Craving some striking views brimming with rugged shores lined with driftwood and rocks in mesmerizing shapes? These eight places along the Oregon Coast are the prime locations you absolutely must visit! The Oregon coast is easily one of the most beautiful places in the United States and is filled with unique and charming small towns that draw you in and keep you wanting more along the Pacific Ocean.
This magical state is loaded with forests, winding roads (that will make your passenger sick if you drive them too fast), and a copious amount of trails. Yet it contains a stillness that creates serenity in each moment spent here. It’s an easy place to breathe in nature and feel or create your presence.
You can do this trip in as little as three days. Three days really doesn’t allow enough time to enjoy all of the intricacies you’ll want to see. It may seem daunting to know exactly where to go along the Oregon coast, but that’s why you’re here! There are 363 miles of land to cover and a lot of stops listed on the map. To help you plan, here’s a list of highlights, starting from the north and heading south.
Short Sand Beach and Blumenthal Falls
Cannon Beach
This is one of the largest beaches in Oregon and one of the most iconic locations on the coast (in case you didn’t know, it was featured at the end of the classic 80s movie “Goonies”). But those aren’t the only reasons to come here. It’s otherworldly walking down rocks to get to a beach. Also, this is a giant beach that even on its most packed day, still allows for you to enjoy your time without feeling surrounded.
Coming here an hour before sunset wasn’t enough. Staring at the giant sea stacks can make time feel like it’s standing still. Then, all of the sudden, the sun is gone. Allow yourself a couple of hours here to walk around the bottom of the sea stack for a gorgeous end to the day.
Haystack Rock, the largest among the cluster of sea stacks here is 235 feet (72 meters) and being right at the shoreline, gives a closeup perspective on how massive it really is. In fact, many of the sea stacks along the coastline are out in the ocean, but walking along the rocks at the bottom of Haystack is an experience in itself.
Pro tip: Wear shoes with good traction that you don’t mind getting wet in order to enjoy your time here.
Short Sand Beach and Blumenthal Falls
Walking through the woods to get to a beach couldn’t feel more magical and there’s nothing like having both in one place! At just 1.2 miles round trip through the forest, it’s a must-see spot. With a small waterfall along your walk, another in the middle of the beach, and a larger one at the northern end, you’ll be chasing each one as they get better. If you come at low tide and you might get the opportunity to walk out to Blumenthal Falls, which flows directly into the ocean.
I don’t know about you, but coming from a Florida beach town and seeing the large amounts of driftwood and rocks along these beaches makes it feel unique and special. At high tide, the wood covers the majority of the beach, which doesn’t allow for much sand to walk on. However, it’s fun to just sit on the driftwood and enjoy the gorgeous views. If you want to get in the water, this is a great place to or just watch surfers and paddle boarders as they brave the cold waters.
Cape Meares
Here you get everything: a decent walk, places to relax, and some incredible views. Filled with benches and some picnic tables, this is a great place to stop and enjoy lunch. After lunch, take a stroll through the trees to the vista point where a small lighthouse sits.
Next, follow the paved but bumpy pathway which hugs the edge of the south end. The cliffs here drop almost 250 feet to the rocks at the edge of the ocean. I believe even someone with acrophobia would feel safe and still be able to appreciate the views.
Keep going to complete the 1.5 miles trek out to the Octopus tree, which is still an unexplained phenomena and something you just have to see! It’s a tree with no singular trunk that extends horizontally out to 30 feet before going upward.
Devil’s Churn
The sound coming from the crashing waters in this narrow inlet are a little terrifying, but worth a visit! A walk down the paved pathway leads to a front-row show of what I like to call “The Power of the Ocean.” Each strike the Pacific takes against the rocks could make you jump in fear from their force. These sounds are heard from the top of the trailhead and all the way down, getting louder as you descend.
Pro tip: If you have time, there’s a short trail which leads to the next highlight!
Thor’s Well
For the best experience, walk down the short path, then across the rocks, and get as close as you dare towards the ocean. If you’re looking to get a standout photo, put on your brave pants and stand in front of this magnificent blow hole.
Also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, this hole among the rocks is intimidating! I’m all for anything to get the adrenaline going, and standing close definitely got the heart pumping! The thought of the water crashing down and taking me into the hole surrounded by rocks was a bit unnerving.
Okay, yes, it’s just a hole in rock, but it’s the coolest hole in rock I’ve ever seen! You don’t even have to get too close in order to appreciate the beauty and intensity that it offers, but at least visit and see what the hype is all about because it’s totally worth it. It is still one of our favorite sites and we could’ve stayed there all day!!
Secret Beach
What’s that saying? If it’s difficult, it’s worth it! And this place definitely is.
It may not be much of a secret if you’ve done a little research on where to go, but there are no signs or parking lots to clue you in to its location. A short walk through the woods leads you towards the ocean. Next, you’ll cross and climb down rocks, then jump over a flowing waterfall stream that ushers you to this gem of a spot that isn’t the easiest to get to.
Secret Beach is one of those places you won’t want to leave. Soft sand, sea stacks, a walk-through cave, and so much more! It’s definitely a place you’ll want to enjoy for an extended time, so bring a blanket and relax. This beach is bigger than it looks at first glance so wander around to find your favorite spot. Don’t be afraid to jump across the streams, walk through the water, or climb more rocks to access other parts of the beach to fully experience this location.
Pro tip: Wear shoes with good tread to go up and down the steep rock and give yourself a minimum of 90 minutes to enjoy here. Better yet, don’t have a time limit!
Natural Bridges
Does anyone else ever think about how these rocks formed and how the trees continue to grow on top? Man! Nature is awesome! This area has the coolest formations of rocks along the coast. The color of the water is just as mesmerizing as the rocks themselves.
This can either be a quick stop off the 101 for a photo or you can take as long as you want down the short trail, which supplies views of the most unique rocks on this coast.
Chetco Point
The most surprising spot on this list to me is Chetco Point. If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s easy to miss the parking lot or think you’re in the wrong place. If you see the water treatment plant, park and go to the right of the plant (south) where there’s a sidewalk. At first, it doesn’t seem like much, but keep going.
The nine acres of scenery and a paved pathway feel endless. In fact, they lead to a flat vista which surrounds you with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see on a clear day. It doesn’t get any better than having a beach to walk down to that’s lined with driftwood, cascading rocky cliffs surrounding every point, and hundreds of seals. This place has it all!
This is a great area to stretch your legs, walk your dog, go fishing, and so much more!
Here’s a map to help you locate these highlights and look for other places to add to your trip!
Of all the road trips we’ve taken so far, this was by far our favorite. We didn’t get to see and do everything possible along the Oregon Coast, but that’s just our excuse to come back!
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