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Planning Your Oregon Coast Roadtrip: 7 Must-Do Adventures

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

With the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Mountains there's an endless supply of gorgeous waterfalls and scenic hikes across the state. Any outdoor adventurer could be satisfied sticking to Oregon's interior. If you're not satisfied, then head to the Oregon coast. The Pacific Ocean meets rugged PNW terrain in dramatic fashion, resulting in tons of potential for easily accessible adventures up and down the coastline. Whether you're looking for an escape from Bend or Portland or heading to Oregon for the very first time, a road trip on the coast will surely satisfy your need to get outside.

1. Hike Coastal Old Growth Forest

Photo: Dan Moe

Camp at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area Campground and explore the coastal old growth forest surrounding the area. Get up early for the peaceful combination of morning fog and grazing elk. Learn more.

2. Cape Lookout

Photo: Dan Moe

With 10 miles of hiking trails, 170 campsites, yurts, rustic cabins, and a day-use area, Cape Lookout State Park has something for every party's needs. Not to mention, the scnery is breathtaking.Learn more.

3. Oswald West State Park

Photo: Seth Whelden

This 5 mile, flat hike along the coast is the perfet sunset hike for the entire family, even the pup. Learn more.

4. Ecola State Park

Photo: George Bruce Wilson

Be sure to have your camera ready to shoot the iconic Haystack Rock on Canon Beach and keep an eye out for wildlife and wildflowers. Learn more.

5. Smuggler Cove

Photo: George Bruce Wilson

Overshadowed and underpopulted due to proximity to Canon Beach and Seaside, Oregon, Smuggler Cove is a great spot to surf and explore tide pools. Learn more.

6. Rockaway Beach

Photo: Mark Pratt-Russom

This section of the coast is especially quiet during the summer, which also happens to be the best time to catch a rare night of clear skies. Learn more.

7. Cape Kiwanda

Photo: Kimberley Kacho

If you have a kayak or SUP, this is an awesome location to explore the coast from the water rather than the sand. If there's a swell, bring your surfboard! Learn more.

Check out Bo's adventures here.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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