R

Driving from northern Calif to the San Juans. Allowing for 3-4 nights along the Oregon coast. Never have been to the OR coast. Looking forward to it, altho' it may be rainy in May. Could really use additional input over what I've located here so far!

Not knowing the Coast there & how much there is to see, very hard to know the *pace* to set between towns. Also, since we run into a weekend while there, some places may require 2-night minimum stays. So, that could affect things. Haven't checked out prices yet...may also change lodging choices.

Would also consider one less night in San Juans *as long as* the Night #7 ends up very close to the ferry, so we don't cut into the next day on the Islands. Would do this, to free up that day a bit, if we need more time in Oregon. *Please* share your feedback. Would truly appreciate it.
Thanks a lot!

Our rough itinerary, so far:
Night 1: Ferndale, CA
Night 2: Gold Beach/Bandon area...maybe TuTu'Tun Lodge - maybe take Rogue River jetboat tour next day, if weather ok
Night 3: Heceta Head Lighthouse B & B...btwn Florence & Yachats - if doing Rogue River tour today, might be late arrival - could be a problem...trying to do too much? (or is drive between Gold Beach & this region less notable?)
Night 4: Three Capes area...Sandlake Country Inn...anyone ever stayed here? Recommend this Loop?
Night 5: Cannon Beach - maybe Stephanie Inn
Night 6: ?? (either along the Olympic Coast...Crescent Lake, etc.) or, just head inland to get closer to ferries to San Juans, if spending a lot of time in Cannon Beach & Astoria (have seen Olympic Coast & Park before)
Night 7-11: San Juan Islands
Night 12: Portland/or Eugene area
Night 13: Long drive home

Pioneer

TuTuTun and Stephanie should both be great. As you head from Gold Beach to Yachats, you'll go through the Oregon Dunes Park..lots of trees etc. and quite possibly raining the whole way. I'm not familiar with Sandlake Inn. You might also consider Salishan..a Starwood property at Gleneden Beach..kind of halfway from Gold Beach to Cannon Beach. You'll also go by 2 cheese factories..Bandon and Tillamook. Reedport is nice etc. etc.

If somebody really wanted to push it, they could drive the whole Oregon Coast in one long day, but why would you. Depending on how many parks etc. you want to stop at, and whether or not you do an all day activity like the Jet Boats, you could easily find that 3 nights/4 days is about right for seeing the highlights.

Are you thinking that you're going to drive straight up the coast from Astoria to Olympic Park? I don't think that's possible. Last I checked, the Long Beach Penisula is a dead end going North. Fastest way is to turn right at Astoria towards Portland, then take the bridge over to Longview, WA, and pick up I5 there. This is true whether going to Portland or Seattle. The fastest way from Astoria to Portland is via Washington.

I've spent lots of time in Yachats area, and am booked for TuTuTun and jet boats end of June. Please leave a report.

R

Will definitely report back. Appreciate your help!

Re-thinking the jet boat thing. We might prefer a quieter, more relaxing form of travel & health reasons/neck problems, etc. may make those not the best way to see the river. On the other hand, with them, you get farther & perhaps the most interesting things are further in? Will look into closer-to-nature options...need to research more.

Would think to really enjoy whatever wildlife you *might* happen upon, (if you're so lucky), that a *slower* form of transportation, might be the way. But, who knows?

Agree that it might make more sense to just take 5 up through Washington vs. getting back out on 101, up through Wash. We've never seen Mt. St. Helens, so perhaps could slip that in...but don't know if a half day would do that justice? Or, would that amount of time be more frustrating than worthwhile? Thanks, again!

beachbum

Three Capes loop to Cannon Beach is a short drive. It's scenic, but without much to do. Have not stayed at Sandlake Country Inn. Most of the action in the area is around Oceanside.

If you decide to spend a night, check out renting one of the newly built cabins at Cape Lookout State Park; they go for $50/night or so. Definitely not the Stephanie Inn, but I think you'd enjoy an overnight there, a forest setting 100-200 yards off the beach.

traveler24

Notes:
You can get to Olympic - Port Angeles area from Astoria via 101--however is a "slow" drive. You would be better off crossing over to Interstate 5 as described by previous poster.
Mt. St, Helens would be a wonderful side trip if time allows..
Be aware Salishan is 5 star resort and very expensive.
Never cared much for Three Capes Area--just my opinion.
FYI-takes about 3 1/2-4 hours to drive from Ferndale to Bandon.
Havin been up the Oregon Coast many times-we always figured Eureka to Astoria--min. 3 nights.

