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Oregon Highway 101
Road Trip Guide

The Oregon coastline is arguably the best stretch of road along the Pacific Coast - there is no other section of Highway 101 or 1 that stays so consistently close to the ocean. Rugged headlands, large rivers, and quiet beach towns are found throughout the entire coast. There is so much to explore with very few population centers close by, which means everything feels relaxed and local.

Along this stretch of Highway 101 you can expect to find delicious cheese factories, amazing microbreweries, scrumptious seafood, and plenty of charmingly quirky motels and bed & breakfasts.

Here's what you'll find in the Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide pano

5) Astoria

The Mighty Columbia River

The Columbia is the fourth largest river by volume in North America, and the largest by volume to enter the Pacific. Over the course of 1243 miles this river drops 2690 feet from Columbia Lake, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon. For over 15,000 years native tribes fished, traveled, and traded along the Columbia River. Salmon served as both a major source of food and also as a focal point of their religious beliefs. Many historic fishing sites, such as Celilo Falls, were submerged when hydroelectric dams were built.

In the area known as Columbia Bar, where the river meets the ocean, conditions change from calm to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Over 2000 ships and 700 live have been lost in this one area alone, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Pacific(1).

5 Absolutely Cannot Pass-Up Destinations

Local Advice from Skyler Lanning
  • 1) Ecola State Park is a great hiking destination, with old growth rain forest and fantastic trails hugging the cape. The trails also offer great views of the crashing surf below, with numerous vantage points looking directly onto the famous Haystack Rock.
  • 2) Neahkahnie Overlook is the highest viewpoint along the Oregon Coast and uses this to full effect - it offers visitors enormous 180 degree views of the coastline. On a clear day, common sights are the town of Manzanita, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Three Arch Rocks.
  • 3) Manzanita which mean “Little Apple,” is a very cute and quaint coastal town that makes for a great stop. They have a cool coffee shop, aptly named Manzanita Coffee Shop, a number of confectionary shops, and a very stroll-able main street.
  • 4) The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop for locals and tourists alike. It is a cooperative-owned cheese maker that produces 40 million pounds of cheese annually. They offer self-guided tours of their production lines, complimentary cheese tastings, and amazing ice cream for purchase.
  • 5) Whale watching is always in season along the Oregon Coast, due to a permanent whale population numbering around 40. Peak viewing is usually in June and December, with whale watchers trying to catch glimpses of the thousands of whales on their annual migration. Regardless of the time of year, Depot Bay and their whale-watching center is a fantastic stop to catch sightings. Interesting side note - the city also has the world's smallest harbor.

Skyler Lanning and his wife Maria operate Wildwood Adventures, a day tour company out of Portland, OR. They offer public and customized tours to some of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. For more information visit www.WildwoodTours.com

Key
HOW TO READ THESE MAPS

SOME AWESOME HIKE Why you should go here Additional information FIRST Look for any TAG along your route ATTRACTIONS (Shops, Museum, and Tourism Spots) VIEWPOINTS (Free Roadside Pulloffs) EATERIES (From Seafood Shacks to Fine Dining) HIKES (Mostly Short Dayhikes) CAMPING (For Bikers, Tenters, RVers, and Yurters) LODGING (Hotels, Motels, and Bed & Breakfasts) BREWERIES (Tasting, Touring, and often Food) WINERIES (Tasting and Touring) BEACHES (Some of the Best Spots to Relax) THE ICON TELLS YOU WHAT IS THERE CLICK THE TAG FOR MORE INFORMATION

