Oregon’s misty coastline is studded with historic lighthouses, dramatic rock formations, sandy beaches and moody small towns. Better yet, it’s just a 90-minute drive from downtown Portland. It’d take weeks to leisurely tour the 363mile coast at its length. Day-trippers tend to focus on the northern section, though know that much-loved beach towns Seaside and Cannon Beach can get overly crowded during summer months. The two main routes are via 99W to Lincoln City and following Highway 26 to Seaside, Cannon Beach and up to Astoria. If you want to plan a wine-tasting detour on the way, start your journey by following 99W just south of Portland. This will take you through the heart of Oregon’s wine country (see p. 23). From there, take Highway 18 to Highway 101 (aka the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway), which spans the entire Oregon coastline. The first beach town you’ll come to is Lincoln City. Beachcombers will love strolling on the shore, where the city’s year-round Finders Keepers event sees thousands of glass floats placed in the sand for you to discover and take home. Try your hand at glassblowing at the Lincoln City Glass Center. Farther north is Pacific City, a surfing spot with an excellent brewpub, the Pelican Brewing Company. Climb the dune to the top of Cape Kiwanda for an unbeatable view of the Pacific Ocean. From Pacific City, you can continue north to the famous dairy town of Tillamook. The area’s stream-fed grasslands and mild climate make an ideal environment for cattle, which is why the Tillamook Creamery calls it home. At the state-of-the-art visitor center, you can take a self-guided tour and look down to the packing facility below. Don’t miss the sample counter for delectable cheese tasting. Journeying farther north on Highway 101 takes you to a cluster of beachside towns teeming with history, fresh seafood and crowds of sightseers. (If you take Highway 26 out of Portland, this is also where your eyes will first meet the Pacific.) Fine dining and art abound in Cannon Beach, famous for the 235-foot Haystack Rock, an iconic sea stack circled by tide pools. In Seaside, the 1.5-milelong oceanfront promenade (“the Prom” to locals) is perfect for strolling, jogging and bike riding. And history buffs won’t want to miss the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Victorian charm in Astoria, the oldest American city on the West Coast. The North Coast Find windswept beaches, lively tide pools and romantic coastal towns. With a few extra days, you can extend your road trip in either direction. North of Astoria takes you to the Washington coast, where you’ll find two iconic lighthouses in Cape Disappointment State Park. South of Lincoln City is the bustling fishing town of Newport, home to the world-class Oregon Coast Aquarium, the historic bayfront and the state’s largest fishing fleet. Drive farther south for the less-crowded and ruggedly beautiful South Coast cities of Coos Bay, Bandon and Port Orford. DAY TRIPS Seaside Oregon’s 363 miles of coastline is studded with historic lighthouses, dramatic rock formations, sandy beaches and quaint towns that host all kinds of festivals—kiteflying, sandcastling, arts, seafood and wine and more. And there’s no shortage of things to do and stuff to see, including incredible golf, Sahara-like sand dunes, whale watching opportunities and Lewis & Clark historical sites. The coast is just a 90-minute drive from downtown Portland, making it a fun day trip, or a longer sojourn. Start your trip by driving west for about 20 miles on Hwy. 26, then take Northwest Wilson River Hwy. (OR-6) toward Tillamook. As you drive this winding, coastal town of Tillamook. The area’s stream-fed grasslands and mild climate make an ideal environment for dairy herds, which is why the famous Tillamook County Creamery Association calls this beautiful place home. The creamery has been producing naturally aged cheeses and other dairy products (ice cream!) since 1894 and their products are in grocery stores nationwide. Stop by for a free self-guided tour and learn about the cheese-making process and taste samples of the many varieties of cheese. Be sure to get a two-scooper of Tillamook ice cream (try the fresh Oregon Strawberry or Marionberry Pie, both of which use locally grown berries), OREGON’S SANDY BEACHES ARE JUST AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY. the coast Pacific City TINA EILERS / VISIT SEASIDE 58 PortlandUncovered.com
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