Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Oregon
Oregon`s Pacific Coast Highway Must See Tour

Departure: Astoria, Oregon
Destination: Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
Time to allow: 2 days

Along the Oregon Coast are stunning views, crashing waves and beautiful lighthouses. Activities abound and your camera will be well used along this beautiful route.

Day 1

  • Start: Astoria

    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Astoria is a historic town that was founded just after the Lewis and Clark expedition and it is known for its architecture and historic sites. The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria offers more points of historical interest than any other place on the Oregon Coast Stop and see the Flavel House and the Astoria Column which stands 123 feet high on Coxcomb Hill above the city, visitors can climb it for an unsurpassed view.

  • Stop 2: Fort Clatsop National Memorial

    From previous stop: 11 minutes / 5.42 mi (8.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on 12th St towards Exchange St and then turn right onto Irving Ave. Turn left onto 8th Street, right onto Niagara Ave and then another left onto 7th St. After half a mile, turn right onto Olney Ave before taking a left onto 5th St. Take a slight right onto US-101, drive for 3.6 miles and then left onto Fort Clatsop Rd to end at the Fort Clatsop National Memorial.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    For a glimpse into life on one of the most important expeditions in the nation's history, travel to Fort Clatsop. It is operated by the National Park Service on the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-06. Here you can visit a replica of the original fort and in summer watch colorful living history programs.

  • Stop 3: Seaside

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 14.26 mi (22.8 km)
    Directions:

    Drive north on Fort Clatsop Rd toward Hansen Rd, turn left onto US-101 and follow the road for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Oregon Coast Hwy and rive for 11.5 miles before turning right onto Broadway St. and ending at Seaside.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Oregon's first seashore resort. The Turnaround there is the location of the statue designating the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail. At the southend of the Promenade you will find the Lewis and Clark Salt Cairn. This is where members of the expedition made salt from seawater.

  • Stop 4: Cannon Beach

    From previous stop: 12 minutes / 8.21 mi (13.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on Broadway St., turn right onto US-101 and follow the road for 7.9 miles. Turn right onto E Jackson St. to end at Cannon Beach.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    The site of the famous annual Sandcastle Building Contest in early June. The beach was named for a cannon washed ashore in 1846 after the wreck of the schooner Shark. A replica of the cannon is on display 4 miles south of town, with an accompanying historical marker. The original is at the Heritage Museum in Astoria.

  • Stop 5: Newport

    From previous stop: 2 hours 26 minutes / 109.28 mi (174.8 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on E Jackson St, turn right onto US-101 and drive for 15.7 miles. Turn right onto Oregon Coast Hwy and follow the for 93.3 miles and then turn left onto NE 1st St. Turn right onto NE Avery St. to end at Newport. Total Est. Time: 2 hours, 26 minutes Total Est. Distance: 109.28 miles
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Stop and see the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site on Highway 101 on the north end of the bridge, lighthouse and museum not accessible, some asphalt trails accessible, restrooms accessible, picnic tables, covered kitchen areas with concrete floors.

  • Stop 6: Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 2.6 mi (4.2 km)
    Directions:

    Drive north on NE Avery St., turn left onto NE 1st St. and then right onto N Coast Hwy. After 1.6 miles, turn right onto NE 32nd St and continue straight for .3 miles before turning left onto NE Lakewood Drive to end at Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The historic coast bridge was dedicated in 1936. The restored Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is part of the state recreation site at the north end of the bridge. The lighthouse houses a museum and is open during scheduled hours

  • Stop 7: Hatfield Marine Science Center & South Beach Marina

    From previous stop: 12 minutes / 5.05 mi (8.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on NE Lakewood Dr toward NE Lisi Pl, turn rigiht onto NE Harney Road and then turn left onto US-1-1. After 3.4 miles, turn right onto SW Abalone St and drive until road turns into SE Marine Science Drive. After .4 miles, end at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Total Est. Time: 12 minutes Total Est. Distance: 5.05 miles
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    The marine science center offers informative displays and intriguing marine animals, some of which you can touch. Renovations to enlarge the public wing have been completed and it has reopened. The center is part of Oregon State University and conducts ongoing marine research.

