Our Favorite Three-Day Itinerary for the Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is a rugged stretch of coastline that offers unparalleled beauty with miles of sandy beaches, towering sea cliffs, and charming coastal towns. Whether you’re looking to hike lush forests, explore tide pools, surf, or relax by the ocean, the Oregon Coast provides something for every adventurer. With this three-day car camping itinerary, you’ll experience the best of the coast—from dramatic cliffs and historic lighthouses to charming beach towns and hidden coves.

Day 1: Astoria & Ecola State Park – Coastal Views & Adventure

Start your Oregon Coast adventure by heading to Astoria, where you can dive straight into the adventure with a dose of coastal charm.

• Camp: Set up camp at Fort Stevens State Park, located just outside of Astoria. This park offers a mix of forested sites and those close to the beach, providing a perfect base to explore the northern Oregon Coast. It’s easy to access nearby hiking trails and the beach.
• Morning Activity:

• Lewis and Clark National Historic Park: Begin with a hike through Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. This historic park has multiple trails where you can walk in the footsteps of the famed explorers Lewis and Clark. Explore the Fort Clatsop Trail, which leads you through old-growth forest, or the Netul River Trail, for a relaxed riverside hike.

• Midday Activity:

• Ecola State Park: Head south to Ecola State Park, where you’ll find some of the most stunning coastal views in Oregon. The park offers several trail options, including the Clatsop Loop Trail, with spectacular views of Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, and the surrounding coastline. For a more challenging option, hike to Indian Beach.
• Surfing: If you’re into surfing, Indian Beach in Ecola State Park is a great spot. The beach offers consistent waves, perfect for intermediate surfers looking to escape the crowds of Cannon Beach.
• Afternoon Activity:

• Hike to Tillamook Head: For an adventurous afternoon, hike the Tillamook Head Trail, which starts at Indian Beach. This 6-mile round-trip trail takes you through dense forest and along the wild coastline, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and cliffs below. It’s a challenging hike but rewards you with some of the most incredible coastal views in the area.

• Evening: Return to Fort Stevens State Park for the evening. You can explore the beach, check out the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, or relax at the campsite.
• Dinner: Enjoy a campfire meal, or if you're craving some local flavor, head into Astoria and grab dinner at Buoy Beer Company.

Day 2: Cannon Beach & Cape Perpetua – Surf, Sand, and Scenic Vistas

Head south along the coast, stopping at Cannon Beach for a quick surf or beach walk in the morning before continuing to Cape Perpetua for dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic ocean views.

• Camp: Set up camp at South Beach State Park, just outside of Newport. This campground offers easy access to Newport’s historic bayfront and is surrounded by coastal forests. It’s a quiet spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
• Morning Activity:

• Cannon Beach: Start the day by exploring Cannon Beach. Spend time walking along the shore, exploring tide pools, and taking in the view of Haystack Rock. You can also check out the local shops in the charming town, which has a great mix of galleries and boutiques.

• Surfing: Paddle out at Cannon Beach or Tolovana Park, just south of Cannon Beach, which offers some reliable waves without the crowds
• Midday Activity:

• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: Continue south to Cape Perpetua, one of the most stunning spots along the Oregon Coast. Hike along the Cape Perpetua Overlook Trail for panoramic views of the winding coastline and the Pacific Ocean. You can also explore the Trail of Ten Falls if you're looking for a more challenging hike through temperate rainforest with beautiful waterfall views.

• Afternoon Activity:

• Thor’s Well & Spouting Horn: Don’t miss the famous Thor’s Well, a natural sinkhole where water surges dramatically through the rocks at high tide. It’s an impressive sight and one of the most photographed spots on the coast. Nearby, visit the Spouting Horn, where shoots through a hole in the rocks, creating a spectacular geyser-like effect.

• Evening: Return to South Beach State Park for a relaxing evening by the campfire. You can take a short walk to South Beach for a quiet sunset or unwind and enjoy the sound of the waves.
• Dinner: Either cook a meal at the campsite or head into Newport for dinner at The Chowder Bowl for a local seafood experience.

Day 3: Boardman State Park & Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor – A Last Look at the Coast

On your final day, continue south along the coast, exploring some of the coast's many hidden gems and lesser-known beaches.

• Camp: Set up camp at Harris Beach State Park, just outside of Brookings, a fantastic coastal campground offering views of the ocean.
• Morning Activity:

• Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint: Begin your morning with a stop at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint, where you’ll find rugged cliffs and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.

• Midday Activity:

• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor: After the viewpoint, continue south to the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. This enchanting drive is known for its dramatic sea stacks, coves, and secluded beaches. Hike the Natural Bridge to see impressive rock formations or check out Whaleshead Beach for surf fishing and beachcombing. The area is dotted with wildflowers, hidden beaches, and stunning overlooks that provide perfect photo ops and a peaceful atmosphere.

• Surfing: If you're up for one last surf session, Harris Beach, just down the road, offers some of the best surf on this stretch of coast, ideal for intermediate surfers. It’s a quieter surf spot with incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and offshore rocks.
• Return: Pack up your gear and make your way home, with a few final stops to say see you later to the Pacific.

The Oregon Coast offers a diverse mix of dramatic coastline, charming beach towns, and lush forests. From the iconic Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach to the towering cliffs of Cape Perpetua, every stop along the coast provides a unique experience. Whether you’re hiking, exploring tide pools, surfing, or just taking in the views, the Oregon Coast offers something for everyone.