The Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast has the greatest name recognition of Oregon's travel destinations, though few outside of the state could probably name more than single coastal city. Portland, Oregon's metropolitan region, is indeed a port but it not located along the Oregon coast, rather about 50 miles upriver along the mightly Columbia. Ships can pass from the Oregon Coast to Portland and back making this a thriving inland port city despite its distance from the actual coast.

Attractions include all the following and many more along the Heceta Head Lighthouse,

Among the most popular attractions along the 300+ mile Oregon Coast and Oregon Coast National Scenic Byway:

Fort Clatsop | near Astoria
Oregon Coast Aquarium | Newport Oregon
Newport Old Town
Cape Perpetua (hiking, views, interpretive center)
Devils Churn (hiking and picnic area)
Sea Lion Caves (a privately owned sanctuary for sea lions, well worth the admission)
Florence Old Town | Florence
Reedsport Ocean Interpretive Center | Reedsport
Bandon Old Town | Bandon
Brookings
Azalea Park | Brookings

Dozens of splendid Oregon State Parks are found along this route. Click here for the official Oregon Coast State Parks Website.

Seven lighthouses are found along the Oregon coastline and Highway 101 which is designated as the "Oregon Coast National Scenic Byway".

Also found along the coast route are several historic bridges, many designed by Conde McCullough.

Mileages from city to city along the coast vary, but generally you'll be under 30 miles to the next city along the coast. Here is a list of all the cities along the Oregon coast with mileages between them:

• Astoria to Seaside – 17
  
• Seaside to Cannon Beach – 9
  
• Cannon Beach to Nehalem Bay – 21
• Nehalem to Rockaway Beach – 1
  
• Rockaway Beach to Tillamook – 15
• Tillamook to Lincoln City – 44
  
• Lincoln City to Depoe Bay – 13
• Depoe Bay to Newport – 13
• Newport to Waldport – 16
• Waldport to Yachats – 9
• Yachats to Florence – 26
• Florence to Reedsport – 21
  
• Reedsport to Winchester Bay – 5
• Winchester Bay to Coos Bay/North Bend – 23
• Coos Bay/North Bend to Bandon – 24
• Bandon to Port Orford – 27
• Port Orford to Gold Beach – 28
• Gold Beach to Brookings – 29