Oregon Coast vacation

[dpat]

Just looking to see if anyone has some don't miss places along the coast or things to do, hikes, lesser know spots etc...
We are doing the "normal" places Astoria, Cannon Beach Depoe Bay, Yachats, Florence, and Bandon. My wife's big thing is national parks so we are going to hit Rewood NP and run over to Crater Lake NP too.
We are flying into Portland then over to Astoria then south along the coast. Spending 9 days total in Oregon.

 

[chizelhead]

It looks like you have it covered. That's a lot in 9 days. What/where are your accommodations? Visiting Cannon Beach is nice, staying just south in Manzanita is a bit quieter and nicer.

• Tillamook Creamery
• Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
• Swing through Bend after going to Crater Lake

 

[Rogue Bay]

There are a ton of short little hikes and cool overlooks along Hwy 101 between Gold Beach and Brookings while on your way down to Redwood NP. This part of the coastline is a little different than that up north.

I don’t know how much time you’ll have by the time you get to the south coast but Jerry’s Rogue Jets out of Gold Beach does a run upriver in large jet boats and usually stops at a lodge for lunch. The Wild and Scenic Rogue River Canyon is pretty cool.

The Smith River in northern California is breathtaking. When you leave Redwood NP and head inland toward Crater Lake NP you’ll probably take Hwy 199, which follows the Smith River.

 

[IdahoBeav]

My wife's big thing is national parks so we are going to hit Redwood NP and run over to Crater Lake NP too.

You can hit the Oregon Caves Nat'l Monument on the drive between those two

 

[elkliver]

Depending on the dates and tide tables, Go clamming! Great family activity. are you driving or flying? Ill sit down when i have more time and send you some options.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I wouldn't go razor clamming in the summer, they are in the breeding cycle and can taste nasty. They close it here in WA in early May usually because of that. Manzanita is a cool place to stay. The Tillimook dairy is nice too. The redwoods in the NP are incredible and there's usually a ton of elk to watch.

 

[BRTreedogs]

Make sure to take ear protection if gonna walk on the beach.
The winds can unexpectedly freeze your ears off.

 

[dpat]

Dates are July 25th--August 3rd
Flight lands at 10:34 A.M. on the 25th so we will have most of that day.
If we somehow find the time is the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway worth the drive?

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Yes, and Hood River is a cool place to stay.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Another thing, avoid Portland like the plague. You will be horrified.

 

[elkliver]

I wouldn't go razor clamming in the summer, they are in the breeding cycle and can taste nasty. They close it here in WA in early May usually because of that. Manzanita is a cool place to stay. The Tillimook dairy is nice too. The redwoods in the NP are incredible and there's usually a ton of elk to watch.

Razors are not the only type of clam

 

[WeiserBucks]

Razors are not the only type of clam

I know a good one in Depoe Bay, but she plays hard to get.

 

[Legend]

Just looking to see if anyone has some don't miss places along the coast or things to do, hikes, lesser know spots etc...
We are doing the "normal" places Astoria, Cannon Beach Depoe Bay, Yachats, Florence, and Bandon. My wife's big thing is national parks so we are going to hit Rewood NP and run over to Crater Lake NP too.
We are flying into Portland then over to Astoria then south along the coast. Spending 9 days total in OreOregon

The further south on the coast the fewer people. Things to consider: sand dune ride (family loved it), used to be a tree house vrbo in Southern Oregon, tuna fishing can be good, silver falls is full of people but pretty cool

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Razors are not the only type of clam

Really? I was not aware of that. I was simply pointing out it is not the best time to dig razors.

 

[Dab65]

Casual take from someone who's been down that stretch a bunch

Stick to your plan Astoria Column shipwreck at Fort Stevens, Cannon Beach Ecola State Park for views and Crescent Beach hike if you want less crowds, Depoe Bay, Yachats Cape Perpetua is a must short trails, Thor's Well at low tide, Devil's Churn, Florence dunes, Bandon. Those are the classics for good reason.

 

[Tmac]

A little ways off 101, SW of Tillamook is Netarts. Excellent eatery at the county park boat launch, The Schooner. Just north of there, past Oceanside is tunnel beach. You can get the classic picture of folks in the tunnel with the ocean as a back drop, great views of 3 arch rocks NWR.

Then head back thru Netarts and take the back way into Pacific City, you go through Sand Lake and have a great views of the dunes. The pelican in PC is a good place to eat and drink too.

All 3 are off the main tourist path, PC less so.