Central Oregon Coast Road Trip Attractions
The central Oregon coast is a land defined by its natural diversity. It is a sprawling patchwork of forests, lakes, dunes, and marine gardens. Along its tumultuous expanse, rocky headlands loom high above the ocean, providing astounding vistas of craggy rocks and offshore islands.
While the northern coast receives most of the tourists and the southern coast is considered to be Oregon’s darling, the central coast is the section I hold closest to my heart. It is my childhood playground and the location of my elopement. I could go on and on and on about my attachment to the area and the many memories I have associated with its striking landscapes.
But you’re probably here because you want to know a little bit about the central Oregon coast’s attractions.
So instead of rambling about my childhood memories, I’ll give you a rundown of my favorite places to see between Lincoln City and Coos Bay.
ATTRACTIONS ALONG THE CENTRAL OREGON COAST
Oregon’s central coast embraces such contrasts that it is difficult to categorize. As it traces the western edge of the United States, its landscapes boast everything from towering dunes to marsh-lined lakes, and from soaring cliffs to wildlife-rich marine gardens.
The area is teeming with places to see and things to do. Each inch of the coastline provides visitors with opportunities for whale-watching, sand boarding, hiking, and photography.
I’ve visited the central Oregon coast more times than I can count. Some trips consisted of a mere few hours at one of the state parks, while others entailed in-depth road trips to the area’s secret nooks and off-the-beaten-path crannies.
DEPOE BAY MARINA
Depoe Bay lies south of Lincoln City, along a particularly impressive stretch of coastline. Rocky Creek Scenic Viewpoint, Whale Cove, and the Ben Jones Bridge are all located within a stone’s throw of the town’s marina.
While it boasts splendid nearby scenery, the town itself is a must-see attraction. Depoe Bay is situated around an inlet that contains the world’s smallest navigable harbor. You may recognize it from the fishing scene in One Flew Over the Coockoo’s Nest.
Depoe Bay’s charter tours have given the town the distinction of being Oregon’s whale-watching capital. During certain times of year, its surrounding waters welcome large populations of whales and dolphins.
Notable tour companies in the area include the Whale Tail Charters and the Whale Research EcoExcursions.
CAPE FOULWEATHER
Two miles south of Depoe Bay, a one-way detour from Highway 101 showcases superb views over rocky bluffs and tumultuous ocean. The detour—known as Otter Crest Loop—culminates at Cape Foulweather.
From atop the 500 ft headland, views extend 40 miles to Yaquina Head.
The Cape Foulweather lookout contains viewing platforms and a small gift shop. Plaques near the parking lot reveal that Captain Cook named the area in 1778, during a particularly brutal storm.
DEVIL’S PUNCHBOWL
During winter storms, water from the restless ocean slams with a thundering roar into Devil’s Punchbowl. The attraction’s unique shape is a result of relentless wave action. Geologists theorize that the roof over two sea caves collapsed, creating a hollow bowl-shaped formation.
On clear days, the cauldron’s two arches are clearly visible from the viewing area. On stormy days—when the attraction is at its most magical—the surf churns, foams, and swirls as it mixes a violent brew.
The nearby Otter Rock Marine Reserve is accessible from Devil’s Punchbowl. In and around the site, visitors can explore tide pools, spot seals hauled out on the rocks, and stroll along the sandy shores of Beverly Beach State Park.
YAQUINA HEAD
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a BLM-managed promontory that sticks out into the Pacific Ocean. The area features rocky coves, anemone-clad tide pools, a cobbled beach, a visitors center, and a 93 ft tall lighthouse.
Perched atop the westernmost point of the peninsula’s basalt headland, the Yaquina Lighthouse has guided ships to safety since 1873. It is among the most renowned lighthouses on the Oregon Coast.
At Yaquina Head, pounding ocean meets land in a series of tide pools that house an array of anemones and starfish. A fantastic place for kids, it offers a glimpse into the area’s diverse marine life.
Just south of the promontory, the sweeping shores of Agate Beach beckon surfers and agate-hunters.
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area honors America the Beautiful Passes. Entrance costs $7 per vehicle for three days, or $15 annually.
SEAL ROCK STATE RECREATION SITE
Seal Rock has always been one of my favorite destinations along the central Oregon coast. The scenic area features offshore rock islands akin to those at Ecola and Samuel H Boardman state parks.
Seal Rock’s day use area has plenty of picnic tables, while its wide sandy beach is perfect for strolling. Bird-watchers will enjoy the congregation of birds that use Elephant Rock as a resting place during their seasonal migrations.
Like Yaquina Head, Seal Rock abounds with life. Low tide reveals giant green anemone, purple sea urchin, gooseneck barnacles, and California mussels.
Close to shore, harbor seals sun themselves on the rock outcroppings (hence, the area’s name).
CAPE PERPETUA
Just south of Yachats, an offshoot road winds inland toward Cape Perpetua.
The cape is one of the Oregon Coast’s crown jewels. It gets its name from the fact that Captain Cook first caught sight of the promontory on St Perpetua’s Day (March 7, 1778).
Panoramic views from a historic stone lookout structure extend for 75 miles in each direction. On a clear day, the rugged coastline unfolds in spectacular fashion.
Cape Perpetua is one of the most dramatic areas along the Oregon Coast. The rugged lava headland contains secluded beaches, tide pools, blowholes, a lush creek, and old growth Sitka spruce forest.