** MOBILE USERS - Zoom in for more detail **

Warrenton Seaside Surf Pines Gearhart Cannon Beach Nehalem Manzanita Wheeler Brighton Rockaway Beach Svensen Knappa Hammond Elsie Arch Cape Foss C o l u m b i a R i v e r N 2 MILES 5) ASTORIA 1 hour 20 minutes Drive Time 56 miles 7TH 8TH NEHALEM HWY FRONT MARINE C o l u m b i a R i v e r Riverwalk Y o u n g s R i v e r ASTORIA COLUMBIA MARITIME MUSEUM Amazing history of the Columbia River $12 per adult, $6 per child ASTORIA COLUMN The best views of the town and coast Spiral frieze of northwest history BUOY BEER COMPANY Local microbrews on the water $7 - $18 NORBLAD HOTEL Hostel style with private room options $35 - $135 per night NORTHWEST WILD PRODUCTS Fresh seafood and fish market Market Price CANNERY PIER HOTEL High end hotel with stunning setting $179 - $350 per night ASTORIA WRECK OF THE PETER IREDALE Shipwreck of 1906 steel barque $5 day-use fee for state park FORT STEVENS STATE PARK Beach walking, historic defenses $21 per night for tent site ECOLA STATE PARK 8-miles of trail, amazing views + beach $5 day-use fee for state park HAYSTACK ROCK Iconic monolith reachable by land 235 foot tall sea stack SEA LEVEL BAKERY + COFFEE Stumptown coffee, pastries, breads $3 - $6 OSWALD WEST STATE PARK Surfing, waterfall, and beautiful beach FREE! - 1/2 mile walk to beach NEHALEM BEACH STATE PARK Camping behind sand dunes & beach $5 day-use, $29 tent/RV, $44 yurt KELLY’S BRIGHTON MARINA Catch and cook crab, tours, boat rental Plus camping for tents & RVs ROCKAWAY BEACH 6 mile stretch of wide sand beach With nearby town comforts SEA HAVEN MOTEL Fully equipped kitchen, close to beach $70 - $90 per night OLD OREGON SMOKE HOUSE Barbecue + Seafood. Great chowder $9 - $15 INN OF THE FOUR WINDS Oceanfront rooms and dining $169 - $329 per night TURNAROUND & BEACH Lewis & Clark Trail official end Wide beach with nearby shops FIREHOUSE GRILL Burgers, Biscuits, and Bloody Marys $4 - $13 NEAHKAHNIE VIEWPOINT 180 views of the coastline Highest viewpoint on the Oregon coast

6) Three Capes Scenic Route

The Three Capes

Local Advice from Jeremy Strober

The best stop along Highway 101 in Oregon requires that you veer off of Highway 101 by just 3 miles. The Three Capes Scenic Route begins just south of Cloverdale and takes you to Pacific City where you’ll find Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost Cape along the Three Capes Route.

In Pacific City, you will find the lesser-known Haystack Rock, towering 357 feet above the water. Adjacent to the Cape, it makes for beautiful eye-candy as you stare west.

Pacific City, Oregon

Photo by Jeremy Strober

Sitting right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda is the Pelican Pub & Brewery, one of the state’s award-winning breweries. The Pelican offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the beach al fresco.

Pelican Pub and Brewery

Photo by Jeremy Strober

The Cape provides for some of the most diverse activities along the coast. It is the Home of the Dory Fleet, a flat-bottom fishing boat that launches off the sand into the surf and has done so from this spot for over 100 years. It is one of the best surfing spots along the coast, providing perfect breakers courtesy of the sandbar that stretches from the Rock to the Cape. Kayakers launch here to fish or ride the waves. The marine garden provides tidepooling galore. And the 18 story sand dune creates a mecca for climbing, running, jumping, and sand boarding.

You can reconnect to Highway 101 as you travel north, after visiting Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

As the operator of three local lodging establishments, Jeremy Stober often gets asked about the unique places to eat, drink, and visit. Being able to recommend the perfect match to a guest’s desire is his favorite part of the hospitality business! Find out more at www.yourlittlebeachtown.com

