Most folks don’t visit the Oregon Coast to swim in the ocean or learn how to surf.
Eleven and a half months out of the year the water is unbearably cold, and more often than not even the most intrepid beach-goer is forced to bundle up against the wind.
Despite (or perhaps because of?) this, the Oregon Coast is one of the most diverse and starkly beautiful places we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.
Parts of the coast are covered in sandy beaches dotted with weathered logs, while just a mile away you might find jagged rocks and hidden tidepools.
We stayed a few days in Yachats, an adorably sleepy little coastal town that moves at a snail’s pace.
When not curled up reading, we spent our time scrambling along the rocky shoreline, burying our feet in “quicksand”, and searching the tide pools for starfish. Sadly we didn’t find any, but we did come across a brilliant colony of mussels!
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Just south of Yachats on Highway 101 is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a beautiful stretch of coastline combining quirky rock/water formations with rugged cliffs covered in viridescent vegetation.
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One of the more popular fixtures in this area is called the Devil’s Churn; when the tide washes up through this narrow inlet, waves smashing against the back of the churn can throw spray several hundred (!!) feet into the air.
We didn’t get to see the Devil’s Churn in its full glory, but the crashing waves were quite imposing from our perch just a few feet away.
The Spouting Horn was even more entertaining. Due to some magic interaction between the tides and an underwater cave with a small air vent, when the waves hit just right spray whooshes out of the rocks like some sort of inanimate whale’s spout… it’s pretty impressive.
Further down the coast is the Heceta Head Lighthouse, widely considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. We were too lazy decided not to hike up to the actual lighthouse, but there’s a vantage point across the cove that offers great views of the cape (as well as sea lions hanging on the rocks below!).
The Oregon Coast is cold and wet, but also green and uniquely beautiful. It’s definitely worth a visit!
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Wow, such a scenic spot. I’ve never given much thought to Oregon when planning road trips, but it’s pretty much the only place my in-laws take their trailer (the one we’re traveling in) and I can now see why.
Camels & Chocolate recently posted: Into the Canyonlands
That’s funny that your in-laws mostly just bring their trailer to Oregon. The state does have a lot of neat areas, but there’s just so much in the Pacific Northwest!
We’ve done the Oregon Coast road trip a couple times. It remains one of our favourite drives in North America!
Cam @ Traveling Canucks recently posted: Our Private Island for the Day in the Belize Barrier Reef
At the beginning of this trip we decided that we were going to drive Highway 101 (or Highway 1) all the way from San Diego up through the Oregon Coast. That lasted about two hours until we hit all the beach towns near Los Angeles.
Highway 101 is just so beautiful, though.
Northern California and Southern Oregon are amazing.
Agreed.
Did you know that Southern OR and Northern CA wanted to create their own state called Jefferson? True story.
Wow, that first photo is just stunning. I just looked at it and thought “why am I here at work instead of THERE?”
This part of Oregon looks like a great escape. Great photos, too.
The Dropout recently posted: Jurong Frog Farm – BYO Prince
Aww, thanks! That was the view from our room at the Sea Spirit House B&B in Yachats, which we’ll feature in our next post. It was so gorgeous and peaceful that we didn’t work at all while there. A nice change of pace
That’s an incredibly beautiful area! I’ve not been to Oregon but the coast there looks a lot like the northern coast of California. These are awesome photos and you captured so many different aspects. Love the peace, quiet, and remote areas of the coast. Need to spend some time in Oregon!
Jeremy Branham recently posted: Where in the world am I
I actually haven’t spent much time on the coast in northern California, but it makes sense that they’re very similar. The coastline in Washington is also quite beautiful, but very different due to all the islands up north. There are just so many great places to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean.
sensational array of scenic snaps guys!
i too love the first one. the depth of field is amazing. i seriously want to be in one of those chairs right now with a red in one hand and book in the other. screw the book actually, i just want to enjoy the view first-hand! cant wait to see more of oregon.
jamie – cloud people adventures recently posted: Australian Rules Football No Not Rugby!
There’s nothing better than watching a sunset while listening to sound of the waves and inhaling the scent of the ocean. Pure bliss!
I’ve never been in Oregon, but looking at your gorgeous pictures, it looks very similar to my part of the world (Scandinavia).
I had no idea that Oregon was similar to Scandinavia – I definitely want to visit there!
