The Northern Oregon Coast, which stretches from the Columbia River to Florence, Oregon, is full of rocky cliffs, beaches and good food. When visiting Oregon, a trip to the Northern Oregon Coast needs to be on your list.
Northern Oregon Coast Weather
While the northern Oregon coast has a lot to offer, lazy beach days with a bikini in the sun are typically not one of them. The beaches are accessible year round, if you don’t mind some rain and wind. When the sun is out, the temps are usually mild, except for the occasional warm summer day in the 80s.
Winter weather on the northern Oregon coast is typically cool and wet. The coast range averages about 75” of rain per year. Winter temps are typically 40s-50s.
In the spring, the weather warms up a touch to averages of 50s to 60s, but the rain continues. In the summer, temps tend to stay in the mid to high sixties, with less rain and many dry days, but cloud cover is often seen.
By fall on the northern Oregon coast, the rain returns slowly and temperatures begin to drop.
Northern Oregon Coast Towns
The northern Oregon coast is covered in little coastal towns offering a plethora of things to do. But some notable towns worth stopping in are Newport, Tillamook, Seaside, Astoria, Florence and Canon Beach. All of these locations offer unique experiences and sights that can only be seen on the Oregon Coast.
Newport
Newport is home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, a large aquatic facility that houses species found in the Pacific Ocean and aids in educating the public on sea life and how best to help them. Exhibits include sea lions, seals, sea otters, puffins, octopi, and large fish tanks that display species found in the ocean directly across from the aquarium.
The northern Oregon coast town of Newport also houses the Yaquina Bay, Yaquina Bridge, and Yaquina Lighthouse. The bridge, which was built in 1935, is one of the most recognizable bridges in Oregon. The arches and steel and concrete construction form a beautiful art deco structure that stands out against the ocean back drop. The bridge crosses the Yaquina bay, and all boats leaving the bay must go under the it.
The Yaquina Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that began operating in 1873. Three lighthouse keepers worked at the lighthouse at a time, staying in dwellings on the property.
Today, the extra dwellings are gone, but the lighthouse is open for visitors, and even offers tours, depending on the day and time. More info can be found on their website. (Note: The pandemic could affect the operation of this place, and many of the others mentioned.)
One thing you must see while on your trip to the northern Oregon coast is the Sea Lion Dock in Newport. On the main wharf, which is full of shops, stores, and an amazing candy shop, is the sea lion dock. Here, sea lions play, (and fight,) right in view of visitors. The sea lions are not pets, or a museum exhibit. They are real, wild sea lions, that live in the bay and ocean. There is even a live feed camera to watch them!
A fan favorite in Newport is the Rogue Brewery. The brewery features unique beers, and beer flights for purchase. The food menu changes based on the season, but is always fresh, distinctive and delicious.
Tillamook Region
Tillamook has one of the most fascinating pieces of Oregon history on the northern Oregon coast. The Tillamook Air Museum can be seen when driving down highway 101. The sprawling building, shaped with a rounded roof, features the words “air museum” in large letters, making it a hard to miss attraction on the northern coast of Oregon.
The building itself is an old blimp hangar from WWII. For a period of time, blimps patrolled the Oregon Coast looking for submarines. The hangar was constructed entirely out of wood and covers over 7 acres of land. When standing inside the hangar you will become vastly aware of how small you are, but also how talented man is at constructing the impossible.
Inside the hangar, the museum displays antique and vintage aircraft, a historical movie, and many other exhibits. But, the hangar itself is the best part.
Tillamook is also home to the famed Tillamook Cheese Factory. Inside, you can watch Tillamook cheese be created and even taste samples. Scattered throughout the building are exhibits and signs that explain the cheese making process, from cows to package.
The cheese factory is a fun learning experience, but you can also dine at the onsite restaurant, (featuring Tillamook cheese of course,) or enjoy the Tillamook ice cream.
Just outside of the town of Tillamook are two experiences that are very traditional Oregon coast. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse in the northern Oregon coast. In my opinion, it is also one of the most beautiful and unique lighthouses. At the Cape Meares site, there are also many hiking trails that offer stunning cliffside views of the coast.
The second experience outside of Tillamook is the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. This experience is a relaxing train ride along the scenic coastline. The train ride travels from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach and back. Specialty and themed train rides happen throughout the year as well.
Seaside and Astoria
Seaside and Astoria Oregon are towns very near each other. You can easily spend a day, or two, or three visiting all there is to do in these two towns.
History buffs or those interested in the paranormal should plan to visit both the Wreck of the Peter Iredale and the seemingly haunted Fort Stevens. The Peter Iredale shipwreck can still be seen standing proudly on the beach, although not as proudly as it once was. Each day, the ocean slowly wins the battle against the vessel’s aged steel structure.
