Day Two Down the Pacific Coast Highway

Well, you've made it to Astoria and are ready to continue your journey south.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out part one of my travel guide here.  Now that you're caught up, congratulations, you've made it to the coast now it's time to explore.  I'll be honest and tell you that there are many coastal towns in Oregon, and every one of them is worth seeing.  Oregon also passed a law that made their beaches accessible to the public.  So there will be plenty of beaches and coastal areas for you to see.  I'm not including it on this trip, but Cannon Beach south of Seaside is worth a stop.

Your first stop after heading south on highway 101 should be Tillamook.  Its not on the ocean like some of the other coastal towns, but it has a cheese factory.  You can take a free self guided tour through the factory and try a few samples while you're there.  Eat at the restaurant if you're still hungry.  After you're done eating keep heading south to your day 2 destination of Florence, Oregon. On the way, you will pass the towns of Lincoln City, and Newport.  Both have things for you to do if you wish.  Once you get south of Yachats, you will see signs for the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center. You can make this your base of operations for numerous scenic hikes through the area.  You should check out the wild and crazy Oregon coast here.  You can walk out to Thor's Well and the Devil's Churn to see some awe inspiring crashing waves.  Here's what Thor's Well looks like.  You can't see something like this anywhere else.

Once you are done exploring Cape Perpetua, head south just past Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park.  There will be a parking lot on the east side of the road.  This parking lot will give you access to a couple hiking trails.  The Hobbit Trail is an aptly named trail because it feels like you're walking through middle earth.  This short .4 mile trail is completely worth it and will take you to the beach. On your way back, if you have time, there is the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail.  Take this trail to the Heceta Head Lighthouse and further down to another beach.  If you're in this area at sunset, hang around for some great picture taking moments.  

After you've gotten all the hiking out of your system head south into Florence.  Here, you have to go sand boarding. That was not a typo, you can go out on the Oregon Dunes and try it out.  Sand Master Park has boards and sleds for you to rent.  Florence is at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and is the destination for the night.  If you want ocean views you could try Driftwood Shores Resort.  If you want to see the river and the dunes, stay at River House Inn. River House Inn is right in Old Town Florence, which is full of cute shops and restaurants, and a fun area to walk around along the Siuslaw River.  You could even meet me for a meal somewhere!  Once your day in Florence is done, head home and get ready to check out some sand dunes the next day. 

Head south out of Florence towards the town of Reedsport.  About 10 miles south of Florence, there will be signs for Oregon Dunes Overlook.  Stop here and walk up the steps to get a view of the sand dunes.  There is also a hiking trail here through the dunes to the beach.  If you don't want to go all the way to the beach, just head out and explore the dunes.  The trail is marked with posts that have a blue stripe, so don't lose view of them unless you like getting lost.  

Once you're done getting a taste of the dunes, head for a good taste of food in Reedsport at the Schooner Inn Cafe.  This beautiful cafe is right on the Umpqua River, and the food is just as good as the view.  Afterwards, continue south, and get ready for some more dunes, which I will talk about in part 3 of my road trip guide.  

Part 1

Part 3