If you are a traveler, you may want to make a road trip to Oregon’s coast and explore the sights. There are many unique places to see, including Humbug Mountain and Sea Lion Caves. We also covered Yachats and Fort Stevens State Park. Getting to these places from Portland will make your trip even more memorable.
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Sea Lion Caves
Don’t miss stopping at the Sea Lion Caves when planning your Oregon coast trip. The two-acre cave has a cathedral ceiling and is 125 feet above sea level. The cave is also home to 16,000 gray whales that migrate through the area every year. Sometimes, a mom and calf stay to feed for the season. Bringing binoculars is a must.
The caves are about 11 miles north of Florence, Oregon, along Highway 101. Free parking is available at the entrance and designated stalls for campers and RVs. Visitors should be prepared for a cool breeze and bring a light jacket. Binoculars are recommended so you can observe the sea lions more closely.
Humbug Mountain
If you’re heading south on an Oregon coast road trip, you’ll want to stop at Humbug Mountain State Park. This 1,850-acre park is surrounded by forested hills and provides a welcome respite from the strong ocean winds. It’s also home to deer, elk, and various birds. Bears and mountain lions also pass through the park’s remote areas.
If you’re in the mood for some hiking, you can take the two loops of the trail, the east, and the west. The west loop is faster and steeper, but both offer breathtaking coast views. The trail is in dense coastal forest, which gives it the feeling of being in untouched wilderness. The forest is home to eight different types of trees and 12 different types of plants. The native animals and birds that call Humbug Mountain home include Douglas squirrels, black-tailed deer, and chickadees.
Yachats
If you are on the hunt for a place to enjoy your next Oregon coast road trip, consider Yachats, Oregon. This small town is less than seven thousand people, but there’s plenty to keep you busy. You can enjoy an organic cup of coffee at Green Salmon Coffee Company or visit the Luna Sea Fish House, a local staple. Both are known for their scratch-made menus.
While in Yachats, visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse, located a few miles south of town. While there, you can learn about the history of the area and other popular sites. Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most visited lighthouses in the country.
Fort Stevens State Park
While driving down the Oregon coast, you might as well stop to view the Peter Iredale Shipwreck. This 19th-century vessel ran ashore on the Oregon coast to the Columbia River in 1906. This wreck is still visible today and is an incredible sight to see up close.
If you are taking a road trip, you may consider doing it during the spring or early fall when the weather is warmer, and the beaches are less crowded. However, if you plan to see whales, late January through mid-May are the best months to go.
Mark Spencer Hotel
Whether you are visiting the Oregon coast for business or pleasure, the Mark Spencer Hotel is an excellent place to stay. The rooms are large and well-equipped with kitchenettes. Recently renovated, the rooms feature neutral color palettes and artwork by local artists. Guests can also bring their pets for a small extra fee of $25.
The Mark Spencer Hotel has a small fitness center with free weights and cardio machines. Guests can also relax in the library with freshly baked cookies. The hotel also offers complimentary afternoon tea and a wine hour that features Pacific Northwest wines. Room rates range from $179 to $399, depending on the season.
Northrup Station
The Inn at Northrup Station is an eclectic, colorful boutique hotel in Northwest Portland. It’s set in the vibrant Northwest District, home to many restaurants, retail shops, and apartment complexes. It’s only a five-minute drive from downtown Portland, where you can explore the city’s multiple museums and urban parks. Downtown Portland is also home to Pioneer Square, which features sculptures and art installations. Portland State University is also located nearby.
The Inn at Northrup Station is close to many local parks, including the famous Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. It’s also close to Tunnel Beach, less crowded than many of Portland’s other beaches. As a result, it’s a great spot to find mussels, starfish, and remarkable rocks. Nearby, the Inn at Northrup Station also boasts an excellent restaurant, the Palm Court, which features European-style tapas and a wine list.