I loooooove the sea lions. Too cute! And the pic with the red chairs is amazing. But a sea that you can’t swim in 11.5 months out of the year? I think that would make me sad. I love being in the water! I think if I lived there I might try once in a while and get frostbite or something
Looks lovely though!
Sabrina recently posted: The Ribbits Found Something – Remembering Our Cairo Layover Tour
I know, I’m a huge fan of sea lions as well – the way they cuddle on top of one another makes me smile.
And if you hate cold water like I do, then the water really isn’t an acceptable temperature any time of the year (even though there are folks who swim in the summer). I seriously envy those who live by the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico – much more pleasant swimming over there!
Yes, sounds like me
Ok, note to self, DO NOT pack bathing suit when visiting Oregon… 
Sabrina recently posted: Amarillo Cadillac Ranch- Background- Location- and Pictures
The Oregon coast is amazingly beautiful but you are right, it is way too cold! We spent a week up in Newport and had a great time but its not my definition of a beach vacation.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted: A Merry Cemetery in Romania!
Not a beach vacation at all…. but still beautiful as long as you don’t have your sights set on sunbathing or snorkeling.
I’ve been wanting to do some camping with some friend’s on the Oregon coast, and it looks superb! Beautiful photo essay!
Mark Wiens recently posted: 101 Things to Do in Bangkok
It’s a great place to camp (particularly in the dry season), but I think it gets booked up fast. My favorite were always the yurts.
Beautiful photos…I have only driven past but would love to spend more time here
Andrea recently posted: Road Tripping in Southwest Bolivia
Thanks, Andrea!
Beautiful! Was there last August and didn’t have nearly enough time to stop and take in the scenery. Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.
Katrina recently posted: Featured photo- Luxor Temple
On most of our other trips to the coast we didn’t have as much time to explore. It helped a lot to take a few days and see it all slowly.
I’m in love with the Oregon coast too. I haven’t spent enough time in Oregon, but we plan to do some more exploring soon. Your photos are gorgeous! I LOVE the first one with the two chairs. It looks so inviting.
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler recently posted: Children of Nepal Photo Essay
Thanks, Christy! Have you two ever surfed up here? San Diego doesn’t have super warm water, but at least it’s better than OR.
This is another great example of why Erica and I need to explore our own country more. We’ve spent so much more time exploring abroad that we have a lot of catching up to do.
Shaun recently posted: The Magical Meat Market of Oaxaca- Mexico
I definitely agree, Shaun. Kali and I both grew up in Oregon and I don’t even feel like I’ve seen everything here! This was my first jaunt to the “middle” part of the Oregon Coast, and I’ve never been to the famous Crater Lake. I’m going to have to rectify that soon…
Really beautiful photos guys, I have never been to Oregon but it keeps looking better and better.
Ayngelina recently posted: Learning to cook like a Porteño
One of these days you’ll make it to Oregon, Ayngelina!
Sounds like an amazing place to relax for a few days… or maybe longer
The Travel Chica recently posted: Horses- Cowboys- and Grilled Meat – Oh My!
We considered the possibility of running a B&B on the coast somewhere and giving up the nomadic lifestyle…. for about a minute!
Seriously, though, the few days we spent in Yachats were incredibly relaxing and peaceful. Most places along the Oregon Coast would be a great place to live.
I’ve never been to Oregon, and now I really want to go. Your photos are beautiful!
David – maybe your next road trip can be out this way instead of Maine!
Christy,
Love Oregon Coast. Stayed at a place just south of Yachats with themed rooms. I stayed in the Princess and Pea room. It was like I stepped back in time. A nice fireplace. Just lovely on a stormy night. Treasure that moment where I spent more than usually on nightly accommodations but less than a brand hotel.
Eileen
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There’s just something so charming about small quirky accommodations – big hotel chains don’t have the same appeal! And near the ocean is a particularly great place to stay in something like a B&B, if for no other reason than the potential of having access to a fireplace.
the first photo caught me… i was struck by the unreal beauty of the place… looks so delicious, so delicious that I got a stroke by just staring at it. POSTER WORTHY SHOT! so nice!
Thanks, Ron! The beauty is pretty unreal – I can’t believe I didn’t appreciate it all those years I lived in Oregon and traveled to the coast.
that coastline looks so rugged and green it could almost be Ireland in some of those shots!
robin recently posted: Boda
We thought the exact same thing, Robin! We kept exclaiming over how much it reminded us of Ireland… even though we’ve never been there, lol.