SaraLM

Your plans look pretty good. The only really tight push I know about (don't know the Astoria/I-5 issue) is if you do the jet boats then to Yachats. The jet boats are very fun and I do recommend them. People of all ages seem to like it. I also recommend doing the long trip (basically all day). It is more expensive but it only gets exciting (fun!) after the place the other tours turn around. We have used Jerry's twice and have been very pleased. Felt the drive/guide was very competent and he pointed out lots of wildlife (you said you wanted to see that). Definately deer and bald eagles and maybe a bear if you are lucky.

The boat trip is an all day thing plus because of the sun and wind it will probably make you tired even though you sit all day. It is about a 4 hour (or longer) drive from Gold Beach to Florence. Doing both of those in one day sounds pretty awful to me. Perhaps to get a little further up the coast that day try to get to Bandon after the boat trip.

Basically from Bandon to Florence Hwy 101 is inland and yes less exciting. There are plenty of places to get to the beach but you won't catch very many glimpses of the ocean (I literally checked this one trip). Florence to north of Lincoln City is basically on the side of the cliffs to the ocean and is spectacular. So Bandon to Yachats would be a good morning thing and leave you time to taste the cheeses in Bandon - very fun actually. Then to explore the beaches at Yachats or Newport. There are a few of us on here that don't understand the pull of Yachats but whatever. Newport is a fun sea town with a touristy downtown with lots of junky shops that are fun to explore. Wonderful long beaches to walk for a long ways and a great aquarium. The Hatfield Marine Science Center is donation only if you can't afford either time or $ to go to the Oregon Aquarium. The HMSC is next door to the Oregon A.

Astoria is fun and could easily fill a weekend.

Mt. St. Helens is wonderful and a half-day would be enough. Wouldn't leave you much time to hike and explore but you could get the feel of it.

Enjoy!!

R

Thanks for the additional help! I welcome all the input, I can get, for our Anniversary trip, as this is a sort of special one. Will look into those cabins. Since we don't golf, will need to take that into account when selecting places. Some spots clearly are targeted more to golfers.

Thinking more about St. Helen's (since we haven't been it to ever, & *have* seen Olympic Nat'l Park). Olympic is so beautiful, feel sure we'd like several nights there, & not to be too rushed.

Just not sure if a half day or so, begins to do St. Helens justice, or not? (if we work it in on way up to Anacortes/ferry area) Could drive along the Columbia from Astoria towards that area...could make for a very nice drive, I'm guessing? Also, on this Board, differing opinions, as to which entrance is best for St. Helens...

R

Oops! Just wanted to thank you, Sara, too, for all your advice! (Just now saw your posting, after I posted again.) I agree...if we do a jet boat, getting to Yachats would be *way* too far, based on your helpful time estimates. Now, just have to decide whether to *do* those this time, or not. Perhaps better in warmer July weather? Would they bother someone w/neck problems, like zodiacs can? A bumpy, jolting ride?
(One of us has to have surgery this summer, related to this, so want to be careful..and we're only in our 30's...falling apart already!) ;-)

Am happy to hear a half day is "doable" for St. Helen's. May could be sort of early there, but I guess most of the roads will be open...

SaraLM

This is the Mt. St. Helens web site. I have only gone in the West side entrance. I think it is the main one with the most visitor centers. (we went for our anniversary last year) www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/ The driving distances page is helpful, then it just depends on how long you take to go through the visitor center(s). Do watch the movie at the Ridge Center. There are also places to stay in the Park. We loved Eco Park, if you do end up staying there. ecoparkresort.com While we loved it and spent a weekend there I think a 1/2 to 3/4 of a day is doable. I don't think snow will be a problem. We were there mid-June last year and it was lovely one day, shorts and sunscreen then gray and cool the next day.

The jet boats are not terribly bouncy. Jet boats in general tend to 'glide' on the top of the water. The reason they use the jets is because they can go in 12 inches or less of water. So I think up and down movement is minimal however they do spins and so there may be some rotating movement - like a car doing a 180. I couldn't find anything on their website about recommendations. http://www.jerrysroguejets.com/index.html

The southern oregon coast is usually warmer and dryer so weather-wise it would be pushing it but might be ok. This year has been odd - rain has been late in coming but it is here now. Perhaps it would be better to wait until July another time for weather and necks to heal, but do put it on your list, especially if it isn't too far from home.

This is the Oregon State Campground site that has info about the cabins mentioned earlier. oregonstateparks.org/

Gardyloo

In no particular order...