Access to the area requires a Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency Pass.
DEVIL’S CHURN & THOR’S WELL
Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn lie in the shadow of Cape Perpetua, along a particularly scenic stretch of highway. The rough-and-tumble area is a perfect place to see the forces of nature at play. Ebony fingers of weathered lava contrast against the deep blues of the ocean. Sprouting horns and chasms filled with churning water reveal a dynamic marriage of ocean and land.
Thor’s Well has become a popular location for photographers seeking epic long-exposure shots. Water pours over the lip of the well, creating a circular waterfall that is constantly in motion. It is mesmerizing and utterly beguiling.
Just beyond Thor’s Well, a path leads to a gash in the lava rock known as Devil’s Churn.
At Devil’s Churn, visitors can watch the incoming waves as they crash into the narrow gully. As water pummels into the chasm, it churns and sloshes and froths—creating a violent bubble bath jacuzzi for the poor washed-up logs that have made their way into the area.
HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
The Oregon Coast contains few vistas more dramatic than that of Heceta Head. The 200-ft bluff juts out into the sea and is crowned with an iconic lighthouse that has steered ships from danger since 1894.
The postcard-worthy Heceta Head Lighthouse overlooks rocky islands and a sweeping sandy beach. It is one of the most photographed landmarks in all of the Pacific Northwest.
South of Heceta Beach, several roadside pullouts provide unparalleled views of the lighthouse and its nearby offshore islands.
HONEYMAN STATE PARK & THE OREGON DUNES
Jessie M Honeyman State Park, also known simply as ‘Honeyman,’ is one of my favorite places in Oregon. With its rolling dunes and jewel-like lakes, it offers an entirely different perspective of the Oregon Coast’s scenery.
Honeyman lies along the Pacific Coast Highway, at the northern end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
While reaching the ocean from Honeyman Park requires traversing two miles of undulating sand, the area boasts two beautiful freshwater lakes: Cleawox (great for swimming and paddling) and Woahink (a popular boating destination).
South of Honeyman, the Oregon Coast sand dunes extend all the way to Reedsport.
Popular hikes in the recreation area include the John Dellenback Trail and the Tahkenitch Dunes Trail.
DEAN CREEK ELK-VIEWING AREA
The central Oregon coast may be a hotspot for marine and avian life, but the area’s fauna is not limited to creatures of the sky and sea.
In Reedsport, the Dean Creek Viewing Area is home to a herd of about 100 Roosevelt elk. Roadside pullouts facilitate safari-like encounters with the majestic mammals.
A mild winter climate and abundant food allow the Roosevelt elk to remain at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area year-round.
Dean Creek’s surrounding wetlands hum with life. Visitors may spot coyote, blue herons, beavers, muskrat, and Canada geese amidst the tall grasses.
WHERE TO STAY ALONG OREGON’S CENTRAL COAST
There is no shortage of fantastic lodging options along Oregon’s central coast. Places to stay range from oceanside cottages to luxury resorts. Noteworthy accommodations include the eco-friendly SCP Depoe Bay, the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats, and the oceanfront Driftwood Shores Resort in Florence.
For a truly unforgettable lodging experience, consider staying at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast near Florence. The lighthouse keeper’s residence has been converted into a delightful little B&B that is famous for its porch-side views and seven course breakfasts. At night, guests can grab a flashlight and enjoy exclusive access to one of the most iconic lighthouses in the United States.
CENTRAL OREGON COAST WILDLIFE
Animal-viewing opportunities abound along the central Oregon coast. Dean Creek is a fantastic place to see herds of hoofed mammals, while the ocean brims with marine life year-round.
Along the entirety of the coast, wildlife-rich tide pools house anemones, starfish, barnacles, and urchins. Offshore islands attract a wide variety of seabirds. On the horizon, it is often possible to see whales dotting the waters.
There are two primary whale-watching seasons in Oregon. The first lasts between mid-December and mid-January, when the gray whales make their way down to the calving lagoons in Mexico. The second is between mid-March and early April, when the whales return to the north to feed.
Travelers looking to have guaranteed (or near guaranteed) wildlife sightings, may want to check out the Newport Aquarium and the Sea Lion Caves.
The Sea Lion Caves is a popular Oregon Coast road trip attraction. Deemed the world’s largest sea cave, the oceanside cavern is a natural rookery that attracts hundreds of barking sea lions at a time.
Beware the stench, but behold one of nature’s great spectacles.
WHEN TO VISIT THE CENTRAL OREGON COAST
Though heavy rain often characterizes the area’s weather during winter months, the central Oregon coast is a fantastic place to visit year-round. Winter can be a magical time at the coast. Heavy winds tussle the waves, beaches remain desolate, and cloudy skies add dimension to the area’s rugged environs.
But to truly experience the best of the Oregon Coast, I recommend visiting between June and early October.
In summer and fall, the water is at its warmest, the skies are mostly fog-free, and temperatures are perfect for kite-flying, dune-bashing, sightseeing, and hiking.
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On June 19th of 2020, Dan and I eloped along the central Oregon coast, under the Heceta Lighthouse’s iconic beacon.
Though we’d spent more than a year brainstorming far-flung ceremony locations, we ultimately decided to tie the knot on a windswept stretch of sand near my hometown.
I can hardly think of a location more perfect.
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