A Traveler's Experience

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Oregon (OR)

We began our drive on Oregon's Pacific Coast Scenic Byway with great anticipation, knowing that eventually we would see the mighty Pacific Ocean. Before we could see it, we could smell it, then we could hear it, and finally we saw it. It was a breathtaking sight! The day was cloudy and cold, and the waves were huge, and they were creating a heavy mist. But, despite the cold, gray day, the ocean was still magnificent.

Our first stop was at the Sea Lion Caves, which are right off the byway. We took an elevator down several hundred feet into the cave. The guide in the cave told us that the male sea lions had migrated to Alaska and that the females were out in the water. So, we didn’t see any sea lions at the cave, but it was still an interesting thing to see. From the cave we could also see the Heceta Head Lighthouse in the distance.

Further down the byway, we stopped at Rock Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. This was the highlight of our ocean side drive. The waves were huge, and we finally saw the sea lions. There were hundreds of them. They would bob around on the water, and then disappear with each crashing wave. Once the wave subsided, they were visible again. This overlook was definitely worth stopping at.

We hated to have the road turn back inland and lose our view of the ocean, but the view we encountered after we left the ocean was nearly just as incredible. We found ourselves in a beautiful, green valley dotted with Guernsey cows. We felt like we were driving through a picture. It was simply beautiful! The Tillamook Cheese Factory was here in this area, so we stopped for cheese curds and ice cream. It was a great way to end our drive on the byway.