Itinerary ideas for Oregon Coast

jauguston wrote:
If your a airplane fan the Blimp Hangar south of Tillamook has a interesting display of vintage planes inside.

Jim

Not only the planes in the hanger, but the hanger it's self! Left over from WWII as part of the coast watch, it is a huge building. There were two, but one was lost several years ago to a fire.

We have always loved the Oregon State Parks. Most of our trips were to Oregon, even when we lived in Washington.

If you make it to the very north coast Visit Ft. Stevens SP and Battery Russell, also a hold over from WWII, great history tours given by Friends of the Park.

I'd highly recommend any of the coast state parks. They are awesome and dog-friendly beaches.

As stated, if you can, start Oregon from north at Astoria to south for better ocean views and better access to the large pullouts for viewing.

I'd suggest staying in three locations - one north, perhaps Fort Stevens State Park; one in the middle and one in the lower end. Then you won't have a lot of extra driving for siteseeing to cover the whole coast.

We've been there in May and had wonderful weather but as you know, you can't count on it. Bring warm layering clothes especially for beach walking. It's always cooler on the beach. Also bring a lightweight rain jacket.

Have fun planning!

I've always understood that the ocean side of the coast range was technically a temperate rainforest but I don't know that for sure. I grew up on the sunny side of the Cascades where there isn't moss on everything.

Newport is a fun town to visit. Rogue has some decent brews and the aquarium is worth a stop. I agree with all the comments about state parks - they're great spots, but book well in advance because they're popular. Although in May it won't be so crowded.

The best salt water taffy is at Ainslee's in Depoe Bay. Best I've had, anyway.

yaya wrote:
Where are all the rain forests?

Up in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula and in the North Cascades. Quite a distance from the Oregon coast.

I recommend Cape Blanco State Park, a great park to stay in. We stayed for 5 night this part July and loved it. Tour the active light house and the Hughes House.

We just did it this year in early May. Went south to north as we were following "spring" happening. Had no problems with getting into the pullouts as there was not a lot of traffic that early. There are so many parks and sights to see in Oregon that you could easily spend two weeks making the trip.

Get a copy of "Mile-By-Mile Guide" for highway 101. Covers from SW WA to N. CA. Lots of info. here for the whole journey. www.oregoncoastmagazine.com
Also - as others have said - far best if traveling from N. to S. with ocean, pullouts etc on the passenger side.

yaya wrote:
Where are all the rain forests?

Washington..

On the central coast you'll find the town of Newport. Located there is one of the best aquariums on the west coast. Newport is also home to the NOAA west coast HQ, two light houses, a working bay front full of shops, fabulous restaurants and let's not forget the Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort that is a 5-star Good Sam rated 10-10-10 resort...easily the foremost rv resort on the coast. You can get that morning's fish/crab catch at just about any restaurant and with all due respect to Ed Gee's statement, we've found the best halibut fish & chips at the South Beach Fish Market just over the Yaquina Bay bridge. The best clam chowder in Newport can be found at the Chowder Bowl on Nye Beach. In addition to all of that, Newport is home to the Rogue Brewery that provides tours, souvenirs, and two great restaurants...one at the brewery and another on the bay front.

If the Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort is full, there is also two state campgrounds (Beverly Beach and South Beach) in addition to the Marina RV Part.

Being mid way on the coast, Newport is the logical place for a stop over.

Ron

yaya wrote:
Planning on a trip in late May. Don't know much about the coast except it is a must see. Probably stay 5-7 days. Anyone have any itinerary ideas you would like to share.We are traveeling in a MH with a dog.

May is early, don't expect warm sunny weather, but the Oregon Coast is spectacular any time of year. The good thing about your timing is it won't be as crowded.
Oregon has great state parks and you should be able to get sites without reservations on weekdays in May though week ends may be different.
Other than our trip to Alaska the Oregon Coast has been out most memorable experience.
Oregon is very dog friendly.