We're heading from Bend through Eugene and up the coast. Have two nights in Bend and one at the Stephanie Inn booked. Wondered if we should stay in Eugene or on the coast somewhere in between. Wasn't sure how long a ride it will be. We thought maybe Florence or Newport - any suggestions?

From Bend up to Cannon Beach via Eugene would be roughly 5 hours. Just depends oin how long you linger in Eugene and what time you get away from Bend, and of course traffic. I am not all that familiar with Eugene, so can't help with that. If it were me and I were not staying in Eugene for long I would just go from Bend to Cannon Beach without staying anywhere else. Driving up the coast though you will be able to meander in Lincoln City and Newport. They are ok coastal towns...quite touristy, but it would be a nice break in the drive. I love Cannon Beach though

mm: I was thinking we would see more of the coast by going west to Florence from Eugene instead of straight up to Cannon from Eugene. How long a drive between Newport and Cannon?

If you went from Eugene to Florence to Cannon Beach you would definitely see more of the coast. From Newport to Cannon Beach it is about 100 miles. The road is usually slow going, so I would plan on a good 2 1/2 hours or so...more if traffic is heavy and the road slower than usual.

It's an hour or a bit more from Eugene to the coast. There are some nice B&Bs in Florence, or south of Florence near the dunes there are a number of okay motels. Also plenty of accommodation in Newport.

My original suggestion still holds. If you're coming straight to the coast from Bend and are able to skip staying in Eugene, take SR 38 out to Reedsport then turn north. SR 38 is one of the most beautiful roads in Oregon.

I was born in Eugene, but we left when I was a baby. My favorite return visit was planned by a cousin. It was called, "Bike Your Buns to the Beach" and it was a bike ride from Eugene along a logging road (less traffic on a Saturday) to Florance. It was wonderful. We stopped and had a picnic and marveled at the beauty of the green countryside. Don't miss the dunes...climb to the top of these sand 'mountain's and look over the coast, then race to the bottom! Oregon coast is a place to linger over, and take in. We stayed at a Best Western in Florence. Have fun!

I live in Eugene and agree w/mms. Head west from Eugene to Florence and up the coast from there--will see as much oceanfront as you can. Not a bad trip at all!

Gosh, this post is over seven months old! allstates1 have you made your trip yet and how was it? ***kim***