Roadtrip Oregon coast
https://www.reddit.com/r/PacificNorthwest/comments/1j7nxyi/roadtrip_oregon_coast/
created by Merel_F on 10/03/2025 at 02:02 UTC
5 upvotes, 2 top-level comments (showing 2)
Hi! I am planning a raodtrip on the Oregon coast. I will go alone and will go in the beginning of May. I know that May might not be the best month because of the weather, but I do not have another option.
I will add my itenerary below. I would love to hear what you think about my plans. Are there things I have not on my list that I should definitely add. Are there things on my list that are overrated/not worth going. I am also looking for the most cheap places to stay overnight, so if you have recommendations for that please let me know! Also tips for what to do in Portland. I am open for all other tips and advices, thank you!
- *Day 1:** Depart from Redwood National Park
- Drive to Harris Beach State Park (30-minute drive): Beach walk, rock formations (1.5 hours) Park in the main parking lot.
- Drive to Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (5-minute drive): * Natural Bridges (15-30 minute hike) Park along Highway 101 at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint * Secret Beach, hidden beach with waterfalls (30-45 minute hike) Park along Highway 101 at the Secret Beach Trailhead * Arch Rock Viewpoint (10-minute hike) Park at Arch Rock Picnic Area, directly off Highway 101 * Indian Sands Trails, sand dunes (45-60 minute hike) Park at the Indian Sands Trailhead along Highway 101
Overnight in Gold Beach (25-minute drive)
Depart from Gold Beach
- Drive to Race Rock State Scenic Viewpoint (Bandon) (1 hour 10-minute drive): See Face Rock, walk on Bandon Beach, and view other rock formations like Cat and Kittens Rock Park at Face Rock Viewpoint, accessible via Beach Loop Road
- Drive to Shore Acres State Park (40-minute drive): Japanese garden, Simpson Beach Trail Park in the large parking lot ($5)
- Drive to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (55-minute drive): Sandboarding. Lesson at Sand Master Park, or rent your own and head to John Dellenback Dunes Hike at John Dellenback Trail
Overnight in Florence (30-minute drive)
Depart from Florence
- Drive to Thor's Well & Cape Perpetua (30-minute drive): Natural phenomenon "the sinkhole," Spouting Horn, the Perpetua Trail Park at Cape Perpetua Visitor Center
- Drive to Drift Creek Falls (1 hour 30-minute drive): 5km hike with a suspension bridge and waterfall Park at Drift Creek Falls Trailhead
- Drive to Eugene (1 hour 45-minute drive): 5th Street Public Market, Falling Sky Brewing, Sessions Music Hall, Hi-Fi Music Hall
Overnight in Eugene
Depart from Eugene
- Drive to Neskowin Ghost Forest (2 hour 15-minute drive): Old tree stumps visible at low tide Park at Neskowin Beach State Recreation Site
- Drive to Oswald West State Park (30-minute drive): Beautiful forest walk and peaceful beach, suspension bridge
- Drive to Portland (2 hour 15-minute drive)
Overnight in Portland
- Day in Portland
- Evening or morning of Day 6: Flight home.
Comments
Comment by Efficient_Patience13 at 10/03/2025 at 02:18 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Try to hit Thor's Well sometime around high tide (or at least avoid low tide). It's awesome then. Other coastal sights might have preferred times too.
Comment by Alley_cat_alien at 10/03/2025 at 04:17 UTC
2 upvotes, 0 direct replies
Shore acres may be closed due to a highway collapse. In Bandon, definitely go to Coastal Mist for amazing chocolate and espresso. Lastly, if you find yourself in the valley hit Silver Falls state park - I’ve never seen anything quite as awe inspiring