Absolutely gorgeous.
We used to head down to Salishan Lodge a couple times a year to get our forest / beach fix. I don;t think it has the same cache as it once used to, but it the setting is phenomenal.
The NVR Guys recently posted: 2011 – What’s Gone Down & What’s Coming Up
How great is it that we can get our forest and beach fix in the same place? Gotta love the PNW!
Christy, your photos are beautiful. I just announced to my honey that an immediate road trip has been called for and it is imperative that we respond. I love that coastline.
Thank you so much, Mark. Though to be fair, half of them were shots that Kali took.
Absolutely, insanely gorgeous. So many people focus on traveling international, which is great, but there’s so much in the US that is gorgeous as well. I’m totally adding Oregon to my list
Sheryll recently posted: Why Going To A Therapist is Badass
I completely agree, Sheryll! International travel definitely has an allure, but a lot of times people forget to explore their own backyard.
Great job on the photos. Looks like it could be an ad for Oregon or a gear/clothing retailer =) Where are you guys now?
Haha, thanks! We’re currently in southern Oregon (further inland; no longer on the coast) staying with family for a few weeks.
I love places like this. The photos are beautiful. It looks so wild and peaceful. I could spend all day sat on the deckchairs in the top photo, reading a good book.
Julia
Turkey’s For Life recently posted: Fethiye Cheap Eats- Öz Gaziantep
The weather was perfect for most of our stay, so we spent a lot of hours sitting there soaking up the sun.
Absolutely gorgeous. I love the seals!
Rease recently posted: ‘We need to evacuate you from your house’
I’m a big fan of them as well.
Wow that first photo is absolutely beautiful, Great shot!
Matt Hope recently posted: Top Ten Tuesdays – Things to Do in Slovenia
Thanks, Matt!
Hey guys,
My wife recently sent me to your blog and I’m finally getting around to saying hello. “Hi!”
The Oregon coast is wonderful. We just drove down 101 from Newport to Eureka and it was spectacular. One day we’ll have to go back and take some more time to truly get to see all its little charms. Love the blog! I hope we do get to meet up when you come back down this way in July.
Robert McKay recently posted: Setting Aside Old Attitudes
Hey Robert! We’ve only driven part of Hwy 101, but we’re hoping to drive that way through northern California on our way to SF. It’s just so beautiful…. and we really have to see the Redwoods, lol. Hopefully it all works out and we can meet up!
Agree with everyone- gorgeous shots and totally unlike what I was expecting! What was the temp? It looks cold!
Jade recently posted: The Great Wild
It was a little chilly – probably low 60s? Which is actually a warm day on the coast! That ocean breeze is what gets you, though….
Great pictures! I live about 45 minutes away from Newport and it is common occurrence to make day-trips to the coast. It is absolutely beautiful if you don’t mind windy, cloud-covered days. I’m glad you guys enjoyed our beaches. Don’t forget about the Willamette Valley, there are many great sights to be seen inland as well.
Hi Mike, thanks for the comment! Lucky you that you’re only 45 minutes away from Newport.
And I agree that the Willamette Valley is beautiful; I spent my first year of college in Corvallis at OSU and drove around that area quite a bit. It’s so beautiful, and I miss it quite a bit. 
Your photos are terrific. I haven’t been to the Oregon coast in years but loved it!
Thanks so much, Kris!
It had been years since we were on the Oregon coast as well, so this trip was like discovering it for the first time all over again.
We are thinking of doing a Northern California/Southern Oregon coastal road trip and these photos make me want to do it even more. Must add these locations to my list!
PS Found you from Kristin’s blog and just had to find out who she & SVV could “learn so much from”!
Pink Sun Drops recently posted: Flowers Complete
Ah, I love Kristin and her blog! You should definitely plan a trip to the N. California/Oregon coast – it really is beautiful and well worth the effort. Late summer/early fall is a great time to go……
Superb pics! Gorgeous place!!! Oh, how i wish to travel to this part of the globe in person someday…… Till then however, your captures are my only relief.. Thanks
Arti recently posted: Exploring Joshimath in Uttarakhand – The Winter Home of Lord Badri Vishal
The whole west coast of the U.S. is just gorgeous… though I am admittedly quite biased.
It’s definitely worth a visit!
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