Outlined here are the key sights my significant other and I saw during our Oregon Coast adventure when travelling down the coast, starting from Vancouver, BC.
Hope you enjoy!
- CANNON BEACH
Drive time from Vancouver to Cannon Beach: Approx. 6hr 37min
Haysack Rock, a popular tourist definition and it's clear why.
The rocks itself is neat to look at but it's the soft sand the long shore drift is why people come here.
A great place to visit any time of day, the tide comes in stronger toward the evening making for some nice waves.
- DEPOE BAY
Drive time from Cannon Beach: Approx. 2hr 15min
- DEVIL'S CHURN
Drive time from Depoe Bay: Approx. 56min
From the visitor centre, make your way down the paved path, then down a several stairs to this thing of beauty.
Be cautious when visiting this inlet. Looks amazing when water is sprayed into the air from a strong tide, however the wind can be uncomfortably strong and there are plenty of loose rocks and pebbles.
- TOKETEE FALLS
Drive time from Devils Churn: Approx. 4hr 11min
Getting to the viewpoint, where this photo was taken, can be done by all skill levels.
There is a hole in fence where you can crouch and make your way down a steep hill to get to the base of the waterfall and go swimming. From the viewpoint I was able to see people climb the rocks on the side walls before jumping in.
- CRATER LAKE
Drive time from Toketee Falls : Approx. 1hr 45min
- SMITH ROCK STATE PARK
Drive time Crater Lake: Approx. 3hr 11 min
If you have ever been to Zion Nation Park, this would be its baby.
I recommend starting your time here at the visitor centre, they provide you the information you need to have a great day here. I wore my Nike runners and didn't have any issues.
Our trail led us to the Monkey Face Area - it was so exciting to see people scale this enormous rock.
- MULTNOMAH FALLS
Drive time from Smith Rock State Park: Approx. 2 hr 47min
There is no trail you need to hike to get to this view which makes it great for families. Just steps away from the parking lot to get to the base and a short path up to get to the bridge. I would recommend coming earlier in the day as getting parking can be a challenge. Not so early in the day it is is dark out because coming up here the road is narrow and windy.
- MT. ST. HELENS
Drive time from Multnomah Falls: Approx. 1hr 58min
The best view is at the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It is $8 USD to go in the visitor centre and it's worth it! There are a number of cool exhibits and you can watch a short movie. There are a number of trails around to get a different view of Mt. St. Helens. We did a short trail which was well maintained and marked. There are multi-day trails that can be done as well.
Have you ever traveled down the Oregon Coast? Are you going soon?
Would love to read your comments and suggestions!
Thanks for reading,
Michelle