My husband and I will be in Seattle the 3rd week in June. We would like to take a driving trip for about 10 days leaving from Seattle.

I have heard that Cannen Beach was beautiful. Does anyone know who long the drive is? What route we should take? Anything we should see on the way or any other side trips? We've never been to Oregon. Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

We have made that trip often. Plan on around 4 hour or so. We would take I-5 South, then at Longview cut over and then down. It really isn't a scenic trip. If you want to add anything, you can stay on I-5 and do Mt. St. Helens. If you do this, I would suggest getting an early start. Mt. St. Helens has some excellent visitors centers, the best being Johnston Ridge, which is about 50 miles from I-5. The route up there is fascinating though. So if you do this, just allow enough time and plan to get to Cannon Beach later in the day.

When I go to Cannon Beach from Seattle, I like taking the coastal route along Willapa Bay--I find it much more scenic and relaxing than taking I-5 (but I'll do almost anything to avoid freeways--I much prefer secondary roads). I cut over at Olympia and take Rt 8/12 out to Rt. 107 to Raymond and then 101 south from there. It takes about the same amount of time--4 hours. You can also visit Long Beach Peninsula before crossing the bridge to Astoria (especially the the lighthouses and Lewis & Clark center at the south end of the peninsula).

So you might consider doing I-5 one way and this route in the other direction, especially if you are interested in seeing Mt St Helens.

I agree NWWanderer...nice drive.
((Be sure to book reservations early if you want to stay in Cannon Beach....very busy...you can also stay in Seaside..just a few miles away.))

With 10days you can see alot of Oregon. The Oregon coast is awesome.

Just follow the coast hiway...and enjoy.

((Cape Blanco is south of Bandon, most westerly point in Oregon, perhaps the U.S.; visit the lighthouse there))

If you go all the way down to Calif...you could visit the Redwood Forest also...then catch I-5, probably around Grants Pass, and take the freeway back ((boring, but fast)). But you will have seen some great sights.

Yes NWWanderer, totally agree! When travelling to the Oregon coast, we like to head out to coast at Olympia, motor south through South Bend/Raymond (but do go posted speed thru those 2 towns) A pleasant stop for late breakfast or lunch is in Seaview WA, the 42nd Street Cafe or Shelburne Inn. Long Beach may be a little carnival town but is worth a drive-by to see the kites flying and miles of sand. Cape Disappointment (formerly Fort Canby) may be of interest too-lighthouses & lots of Lewis and Clark history. Then south through Ilwaco over Astoria Bridge to Oregon. Oregon has SO many wonderful stops, parks and beach access. Stop at the visitor center in Astoria and pick up their detailed mile guide to Oregon coast. Seaside is touristy, Cannon Beach is charmng, Bandon is a special favourite!

Cannon Beach is beautiful..we used to enjoy driving to CB , spend a few hours browsing the shops and galleries, walking on the beach and having a nice lunch (Mo's is good for chowder or Gower St Bistro) then we would drive South on 101 to just ooohh and aaahh at the coastline views.
Do not take this trip without a camera!
Small towns south are very nice too..Manzanita is charming.

I like NWTravelers route and circa2's suggestions. It may take longer but with the time you have it would offer the most scenic and interesting drive. The Northern California Redwoods would add another ingedient. I-5 on the way back to Seattle would be where you can travel quicker....boring! http://www.oregonlive.com/oregoncoast/
June weather may be damp so pack some sweathers and a rain jacket.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions/comments they've all been so helpful.

Now I can work up an itinerary and get accomodations.

Any other thoughts are appreciated.

Southern Oregon is disliked on this board because they never drive south, but contains much of the most spectacular scenery in Oregon, including the Southern Coast, Ashland, and Crater Lake.
The Redwoods are spectacular.
http://www.traveloregon.com
http://www.southernoregon.org

bbqboy--Who never drives south?

When folks read this board, they'd think Oregon consisted of Cannon Beach and NW Portland. With a day trip to the Gorge.

bbqboy--The OP mentioned CB and side trips. Southern OR is not a sidetrip, IMO, so I didn't mention it.

10 days is a lot of time. I know the preferences on this board, but I would rather be almost anywhere in Oregon than the Seaside/Cannon Beach/Salishan axis.
And I wasn't really thinking abot you, mms.

How are the plans coming along ddspan? You will love the Oregon Coast and yes Cannon Beach is beautiful, Ecola State Park and Indian Beach are not to miss in this area. I like the suggestion for a stop in Seaview, the 42 Street Cafe is very quaint, I love the oysters here!

If you go to Astoria from Cannon Beach, don't miss stopping in Seaside, take a walk on the prom and spend some time down at the beach by Ave U, if you like to wine taste, the new Yummy Wine Bar is great, very cozy, June will still be coolish, there is a fireplace in there and great food.

We love Ashland and Grant's Pass in Southern Oregon, BBQ Boy, have you dined at the Winchester Inn and how is it? ***kim***

Kimmy, the Winchester Inn is Wunnerful wunnerful, with a great wine bar featuring SO wines. You would love it.

BBQboy, Hear ye, hear ye! It is so nice to know of others feel the same way about CB.

I have lived in Oregon most of my life and CB and Seaside are two of the places that I avoid as they are much too commercial for my taste. I think the people that love it most often (though not always) are from out of state.

There is soooo much more to the Oregon Coast!

Cheers!

bbqboy & eurotraveler..

Sometimes you are right
Cannon Beach, Astoria and Seaside get a lot of air time.

1-They are popular.

2-A lot of tourists and Oregon residents have been there and love the place ( Scarlett & family).

3-It is close to Portland when someone wants to combine City/Coast on a vacation.

And this OP specifically asked about Cannon Beach..
You know how it is, posters talk about what they like, feel free to talk about the areas you like too..throw it into the mix..

Thanks BBQ Boy, I hope we are able to fit it in our plans! It looks like a very nice place to stay, also. ***kim***