What a beautiful drive!
If you’re planning an Oregon Coast road trip, get ready for one of the most scenic drives in the Pacific Northwest. Although our journey started in Seattle and ended in Portland, one of the absolute highlights was exploring Oregon’s breathtaking northern coastline, with charming seaside towns, incredible Pacific Ocean views, and unforgettable stops along the way.
Our original plan looked a little different… but, as often happens when traveling, things changed. And honestly? It ended up being even better than we expected.
Sometimes the best trips don’t follow the original plan
Our initial idea was simple: spend a full day exploring Seattle after driving from Spokane, then leave early the next morning for Oregon.
But our drive from Spokane to Bellevue turned into much more of an adventure than we expected. Between scenic overlooks, the Columbia River, cozy coffee shops, and beautiful landscapes, we kept finding reasons to stop. Before we knew it… the entire day had disappeared.
So we switched our plans around.
Instead of visiting Seattle that day, we explored the city the following morning before continuing south toward Oregon.
Did that mean skipping several places I had carefully saved on my map?
Absolutely.
Do I regret it?
Not at all.
Actually, it gave me the perfect excuse to come back.
That’s one of my favorite travel tips: have a plan, but don’t let the itinerary control your trip. Sometimes the unexpected moments become the ones you remember the most.
The road trip we originally planned
If you have a full day available for this drive, here’s the route we originally hoped to follow—and honestly, I’m keeping this list because I’m pretty sure we’ll do it on our next visit!
Olympia
Our first planned stop was Olympia, the capital of Washington State.
When we eventually drove from Seattle toward Portland, we passed right through, but because of the time, we didn’t stop.
The plan was simply to grab a coffee, stretch our legs, walk around downtown for a little while, and continue toward the coast. I had already saved a few interesting spots on Google Maps that were all within walking distance.
Not a long visit—just a relaxing break before continuing the adventure.
Taking the scenic route to Astoria
Originally, we wanted to avoid Interstate 5 and follow Highway 101 instead.
It takes a little longer, but it’s known for offering some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Washington.
Some of the places still waiting on my list include:
- Cape Disappointment State Park, cfamous for its lighthouses and dramatic Pacific Ocean views.
- Fort Columbia State Park, where you can explore historic military buildings overlooking the Columbia River.
- Astoria-Megler Bridge Washington Side Viewpoint, one of the best places to admire the massive bridge before crossing into Oregon.
Next time… definitely.
Portland
We spent two nights in Portland.
After arriving from Seattle, we simply checked into our hotel and looked for dinner nearby. I had planned to visit a food truck pod that looked amazing, but by the time we arrived, many of the vendors had already closed for the evening. Their posted hours said 9:00 p.m., but around 8:00 p.m. several trucks were already packing up. Maybe because it was winter… or maybe because it wasn’t the weekend.
Luckily, just a short walk away we found Queen Mama’s Kitchen, a Mediterranean restaurant that turned out to be an excellent choice. Everything was delicious.
We stayed at the Hilton Portland Downtown. One thing worth mentioning is that the parking garage isn’t inside the hotel itself—you’ll park across the street and walk a couple of minutes. Not a big deal, but good to know if you’re planning your stay.
The next morning we had to take care of some work before sightseeing, but first… coffee.
We stopped at Drip Drop Coffee, which had a really cozy atmosphere. The coffee was excellent, and I picked up a small pastry that was also delicious.
Astoria: a city that deserves more than just a quick stop
Even though we only spent a few hours here, Astoria became one of the biggest surprises of the entire trip.
Located where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is Oregon’s oldest city and one of the oldest settlements on the West Coast.
Its maritime history, colorful Victorian homes climbing the hillsides, and relaxed atmosphere give it so much character.
Movie lovers might recognize it without even realizing it.
Astoria has appeared in films like The Goonies, Free Willy, Short Circuit, and Kindergarten Cop, making it a fun destination for film fans.
More things to do in Astoria
If you have extra time, consider visiting:
- Astoria Column for panoramic city views.
- Astoria Riverwalk along the Columbia River.
- Columbia River Maritime Museum, one of the best maritime museums on the West Coast.
- Heritage Museum to learn about the city’s fascinating history.
- The sea lion viewing area, which is always entertaining.
Honestly, Astoria feels like one of those towns where you could easily spend an entire weekend.
Seaside: the perfect lunch stop
Our next stop was Seaside.
This charming beach town is perfect for walking along the waterfront, relaxing by the ocean, or enjoying lunch with a view.
We stopped at Mo’s Seafood & Chowder, and it was absolutely worth it.
Their famous clam chowder was delicious, and it gave us plenty of energy before continuing the drive.
Nearby you’ll also find the monument marking the western end of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, commemorating where the famous expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean in 1806.
I absolutely loved the atmosphere here. I’d love to return during summer to see how lively the town becomes.
Cannon Beach: the perfect ending
We timed our arrival so we could (hopefully) catch sunset at Cannon Beach.
Haystack Rock is easily one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, and seeing it in person is even more impressive than in photos.
Standing over 230 feet (70 meters) tall, it dominates the coastline and creates one of the most photographed landscapes in the Pacific Northwest.
It truly takes your breath away.
Watching the sunset here became one of my favorite memories from the trip.
If you have extra time…
One stop I’d definitely recommend adding is Ecola State Park.
Its overlooks and Indian Beach offer some of the most famous views along the Oregon Coast, including incredible panoramic views of Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
Unfortunately, we had to save this one for next time.
Parking tip for Cannon Beach
One thing that’s helpful to know before visiting Cannon Beach is that many beach access points are located within residential neighborhoods.
During weekends and the busy summer season, parking can take a little patience.
Arrive early if possible, respect private driveways, and use only public parking areas.
Is driving the Oregon Coast worth it?
Without a doubt.
Even after missing several planned stops, this became one of my favorite road trips in the Pacific Northwest.
Towering forests, charming coastal towns, fresh seafood, breathtaking beaches, and constantly changing scenery make every mile worth the drive.
And honestly…
I think that’s one of the best parts about traveling.
There’s always a reason to come back.
If you’d like to join us on this adventure, be sure to watch the full YouTube video below, where we share the drive, the views, and many of these incredible places in action.
