From Seattle: A 2-Day Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

I glanced in the rearview mirror one last time as I watched the tall skyscrapers of Seattle get smaller and smaller until they finally disappeared.  I was leaving behind Seattle for a road trip south, down the Oregon coast.  My Oregon coast road trip itinerary essentially consisted of having no plans.  I had no hotel and no idea how long I would be gone.  With an overnight suitcase, a book, no expectations, and hopes to make it to Cannon Beach I blasted Taylor Swift and drove down the interstate until I came to the most beautiful coastal views I have ever seen.  As it turns out, my Oregon coast road trip was exactly what I needed to get away from Seattle for a couple of days and cure my itchy feet.

This post will tell you everything you need to know about traveling from Seattle to Oregon for the ultimate 2-day road trip along the Oregon Coast.

 

Are you planning a road trip?  Before starting make sure to check out:

• 6 Solo Road Trip Tips – How to Have An Epic Road Trip When You’re Alone

 

From Seattle to Oregon – The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Oregon Coast Highlights Day 1:  Astoria, Fort Stevens State Park, Arch Cape, Cannon Beach

Oregon Coast Highlights Day 2:  Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park

 

NEED A CAR RENTAL TO DRIVE FROM WASHINGTON TO OREGON?  BOOK ONE HERE!

 

Day 1

Stop 1:  Astoria, Oregon

From Seattle heading south to Oregon, it takes about 3-hours to cross state lines.  I chose to start in Astoria and make my way south from there.  Founded in 1811, Astoria is a small town located on the northwestern tip of Oregon.  It was the first city that was settled in the west of the Rocky Mountains and comes from a past filled with a dark history of violence and crime.  Astoria has now overcome those things and to this day is a charming beach town worthy of a stop.  It’s also recognized for being the location where The Goonies was filmed.

Astoria sits on the south shore of the Columbia River and looks across the river at Washington.  Before 1966 when the Astoria-Megler Bridge was finished a passenger ferry operated between Oregon and Washington to get people from state to state.  As you drive towards Oregon opt for the route that will take you across the bridge into Astoria.  It feels like quite a drive to cross the Columbia River but the scene in front of you as you cross into Oregon is well worth it.

While you’re in Astoria make time to slow down and some of the Oregon coast attractions.  After driving across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, head to the Astoria Column.  Built-in 1926, this concrete column overlooks the entirety of Astoria.  Only $5 to access, it’s great for getting out of your car and stretching your legs as you climb the 164 stairs to the top.  If you have time and you’re a movie buff, don’t miss the Oregon Film Museum (I’m not much of a movie buff so the movie references were lost on me).  Based in an old jail, the film museum is a small and cheesy display of movies that have been made in Oregon.  Entrance for adults is $6, kids $2.

 

Stop 2:  Fort Stevens State Park

Next on the Oregon coast itinerary is Fort Stevens State Park.  From Astoria drive 11-miles to the very northwest tip of Oregon to find this park.  Once a military installation during the Civil War, it’s now a public park where you can hike, bike, lay on the beach, and even whale watching!  While I was there I chose to visit the Wreck of the Peter Iredale.  It’s a skeleton of a boat that ran ashore and was abandoned in 1906.  The entrance to the park costs a small fee (look here for information on which ticket will best suit you), the park is well signed, and there are parking lots located throughout.

 

Stop 3:  Arch Cape

Before stopping at Cannon Beach for the night, drive just 10-minutes south of Cannon Beach to check out Arch Cape.  I like this stretch of beach because its much less touristy than the beach area near the famous Haystack Rock so its a bit more peaceful.  By heading to Hug Point State Recreation Site in Arch Cape you’ll find sea caves and waterfalls.  At low tide, you can walk along the beach but at high tide prepare to swim.  There is a free parking lot located within walking distance from Hug Point.

 

Stop 4:  Cannon Beach

After spending time in northern Oregon, its finally time to stop and rest at the beautiful Cannon Beach.  From Arch Cape, Cannon Beach is located directly north, 6-miles.  I checked into my hotel, Hallmark Resort Hotel & Spa, and headed straight for Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack.  At low tide, you can walk out to Haystack Rock; but be mindful of the tides.  During the spring to mid-summer Tufted Puffins can be observed on Haystack Rock.

 

Practical Information About Cannon Beach

One of the best places to visit on the Oregon coast is Cannon Beach.  It’s known for its beautiful sandy beaches sea stacks lined along the ocean shore, laid back vibe, and quaint downtown.  Aside from the outdoor aspect of Cannon Beach where you’ll find beaches and state parks aplenty, downtown also offers an array of things to do.  If you venture downtown you’ll find coffee shops, restaurants, bars, boutiques, and galleries.  There’s a multitude of reasons to head to Cannon Beach from Seattle.  It being a low key getaway destination and easy to get to is what prompted me to venture south in the first place.  The rest of what I did and found along the way was just icing on the cake!