  • Stop 8: Oregon Coast Aquarium

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 0.86 mi (1.4 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on SE Marine Science Drive and turn left onto Ferry Slip Rd to end at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This world-class facility opened in May 1992, with indoor and outdoor exhibits. Inside don't miss the jellyfish and Whale Theater. Outside walk the paths to the sea aviary with its tufted puffins and to the viewing pools to see otters, seals, and sea lions swim under water.

  • Stop 9: Devil's Churn

    From previous stop: 33 minutes / 24.45 mi (39.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southwest on SE Ferry Slip Rd and turn left onto S Coast Hwy and follow the road for 24.3 miles to end at Devil Churn.
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    The basalt that forms the shore here is penetrated by a split in the rock that narrows to a few feet before finally disappearing into the cliff. Fascinating in summer, it is awe-inspiring during winter storms and is an excellent spot for photographers.

  • Stop 10: Cape Perpetua Visitor Center

    From previous stop: 0.21 mi (0.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive north on US-101 for .2 miles to end at Cape Perpetua.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The visitor center is the focus for the various education efforts of the Forest Service around Cape Perpetua. Within the center are exhibits, a small bookshop, and a small theater for natural history films.

  • Stop 11: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park

    From previous stop: 16 minutes / 9.39 mi (15.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 and drive for 9.3 miles to end at Carl G Washburne State Park.

    Just prior to reaching Heceta Head Lighthouse, there is a 3/4 mile trail leading up to Heceta Head Lighthouse. The Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park was named after the Oregon highway commissioner in the 1930s.

  • Stop 12: Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 2.39 mi (3.8 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 2 miles before turning right to end at Heceta Head.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    This pretty little cove is the place to see Heceta Head Lighthouse up close. Just walk up the trail to the former assistant lighthouse keeper's home, Heceta House, and continue on to the lighthouse

  • Stop 13: Sea Lion Caves

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 10.4 mi (16.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 10.2 miles, turn left onto 19th St., then right onto Spruce St. to end at the Sea Lion Caves.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    The Sea Lion Caves are the world's largest sea caves and the only remaining mainland home of wild Stellar sea lions. Visitor access carved into the rock provides a non-intrusive and intimate view of hundreds of animals.

  • End: Florence

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 2.44 mi (3.9 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on Spruce St., turn right onto 18th St. and t hen left onto US-101. After 2.2 miles, end at Florence.

    Florence, the largest community in western Lane County, is popular as a diverse and rich 'playground' destination along one of the US's most dramatic coastlines. It is also a center for business, medical care, and education.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 194.96 miles / 311.9 km
Total Travel Time: 4 hours 49 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 7 hours 25 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Siuslaw Pioneer Musuem

    From previous stop: same location
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum in Florence displays relics and historical information featuring the Siuslaw River and its pioneers. Formerly a Lutheran Church and now a museum. Exhibits cover a range of topics dating back to the early days of settlement.

  • Stop 2: Jessie M. Honeyman State Park

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 1.5 mi (2.4 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 1.4 miles before ending at the Jessie M. Honeyman Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This 522-acre park, named after an early proponent of the Oregon state park system, is open year-round There are extensive camping facilities, including a few yurts. Honeyman includes three lakes: Woahink, Cleawox and Lily Lake. The day-use facilities on Cleawox Lake include picnic and swimming areas. You can also rent boats to explore this small lake. The trails to the swimming area in Cleawox are ramped with handrails. There are boat ramps as well as swimming and picnic facilities.

  • Stop 3: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 3.18 mi (5.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 3.1 miles to end at Oregon Dunes Nat'l Recreation Area.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    There are 40 miles of coast stretching south from Florence to Coos Bay that make up this park. The Oregon Dune NRA extends from Florence to North Bend with many access points off of Highway 101. The headquarters is in Reedsport.