Barview Garibaldi Tillamook Bay City Idaville Cape Meares Oceanside Netarts Pleasant Valley Tierra Del Mar Beaver Hebo Cloverdale Oretown Neskowin Otis Neotsu Lincoln City N 2 MILES 6) THREE CAPES SCENIC ROUTE 1 hour 25 minutes Drive Time 60 miles CAPE LOOKOUT STATE PARK Large campground right on the beach $6 biker, $21 tent, $44 yurt, $88 cabin CAPE TRAIL Excellent spot for whale watching 4.8 miles round trip, 930 ft gain/loss NORTH TRAIL Connects the campground & headland 2.3 miles one way POINT LOOKOUT STATE PARK POINT LOOKOUT PACIFIC CITY CAPE KIWANDA DR PACIFIC N e s t u c c a BASKET CASE WINES Snobbery free wine tasting atmosphere + well priced bottles GRATEFUL BREAD BAKERY Amazing breakfast + lunch options $5 - $12 NESTUCCA ADVENTURES Kayak and SUP rentals PELICAN PUB & BREWERY Have a beer right on the beach Serves food all day from $9+ 3 CAPES OPTION Adds 45 minutes Adds 15 miles COTTAGES AT CAPE KIWANDA Luxury housing for 4-6 people $379 - $479 per cottage per night INN AT CAPE KIWANDA Beautiful rooms & views, friendly staff $179 - $279 per night CAPE KIWANDA NATURAL AREA Stunning place to watch sunsets Explore the cliffs and nearby beaches PACIFIC CITY N e s t u c c a T r a s k BAY OCEAN PENINSULA PARK Long sand beach all to yourself! FREE! CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE FREE! Open Apr - Oct from 11 - 4 Check out the nearby Octopus Tree ROSEANNA’S CAFE Beautiful views of the coast + cobbler $15 - $32 LEX’S COOL STUFF Assorted 2nd hand items Don’t miss the homemade brownies DE GARDE BREWING Best sour beers on the Pacific Coast Open Thu & Fri 3-7, Sat 12 - 7, Sun 11-5 TILLAMOOK CHEESE FACTORY Watch how cheese is made & packed FREE SAMPLES + gift store FIVE RIVERS COFFEE ROASTER Cozy up with freshly brewed coffee $5 - $9 BLUE HERON CHEESE CO. Fancy cheese, local wine, and lunch Pick up a variety of gourmet gits SAND LAKE RECREATION AREA Small but popular OHV area CAFE ON HAWK CREEK Breakfast, soup, pizza, salads, sandwiches, seafood, steak! $8 - $28 ROADS END STATE PARK Easy beach access with little traffic Explore tidepools at Roads End Point WILD FLOWER GRILL Try the Wild Flower Turkey Po’Boy $10 - $17

7) Newport

Conde McCullough - Bridge Builder

In the early 20th century, towns along the rugged Oregon coast were practically unreachable. By the 1920s, rapidly growing interest in coastal tourism prompted the funding of a highway that would span the entire length (2). Over the course of five years, from 1921 to 1926, section by section of Highway 101 was completed. Among the many challenges the engineers faced were the many rivers that ran from the Coastal Range Mountains to the ocean. Ferries were commonly used to transport cars and good across the rivers, but they couldn’t keep up with the increasing demands the highway brought. Instead, it was decided that bridges must connect each section of road.

Conde McCullough, the Oregon state bridge engineer at the time, was presented with the opportunity to design and build the infrastructure for these key links to the highway. McCullough wasn’t just interested in making the bridges structurally sound, but also architecturally beautiful. Over the course of fifteen years, McCullough designed a total of fourteen bridges along Highway 101. These bridges are constructed in a variety of styles and materials. You will find them adorned with Gothic spires, art deco obelisks, and Romanesque arches (3).

Some notable bridges include the Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport), the Siuslaw River Bridge (Florence), and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge (Astoria).

McCullough went on to help design over 600 bridges in his lifetime.

