Oregon is, in my view, one of many prettiest states within the US. You have obtained the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge within the north, the unbelievable Crater Lake within the south, the colourful Painted Hills within the east, the award-winning vineyards within the Willamette Valley within the middle, and naturally the enduring Oregon Coast to the west.
And whereas summer time is the preferred time to journey the Oregon Coast (try my full Oregon road trip itinerary), I am right here to advocate for contemplating a visit within the winter, too.
What’s the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon Coast stretches for 362 miles (583 kilometers) from the Columbia River within the north to the California state border within the south. The coast is thought for every little thing from charming coastal cities to dramatic headlands to huge Pacific seashores. It is undoubtedly one of the crucial stunning components of the US.
The Oregon Coast is split into three basic areas:
- North Coast – From the Columbia River to Cascade Head, the North Coast is most identified for its seashores, and cities like Seaside and Cannon Seaside.
- Central Coast – From Cascade Head to Reedsport, the Central Coast is most identified for sea cliffs and bays, and cities like Lincoln Metropolis, Depoe Bay, Newport, and Yachats.
- South Coast – From Reedsport to the California border, the South Coast is most identified for extra rugged sea cliffs and sand dunes, and cities like Reedsport, Coos Bay (the most important metropolis on the coast), and Brookings.
And whilst you CAN technically drive the complete coast (principally alongside Freeway 101) in simply in the future, I like to recommend permitting at the very least 3 days (at minimal!) to totally discover the Oregon Coast.
Enjoyable reality: Because of the Oregon Seaside Invoice of 1967, entry to all of Oregon’s coast and seashores is free to all, all day day by day!
Winter on the Oregon Coast
Why go to the Oregon Coast in winter? Effectively, I can consider a number of causes!
- It is low season, and I really like low season journey! Sure, some issues shut down on the coast within the winter, however you may nonetheless go to all the primary highlights – and certain have some of all of them to your self!
- It would not get THAT chilly. Winters on the Oregon Coast are gentle, with excessive temps often within the 40s-50s (F). Sure, you will wish to pack cozy layers, however you will not be battling snowstorms.
- The DRAMA. Oregon’s dramatic shoreline is formed by the robust storms and tides that come throughout the winter months.
- It is whale season! Gray whales migrate alongside the Oregon Coast from December-March, and there is a good probability you may see some.
Plus, I am total only a huge fan of visiting locations at occasions or in ways in which the typical particular person possibly would not think about.
I took my very own journey to the Oregon Coast over New Yr’s, and whereas the climate was gray and chilly, the shortage of crowds and wealth of distinctive winter experiences greater than made up for it.
Issues to do on the Oregon Coast in winter
The Oregon Coast is affected by seaside cities, state parks, and seashores to go to. However I wish to give attention to some distinctive issues you are able to do (and in some circumstances *solely* do) throughout the winter months.
1. Watch storms roll in from a comfy spot
The winter storms that batter and form the Oregon Coast are legendary – folks actually journey right here simply to observe them. The stormiest months are often November-February, they usually can generally additionally coincide with King Tides, that are exceptionally excessive tides that make the waves much more dramatic.
And whilst you *can* watch storms safely from seashores and a number of other state parks (Shore Acres State Park close to Coos Bay is particularly in style), I’d additionally counsel reserving a resort or trip rental with an ocean view (and possibly a hearth!) so you may cozy up and watch Mom Nature’s present from indoors.
Some lodges with ocean-view rooms you may keep for good storm-watching embody:
- North Coast oceanfront lodges – Lanai at the Cove in Seaside, The Seashore Inn in Seaside, The Ocean Lodge in Cannon Seaside, Schooner’s Cove Inn in Cannon Seaside, the Hallmark Resort & Spa in Cannon Seaside, Ocean Inn in Manzanita
- Central Coast oceanfront lodges – Shearwater Inn in Lincoln Metropolis, The Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln Metropolis, Pelican Shores Inn in Lincoln Metropolis, Whale Cove Inn in Depoe Bay, Surfrider Resort in Depoe Bay, Inn at Arch Rock in Depoe Bay, Inn at Nye Beach in Newport, Elizabeth Oceanfront Suites in Newport, Overleaf Lodge & Spa in Yachats, Fireside Motel in Yachats
- South Coast oceanfront lodges – Windermere on the Beach in Bandon, Beachfront Inn in Brookings
We stayed in a trip rental at The Waves Cannon Beach, which was tremendous cozy with a hearth and ocean views. If I have been to do one other winter journey, I’d do a pair nights in Cannon Seaside, and a pair nights additional down the coast (maybe in Newport or Yachats).