  • Stop 4: Umpqua River

    From previous stop: 28 minutes / 20.84 mi (33.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 19.2 miles before turning right onto Salmon Harbor Dr. After 1.3 miles, turn right to end at the Umpqua River.

    The Umpqua River Bridge is one of the historic coast bridges. The Umpqua is one of the major rivers in Oregon and is navigable by fairly large vessels upstream as far as Scottsburg.

  • Stop 5: McCullough Memorial Bridge

    From previous stop: 23 minutes / 18.8 mi (30.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northeast, turn left onto County Rd., then right onto Sunset Dr. Take a slight right onto Lighthouse Rd.; road turns into Umpqua Lighthouse Rd. Take a sharp right onto Oregon Coast Hwy and drive for 17.2 miles before ending at the McCullough Memorial Bridge.

    Total Est. Time: 23 minutes Total Est. Distance: 18.80 miles
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    Built in 1936, this is the largest of the historic Oregon Coast bridges on Highway 101.

  • Stop 6: Cape Blanco

    From previous stop: 1 hour 15 minutes / 53.36 mi (85.4 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on US-101 for 50.7 miles before turning right onto Cape Blanco Hwy. After 2.5 miles, end at Cape Blanco State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    This 1800-acre park, once a ranch owned by the hard-working Hughes family, affords marvelous views of the Cape Blanco Lighthouse and boasts the historic Hughes house, hiking trails, beach access, and a campground. Five miles west of Highway 101, Cape Blanco was discovered by the Spanish explorer Martin de Aguilar in 1603. The lighthouse is located at the westernmost point in Oregon and will be having tours again this summer.

  • Stop 7: The Historic Hughes House

    From previous stop: 9 minutes / 2.8 mi (4.5 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northwest on Cape Blanco Hwy for 2.7 miles to end at the Historic Hughes House.

    An 1898 Victorian home was built for area pioneers by Per Johan Lindberg, who also built many of the notable homes of Port Orford. Tours of the home are available.

  • Stop 8: Port Orford

    From previous stop: 23 minutes / 9.77 mi (15.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southeast on Cape Blanco Hwy for 5.3 miles then turn right onto US-101. After 4.3 miles, turn left onto 9th St to end at Port Orford.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    A lifeboat station, boathouse, museum chronicle the history of the area, while hiking trails along the coast afford breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast. Come see Battle Rock Park, off Highway 101, upper level walkway paved, benches, steep trail to beach, fabulous views and public restrooms.

  • Stop 9: Humbug Mountain State Park

    From previous stop: 7 minutes / 5.39 mi (8.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on 9th St and turn left onto US-101. After 5.2 miles, end at Humbug Mountain State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    The parking lot for the hiking trail up the mountain is at this point. The mountain was once known as Sugarloaf Mountain, but its name was changed to Tichenor's Humbug as the result of a mistake made by an 1851 exploring party sent out of Port Orford by Captain William Tichenor. This 1800-acre park includes the mountain, Brush Creek drainage, and ocean frontage. A trail makes a 3-mile climb to the summit, and another trail links the campground and day-use areas of the park.

  • Stop 10: Prehistoric Gardens

    From previous stop: 1 minute / 0.65 mi (1.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on US-101 for half a mile to end at the Prehistoric Gardens.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    In the rain-forest atmosphere of the Oregon Coast, the developers of Prehistoric Gardens have created life-sized replicas of dinosaurs

  • End: Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

    From previous stop: same location
    Directions:

    Continue south down the coast. At least two segments of this NWR are between Port Orford and Brookings.

    Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge includes 1,853 rocks, reefs and islands and two headland areas and spans 320 miles of the Oregon coast. Thirteen species of seabirds nest on this refuge, including common murres, tufted puffins, Leach's and fork-tailed storm-petrels, rhinoceros auklets, Brandt's, pelagic and double-crested cormorants, and pigeon guillemots. Harbor seals, California sea lions, Steller sea lions and Northern elephant seals use refuge lands for breeding and haulout areas.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 116.29 miles / 186.1 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 6 hours 40 minutes