Otter Crest Scenic Option Lincoln Beach Otter Rock Beverly Beach Holiday Beach Seal Rock Waldport Wakonda Beach Yachats A s l e a Y a q u i n a S i l e t z N 2 MILES 7) NEWPORT 1 hour 10 minutes Drive Time 49 miles WEST SHELER 1/8 mile hike to CCC shelter from 1933 The best viewpoint in Oregon CAPE PERPETUA CAMPGROUND 37 non-electric sites along the creek $24 per night CAPE PERPETUA HIKE/VIEWS Various trails along the coast See map annotations for details C A P E P E R P E T U A L O O K O U T N F D 5 5 .25 1.5 .4 .3 1.0 Devils Churn Cape Cove Beach Tidepools Thor's Well CAPE PERPETUA CAPE PERPETUA NEWPORT Y a q u i n a BAY M A R I N E S C I . 2ND OLIVE H T E B A Z I L E OREGON COAST AQUARIUM Learn about local PNW marine life $23 per adult, $15 per child ROGUE ALES BREWERY A variety of excellent beer + food Take a tour and get some samples YAQUINA BAY LIGHTHOUSE Visit the lighthouse, enjoy the views FREE! Wed - Sun from noon - 4pm LOCAL OCEAN SEAFOODS Delicious seafood & fantastic service $6 - $28 SYLVIA BEACH HOTEL Unplug in literature-themed rooms $120 - $230 per night NANA’S IRISH PUB Irish fare, drinks, and live music $9 - $16 NEWPORT DEPOE BAY DEPOE BAY BAY COLLINS WILLIAMS INN AT ARCH ROCK Spectacular ocean views & cute rooms $79 - $199 per night TIDAL RAVES SEAFOOD GRILL Glass-walled oceanfront seafood spot $10 - $26 AINSLEE’S SALT WATER TAFFY Taffy, fudge, peanut brittle, and more They've been doing it for over 60 years GRACIE’S SEA HAG Hole-in-the-wall decor, solid food $7 - $24 WHALE WATCHING CENTER Learn about whales from park staff Late December & March are best WHALE WATCH ECOEXCURSIONS Whale watching tours lead by Marine Biologists and Naturalists LUNA SEA FISH HOUSE Get the slumgullion! $7 - $16 YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE Oregon's tallest lighthouse (93 ft) Free tours Fri - Tues from 12 - 3 DEVILS PUNCHBOWL Watch surf crash against crazy rocks Also - scenic picnic area & tidepools BOILER BAY SCENIC VIEWPOINT Watch for ocean-going birds Shearwaters, jaegers, albatrosses... FIRESIDE MOTEL Watch for whales next to a cozy fireplace - $85 - $135 per night CLIFF HOUSE B&B Antique decor and gourmet breakfast $115 - $225 per night ALSEA BAY BRIDGE INTERP. Learn about bridge building in Oregon Plus clamming/crabbing demos SEAL ROCK RECREATION AREA Large wayside with excellent views Look for seals, sea lions, and birds INDULGE SWEETS Cookies, ice cream, taffy, and more Small family-run shop SOUTH BEACH STATE PARK Thick white sandy beach Plus huge campground nearby MOOLACK SHORES MOTEL Themed rooms ie. Camalot & Whaler $75 - $140 per night BEVERLY BEACH STATE PARK From forested camp to sandy beach $6 bike, $21 tent, $29 electric, $44 yurt FLYING DUTCHMAN WINERY Oceanside wine tasting $14 - $44 per bottle DEPOE BAYKERY Donuts, cookies, pies, and cakes Locally owned and freshly made JENNIFER SEARS GLASS ART Do It Yourself glass blowing studio Plus beautiful glass art collections LOOKING GLASS INN Bay views, lots of great amenities $89 - $129 per night

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8) Oregon Sand Dunes

Florence

Local Advice from Stephen Hoshaw

Nestled along Highway 101, Florence is well suited for all types of adventure. With long sandy beaches and dunes, scenic viewpoints, and rocky coastal panoramas, this might be one of the best places to experience the Oregon Coast.

Sea Lion Cave

Photo by Josh Alder

Search for coastal wildlife while whale watching from Heceta Head Lighthouse scenic viewpoint. Or venture underground at the Sea Lion Caves to hear the echo of barking sea lions.

At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Master Park thrill-seeking adventurers can choose between sandboarding or riding in dune buggies between the massive hills of sand.

Sand Boarding at Sand Master Park

Josh Tenge back flips in Sand Master Park

Florence’s Old Town district offers boutique shopping experiences and cozy coastal meals at local hotspots like Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Waterfront Depot.

Stephen grew up in the Northwest and has fond memories of both week-long family reunions at the Coast, and quick day trips from Eugene with friends. Whether storm watching from the Heceta Head Lighthouse in winter months, or walking through the warm sand at Sand Master Park during breezy coastal summers, the Oregon Coast has always provided a relaxing escape. Learn more at www.eugenecascadescoast.org

Formation of Sand Dunes

The combination of desert sands, old growth forests, lakes, and ocean found at Oregon Sand Dunes is unique to the southern Oregon coast. By why is it here?

12 million years ago, uplifting layers of sedimentary rock formed what is now the Oregon Coastal Range mountains. As these mountains eroded, the soft rocks traveled downstream and were broken into small granular pieces. These sediments were then deposited at the mouth of the rivers along a gently sloping marine layer called the Coos Bay Dune Sheet. Unlike the headlands found to the north and south, this flat sandstone bottom allows for sands to be picked up and deposited by waves along the shorelines. Finally, these sands were picked up by the wind and dropped over 2.5 miles inland to form the dunes (4).

Over thousands of year, the dunes have been shaped by wind and water into a vast array of shapes and sizes.