2. Try film historical past in Astoria
Not removed from the Washington state border, the city of Astoria is located on the mouth of the Columbia River. Astoria is the oldest city in Oregon – and in addition the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains!
Fishing and logging was once the spine of Astoria, however today tourism performs an even bigger position. Folks come to see the Victorian-era houses, go to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and hint some well-known film historical past.
Simply a few the notable motion pictures which were filmed in and round Astoria embody “The Goonies,” “Kindergarten Cop,” and “Free Willy.” (June seventh is definitely an official vacation in Astoria known as Goonies Day!) Undoubtedly make a go to to the Oregon Film Museum (situated within the historic Clatsop County Jail, which has itself been a filming location) to see props and be taught a bit about how film magic is made.
It isn’t a big museum, but it surely’s value an hour of your time.
3. See the views at Ecola State Park
Talking of “The Goonies” and funky filming places, Ecola State Park simply north of Cannon Seaside is one other spot value visiting. Not solely have been components of The Goonies filmed right here, however the park gives up a number of the finest coastal views on this a part of Oregon.
Cease on the Ecola Level Viewpoint to see sweeping views in direction of Cannon Seaside, and both stroll or drive to Indian Seaside for a PNW seashore expertise. You possibly can stroll all the way down to the driftwood-strewn seashore right here – although look ahead to sneaker waves and by no means flip your again on the ocean.
4. Go tide-pooling round Haystack Rock
Cannon Seaside throughout the summer time months is a bustling little seashore group crammed with taffy retailers and ice cream parlors. However within the winter, it transforms right into a quiet city excellent for a coastal getaway. It is also house to a number of the finest tidepooling on the Oregon Coast!
Tide swimming pools type on seashores and round rock formations at low tide, when the retreating ocean leaves behind shallow swimming pools through which issues like sea stars, anemones, mussels, and different sea creatures will be noticed.
The realm across the well-known Haystack Rock is a great spot to go tidepooling. And, since you will positively wish to see this iconic rock formation throughout your time alongside the Oregon Coast, you might as properly kill two birds with one stone!
For the very best tidepooling expertise, be sure you double examine the tide occasions (you may solely do that round low tide!), placed on waterproof boots (and maybe a raincoat, too), and get out and discover. Simply be sure you watch out the place you step, and do not take away any sea life*.
*The exception is in the event you’re desirous about harvesting issues like mussels or clams to eat. That IS allowed, as long as you will have the correct shellfish license (more info here).
5. Take a tour at Tillamook Creamery
Run into really dangerous climate on the coast and wish to search shelter inside for some time? A enjoyable factor to do barely inland is to take a (FREE!) tour on the Tillamook Creamery.
The self-guided tour will provide you with perception into how Tillamook makes its scrumptious cheese, and you may strive all types of dairy delights within the hooked up Eating Corridor. (The triple cheese mac is SO good, as is their ice cream.)
6. Hunt for agates at Tunnel Seaside
Oregon’s seashores are generally known as being glorious locations for beginner geologists to hunt for agate rocks. Agate is a typical semiprecious silica mineral or gemstone that is available in a wide range of patterns and colours. And in Oregon, there are a number of seashores the place you might be allowed to hunt for agates and take them house!
One such spot is a novel and semi-hidden seashore known as Tunnel Seaside. To achieve this seashore, you want to stroll to the northern finish of Oceanside Seaside within the city of Oceanside. There, you will discover a small man-made tunnel by way of the rock that was initially blasted by way of in 1926.
