catwat59

My husband and Imare looking to spend 4 or 5 days driving down the Oregon coast, then continuing down the CA coast to LA sometime in late July. Our main goal is to take in the dramatic scenery and make stops at the most memorable/photographic locations, maybe some light hiking. We will fly in to Portland from NY. We are looking for suggestions regarding the following: Should we drive to Astoria to start down the coast from there, or to Cannon Beach to begin from there? What would be the best choices for our overnight stops along the OR coast? We are thinking about Cannon Beach and Depoe Bay to start. Are there any locations where it would be advisable to spend an extra night based in sites to see in that area, and what can we consider just bypassing?
Thanks!!

Gardyloo

First, before heading to the coast I'd take some time to visit the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River Valley and Mount Hood, just east of Portland. There are enough beautiful photo-worthy places in that small area to fill a wall of books.

Then I'd head downstream on the north bank of the Columbia River to Ilwaco and Cape Disappointment on the Washington side of the mouth of the Columbia. This route takes you through some historic towns and nice countryside, but then Cape Disappointment is a knockout - lighthouses, trails, terrific Lewis and Clark interpretive center, Waikiki Beach (the other one - http://www.outdoorproject.com/sites/...?itok=eGA24-Ej )

Cross the bridge to Astoria and head south from there.

I'm not a huge fan of Cannon Beach (a little cutesy for my taste) but the beach is nice; however Ecola State Park nearby is very pretty.

Farther south I'd prefer Yachats over Depoe Bay, and if you have time for one more stop, Bandon is (IMO) the nicest town on the coast.

There are plenty of "don't-miss" locations all along the coast; my favorite part is the last 70 miles or so before the California state line, e.g. near Gold Beach: http://gardyloo.us/20130116_84HD1a.jpg .

happytrailstoyou

I agree that you are well advised to check out the Columbia River gorge before heading south.

Looking at a map, it would seem that the drive from Portland to Astoria affords great views of the Columbia River, but it doesn't.

When we are in Portland, we are alway eager to get to the coast. We drive to Cannon Beach, which is only 80 miles away.

We've stayed in Depoe Bay once at a highly recommended place that turned out to be cobbled together with bits of this and that from Home Depot, swags, wreaths, and pot potpourri. It wasn't cheap, and we weren't pleased.

Tidal Raves is a very good restaurant in Depoe Bay.

Newport is one of our favorite places to stay because there we can book a spacious room with ocean view and balcony (such as at the Hallmark), and there are several good dinning options (such as Local Ocean Seafoods).

We used to like staying at the Fireside in Yachts. The ocean views are great, but we have been unable to book a room there recently that was not pet friendly. The Fireside prides itself in being "pet friendly," and the place is badly in need of refurbishment. The last two times we stayed at the Overleaf we found ourselves in small rooms with cramped balconies.

Cape Perpetua (just north of Florence) is one of our favorite stretches of the coast. In Florence we like to have dinner at Waterfront Depot Restaurant.

HTtY

tomfuller

I do agree with Gardyloo about seeing the waterfalls including Multnomah east of Portland before heading to the coast. Perhaps spend a night in Hood River.
If you decide against the route on the Washington side of the river, head south from Hood River up Rt. 35 on the east side of Mt. Hood. At the top take US 26 west.
US 26 will take you to US 101 about halfway between Seaside and Cannon Beach. You should see Haystack Rock and Ecola SP. Seaside is a bit cheaper than Cannon Beach. Just off the "prom" in Seaside is a memorial to the members of the "Corps of Discovery" that boiled seawater on that spot to get the salt to preserve the meat for the long trip back to St. Louis.
Heading south from Cannon Beach, stop at the Tillamook cheese factory (north of town) They have great cheese and ice cream.
West of Tillamook you can go to Cape Meares which I consider to be as good as Cape Disappointment.
FYI - Yachats is pronounced ya HOTS.
South of the big bridge at Newport, visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
I also agree about Bandon.
Are you paying a drop off fee in LA or would it make more sense to return the car to PDX and fly to SFO or LAX?

Dukey1

The most iconic thing at Cannon Beach is Haystack Rock IMO. But be aware that is not the only beach place with those haystack rocks.

We enjoyed our trip along the coast and that included Cape Disappointment which I had been wanting to visit for decades ever since I had seen a picture of that lighthouse on an old calendar and, IMO, it was worth the wait.

Waking up in the morning at Cannon Beach and looking out from our hotel room balcony and seeing "the rock" was wonderful; walking out toward the base was even more wonderful.

Cannon Beach is a VERY popular destination and comes with the usual "busyness" which characterizes a place that a lot of people visit, and they do so for good reason.

sunbum1944

I guess it depends on what you like, but I would stay in Newport or Yachats - there is more to see and do in those spots.

Agree Waterfront Depot and Local Ocean are great places to dine. Probably need a reservation at the Waterfront for evening meal..
In Florence I also like the Restobar. Cute place, good food- try to get a table in the patio in the back. There are no views though- just good food.

My favorite stop along the coast is Devils Elbow State Park- also know as Hececta Head. Beautiful little cove with a nice trail up to the lighthouse. The lighthousekeepers house is a B&B and is a fun place to stay- but books up early in the season.

Bring warm clothes. The coast can be cold and foggy in the summer- especially if it's hot inland.

catwat59

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far! We are looking into accommodations at some of the towns you have all recommended. A friend who lives near Portland had also recommended the Columbia River Gorge, so that certainly sounds like something not to miss. As far as car rental, thanks for checking - we are gong to be staying with my daughter for awhile when we get to LA, so will return car at a local Hertz as opposed to LAX, so won't have to pay fee. Also, wanted to note, if it helps with recommendations, we are looking for the "rugged, rocky coastline" as opposed to wide open, sandy beaches in places to stay - we are from Long Island in NY and have lots of those at home!