Oregon Coastal Tour

Manzanita: where seven miles of sandy beach and Oregon’s third most photographed views will have you feeling like you’re living in a postcard. Why not take a stroll by the ocean or adventure through the charming town center? With delightful boutique shops and several art galleries, you can try on new styles and lose yourself in creativity. Don’t forget to pop into the bookstore, where you can find everything from the greatest hits to the latest and greatest from rising authors.

Get ready for a jaw-dropping adventure at Oswald West State Park! This hidden gem runs for four miles along the coast, snuggled in a lush rainforest and boasting a secluded sandy beach. Take a stroll along the winding trails and soak in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s no wonder this vast park is one of Oregon’s most spectacular natural wonders!

Keep your eyes peeled for Short Sand Beach, a tranquil cove hugged by towering forests and rugged volcanic cliffs – the epitome of the iconic Oregon coastline. Locals affectionately call it “Shorty’s” and it’s just a breezy half-mile walk through the woods. Follow the curves of Short Sand Creek and you’ll find yourself in an enchanting old-growth forest with towering red cedars, hemlocks, and Sitka Spruce trees. And there it is – the breathtaking Short Sands Beach, ready to take your breath away!

Step into a postcard-perfect seaside town that’s begging to be explored! Cannon Beach is a gem that’s easy to navigate on foot, guiding you through winding paths, charming art installations, and flower-filled courtyards. This artsy haven is a hotspot for eclectic galleries, cute cafes, and swoon-worthy fine-dining restaurants. Make sure you save some room for a tasty lunch at one of the town’s many amazing eateries. But the real star of the show? The stunning beaches that extend for almost four miles, enveloping you in the calming sounds of crashing waves and squawking seabirds. Keep your eyes peeled for the iconic Haystack Rock, soaring 235 feet out of the ocean and boasting a thriving ecosystem of wildlife and tide pools. Whether you’re up for a leisurely stroll, sandcastle building, or beachcombing, this shore is a must-see that won’t disappoint. And with plenty of access points from downtown Cannon Beach, it’s never been easier to take a dip into the ocean’s welcoming embrace.

Behold magnificent Haystack Rock, a legendary icon of Oregon, boasting vibrant tidepools and a bustling bird community. This towering wonder stands tall at 235 feet, and when the tides are low, you can strut right up to it and mingle with the vivid sea stars, as well as other mesmerizing creatures of the intertidal zone. From early spring to mid-summer, you can witness the playful puffins perched atop the rock, providing the perfect opportunity to marvel at the adorable Tufted Puffins of the Northwest. And that’s not all! A plethora of bird species flock to this scenic wonder, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. This natural wonder is a geological masterpiece, forged millions of years ago by lava flows, shaping the dramatic capes and headlands that dot the Oregon Coast. As part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Haystack Rock is a marine environment under State protection, making it all the more awe-inspiring.

Your road trip to Cannon Beach isn't complete without a jaw-dropping stop at Ecola State Park. The road meanders through ancient rainforests and spits you out at one of Oregon's most epic views. Get ready to be blown away by the rugged coastline, enchanting rock formations, and majestic capes stretching for miles. Take a leisurely walk on the paved trails, and feast your eyes on the iconic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse perched on a solitary rock in the Pacific Ocean. Keep your binoculars handy, as the park is a bird and whale watcher's paradise. Don't forget to look out for Roosevelt Elk grazing in the meadows and Bald Eagles soaring through the skies. After all that nature-gazing, it's time to head back to Portland with a camera full of stunning memories.