I want to experience the beautiful Oregon Coast. I've heard it is very different in the northern section versus the southern section. How far down the Oregon Coast should I go to see the full beauty of Oregon's coast--Coos Bay, Bandon, or Brookings? If I go all the way down to Brookings, I think I have to go into California and back up to get to Crater Lake National Park due to the coastal ranges.

You don't say from where you are starting or how many days you have for the trip.

However, if you are starting from Portland and your time is limited (or you want to travel leisurely) I suggest you explore the coast from Astoria to Reedsport, and drive to Crater Lake on 38 (which follows the Umpqua River) and 138.

Yes, the section of coastline between Port Orford and Brookings is I think one of the most dramatic, but that's not to say there isn't equally beautiful scenery on the north and central coasts. The difference for me is that the south coast is more isolated, so you may not see a soul on long stretches of beach.

And yes, if you do go as far south as Gold Beach or Brookings, it's best to continue south to hwy 199 just north of Crescent City, CA before reversing directions.

I agree with happytrails though; we need more info from you before making any recommendations. Besides your starting point and number of days, for what time of year are you planning this trip?

i really enjoyed seeing ft. clapsop, a recreation of the fort lewis and clark stayed in to winter there on their voyage. that's at the the northwest corner of oregon.

Personally, I would skip going to Astoria since it is not actually on the ocean.. stopping at Cannon Beach would be far enough and you would get to see Haystack Rock.
This is , of course, if you go that far North.

Thanks for your information. Our trip is in late June. We are starting in Kennewick Washington. Day 1 we will visit the Columbia River Gorge and overnight in Troutdale.

Day 2 we leave Troutdale for Timberline Lodge and Mt. Hood sightseeing then go back to US 26 out to Cannon Beach. We hope to see Ecola State Park, Cape Meares and Tillamook and overnight near Lincoln City.

Day 3 we hope to see Newport, Yachats, Coos Bay and stay in the Coos Bay or Bandon Area.

If you think that's far enough south to see the beautiful and dramatic southern coast, we could
cross over on Hwy 42 towards Roseburg and then on to Crater Lake NP on Day 4

Day 5 we hope to see the Three Sisters Area, McKenzie Pass and Santiem Pass overnighting near Bend.

Day 6 is back to Washington

There are more highlights south of Lincoln City than north of it on the Oregon Coast, but there are plenty of gems on the northern part as well.

FYI, Coos Bay itself isn't really a great destination, it being not directly on the ocean, but Charleston which is about 15 miles west is really nice. Coos Bay/North Bend does have hotels and it is fairly big area, so it's a convenient place to stop, just not in itself much of a destination. It's a port and a bit industrial. Bandon to the south is much more quaint and smaller. Whether you stay there or not, I wouldn't miss Bandon if you get close to it.

If you love bridges, by the way, there are several nice ones on 101 on the way down. The Yaquina Bay Bridge at Newport is one of my favorite bridges anywhere. The Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge just north of North Bend/Coos Bay is pretty cool, too.

Also, AAA has a nice tour map of the Oregon Coast if you are a member.

Hi there! While you are visiting Ecola in CB, take the scenic drive back to Indian Beach. My family enjoys surfing there frequently when we stay in the area for several weeks at our beach cottage in Seaside. Seaside is just about 10 minutes away, you may want to schedule some time for it.

If you are into history, Astoria is not to miss, about 30 mintues from Cannon Beach. There is a riverfront trolley there that is fun and if you're there on a Sunday, don't miss the Astoria Sunday Market that runs along 12th street. Enjoy your travels! ***kim***

I would choose Bandon over Coos Bay...especially the Bandon Bakery for scrumptious pastry and a selection of coffees.

chadwel, we did something similar last fall.

IMHO, you are missing really almost all of the look and feel of the southern coast if you stop at Coos Bay. It really start around Bandon and continues down, so you're stopping just short of it. I would definitely had at least down to Bandon and stay there a night rather than Coos Bay.