Searose Beach Heceta Beach Cushman Tiernan Mapleton Brickerville Glenada Dune City Siltcoos Gardiner Reedsport Winchester Bay Scottsburg Lakeside LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE S i u s l a w Siltcoos S m i t h U m p q u a N 2 MILES 8) OREGON SAND DUNES 1 hour 15 minutes Drive Time 56 miles S i u s l a w BAY MAPLE 1ST SIUSLAW RIVER BRIDGE 1,568 foot long draw bridge Styled with Art Deco obelisks OLD TOWN INN Smack dab in historic Old Town $89 - $114 per night SPICE Fresh northwest ingredients + full bar $10 - $28 WATERFRONT DEPOT One of the coasts best dining spots $10 - $22 SIUSLAW COFFEE ROASTERS Great coffee & views of the bridge $6 - $11 FLORENCE FLORENCE JOHN DELLENBACK DUNES JOHN DELLENBACK TRAIL Designated trail over dunes to ocean $5 day-use fee, 5.4 miles round trip SANDLAND ADVENTURES Offer both high and low intensity tours $16 - $65 depending on tour type JESSIE M. HONEYMAN PARK Swimming, hiking, and sand dunes $5 bike, $21 tent, $28 electric, $44 yurt TAHKENITCH DUNES OHV free area for peaceful hiking $5 day use fee - marked trails DEAN CREEK ELK VIEWING Year-round Roosevelt elk heard About 100 elk HARBOR LIGHT RESTAURANT Fresh food family dining + big menu $5 - $22 TUGMAN STATE PARK Lesser-known campground on lake $5 bike, $24 electrical, $43 yurt SAND MASTER PARK Sandboarding & dune buggy rides $10 board rental, $25/half hour rides DARLINGTONIA BOTANICAL Carnivorous plants are cool Short boardwalk to small fen SEA LION CAVES Hundreds of sea lions! Winter is best $14 per adult, $8 per child HOBBIT TRAIL Short hike through forest to beach 2 miles round-trip, 210 ft gain/loss HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE Working lighthouse - $5 day use fee Also a bed & breakfast CARL G. WASHBURNE PARK Five-mile sandy beach + campground $5 bike, $21 tent, $28 electric, $44 yurt NEPTURE SCENIC VIEWPOINT A series of four pull offs Views, tidepools, beaches, and agates OREGON DUNES OVERLOOK Multiple dune viewing platforms Good place to walk out onto the dunes UMPQUA SAND CAMPING Designation 4x4 camping access $10 per night

9) Bandon

The Legend of Face Rock

Face Rock, Bandon

By Visitor7 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many years ago, the great chief Siskiyou of the mountain tribes planned a visit to four coastal tribes. His daughter Ewauna was to accompany him, which was a great honor. Chief Necomah, being the strongest of the four coastal Chiefs, decided that as a group they would host the greatest potlatch as a show of respect and of their own prosperity.

The days leading up to the potlatch were full of preparation. Necomah ordered massive amounts of clams and mussels to be harvested and stored for the meal. The Elks tribe brought a hundred salmon, cleaned and ready to be roasted. The Sixes brought meat from a dozen elks. The Rogues carried in twenty horses loaded with deer meat. Armed warriors stood guard on the bluff watching for Seatka, the evil spirit of the sea.

Chief Siskiyou arrived with his daughter, who had never before seen the sea. She was enthralled by its beauty despite being warned not to wander near it for fear Seatka would snatch her. With her was her loyal dog Komax and her cat with kittens.

On the morning of the second day, everyone convened in beautiful regalia and commenced the feast. They celebrated this unique visit while eating until they were too tired, at which point they proceeded to sleep in place. Ewauna, wishing to see more of the sea, slipped away from the sleeping camp. A full moon shown down on her as she played at the edge of the ocean.

Finally, she set her basket of kittens down and told Komax to keep watch. Ewauna ran out into the ocean and dove in the crashing surf. She swam for a long time and was slowly pulled away from shore. She was so enraptured that she was unable to hear Komax barking a warning.

Suddenly, the moon became blocked by a dark hand as the fearsome creature Seatka emerged from the water. Komax grabbed the basket of kittens and swam out to help Ewauna. He sunk his sharp teeth into Seatka but was swatted away, along with the basket. Seatka tried to make Ewauna look at him, for his power lived in his gaze, but she stubbornly look straight up at the moon.