For those who comply with this tunnel*, you will end up on the aptly named Tunnel Seaside. This seashore is sweet for each agate searching and tidepooling, and gives glorious views of some offshore rock formations.
Convey a bucket or bag, and completely satisfied rock searching! (Simply know that, legally, you are solely allowed to take away 25 kilos of rocks per day from any Oregon pure areas.)
*Simply beware that you just traverse this tunnel at your individual threat. Low tide is the very best time to go, however even then you definately’ll need waterproof footwear and a few supply of sunshine for the darkest a part of the tunnel.
7. Go whale watching in Depoe Bay
Though there are literally some whales that decision the waters alongside the Central Coast house all through the summer time and fall, it is winter that’s the spotlight for whale watching. Annually, the the Oregon Coast is alongside the migratory path of tens of 1000’s of gray whales who migrate from Alaska to Mexico and again.
There are two official “Whale Watch Weeks” (one in late December, when the whales are migrating south to Mexico, and one other in late March once they’re migrating again north to Alaska) the place volunteers are stationed at 20+ nice whale watching websites alongside the coast to assist folks spot these marine giants. (You could find extra information about these weeks here.)
Depoe Bay is mostly the most effective spots for gray whale-spotting, and is house to the Whale Watching Middle, which is run by Oregon State Parks.
And whilst you do not HAVE to get out on the water with a view to spot whales right here, you too can e book varied whale watching excursions with corporations like Dockside Charters, Tradewinds Charters, and Whale’s Tail Charters.
8. Go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium
This aquarium on Yaquina Bay in Newport is maybe most well-known for at one time being house to Keiko, the orca who starred within the film “Free Willy.” Immediately, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is considered the most effective in the US (and now not retains massive marine mammals like whales in captivity).
You possibly can go to to see creatures starting from sea otters and harbor seals to puffins to sharks. Displays focus totally on sealife you’ll find off the Oregon Coast, together with underwater tunnels within the Passages of the Deep exhibit (my favourite!).
9. Cease at Cape Perpetua
There are 20+ state parks alongside the Oregon Coast, and extra designated scenic areas. One which’s particularly value visiting is Cape Perpetua, simply south of Yachats. Cape Perpetua has the very best viewpoint (800 toes above the ocean!) accessible by automobile alongside the Oregon Coast, which will be reached through a brief strolling path – known as Amanda’s Loop!
There are additionally a number of different pure points of interest value visiting close by. Some cool rock formations that waves drive themselves into and thru in cool methods embody Satan’s Churn, Spouting Horn, and Thor’s Effectively.
10. Go clamming (or simply eat clam chowder)
As I discussed above when speaking about tidepooling at Cannon Seaside, anybody is allowed to “hunt” for mussels, clams, crabs, and different edible sealife with a shellfish license. The winter months are a quieter time for clamming, however typically the complete coast is truthful recreation for digging up razor clams and harvesting several types of crabs.
(The bigger bays like Tillamook, Yaquina, and Coos are typically finest for year-round crabbing, whereas the Clatsop seashores are perfect for razor clamming.)
OR, if digging up and cooking your individual crustaceans would not sound enjoyable to you, winter is a wonderful time to get pleasure from a bowl of scorching clam chowder indoors. Some nice spots for chowder alongside the Oregon Coast embody Gracie’s Sea Hag in Depoe Bay, Chowder Bowl in Newport, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (places in each Newport and Otter Rock), and Bridgewater Fish Home in Florence.
11. Try the Florence sea lion caves
There are such a lot of alternatives to see distinctive wildlife alongside the Oregon Coast. But when sea lions are in your marine mammal bucket listing, you are virtually assured to see them throughout the winter months on the Sea Lion Caves simply north of Florence.
This technique of sea caves and caverns is definitely operated as a non-public wildlife protect and hen sanctuary, and lays declare to the most important naturally shaped basalt rock sea collapse the US. Roughly 200 Stellar sea lions name the caves house year-round.
This attraction is properly value a cease, and is open each day within the winter months.
