Seaside, Oregon

Less than 2 hours from Portland, set the GPS to Gearhart, and drive out onto Del Ray Beach for the sunset with your significant other. This is the only beach in the state of Oregon that you are allowed to drive on. If you have four wheel drive, take a little drive through the incoming waves and ...

Just about an hour west from Portland in Ecola State Park you'll find Indian beach. It's a 5 dollar fee to get into the park, but that fee also keeps the crowds out. Once you get into the park just follow the signs to Indian beach just a little ways down the road. This beach is filled with surfe...

Oregon is full of state parks. Ecola is one of the easiest parks to capture amazing views. The sate park spans 9 miles of Oregon coastline. It's $5 to get in and it's well worth the money (you can also purchase an annual parking pass here).  Many people come to the park to take photos of Hayst...

Head off the 101 to Ecola State Park and drive to the large main car area. From here the trailhead is located just above the restroom facility and is well signed, you can't miss the huge placard. Starting with a few short incline stair sets, you will hit the main roadway; follow the sidewalk for ...

Start your adventure by heading to Cannon Beach, Or. Either head west on Highway 26 from Portland, OR. or Highway 101 south from Aberdeen Wa. Plan to arrive at the town a few hours before sunset, the beach stretches a couple miles, and it is awesome to walk along the beach during the day. There i...

Youngs River Falls is a scenic 50-foot waterfall on Youngs River, about 15 minutes outside of Astoria. The falls are somewhat unique in that the base is located only about 10 feet above sea level From Astoria. The falls have been featured in several movies, most notably Free Willy 2 and Teenage M...

Tucked in a forest within a few minutes drive of Astoria and along the Columbia River, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is small in size but rich in history.  If you're a wanderluster who appreciates learning about the early explorers that came before you this is a can't miss spot.  My own...

Saddle Mountain is a pretty stellar spot if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate hike with incredible views close to Portland. The trail is a 5.2 mile round trip trail with an elevation gain of 1600 ft that starts at the Saddle Mountain Trailhead. You can actually camp right at the trail...

Parking for this hike can be found at either end of the trail. It starts at the west end of the Lewis & Clark Bridge from a small access road that is used as a parking lot. From here it is a flat walk along an old grassy road that is well maintained. If you forgot to bring along bags to pi...

Hug Point is located just 4-5 miles south of the famous Cannon Beach along HWY 101 and is a must stop on any travel along the Oregon coast. Hug Point got its name from the original travelers to this beautiful area. Without the modern day highways we know today, visitors to this rugged coast line ...

At the northwestern-most point of Oregon sits Fort Stevens State Park. Located 3 ½ hrs from Seattle and 2 hrs from Portland, the park sits closest to the city of Astoria. The park itself has over 4300 acres to explore, with day use and camping open year round. However, the most well-known and mos...

Cape Falcon is one of two major hikes within Oswald West State Park, fifteen minutes south of Canon Beach on the Oregon Coast. Park in the lot at the trailhead off Highway 101 and head in. After a half a mile or so you’ll come to a junction with options for “The Beach” or “Cape Falcon”. Go right ...

The beach in Oswald West State Park is one of the more secluded beaches on the Oregon coast. Most tourists tend to stay by Canon Beach and Seaside, Oregon, so this little gem gets much less traffic.The parking lot is right on the highway with plenty of parking, a bathroom, and a drinking fountai...

It is located just off the side of highway 101 north of Manzanita and south of Cannon Beach. To get here, you need to just pull off into the Oswald West parking lot on the ocean side of the freeway. From here, It is just a short walk through the old growth forrest covered in dense green moss wher...

You have a couple different options on how to access this hike (North and South trailhead) also if you would like to hike the loop trail or out-and-back option. Driving directions for this hike isn't to difficult, heading south on highway 101 drive 16.6 miles past the exists for Cannon Beach and ...

Nehalem Bay State Park is a great central location on the Oregon Coast to use as a base camp, whether you want to go south to explore Cape Kiwanda or go north to photograph the famous Cannon Beach. There are six loops: A-F, and only A-C are open in the winter. The only first-come-first-served are...