Oregon’s Coastal Highwaylights

I visited Oregon’s magnificent coastline the week prior to my Ireland abroad trip last summer. This trip ignited my passion for the west coast. Accompanying me on my trip was a close friend of mine, Tucker Baskin. Tucker was originally from Nashville. A few years back, he migrated to a mountainous, snowboarding town in Oregon known as Bend. To give a frame of reference, Bend is about 3 hours southeast of Portland. From May 1st to May 8th, Tucker and I camped down Oregon’s coast. Yet again, I was blessed on this trip with excellent weather conditions. On average, Oregon receives about 300 days of rain (just like Ireland). You may be asking yourself, does good weather follow me wherever I travel? Indeed.

Top Picks for Oregon’s Coast

Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock

When exiting Portland and going directly west, you reach Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks, home to colorful tidepools and diverse bird life. It rises 235 feet from the edge of the shoreline.

Neahkahnie Mountain

Neahkahnie Mountain is a mountain on the Oregon Coast, north of Manzanita in Oswald West State Park overlooking U.S. Route 101. The peak is part of the Oregon Coast Range

Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint

A mile-long hike leads to breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Natural Bridges State Park

Now, this is an intriguing coastal formation. The farther you get down the trail the more complex the bridges get. There are channels guiding the surf in swirls. There are tiny islands sporting their own miniature forests. And for the brave of heart, the crossing of the natural bridges. It is unnerving to have cliffs on both sides and water moving below!

Arch Rock

The rock is the easiest-viewed natural arch in the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor.

Gold Beach

Any of the beaches scattered along Oregon’s coast are worth stopping at. In particular, Gold Beach was my favorite.