12. Go to Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space
The Oregon Dunes Nationwide Recreation Space extends for 40 miles alongside the Oregon Coast from Florence to Coos Bay. The realm is crammed with sand dunes, seashores, forest, mountain climbing/biking trails, campsites, and extra, and is formally a part of the Siuslaw Nationwide Forest. The realm is run collectively by the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State Parks.
And sure, you may completely go to within the winter!
For those who simply need a view of the dunes and a brief stroll, head to the Oregon Dunes Day Use Space south of Dunes Metropolis. There is a viewing platform right here with good views of the dunes, plus a brief path that results in the seashore.
Or head additional south to the Umpqua Dunes space simply south of Winchester Bay, the place you will discover a number of the tallest dunes alongside the coast. That is additionally one in all three areas the place off-road automobiles like ATVs and dune buggies are permitted, and winter leases and dune excursions are supplied by way of Spinreel in North Bend.
For those who’re touring on a weekend, Sand Master Park in Florence can also be value a cease. It is the world’s first devoted sandboarding park – which is principally snowboarding besides on sand dunes! They’re open Friday-Sunday throughout the winter.
13. Drive the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Hall
For those who make all of it the way in which all the way down to the southern finish of the Oregon Coast, you are in for a deal with! The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Hall is a 12-mile stretch of formations alongside the coast simply north of the city of Brookings, not removed from the California state border.
This stretch of coast is crammed with rock arches, pure bridges, tiny tree-covered islands, and breathtaking coves. Many say it is the prettiest stretch of the Oregon Coast.
Some spots not far off the freeway which might be value stopping to see embody Secret Seaside (mountain climbing required), and Pure Bridges (well-known view proper off the street). There are additionally viewpoints like Whaleshead, Cape Ferrelo, and Home Rock just a little additional down the coast.
Ideas for the Oregon Coast in winter
The Oregon Coast can usually be a bit wild and unpredictable, particularly throughout the winter months when rain and storms are fairly frequent. However I nonetheless assume it is a good time to go to!
Listed below are some issues to bear in mind whereas planning your journey:
- Know that it is quiet season – Winter is low season on the Oregon Coast, and so it is not unusual to seek out eating places, tour corporations, and even some smaller lodging closed up for the season (particularly in January and February). The excellent news is that each one the parks and seashores are open year-round. You simply may wish to e book issues like your lodges upfront.
- Take note daytime – Oregon is a reasonably northern state, and this implies fewer daytime throughout the winter months. On the shortest day of the yr in northern Oregon, the solar rises round 7:45 a.m. and units at 4:30 p.m. By late February, the solar is rising simply earlier than 7 a.m. and setting simply earlier than 6 p.m.
- Permit sufficient time – With daylight constraints, you do not wish to attempt to pack an excessive amount of into every day of your journey. It is very simple to spend a few hours on an exercise like tidepooling or agate searching, or just exploring a number of the parks, seashores, and coastal viewpoints. Do not rush an excessive amount of! You would simply spend a whole week alongside the Oregon Coast.
- Costume in layers – Layers, layers, and extra layers are key! The Oregon Coast stays fairly gentle within the winter, however the wind and rain could make it really feel fairly chilly. Begin with a base layer of a breathable cloth (merino wool is my go-to), after which add a fleece and maybe a lighter down coat on prime. I additionally love these fleece-lined leggings for winter journeys.
- Convey waterproof every little thing – A good raincoat and waterproof boots (these are the ones I wore) are a should, and I additionally packed lightweight rain pants for a few of my deliberate outside actions. That means, I used to be prepared it doesn’t matter what the climate threw my means!
- Do not count on snow (possibly) – Snow just isn’t frequent in any respect alongside the Oregon Coast. BUT, in the event you’re planning to journey from the coast to different components of Oregon, you might certainly run into snow. Within the state of Oregon, it is required to journey with snow chains in your automobile within the winter if you do not have snow tires in sure “snow zones.”
Must hire a automobile in your time in Oregon? Within the US, I take advantage of DiscoverCars to seek for and evaluate rental automobile choices.
Who’s satisfied to plan a visit to the Oregon Coast in winter?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