Gold Beach or Bandon to Heceta Head is an easy day, even if you do the jet boat thing. There's plenty of scenery, also the sand dunes near Florence are worth a visit. Or you can stop at the casino in Coos Bay and visit my money.

The west side 101 from Astoria to Port Angeles, should you decide on that route, is significantly quicker than heading inland and taking I-5, where you'll encounter small inconveniences like 2 million people's worth of traffic. If you haven't seen the rain forest valleys (Hoh especially) or the Olympic NP coastal strip, don't sacrifice them for a hurried and trafficky visit to Mt. St Helens.

Either way, if your game plan is to go from Heceta Head to Anacortes (for the SJ ferry morning boat) in one day, leave early, and figure around 8 to 9 hours' drive via Seattle, or 10 to 11 via the Olympic Peninsula. (You need to be in the I-5 corridor in order to get to Anacortes without an additional ferry.) The idea of splitting the distance is a good one - you will need to arrive at the Anacortes dock early in the morning to line up for the first ferry.

IMHO the scenic quality of the Oregon coast declines abruptly once you're past Newport and Yachats; if you do decide to cut inland you might consider doing so from Tilamook or even US 20 from Newport via Corvallis. Otherwise, if you want to go through Astoria but then head east, do so on the Washington side of the Columbia - much more interesting towns and scenery.

On the other hand, for a real change of pace, and seeing as it's your anniversary, you might think about cutting inland after Heceta Head and finding an overnight somewhere in Yamhill County, in the Oregon wine country. Scads of wonderful B&Bs, and in May/June drop-dead gorgeous country. You will have had a big helping of coast by then (and more to come); how about a Pinot Noir break?

Andrew

Gardyloo, FYI I find it a little faster and a more pretty drive to head inland north of Lincoln City via Highway 18/99W instead of US 20. I've driven it both ways several times. Unless the traffic is awful on 101, 18, or 99W, it's about 10-15 minutes faster that way than US 20/I-5.

I agree that the scenery isn't as good north of Lincoln city with a few exceptions. There is a nice hike at Cascade Head with a spectacular view of the ocean at the top - this is just north of Lincoln City.

Andrew

beachbum

Seen one Haystack (like) Rock, seen them all? Okay Gardyloo and Andrew, except that IMO, R shouldn't miss the Stephanie Inn (gotta agree that it's better than Edgefield, Gardyloo ;>)). But Seaside and Astoria, take 'em or leave 'em.

Thanks to Sara's reference, I was reminded that you'd need your own bedding and eating utensils for the cabins at Cape Lookout, R. Probably don't want to haul that stuff along.

SaraLM

I agree that the best coast scenery from the road and easy access is from Florence to Lincoln City.

Crossing from the coast to the valley is a great recommendation going up Hwy 99W is beautiful.

I disagree - it is not feasible to do Gold Beach to Haceta Head on top of the jet boats. The long jet boat trip is 8 hours, the drive from Gold Beach to Haceta Head is 3.5 hours. That is too much for me! Of course a shorter jet boat tour would leave that possibility open.

R

Thank you all SO much!!
Always been impressed reading through Oregon threads here. You Oregonians & Oregon travellers are fantastic in your willingness to lend aid, to those with questions. A *terrific* help!

Will look over your recommendations tonight, & check back in w/any more concerns. Maybe a new thread? ;-)

Lots to chew on here...lots to consider. Know that it will all flow more smoothly thanks to you!
Appreciate it, Rosemary
(Ps. Didn't include my name before, as someone else posted in an Oregon thread this year...same name, etc., but it wasn't me. What are the odds?! Not that common a name. Whatever...
feels strange being called "R"
so there you have it.) ;-)

Gardyloo

Andrew, every time I've taken the 18/99W path (not that many) I've ended up following elephants on parade, besides, I'll do almost anything to avoid Lincoln City

My favorite route inland from the coast is inconvenient for R; it's via SR38 from Reedsport through Drain. The part where the road runs along the south bank of the lower Umpqua is IMO one of the prettiest road stretches in the PNW.

Andrew

Gardyloo, I've made a lot trips between Portland and Newport in the last few years - probably 20. I've taken US 20 five or six times at least. It is a more satisfying drive if you like to keep your speed up (especially once you hit I-5), but I've timed it. The best time I can do Newport to Portland with no traffic, no stops, is about 2:25 via US 20/I-5 - and that's doing 70-74 on I-5. I've made it via 18/99W in 2:10 under optimal conditions. As much as I hate going through Lincoln City, the 101/18/99W route is *much* more scenic in my opinion than US 20. Faster and more scenic wins for me. Even if I hit traffic, at worst it's the same time either way.

Andrew