 

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach:  Hallmark Resort Hotel & Spa

Located near Haystack Rock, Hallmark Resort is an ideal hotel based on location and amenities.  Not only is the hotel on the beach, but its also walking distance to downtown Cannon Beach.  The beach is easily accessed by a set of stairs taking you from the hotel down to the sand where you’ll find lounge chairs accessible to guests of the hotel.  You can also rent firewood and s’mores baskets for a fire by the beach.  If you find that the weather isn’t accommodating for outdoor activities, the hotel also has an indoor pool, hot tub, and full-service spa.

If the Hallmark Resort doesn’t pique your interest, instead check out Surfsand Resort.

 

BOOK YOUR STAY IN CANNON BEACH HERE!

 

Getting Around Cannon Beach

A walkable town, Cannon Beach doesn’t have much to offer in terms of ride-sharing.  Sure, you can drive your car and there is plenty of parking located downtown but know that both Uber and Lyft do not operate in Cannon Beach.  If you’re staying at the Hallmark Resort, parking is included in the room price.

 

The Best Restaurants and Bars in Cannon Beach

Castaways Global Cuisine:  An eclectic restaurant serving Caribbean style food.

Cannon Beach Smokehouse:  A small and cozy meat restaurant with an epic charcuterie plate.

The Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge:  A seafood restaurant located on the beach with great views of the sea stacks.  I only thought that this restaurant was mediocre and would not return.

Insomnia Coffee Co:  For your morning coffee or afternoon pick me up.

 

Day 2

Stop 1:  Cannon Beach/Downtown Cannon Beach

Before heading back to Seattle, spend some time walking the beach at sunrise and going for a morning coffee at Insomnia Coffee Co.  If you get up early enough, I recommend walking Cannon Beach before it becomes too crowded with tourists.  Aside from sunset, this is my second favorite time to be on the beach and near Haystack Rock.

 

Stop 2:  Ecola State Park

Before heading back north to Seattle, make the 5-minute drive north from Cannon Beach to Ecola State Park.  This is the perfect way to end your road trip and get some exercise before getting back in the car.

Ecola State Park is known for hiking, sightseeing, and viewpoints .  The two of the most popular hikes to do at this park is to Crescent Beach or Indian Beach.  To access Ecola State Park a permit is required – $5 – and can be purchased at the fee station at the park’s entrance.

Once you’ve finished exploring the park, make your way back to Seattle.

 

Renting a Car in Seattle to Drive to Oregon

If you need to rent a car to drive down the Oregon Coast, there are plenty of agencies to choose from!  I like to use Discover Cars to compare prices across multiple different platforms.

 

 

FAQ

Below are the most frequently asked questions for people planning a road trip from Seattle down the Oregon Coast.  If you have any other questions, make sure to leave a comment!

Q:  “How long does it take to drive from Seattle to Oregon?”

• A:  Astoria is Oregon’s northernmost city and it takes about three hours to drive from Seattle to Astoria.  If you go further south into Oregon, your drive will be longer.

Q:  “How far is Cannon Beach from Seattle?”

• A:  Cannon Beach is nearly 200 miles southwest from Seattle.  Without stopping, its about a 3.5 hour drive.

Q:  “What’s the distance from Astoria to Cannon Beach?”

• A:  The distance from Astoria to Cannon Beach is only 26 miles and takes about 40-minutes to drive there.

Q:  “How many days should I spend on the Oregon Coast?”

• A:  The Oregon Coast is absolutely stunning!  I would recommend a minimum of two days but you could easily spend a week seeing the entire coast.

 

After spending two days driving the peaceful coast of Oregon I was reminded what makes travel so special. It’s the eye-opening experience of seeing other towns, other places.  Talking to new people and hopefully making a new friend along the way.  The Oregon Coast cities are quaint, filled with things to do, and have the most friendly people.  The next time I visit Oregon I plan to have an even more robust Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.  After all, there are endless things to see and do along the coast.

 

Oregon Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Oregon

 

For more day trip ideas from Seattle, check out these posts:

• Deception Pass State Park + Hiking Oyster Dome
• Woodinville
• Victoria, BC
• Lena Lake + Hama Hama Oyster + Bainbridge Island
• Leavenworth

 

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For more information on the Oregon Coast and ideas on things to see and do, check out my Instagram page/highlight reel “Oregon Coast”.  Or search the hashtag #ppinoregon

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