During a storm, the Peter Iredale ran ashore in 1906 while traveling to the Columbia River enroute to Portland. Luckily, no casualties were reported, but the ship could not be saved.
Nearby the Wreck, is Fort Stevens. The fort operated from the Civil war through WWII, guarding the Columbia River. The fort had batteries, barracks and many outbuildings that are still standing today protecting the coastline of Oregon. They are open to explore, and during the summer, tours are offered that allow guests to visit some of the batteries. There is also an onsite museum detailing the history of the fort.
Inside Fort Stevens State Park, there is camping, RV parking, hiking trails, and more.
Slipping into bustling downtown Astoria, you’ll find the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The museum details the history of boating, fishing, and shipping along the Columbia River. Outside the museum there are often container ships parked on the river. They are quite a sight to see.
If you are looking for good views of the Northern Oregon Coast, the Astoria Column in Astoria can provide that. The 100-foot plus column sits perched high above the town and bay. At the top of the column, you can see 360-degree views of the area, or throw one of the legendary small wooden gliders to see if you can beat the record of over 6 miles.
Canon Beach
Canon beach is a quaint little town that offers delicious dining options, fun laid back shopping, and the Ecola State Park. The state park is full of hiking trails that lead to ocean views. Elk are plentiful in this area as well and seem to love to pose for photo opportunities. It is advisable, however, to keep your distance from these rising Instagram stars.
Canon Beach is also home to Haystack rock, one of the most commonly photographed rock formations on the northern Oregon coast. Haystack rock’s beach is perfect for photography, walking, beach combing, tide pool viewing and more.
Florence
Florence is the southern end of the northern Oregon coast and offers something for everyone. Florence has one of the best beaches for horse back riding, and dunes you can ride four wheelers or dirt bikes on.
Rental locations for bikes and four wheelers can also be found, so you do not need to bring your own. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which stretches from Florence to Coos Bay, offers guided and non-guided four-wheeler experiences.
Another Florence adventure is Sea Lion caves, the most popular spot to see sea lions on the northern Oregon coast. Here, you’ll take an elevator to the cave where the sea lions lounge about, and bellow loudly.
Best of Northern Oregon Coast VRBO
When planning your trip, you may want to consider a northern Oregon coast vacation rental, such as a VRBO. A rental is a great way to make your trip your own, and to enhance the experience through unique and eclectic accommodations. Some are even located right on the beach.
The northern Oregon coast is known for its unique accommodations, such as tiny A-frames near the water, or high-end air stream trailers for rent within walking distance to the beach.
Many of these rentals feature ocean views, and vary in size, so no matter your vacation plans, you will find one to work for you. Many amazing vacation rentals can be found here.
We have gathered together a few northern Oregon coast VRBOs that we have on our bucket list. While we haven’t had the opportunity to stay at these yet, they come highly recommended.
Pacific City Beach House
This spacious, open, and glorious beach house in Pacific City is directly on the beach. Simply step outside your back door onto miles and miles of pristine sandy beach. And the best part, is the view of Haystack rock!
This rental features three bedrooms, with two of them being master suites. A large living room provides room for the whole family, or all your friends. This home also features a large dining room, and an even larger back deck to better take in the unmatched views.
With great amenities and views, the only downside to this rental is that it is in such high demand! So be sure to book early.
Lake Lytle Lookout
The Lake Lytle Lookout cabin offers the best of both worlds. This cabin is not only located on a lake, but is just a short walk from the picturesque Rockaway Beach. Lakefront views and access offer unlimited fun for family and friends alike.
If you get bored of the freshwater activities, you can always take the five minute walk to the small town of Rockaway Beach to shop, dine, or walk along the sand.
My favorite feature of this vacation rental is the privacy. The cabin is located in a small woodland area on the lake which provides a private and intimate feel. The large picture window and open deck face the lake for unforgettable views.
This home has two bedrooms, one master, and another with a queen bed and bunk beds. Another queen bed is located in the living room in the form of a sleeper sofa. The house could comfortable sleep 8 guests.
The Best Northern Oregon Coast VRBO for Large Groups
The Haystack Lookout rental is the perfect place to have a family reunion, or gather in a large group at the coast. Located in Pacific City, with views of Haystack Rock, this rental can sleep up to 14 guests.
The 5,000 square foot mini mansion is equipped with a state of the art kitchen with high end appliances, and a dining room table suitable for a large event. The entire house is set up to maximize oceanfront views with large picture windows and a spacious deck.
Inside, you will find two master bedrooms on the main floor, and three smaller bedrooms upstairs. The property is 2 ¼ acres, which gives you plenty of room for outdoor activities.
