Tell me about the 101 along the coast of Oregon

If you have time... the mouth of the Columbia River has had a military presence since the Civil War. There are three forts that guarded the mouth of the river, Fort Stevens, Fort Columbia, and Fort Canby. Stevens has the most interpretive military equipment, Columbia preserves the wooden buildings associated with military installations, and Canby was left to go more back to nature. But, Canby houses the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and two lighthouses (Cape Disappointment and North Head). Stevens has the wreck of the Peter Iredale out on the beach. Astoria is an arts-oriented river town, lots of galleries, brew pubs, restaurants, and the Liberty Theater (that claims Clark Gable as an early actor prior to his movie career).

As you move south down the coast, there are a few climbs and curves that will slow you down. Please watch for cyclists, September is a busy month for bicycle touring on the coast and they also go the north to south route. As you climb up and around Neahkahnie Mountain (and it's a clear day), be sure to pull off and take in the vista. If you are so inclined, you can climb the mountain and the views from the summit are impressive.

Of course, stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Yes, it has become a tourist trap, but the ice cream... sehr gut! They have RV parking. The 3-cape scenic loop was closed due to a landslide that they don't seem a hurry to open, but a drive out to Cape Lookout State Park for a night or two is very nice. If you drive up and over the cape, you can stop and hike to the end of the cape. There are remnants of a B-17 that crashed out there in WWII. If you like air museums, the Tillamook Air Museum is housed in a WWII blimp hanger that sits at the Tillamook Naval Air Station. The collection isn't as impressive as it once was as part of it was moved to Madras, OR a year or two ago. However, it's still fun to stand in the doorway and see just how big the building is.

I see someone has mentioned Newport... don't forget the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center, the original Mo's Clam Chowder house, and, (IMHO, the highlight of Newport) the Rogue Brewery World Headquarters.

People mention the Oregon State Parks - my favorites; Ft. Stevens (Astoria area south to Seaside), Nehalem Bay (Garibaldi up to Seaside), Cape Lookout (Tillamook area), Devil's Lake (Lincoln City) Beverly Beach (Depot Bay to Newport). Honeyman is a nice park south of Florence, OR.

I better shut up, my post is getting too long... have fun.

Thanks for your tips. It looks like I've got some homework before we can do this right. I did find a mile by mile on line guide to the 101 in Oregon. Kind of overwhelmed right now with all the possibilities.

fly-swatter wrote:
We did that trip a few years ago and used Cape Lookout, Carl G. Washburne and Harris Beach State Parks as our home base, exploring about an hour's drive each direction from each park. Was a great trip.

This is very good advise.

We did that trip a few years ago and used Cape Lookout, Carl G. Washburne and Harris Beach State Parks as our home base, exploring about an hour's drive each direction from each park. Was a great trip.

September is a very popular month on the Oregon coast. If you check in early to a state park on a weekday you may be able to get a site but probably not one with hookups. Some of the NFS parks are stunningly beautiful, as well. Check with the park about accommodations for a 42' MH. Most will have adequate sites but some may not. The big sites go fast.

Oregon Lighthouse Brochure

Oregon Tidepool Brochure

The northern part of the OR coast is quite busy on weekends with traffic from Portland area. Once south of Tillamook, the crowds lessen.

IMHO, OR SP's are among the finest in the country and should be your first choice for accommodations. There are also some nice NFS CG's along the coast such as Tillicum Beach and those in the Oregon Dunes NRA.

September is usually the nicest month on the oregon coast and is still a strong tourist time so plan accordingly. reservations advised or at least call ahead each morning to assure you will have a spot that night.

You will love it...your are going in the correct direction at the best time...Sept, Oct.

Oregon Coast 101 is a classic and must do RV adventure. We spend 3 months a year wondering up and down 101.

You are doing the right direction North to South, Ft Stevens is a good place to camp since it is close to the Lewis and Clark exhibits and the light house. The OR St Parks are great and there are a lot of them. Reservations are really needed if you need hookups and on weekends during the high season or like sites near the water. Most do have at least some non reserve sites and we have found getting in early afternoon generally works weekdays. Tillamook Cheese stop is cool and the Old blimp hanger if still open is worth a visit and the Spruce Goose Air Museum is not far off 101. Harris Beach St Park is good near the Ca Border and is only a couple hours drive to the Red Woods. Also a fun boat ride down the river. You won't have any problem finding things to do.

Plan your trip accordingly. First stop should be FtStevens state park. Explore the area and move maybe 50-60 miles, park and repeat. The coast is a wonderful place for exploring, but take your time. And GET RESERVATIONS now!