This coastal stretch delights the senses, with lush forests, majestic rock formations and long idyllic expanses of sand and sea.
From Columbia River in the north to Cascade Head in the south, the North Oregon Coast is a long, varied stretch of beautiful Pacific coastline and vivid local color. Visit developed beach resorts, sleepy seaside towns and pristine natural beauty as you travel along this section of the country.
Begin your tour in the small port town of Astoria, a settlement rich in heritage and growing in hipness, with the nickname of “Little San Francisco.” Delve into the town’s history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Enjoy culture at the Liberty Theater and the Oregon Film Museum.
Farther south, Cannon Beach is a picturesque seaside resort in a breathtaking natural setting. Stroll along the sandy beach and admire the famous Haystack Rock that looms upward 235 feet (72 meters) from the shore. Browse in the art galleries and boutiques in the village.
The charming town of Manzanita is perched on the northern side of Nehalem Bay, providing easy access to the Nehalem Bay State Park with 2 miles (3 kilometers) of forested bike path offering lovely views across the bay.
Head to nearby Oswald West State Park to savor its spellbinding mixture of sea, sand and vegetation or choose a trail to hike on the iconic and lushly forested Neahkahnie Mountain.
Stop at the sleepy beach town of Rockaway Beach on your way to the historic city of Tillamook, located slightly inland on Tillamook Bay. Here you can delight in the many fine local restaurants, as well as the iconic Tillamook Cheese Factory. Alternatively, get a taste of history at the Tillamook Air Museum or the county’s Pioneer Museum.
Access the North Oregon Coast easily from Portland, with Cannon Beach about a 90-minute drive away. Local bus services are often available, but the most practical way to explore the area is by car. Plan your visit outside summer to avoid the greatest numbers of tourists on the highways.