sandals

We (Coloradans) have a wedding an hour east of Eugene in the McKenzie River Valley. When the festivities end, we'd like to drive to the beach (Sunday morning) and make the most of our time until we leave Portland airport on Monday at 8 p.m. Suggestions of an overnight stop that would leave time for wandering around a bit, plus a really good blast of the beach? (And not too much tortuous driving? )

Andrew

The easiest thing to do is almost the most obvious from the map: drive west from Eugene to Florence, OR via highway 126. Drive north to Lincoln City (a few hours along US 101 = lots of great scenery, many parks and pull-overs), then head east back to Portland. Yachats would be many people's choice for a nice small town to stay over Sunday night, but Newport to the north is a lot bigger. The Oregon Coast Aquarium there is quite nice and worth a stop.

Give yourself extra time between Lincoln City and Portland; highway 99W can get very congested between McMinville and Tigard.

If you are a AAA member, AAA has a nice Oregon Coast tour map breaking out the various scenic highlights and attractions.

Fodorite018

I agree with Andrew. On the way home though, on hwy99w, McMinnville north can be busy, but coming on a Monday evening it will be much better and you will be going against the traffic. Do not stay on 99 all the way to Tigard though...that would be torture, lol! Get off in Sherwood and and that will save a ton of time.

dwsnyder

About a month ago my wife and I did almost as Andrew suggests, but in reverse. We stayed in Florence (ok lodging), Yahats (very good lodging) and Lincoln City (pretty good lodging).

We took our time making the trip - like 5 days to drive from Florence to Portland. Left a lot of time for planned and spontaneous stops for hiking, beach walking etc.

We'd do it again in a heartbeat. Beautiful.

sandals

Thanks all. I think Yachats is it.

sunbum1944

Yachats is great - favorite places to stay is the Adobe- right on the beach with a nice walking path - they have a restaurant and a bar where you can sit and watch the waves roll in

Along that same stretch is the Fireside ( less expensive ) and a more expensive is the Overleaf

My favorite beach is between Florence and Yachats - Devils Elbow State Park - its a small cove with trail up to the Heceta Head Lighthouse - most photographed lighthouse in N America -

I was at a wedding up the McKenzie last weekend- beautiful spot- bride and groom left the reception in a McKenzie River boat- very cute!

JudyADenver

Sunbum 1944--We're driving along the coast Sept 8-13: Cannon Beach, Newport, Bandon and on to Ashland with our dog. Could we take our dog on a leash to Devils Elbow State Park--is there a fee to go into a state park?

sunbum1944

There is a day use fee for the park - not sure but I think $5.00 and they do come and check cars frequently

I am pretty sure you can bring dog on a leash - seems like I see dogs on most of the beaches around here

kimamom

Yes, you can take your dog on a leash to Oregon beaches, we have my son, his girlfriend and their Weimaraner Kate staying with us and she goes to all of the beaches with us on her leash. Enjoy your trip to the Oregon Coast! ***kim***

beachbum

Actually, most people with reasonable well-trained dogs let them run off-leash on Oregon beaches (not sure about state parks though). I just love seeing the joy and carefree expressions on their faces. Just be prepared to clean up after them. Please! ;-)

sunbum1944

I thought the dogs could run free - but not being a dog owner- didn't want to give the wrong info - I am quite sure I have seen dogs off the leash at Devils Elbow

My daughter once took me to a "dog beach" in Ca- it was so fun to watch all these dogs running around looking so happy. I saw a friendly looking black lab running towards me so bent over to pat him on the head - and the dog lifted his leg and attempted to "mark my foot"

I did quite an entertaining dance on the beach to the amusement of everyone - the owner didn't pay any attention - so dog went over and got an unattended t shirt instead.


It was pretty funny - but some people might not have been very entertained - so watch your doggy's behavior on the beach- never know what they might be up to!!