Oregon/California coast--best time of year?

[GizmosMom]

A few years back we were dreaming about taking a trip down the Oregon/California coast. I remember reading that the best views would be to travel south. There were also mentions of the best time of year. I think the early spring but now I can't remember for sure.

Now that we have retired and have more time we are thinking about making this trip in 2017.

Can someone suggest the best time of year for this trip?

Thanks!

[Roy_Lynne]

Just about any time, but summer is crowded and winter is cold. If I had to pick, I would think September, October and April and May.

[rhagfo]

Just about any time of year, September and early October, we have spent the last three week between Christmas and New Years at South Beach SP and have had decent weather. You would want to avoid Seaside on Friday and Saturday August 26 & 27 as that would s Hood to Coast weekend.

[GizmosMom]

Wow! Great responses! Thanks, everyone. Looks like we will plan a trip for next September!

[2gypsies1]

We've been in spring, summer and fall and all were great. We've volunteered giving lighthouse tours and even seeing a storm move in or on a foggy day is awesome!

[samsontdog]

We leave in a week for two months along the Oregon and Wash Coast. Wish we had left two weeks ago as it has been up to 107 several days and over 100 other days
in a row

[korbe]

We prefer traveling northbound - for some reason, it appears that there is a lot less traffic going in that direction. :B And we enjoy mid-September best.

[ksg5000]

North to South provides a better view and waiting until Sept when it's still dry and the kids are heading back to school allows you to travel without reservations. Been their done that.

[samsontdog]

We leave in a week for two months along the Oregon and Wash Coast. Wish we had left two weeks ago as it has been up to 107 several days and over 100 other days
in a row

[D_E_Bishop]

Most of the above is very true, I don't mind a little rain but we left Cape Disappointment two weeks ago because the rains were torrential, went to Winchester Bay RV Resort and loved the Late morning and afternoon rain and drizzle with clear mid day.

April May and Sept thru Oct. for us.

[Marine_By_Choic]

ANY TIME is the best time! Face it - yiu are retired, have nothing but time to meander leisurely, do not need to be in a hurry and have an RV to hide out in in the event of lousy weather.

Heading north gives the driver better views of the ocean, but crossing the southbound traffic lane for turnouts can be slow & frustrating at times.

Heading south gives the passenger/photographer better views of the ocean. It also makes utilizing the turnouts/parking areas easier for those things you want to stop to investigate.

As others have stated there IS fog, wind, rain and poor visibility at various times of the year. IT IS THE OCEAN!!!

Take plenty if time to see this great part of the Pacific Northwest. Safe travels!

[dave54]

Spring and Fall.

Winter is stormy and cold. Summer has fog.

[elwood58]

Although we are in Astoria now, and heading across the bridge to Long Beach WA tomorrow, August and September are pretty hard to beat. Traveling south gives you the best views and turn outs. We came north through Nevada, Utah and Idaho, but will head south along the coast.

[CA_Traveler]

In Astoria: Maritime Museum (all ages), waterfront trolly, Ft Stevens, Lewis & Clark fort, the Column and not to mention you are at the mouth of the Columbia River which is perhaps the most dangerous river entry in the world with about 300 large ship wrecks!

Want a clue about the river? The cannon found at Cannon Beach sank at Astoria before being found at Cannon Beach years later.

[Lauren]

We are leaving in about a week for our 5th trip to the OR Coast - we love it there. Have been to the whole Coast and also CA Coast. Our favorite area - which we are doing again - is Cannon Beach down to Bandon.

Travel south.

Do not go before mid July unless you like rain! 🙂 We go Aug to mid Sept.