Portland is great, but sometimes you just need to trade the city skyline for the Pacific Ocean. This Oregon Coast day trip from Portland hits the best stops: Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach and more scenic stops on the Northern Oregon Coast.
Logistics:
- Drive Time: Roughly 90 minutes from Portland (80 miles) via US-26 W.
- Beat the Rush: Leave by 8am. Parking at Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park fills up fast on weekends.
- The Golden Rule: Always check Oregon Coast tide tables before you leave. Hug Point and Haystack Rock tide pools are only safely accessible at low tide.
- Pack Smart: Oregon weather is very moody. Bring layers and a raincoat!
1. Ecola State Park
Before hitting the town, drive north to Ecola State Park. Perched on the cliffs between Cannon Beach and Seaside, this is arguably the most scenic spot on the entire North Coast.
- The View: The viewpoint offers a gorgeous look down the coastline toward Tillamook Head and the offshore sea stacks.
- Tip: Hike a portion of the Clatsop Loop Trail for forest canopy views that drop straight into the Pacific. It is the perfect place to spot elk grazing in the meadows.
2. Cannon Beach
No Cannon Beach itinerary is complete without visiting the legendary Haystack Rock. It is the postcard version of the Oregon Coast for a reason.
- Park in town and walk onto the sand. At low tide, Haystack Rock has plentiful sea stars, anemones, and crabs to check out.
- Stop at Insomnia Coffee before or after hitting the iconic beach.
- Lunch Recommendations:
- Pizza a Fetta – delicious pizza right on the main strip
- Public Coast Brewing Co. – local craft beer and burgers
- Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market – fresh, sustainably caught local fish
- Crepe Neptune – sweet and savory crepes
- The Lazy Susan Cafe – a cozy staple for brunch and lunch
- Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House – classic fish and chips in a unique setting
3. Hug Point
Ten minutes south of Cannon Beach sits Hug Point State Recreation Site.
- Why Visit: Look for the remains of the old historic stagecoach road carved directly into the cliffside.
- Tip: Only explore the sea caves during low tide; the incoming tide can trap visitors against the cliffs.
4. Manzanita: The Sunset Finale
Manzanita has a low-key vibe with a huge, open beach to explore. It is the perfect place to decompress before the drive back to Portland.
- The Beach: This seven-mile stretch of beach is wide, flat, and rarely crowded.
- The Nightcap: Head to Laneda Avenue, the town’s main street. It is packed with cozy spots for wood-fired pizza or fresh local seafood.
- Don’t Miss: Grab a drink or a pastry from a local cafe and watch the sunset. It’s considered one of the best sunset spots on the Oregon Coast.
Enjoy this epic day on the Oregon Coast filled with good views and vibes!
One comment
Comments are closed.