Chief Siskiyou rose at sunrise, alarmed to find his daughter missing. Everyone rushed to the sea, only to find Ewauna stubbornly staring up towards the moon with Seatka still trying to meet her gaze. Eventually she turned into stone and you can still see her face gazing up toward the moon to this day (5).

C A P E A R A G O H W Y Hauser North Bend COOS BAY Millington Barview Charleston Leneve Riverton Coquille Arago Norway Myrtle Point Broadbent Langlois Denmark CAPE ARAGO OPTION Adds 35 minutes Adds 14 miles N 2 MILES 9) BANDON 1 hour 10 minutes Drive Time 56 miles BEACH LOOP 11th 1st C o q u i l l e BANDON FACE ROCK SCENIC VIEW Site of American Indian legend Good trail down to beach & tidepools BANDON BEACH MOTEL Unbeatable coastal views & location $85 - $175 per night COQUILLE RIVER LIGHTHOUSE Fog/signal room is open 11am - 5pm FREE! WASHED ASHORE EXHIBIT Ongoing exhibit of marine debrise art Open & free Wed. and Sat. afternoons BANDON FISH MARKET Get their signature fish & chips $8 - $18 / based on market price FACE ROCK CREAMERY Sample handcrafted gourmet cheese $5 - $20 COASTAL MIST Chocolates, pastries, & sandwiches $4 - $8 BANDON JENSEN BLUEBERRIES Small family run U-Pick farm Call 503-769-4244 for more info LANGLOIS MARKET The World Famous Langlios Hot Dog $3 - $8 BULLARDS BEACH 4.5 miles of hard packed sand “Storm Watching Capital of the World” BULLARDS BEACH STATE PARK Family-oriented campground $5 biker, $26 electrical, $40 yurt STEVE’S ATV RENTAL Explore the dunes via OHV $40 - $70 per hour McCULLOUGH MEMORIAL BRIDGE 5,305 foot long cantilever bridge Tribute to Oregon coast bridge builder ITTY BITTY INN Cute, quirky, & bicycle friendly As low as $59 per night CRANBERRY SWEETS & MORE Toffee, honeycomb, caramels, & more! $6 - $12 LITTLE ITALY RESTAURANT Quality italian with generous portions $13 - $30 FISHERMEN’S SEAFOOD MKT The butter clam basket is amazing $8 - $13 SUNSET BAY STATE PARK Sheltered beach and nearby camping $19 per tent site, $5 per biker site SHORE ACRES STATE PARK Beautiful 5 acre gardens $5 day-use parking fee CAPE ARAGO STATE PARK Explore the tidepools while looking out for sea lions and migrating whales

10) Rogue River

Wild and Scenic Rivers

The Rogue River travels 215 miles and over 1 mile in elevation from its source in Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. This river is famous for its stellar whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rogue was one of the original eight river listed under the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (6). This act focuses on the need to protect our rivers as pristine and scenic areas. Since the inception of the act, over 203 rivers have been granted this status.

Dams have been a controversial topic along the Rogue for over a hundred years. Many dams were originally built to provide hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. However, even with fish ladders designed into the dams, salmon populations dropped dramatically. Numerous dams have been constructed and then demolished -- one was even dynamited by a group of angry commercial fishermen! Now only the William L. Jess Dam remains, which is located 157 miles from the mouth of the river.

LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE LIMITED CELLULAR SERVICE R o g u e P i s t o l N 2 MILES 10) ROGUE RIVER 1 hour 5 minutes Drive Time 55 miles HUMBUG MOUNTAIN STATE PARK HUMBUG MTN CAMPGROUND Forested hills and walkable beach $5 biker, $17 tent, $22 electical HUMBUG MOUNTAIN TRAIL Steep hike through coastal flora 4.4 mile loop - 1730 feet gain/loss HUMBUG MTN. GOLD BEACH OCEANSIDE HARBOR R o g u e GOLD BEACH INDIAN CREEK CAFE Lots of hearty breakfast good for the $ $6 - $11 MARY D DUME Unassuming derelict whaling ship Good for photos & history ROGUE JETS Experience Rogue River whitewater $50 - $95 per adult, $25 - $45 per child BARNACLE BISTRO Delicious burgers and garlic fries $10 - $17 GOLD BEACH INN Get a top floor room for amazing views $59 - $169 per night Battle Rock PORT ORFORD LIFEBOAT STATION Coast Guard history from 1934 - 1970 Donations Accepted PORT ORFORD HEADS PARK Headland trails with coastal views Various short trails WILDSPRING GUEST HABITAT Secluded cabin suites & outdoor spa $198 - $258 per night CRAZY NORWEGIANS FISH & CHIPS Excellent crab cakes and chowder $11 - $17 BATTLE ROCK PARK Uncrowded beach with lots of history Check out the Visitors Center GRIFF’S ON THE DOCK Dockside setting = great seafood $8 - $21 PORT ORFORD HUGHES HISTORIC HOUSE 1898 Victorian farmhouse Free tours Apr - Oct, 10am - 3:30pm CAPE BLANCO LIGHTHOUSE 1870s lighthouse on 200 ft high cliffs $2 per adult, open Apr - Oct, 10 - 3:30 PREHISTORIC GARDENS Short walk past 23 life sized dinosaurs $12 per adult, $8 per child SISTER ROCKS STATE PARK Overlooking the rocks and beaches Secret sea cave on the south side NESIKA BEACH Quiet, long, sandy beach Picnic area with bathrooms ARCH ROCK BREWING CO. Newer brewery with lager, IPA, & porter Growlers, pints, or your own glass jar MYERS CREEK BEACH The best roadside beach in Oregon Seriously... this beach is AMAZING NATURAL BRIDGES Small wayside with amazing views Two land bridges protecting a cove ARCH ROCK Picnic area and coastal views

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's One Way to Do It

Day 1

  • Spend the morning exploring the marina and shops along the Riverwalk in Astoria, give yourself plenty of time to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
  • Stop at Buoy Beer Company for lunch and an afternoon brew then head to the Astoria Column for a relaxing walk and excellent views.
  • Grab dinner at Northwest Wild and stay at either the Norblad Hotel or camp in nearby Fort Stevens State Park.

Day 2

  • Head out to the beach at sunrise and grab some pictures of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
  • Continue south and stop at either the Seaside Turnaround to check out the shops or hike at Ecola State Park.
  • Pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint (highest along the Oregon coast) on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (free samples!).
  • Grab lunch at Blue Heron Cheese Company then jump on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
  • Check out the lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares and stop at Lex’s Cool Stuff for brownies and 2nd hand shopping.
  • Hike the 4.8 mile Cape Trail then head into Pacific City for dinner at the Pelican Pub.
  • Stay at Pacific City or camp to the north at Cape Lookout.

Day 3

  • Grab breakfast at Cafe on Hawk Creek on the way down to Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio.
  • Check out glass art being made or maybe make your own, then continue south to watch for ocean birds at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
  • Head out on a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay. Afterwards taste some salt water taffy at Ainslee’s and get lunch at Gracie’s Sea Hag.
  • As you continue south turn off onto Otter Crest Scenic Loop where you can taste some wine while watching surf crash at the Devil’s Punchbowl.
  • Tour Yaquina Lighthouse or spend some time walking the beach at South Beach State Park.
  • Enjoy a hot bowl of slumgullion at Luna Sea.
  • Stay at the Fireside Motel or camp at Cape Perpetua State Park.

Day 4

  • Take a morning stroll down the Hobbit Trail to the beach, then stop at the Sea Lion Caves on your way to Florence.
  • Spend the late morning exploring the sand dunes either by renting an ATV or taking a hike.
  • Grab lunch at Harbor Light Restaurant or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market. In the afternoon take the Cape Arago scenic loop, stopping to enjoy the parks along the way.
  • Explore the town of Bandon and eat dinner at the Bandon Fish Market.
  • Stay at the Bandon Beach Motel or camp at Bullards Beach State Park.

Day 5

  • Spend the morning stopping at sights like Face Rock, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and Battle Rock Park.
  • Eat lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips then hike up the Humbug Mountain Trail.
  • Check in to the Gold Beach Inn then drive down to Myer’s Creek Beach for the sunset.
  • Enjoy dinner at the Barnacle Bistro.

Day 6

  • Continue your journey to California, stopping at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint on the way.

Top Rated Places to Stay

Airbnb

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Oregon coast has to offer.
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Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen (www.sarahjeagen.com)

Sources

  • 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Bar
  • 2) http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/highway_101_oregon_coast_highway_/#.VwRNmxMrJ_U
  • 3) http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notmccullough.htm
  • 4) http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev7_007155
  • 5) http://thebandonguide.com/the-legend-of-face-rock
  • 6) http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php

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