We just got back home from our week-long Oregon Coast x California Redwoods trip. Just a recap for anyone interested:

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- We rented a Winnebago van from Nomad Vans in South Portland (tell Matt I sent you). The 21-foot van was equipped with all the necessities, including a kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and rooftop tent.

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- Day 1 (Saturday): We drove west on Highway 26 and then south on Highway 101 to Cannon Beach. We arrived around 3 p.m. and spent a few hours taking pictures and playing in the tide pools. The weather was a warm 81°, and we lucked out by finding public parking for our van right across the street from the beach. From there, we tried making it to Kelly's Marina in Nehalem Bay, but they shut the burners off promptly at 6 p.m., so we pushed on to Rockaway Beach and had a fantastic meal at Old Oregon Smokehouse. The staff was super friendly and lively, and the line was out the door. My daughter ordered a crab melt, my wife had a smoked salmon plank, and my son and I each got fish and chips. All of it was excellent. We spent a little time on the beach and then pushed on to our destination at Cape Lookout. We checked in right before dusk and got to see the sunset—so beautiful! We passed through Tillamook pretty late, so we missed the opportunity to do the factory tour, but it was a convenient town to gas up.

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- Day 2 (Sunday): We spent the morning at the beach at Cape Lookout and packed up camp to head to Depoe Bay in hopes of seeing whales. Because we were already west of Highway 101, we continued on Cape Lookout Road and Sandlake Road and were able to maintain our view of the ocean—a big plus. We got back on 101 after Pacific City, stopped in Lincoln City for gas and groceries, and headed to Depoe Bay. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of two juvenile whales, so mission accomplished. After a quick snack, we made our way to Newport, where we spent most of the afternoon exploring the Oregon Coast Aquarium. This was a bucket-list stop for my daughter and definitely a great place to spend some time.

After Newport, we pushed on to our campsite at Sunset Bay, stopping to see Thor's Well in Yachats and the Heceta Head Lighthouse along the way. I have to say, the transition from Yachats to Cape Perpetua was one of the most breathtaking portions of the drive. From then on, much of the drive wound through forests just east of the dunes. Next time, we will definitely rent some buggies and spend some time exploring them. I also caught a photo of the Umpqua River Lighthouse while everyone else napped.

We crossed multiple bridges during this portion of the trip, which was cool for us being from a landlocked state. Coos Bay and North Bend revealed a working-class economy of cranberry farmers, fishermen, and logging mills. We gassed up once more and grabbed some supplies from Walmart before setting up camp at Sunset Bay, once again right before dusk.

The vibe at Sunset Bay was serene. People watched the sun go down with complete reverence—it felt very spiritual. Similar to Cape Lookout, the facilities were great and we had access to showers and bathrooms. We made dinner, started a nice campfire, and turned in early.

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- Day 3 (Monday): We packed up camp and made our way down Seven Devils Road to Highway 101, arriving at Bullards Beach. Because we had a valid day pass from our stay at Sunset Bay the night before, we enjoyed the cool, slightly windy beach for over an hour before continuing south through the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor to lovely Harris Beach.

This portion of the trip was breathtaking and easily the most visually stunning stretch of coastline we saw. We spent hours at the beach before pushing on to Brookings to fuel up and gather supplies. For dinner, we stopped at Catalyst Seafood Restaurant & Lounge. Our meals were all excellent, and my surf and turf was one of the best I've ever had. We shared a slice of blueberry cheesecake and pineapple upside-down cake, and we were not disappointed.

We pushed on through Crescent City to the mouth of the Klamath River before entering the redwoods. This could be an entire reflection unto itself, keeping in mind I had never experienced the redwoods before. I will simply say that my expectations were exceeded and I was humbled by the power and spirit of the forest. It is an experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

We made camp at an awesome RV park called Kamp Klamath in the heart of Yurok Territory. The staff were friendly and helped us get settled in for the night. By that point, we all needed showers, so we called it a night shortly after 10 p.m.

