack Rock dominates the shoreline. This massive basalt formation, said to be the third-tallest “intertidal” structure in the world, was formed over 15 million years ago by ancient lava flows. To its south, three smaller formations aptly named The Needles stand guard.

We walked along the beach, marveling at the tidepools teeming with sea anemones and colorful starfish. After soaking in the natural beauty, we strolled into town for lunch at Local Grill & Scoop on N Hemlock Street. The clam chowder and freshly grilled fish were perfect for warming us after our beach walk.

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Traveler Tip: Visit Haystack Rock during low tide to explore the tidepools, which reveal an abundance of marine life, including crabs, sea stars, and anemones. Check a local tide chart before you go!

Neahkahnie Overlook: Coastal Heights

Heading further south, we reached the Neahkahnie Overlook, the highest drivable point along the Oregon Coast. The views here were jaw-dropping, with the vast ocean stretching endlessly to the horizon. Whale watching is a year-round activity here, and though we didn’t spot any during our visit, we learned that the best times for sightings are from mid-December to January.

This spot is perfect for photos, and we spent some time just standing in awe of the scenery. It was a moment of peace and reflection amid the day’s adventures.

Oswald West State Park: Smugglers Cove

Our final stop was Oswald West State Park, named after Governor Oswald West, who played a pivotal role in ensuring Oregon’s coastline would remain open for public use. The park’s trails are a delight, and we chose the short, forested hike along Short Sand Creek. The sound of rushing water accompanied us as the trail led us to Smugglers Cove, a secluded beach lined with driftwood.

The cove’s beauty was captivating, with its calm waters and forested backdrop. Surfers braved the gentle waves, and we took our time exploring the driftwood and relaxing on the sand. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with adventure and discovery.

Tips for Your Own Trip

• Plan Ahead: Start early to make the most of your day. Each stop offers unique experiences you won’t want to miss.
• Pack for Layers: The Oregon Coast can be windy and cool even in summer. Bring a jacket and comfortable hiking shoes.
• Tide Tables: Check the tide schedule before visiting beaches to ensure safe tidepool exploration.
• Camera: The views are incredible, so bring a camera or smartphone to capture the memories.

Turning Back: Looking Ahead to More Adventures

As the day wound down, we reluctantly turned back after visiting Oswald West State Park. The stunning beauty of Smugglers Cove and the serene trails left us feeling refreshed and inspired. On the drive back to Portland, we couldn’t help but talk about all the incredible places we had seen and the memories we’d made. But we also found ourselves considering what the rest of the Oregon Coast has to offer.

From here, the coastline stretches southward, dotted with even more iconic destinations. In our next road trip, we plan to visit landmarks like the Devil’s Punchbowl, a dramatic natural rock formation, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, with its sprawling dunes and unique ecosystem. Further down, we’d love to see the majestic Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched on a cliffside, and the rugged beauty of Shore Acres State Park.

Our ultimate goal is to reach the Oregon-California border, where the coastline offers stunning vistas and the chance to explore the famous Redwood National and State Parks. The thought of continuing our journey along this breathtaking stretch fills us with excitement and anticipation.

For now, we’re cherishing the moments from this trip and looking forward to the adventures yet to come. The Oregon Coast has so much to explore, and we know we’ve only scratched the surface of its beauty and charm.