The Oregon Coast is one of the PNW’s most sought-after destinations. The Beaver State’s Pacific Coast meanders for roughly 363 miles and is traced by US Highway 101. Along the route, you’ll encounter towering seaside cliffs, long sandy expanses, old-growth forests, and a plethora of wildlife that call the area home. In addition to the scenic views, the Oregon coast is home to some of the region’s top state and national parks, best waves, and charming towns that are well worth your time. To explore every nook and cranny of Oregon’s coast would take a lifetime. If you want to thoroughly explore the region, we recommend spending 10 days traveling along Highway 101. If you’re traveling from Washington, we recommend hopping onto Highway 101 and making a beeline for Cannon Beach. Continue reading below as we dive into The Camp N Car Guide to Road Tripping the Oregon Coast.
Best Time of Year for an Oregon Coast Road Trip
Spring (March-May)
- Weather: Spring on the Oregon Coast is mild, though it can still be a bit rainy, especially in March and April. Temperatures range from the low 40s°F to mid-60s°F.
- Pros:
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- There are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the coast with more peace and quiet.
- Wildflowers bloom in the coastal dunes and forests, making it a beautiful time to be outdoors.
- Some surf spots are great during spring swells.
- Cons:
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- You might face some unpredictable weather, including rain and occasional storms.
Summer (June – August)
- Weather: Summer is the most popular time for an Oregon Coast road trip, with mild temperatures ranging from mid-50s°F (12°C) to low 70s°F (22°C). It’s cooler than inland, so it’s ideal for spending the long summer days outdoors.
- Pros:
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- Warm, dry weather (though it can still be foggy or cloudy along the coast, especially in the mornings).
- Long days with plenty of sunlight, perfect for exploring, hiking, and surfing.
- Lots of festivals and outdoor events.
- Campgrounds and parks are in full swing, offering amenities and services.
- Cons:
- More crowded, especially at popular destinations like Cannon Beach, Newport, and Bandon.
- Higher prices for accommodations and campsites and a need for reservations if you’re visiting state parks.
Fall (September – November)
- Weather: Fall offers the best balance of good weather (temperatures in the 50s-60s°F / 13-20°C) and fewer tourists. The coast often sees an Indian summer, with dry, sunny days in early autumn.
- Pros:
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- Less crowded than summer, with a more relaxed vibe.
- The weather is usually still warm and pleasant, especially in September and early October.
- Great for hiking, wildlife watching (migrating whales), and enjoying the surf.
- Beautiful fall colors in the forests.
- Cons:
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- Rain can start increasing later in the fall, especially in November.
Winter (December – February)
- Weather: Winter can be cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from mid-30s°F (1-3°C) to low 50s°F (10°C). Expect frequent rain.\
- Pros:
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- The Oregon Coast is much quieter, so you can enjoy a serene and peaceful experience with empty beaches and uncrowded parks.
- Great for storm watching, as dramatic winter storms often hit the coast.
- Ideal for those who enjoy rugged weather and don’t mind the rain.
- Cons:
- Weather can be unpredictable and wet, which can limit outdoor activities.
- Many campgrounds and some attractions may be closed or have limited services.
Overall Recommendation:
Late Spring (May) and Early Fall (September – October) are considered the best times for an Oregon coast road trip. These months offer the ideal combination of mild weather, fewer crowds, and the opportunity to enjoy the coast’s beauty and activities without the summer rush. If you’re interested in surfing, fall might be the best time, as the waves are more consistent, and summer’s warm weather tends to linger for the first few months of autumn.
Seattle to Cannon Beach
Marked by the famous Haystack Rock towering just offshore, Cannon Beach is perhaps the most iconic destination on the Oregon Coast. The long, sandy beach stretches for four miles and is flanked by seaside cliffs with flowing waterfalls. Tide pools hold hidden treasures like dinner plate-sized starfish, fluorescent sea anemones, and puffins that regularly nest on Haystack’s towering expanse. On quiet mornings, elk herds often appear on the beach, meandering around in the dunes.
Cannon Beach is approximately three and a half hours from Seattle. Just north of the beach lies Ecola State Park, where visitors can find miles of ocean-view trails. While camping is not allowed in the park, it can be found nearby at several private campsites or just south at Hug Point State Park. For experienced surfers, the famous Seaside Reef is just north of Cannon Beach. New surfers will find more beginner-friendly waves at Short Sands Beach and along the many sand bars at Cannon Beach.
Cannon Beach to Tillamook
Continue your journey south to Tillamook, where your adventure will extend far beyond the cheese and ice cream the area is known for. The town of Tillamook has everything you need to resupply on your adventure, but we recommend spending time in the nearby wilderness and stunning camps that make the Tillamook a must-visit in our book.
The Three Capes scenic drive takes you along the coast for 40 miles from north to south, hitting Cap Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda, with several viewpoints and trails worth exploring in between. Cape Meares is home to one of the state’s oldest lighthouses, built in 1890, and offers sweeping, panoramic views of the rugged coastline. The area is also home to the Octopus Tree, a unique, ancient Sitka spruce with multiple trunks. Cape Lookout State Park is teaming with forested trails that lead to coastal views, including views of the famed Twin Rocks in Pacific City. Cape Kiwanda is home to rolling sand dunes and unique rock formations off the wide sandy beach. As you explore, keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, seals, puffins, and migrating whales. Cape Lookout State Park offers great camping options with both tent sites and RV hookups.
Tillamook to Newport
Newport is one of the larger towns on the Oregon coast, making it a great place to stop for a night out on the town, dinner for two, or just to resupply. The town strikes an ideal balance between quaint charm and rugged nature. Yaquina Head Lighthouse is perched just north of town, signaling visitors that they’ve arrived. The historic bayfront oozes small-town charm with waterfront shops, seafood restaurants, and local breweries.
Newport offers easy access to the Oregon Coast Trail and other nearby parks. Additionally, the area is the best place in the state for whale watching. It’s easy to find camping and miles of trail in the scenic Cape Perpetua and the surrounding Siuslaw National Forest.
Newport to Bandon
Continue south to Bandon, where Southern Oregon’s looming sea stacks and relaxed coastal vibes welcome visitors. Nearby, Brandon Beach is home to rugged offshore rock formations like Face Rock and Devil’s Kitchen. To the north, Bullard’s Beach offers miles of sandy expanse with fewer crowds. Just offshore, Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge is home to a large population of seabirds and sea lions. While you can’t visit the islands directly, you can take a boat tour around the islands to spot wildlife.
For nearby campsites, check out Bullard’s Beach State Park or Cape Blanco State Park (30 minutes north). Both destinations offer tent and RV sites just a stone’s throw from some of the state’s most pristine coastline.
The Oregon coast is teeming with natural beauty and adventure waiting around every bend. There’s no better way to explore Oregon than in a camper van or with a built-out car camping setup. Camp N Car has everything you need to make your car camping dreams a reality, from our latest hatchback/ SUV sleeping platform, the Pioneer Platform, to full custom van conversions.