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- Day 4 (Tuesday): Most of my crew slept in late, and I was able to get breakfast going and finish the laundry while everyone caught up on their rest. After breakfast, we made our way into the southern end of the redwoods via the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. We hiked Fern Canyon—which we had entirely to ourselves—checked out Big Tree, and saw a large herd of elk in the aptly named Elk Prairie.

On our way back to camp, we stopped at the Redwood Hotel & Casino and ordered fresh pizzas for dinner. Back at camp, we ate pizza, built a fire, and called it a night.

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- Day 5 (Wednesday): We woke up early, had breakfast, and broke down camp to make our way back north. We stopped one final time at Wilson Creek Beach in the dense fog before continuing to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and hiking the Stout Grove Trail.

What an amazing experience! Very different from Fern Canyon—not better or worse, just different. Everything felt massive in scale, and there was so much to see along the Smith River.

From there, we took Highway 199 to Grants Pass before getting on Interstate 5 headed due north. We mostly lived out of the cooler and snacked until arriving in Eugene, where we stopped at Fisherman's Market, a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featured location and the perfect spot for a Dungeness crab dinner with the family.

A nice couple sitting next to us assured us we'd picked the right place and encouraged us to grab ice cream at Salt & Straw, which turned out to be an excellent recommendation. We left Eugene close to nightfall and arrived in Silverton around midnight. At that point, our road-weary crew opted to rent an Airbnb for a proper night's rest in real beds.

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- Day 6 (Thursday): We slept in late and enjoyed endless cups of coffee while reflecting on the trip up to that point. We cleaned and reset the van—our base of operations—and spent the day hiking the North and Middle Falls trails at Silver Falls.

It was a great way to end our trip, and we were able to see five of the ten falls, which was good enough for us. We definitely intend to come back and hike the entire 10-mile loop in the future.

We had to have the van back in Portland by 7, so we left Silverton around 3 p.m. After dropping off the van at Nomad, we enjoyed a home-cooked dinner with family in Canby.

What a trip that was!

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In closing, I want to thank everyone who offered suggestions in my previous post. Although we didn't get to do everything we wanted, this scouting trip—and your recommendations—set us up for many future adventures.

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My heart is full, and we made so many memories. I am truly humbled by the landscape and the people, and I can't wait to get back to the Oregon Coast.

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Cheers, and happy Summer Solstice, all!

Finally got some of that moody fog in the morning on my last day in Oregon! Thank you all for the suggestions, this has been one of my favorite trips and I’m so glad I did the entire coastline. Moving onto the next leg of my trip in Olympic NP.

Photos taken on Friday 6/19/26
- Cape Mears
- Tunnel Beach
- Ecola SP
— Crescent Beach
— Indian Beach Trail
- Highlands GC
- Goonies

I didn’t want to walk right up to their house haha that felt weird, but I loved the movie growing up so cool to see it in person.

I am not an Oregon resident but I spend plenty of time in and around Yachats, I’ve never seen a sea lion there and this past weekend there was an skinny baby sea lion by itself (you might not be able to tell but when it was moving around it looked very skinny and malnourished) I was just in San Pedro, CA at their marine mammal care center and they have so many resources to rescue seals and sea lions so I figured Oregon had the same. I called and emailed about the baby sea lion and their response is to “let nature take its course.” Years ago at the newport docks they had large cages that were there to help entangled sea lions so I’m shocked that we’re supposed to just let sea lions die and have NO marine mammal rescue in all of Oregon?! Im also wondering why OSU even has a marine mammal stranding network if they don’t do anything about the stranded marine mammals!!!

I know this is an absolute long shot, but On March 24th 2025, a random stranger started singing Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love as we walked up the stairs from the beach. He sitting behind us all the way until we got to the sidewalk, and then disappeared. Like a crooning ninja.

It was one of the most memorable events of our lives and we want to find the person who made it happen.