If you can add a day, it would be nice to then drive down to Brookings then back up to CL (yes, you'll have to enter Calif. for a brief while then cirle back up...check mapquest).

By the way, the posters on Oregon...beachbum, sunbum, mms to name a few are great, and will help you plan a terrific trip.

You're going far enough south to see plenty of beautiful scenery, but I'm not sure you're giving yourselves enough time. In particular, day 2 will be a long one; and there are lots of possibilities for day 3 as well. At least you'll have daylight until 9:00pm.

Except to maybe grab an ice cream cone at the cheese factory, there's no real reason to stop in Tillamook, especially if it meant short-changing yourselves on Three Capes Scenic Loop. Cape Meares State Park shouldn't take much time, and Cape Kiwanda is a must. But Cape Lookout involves a some hiking for the better views, so might not fit well into your tight schedule.

I like Andrew's suggestion to visit Charleston, but don't turn around there. Continue on to Sunset Beach and Shore Acres State Park. Talk about dramatic scenery!! Not to mention the beautiful botanical gardens there. Too bad you'll not have time for a dune buggy ride that day.... By the way, I agree with the others; spend the night in Bandon. And I also agree with travelinandgolfin; another day on the coast would help your itinerary a bunch.

Are you staying at McMenamins in Troutdale? We stayed there a few years ago before flying out of the Portland airport the next day. Spent the evening bar-hopping on the property including their winery and distillery.
If you are into wine, you might want to work a few wineries into your intinerary -- Oregon is making some really good Pinots.

Having lived in Portland and been to Cannon Beach/etc many times, I would just caution you as to thinking that the water is warm and that you might be able to surf on the Northern Coast.

Even in the summer, the water is just too cold and everytime we were there, not only did we never see anyone surf, but the water made our feet turn blue from cold just walking along the beach.

I think you have some great ideas for places to visit here, but you need more time. Can you add in at least another day?

Hello my Oregon friends...

beachbum...mms...scarlett..and everyone!

Nice to see that you are all still sheparding novice Oregon travelers through your great state!

This year, we are planning a trip to Yellowstone, but are also still giving serious thought to returning to Oregon instead!

If we do, we'd be spending most of the time in your high desert area this time.....Bend, Sisters, etc. We really took to that area (and I didn't get to play golf there!

Anyway, take care, and I may be asking more questions again!

I responded in your other thread.
I would reverse your route from Mt. Hood onwards.

Thank you for all your postings. They are very helpful as we continue to plan our June trip. I'm considering reversing the route after we visit The Columbia River Gorge, Troutdale and Timberline Lodge/Mt. Hood area.

On Day 2 Instead of going to the coast from Timberline Lodge, what do you think about going on southward to Madras, Sisters (seeing the McKenzie Pass and Santiam Pass area), and on down to Crater Lake National Park. Mileage is 236 or so.

I've looked into lodging between Crater Lake NP and Roseburg, but haven't found much except the CLNP Lodge that has decent reviews.

Day 3 we would go to Bandon, Port Oxford, back up to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres SP to Charleston towards Newport.

Day 4 we would explore Newport to Cannon Beach

Day 5 is open. Possibly stay on the coast another day or head back towards Troutdale in the afternoon.

Day 6 Head back to Kennewick Washington

Timberline down to Crater Lake is a very scenic drive. However, in June, there is not guarantee the north entrance to Crater Lake will be open. It just depends on snowfall.

Changed route or not, day 2 still sounds almost impossible. But, if you're happy spending lots of time in the car, maybe not. And, I'm not clear how the changed routing seems to give you an extra day...

Usual advice is to drive south on the coast, so you don't have to cross traffic pulling into and out of the many roadside parks and viewpoints. I'm wondering.... Instead of reversing your original route, why not save Timberline and Mt. Hood for your last day. It wouldn't add much to the drive time, and would save you a bunch of time on day 2.