Welcome to the breathtaking Oregon Coastal US 101 road trip! Discover stunning coastal landscapes, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming towns along this iconic highway. Mesmerizing Pacific Ocean views, hidden coves, and unforgettable sunsets await. Experience nature, outdoor adventures, and cultural delights. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking rejuvenation, this road trip has it all. Fasten your seatbelts and embark on an unforgettable journey along the mesmerizing Oregon Coast. Let’s make memories that last a lifetime!
Day-1 – Beaches: Long and Cannon
The Long Beach Peninsula boasts the title of being the longest contiguous beach in the U.S., stretching about 28 miles. When you visit this location, don’t forget to take a stroll along the boardwalk. It’s situated on the left side at the entrance and is hard to miss. Before entering, consider buying some colorful kites if you’re interested in flying them, especially if the weather is favorable. The beach seems endless, and a short walk can’t truly capture its beauty. If you have the time, I recommend visiting the quaint town of Long Beach. Occasionally, they host live music concerts in the park, and the best part is, they’re free! This makes for a fantastic one-day trip from Seattle. Pack your lunch, bring along some friends, and have a wonderful time.
Cannon Beach: I highly recommend renting either a three-wheel bike or a regular bike for 2 hours. The three-wheel bike is a unique feature of Cannon Beach that you cannot afford to miss. Exploring the entire shore and experiencing different views on these bikes is so much fun. Make sure you arrive before 5 PM to fully enjoy the beauty of the place in the sunlight.
The town is renowned for its brewed beer. If you’re planning to stay overnight, don’t forget to indulge in this local delight.
Day-2: Sand Dunes, Florence, OR
If you have some time to shop in Portland, because it is tax free then I would recommend Lincon City Outlets which is on the way from Cannon beach to Florence.
Florence: This is my favorite place in the entire loop. Florence is a beautiful small town, adorned with beaches and sand dunes. I’ve visited here three times, and each visit has been a delight. Nowhere else in the USA can you experience sand dunes quite like you can here.
If you’re not staying overnight, try to arrive early. To truly experience the sand dunes, you have the option of a guided family dune car ride, which will take you on a bumpy journey into the desert. For those with an adventurous spirit like mine, you can rent bikes at Torex. If you’re a beginner, I recommend trying a single-seat, all-wheels ride. The combination of sunny and windy weather can make the drive a bit challenging due to the ever-changing sand.
After your ride, expect to be covered in sand, so make sure you have arrangements to take a bath afterward.
You can skip the visit if you are not looking for an adventure but I still recommend to visit beautiful beaches this place has to offer.
Day-3: Crater Lake
I recommend staying overnight in Klamath Falls, the nearest small town. The national park features a 33-mile loop that can be covered in a few hours. If you plan to hike to the bottom of the lake, it might take the entire day. This iconic lake is a must-visit, and pictures do not do justice to its pristine water. If you are driving an electric car like me, please be cautious. This place does not have chargers available. Your best option would be Klamath Falls, which is 50 miles away.
Day-4: 4th July, Willamina, OR
A town with a population of 2000, it was the first town where the population was displayed on a town board when entering the city. While completing our 4-day loop, we decided to spend the afternoon in this small town to witness the 4th of July celebration. They are a close-knit community who all know each other. They have been celebrating the 4th of July every year in style. This year, they hosted an arm wrestling competition organized by the USA Arm Wrestling Federation.
You have the option to visit Portland on your way back, but we chose to take a different route as we had visited Portland many times before.
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Happy 4th.