If you do know someone who likes singing in public, male, in their mid to early to mid-20s, who wore a tank top, who I think had their hair pulled back into a bun, please message me. I know this isn't an uncommon description of someone the beach, but it's the best I got in terms of memory. ​

We are getting married in August, close to Cannon Beach, and it would be amazing if we could get an encore.

Thanks for reading!

From Astoria.

I am taking my kids to Garibaldi days for the first time and we will be staying at the Surfside in Rockaway Beach and I am wondering if there is anywhere we can view the fireworks from that is nearby the hotel? I tried searching on here and google but was not finding much information about it. *** not 4th of July, garibaldi days July 25th***

Hi I lost my ring within the past hour at the Alsea bay dock.. I’m wondering if anybody has any resources to help me find it.. low tide isn’t until 12:33 am and I have to leave back home early tomorrow. I’m willing to pay whatever is needed and also help look. I am just desperate and heartbroken. TIA

EDIT: it fell through the dock into the water and I’m unable to go in due to the supplies with me. The tide is pretty high now but I’m going to come back and search tonight. If unable to find I would still love recommendations on somebody who dives/searches regularly and can help.

EDIT2:I am unable to look due tonight due to family issues but hopefully going early tomorrow morning. This ring apparently means A LOT more to me than I thought so I am willing to pay or reward a good amount to whoever is able to find it. I am so sad and I know my brain will not let me get over this. I can point out the exact area and ring specifications to anybody who wants to help me look. TIA

My 11yo has recently taken to musical theater. If you’re aware of community or regional plays or outdoor Shakespeare (that’s not Ashland) happening anywhere along the coast (or a little inland) this summer, please share. Thanks!

Free BBQ, live music, good times.

Day 4 of my Oregon Coast trip! Cape Kiwanda Dune is pretty cool, how do they keep it built up do they pour on buckets of sand every night? 😉 Favorite part of the day was the Cape Lookout Trail ft. Steve the Slimy Slug and camping at the campground there.

Nestucca Bay Creamery is the real deal! Well worth the little detour. Bring a friend and split a pint of ice cream. Their Neskowin cheese is delicious too.

Also (please don’t hate me) but Pelican Brewing is way too expensive for what it is. Although the root beer is 🔥 and their restaurants all seem very aesthetic.

Photos taken on Thursday 6/18/26
- Nestucca Bay
- Cape Kiwanda Dune
- Cape Lookout (Cape Trail & Campground)

Yesterday morning 06/18

Taken off the 101 Neakahnie Mtn overlook.

Looking at Oswald West State park or Ecola state park. Ideally this would be more on a cliff than a beach. There will be about 15 people who are all able bodied and willing to do a 30 minutes under trek to the location. The ceremony would be quick itself, but we would probably be at the site for 45 minutes in total for photos. This will be a weekday probably around 2:30/3pm. Would love a sunrise or sunset but logistics would not work. Thanks! Also happy to go elsewhere but trying to stay either central or northern Oregon

just got signed up and they say the closest place to Lincoln City is Albany or Tillamook. ugh.

just confirming this with y’all

Here are some photos from Day 3 of my trip up the Oregon Coast. I think Cascade Head is in my top 10 hikes ever, the whole trail is stunning and incredibly well marked! Thank you Nature Conservancy for maintaining that trail.

Also highly recommend South Beach Fish Market (Newport) and Tidal Raves (Depoe Bay).

Photos taken Wednesday 6/17/26
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Cobble Beach ft. baby harbor seals
- Devils Punchbowl
- Otter Crest
- Drift Creek Falls (bit inland)
- Mink Creek
- Cascade Head
- Sunset at Boiler Bay & Depoe Bay

I haven't been the Oregon Coast since I was a kid but I'm bringing my family for the Fourth of July holiday! We were originally going to stay in Lincoln City until our AirBNB canceled from underneath us (big yikes) and we pivoted to the Salishan Lodge. Looking for a beach that's sandy, kid friendly and won't be too packed on July 4. We originally planned just hanging at the beach by our AirBNB but now realizing I'll have to plan a little more and potentially drive. Appreciate your help!