An Intimate Getaway Rental
The Little Love Shack in Manzanita Oregon is the ideal romantic getaway. This tiny cabin features one queen bedroom, a queen sleeper sofa, a full kitchen, one full bathroom, and plentiful outdoor space.
The cabin may be small, but it packs a punch. The décor is bright and colorful, but inviting. The garden space feels private and intimate.
This quaint rental is located in the heart of Manzanita, and just one block from the beach. Many restaurants and stores are also within walking distance.
Northern Oregon Coast Camping
Camping is allowed on some sections of the northern Oregon coast. Camping on the beach is not allowed in state parks, city limits, or where signs prohibit it. Most beach camping is remote and far from the road.
Beach camping could mean a tent, driftwood shelters, vehicles or sleeping out under the stars. Fires are allowed on the beach as long as they are small pieces of wood, (no drift wood logs,) and built west of the vegetation line. Fires must be put out with water rather than buried, so no one accidentally steps in covered hot coals.
If you are hoping to camp in less remote places, the Oregon coast is covered with campgrounds and RV sites. Fort Stevens State Park and Nahalem Bay State Park are two of the most popular. Additional campgrounds are typically located within state parks, with some having RV hookups, making it easy to plan a vacation on the Oregon coast.
Oregon Coast Beaches
Some coastlines are completely outlined in sandy beaches that all connect. The northern Oregon coast has sandy beaches separated by cliff faces and rocky coastline. This makes for a unique experience, especially when traveling up or down highway 101.
Each Oregon beach brings a distinctive and unique experience. For example, the beach with the most interesting sites would be the Clatsop Beach. The shipwreck of the Peter Iredale offers a great photo opportunity, and may just make you stand in awe for a few minutes. Clatsop Beach also produces over 90% of the harvested razor clams in the state.
Another great sight on an Oregon coast beach is on Canon Beach. The stunning and picturesque Haystack Rock is just a short walk from one of the many beach entrances. The beach is also a great place to walk and watch the sunset.
The best northern Oregon coast beach for swimming is Horsfall Beach. While swimming on the northern Oregon coast isn’t too popular, this is a great beach if you are brave enough. It is one of the most popular in the state and rich with other activities like horseback riding, fishing, hiking and more.
Rockaway Beach is the perfect beachcombing beach. Visitors to this beach often find shells, smooth sea glass, and occasionally glass floats from Japan that have washed up after being in the ocean for years. Plentiful tide pools in the area also offer the experience to see some of the local flora and fauna.
Oregon Coast Hikes
Hiking on the northern Oregon coast is an unmatched experience. Hikes often showcase cliffside ocean views, or local wildlife. Below are a few hikes you may want to add to your vacation plans.
For additional hikes, try the Ecola State Park, a sprawling state park littered with hiking trails for all hiking levels.
God’s Thumb Hike
The hike to God’s thumb is a 4.3 mile out and back style trail that leads to a cliff top directly over the ocean. From one side of the tall knoll, you can look down on waves colliding into the rocks below. The other side showcases high up views of Lincoln city.
This hike is deemed a moderate hike but is not always well maintained. The parking area is small, and can become crowded. When trying to find the parking area, look for signs that say “The Knoll.”
Also please note, this trail does not have any safety railings in place, so exercise extreme caution. For a safer experience, take the smaller trail before getting to God’s Thumb, which takes you to The Knoll.
Crescent Beach Trail
Crescent Beach Trail is located near Canon Beach and Haystack Rock. The trail is 2.5 miles long and starts with a steep stretch before leveling out and following the ridgeline. Sights include beach views as far as the eye can see, and a far-off view of Haystack Rock.
This trail is rather uncrowded for a northern Oregon coast beach trail and is quite enjoyable. It can be slippery and somewhat muddy though.
Fort to Sea Trail
This 6.1 mile trail is a one way trail. Many people bring two cars and park one at each entrance to the hike, and shuttle back to the entrance. Others walk the whole trail out and back for a total of 12.2 miles.
The Fort to Sea trail begins at Fort Clatsop inside the Lewis & Clark National and State Historical Park. The fort was the encampment of Lewis and Clark in 1805-1806 during bad winter weather. The trail itself follows the pathway Lewis and Clark took from the Pacific Ocean to the fort.
The hike begins at the fort, and travels through a temperate rainforest before the ecosystem begins to slowly change. Before you know it, the flora is reminiscent of a beach ecosystem. The hike wraps up at Sunset Beach.
To sum up, or as we say now, “too long, didn’t read” or “TL;DR,” the northern Oregon coast can be a perfect vacation for anyone. With hikes, museums, and spectacular views paired with delicious seafood and shopping experiences, you could easily spend a week or more visiting the Northern Oregon coastal towns.
