Oregon is, in my view, one of many prettiest states within the US. You’ve obtained the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge within the north, the unimaginable 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 long-lasting Oregon Coast to the west.
And whereas summer season is the most well-liked time to journey the Oregon Coast (try my full Oregon highway journey itinerary), I’m right here to advocate for contemplating a visit within the winter, too.
What is 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 all the pieces from charming coastal cities to dramatic headlands to huge Pacific seashores. It’s undoubtedly one of the vital lovely elements of the United States.
The Oregon Coast is split into three common areas:
- North Coast – From the Columbia River to Cascade Head, the North Coast is most recognized for its seashores, and cities like Seaside and Cannon Beach.
- Central Coast – From Cascade Head to Reedsport, the Central Coast is most recognized for sea cliffs and bays, and cities like Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, and Yachats.
- South Coast – From Reedsport to the California border, the South Coast is most recognized for extra rugged sea cliffs and sand dunes, and cities like Reedsport, Coos Bay (the biggest metropolis on the coast), and Brookings.
And whilst you CAN technically drive your entire coast (largely alongside Highway 101) in simply sooner or later, I like to recommend permitting a minimum of 3 days (at minimal!) to completely discover the Oregon Coast.
Fun truth: Thanks to the Oregon Beach Bill of 1967, entry to all of Oregon’s coast and seashores is free to all, all day each day!
Winter on the Oregon Coast
Why go to the Oregon Coast in winter? Well, I can consider a number of causes!
- It’s low season, and I really like low season journey! Yes, some issues shut down on the coast within the winter, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to all the primary highlights – and certain have some of all of them to your self!
- It does not get THAT chilly. Winters on the Oregon Coast are gentle, with excessive temps normally within the 40s-50s (F). Yes, you may need 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 through the winter months.
- It’s whale season! Grey whales migrate alongside the Oregon Coast from December-March, and there is a good probability you could possibly see some.
Plus, I’m general only a large fan of visiting locations at instances or in ways in which the common particular person perhaps does not contemplate.
I took my very own journey to the Oregon Coast over New Year’s, and whereas the climate was gray and chilly, the dearth of crowds and wealth of distinctive winter experiences greater than made up for it.
Things to do on the Oregon Coast in winter
The Oregon Coast is affected by seaside cities, state parks, and seashores to go to. But I need to give attention to some distinctive issues you are able to do (and in some circumstances *solely* do) through the winter months.
1. Watch storms roll in from a comfortable spot
The winter storms that batter and form the Oregon Coast are legendary – individuals actually journey right here simply to observe them. The stormiest months are normally November-February, they usually can typically 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 several other state parks (Shore Acres State Park close to Coos Bay is very well-liked), I’d additionally recommend reserving a lodge or trip rental with an ocean view (and perhaps a hearth!) so you’ll be able to cozy up and watch Mother Nature’s present from indoors.
Some accommodations with ocean-view rooms you’ll be able to keep for good storm-watching embrace:
- North Coast oceanfront accommodations – Lanai on the Cove in Seaside, The Seashore Inn in Seaside, The Ocean Lodge in Cannon Beach, Schooner’s Cove Inn in Cannon Beach, the Hallmark Resort & Spa in Cannon Beach, Ocean Inn in Manzanita
- Central Coast oceanfront accommodations – Shearwater Inn in Lincoln City, The Coho Oceanfront Lodge in Lincoln City, Pelican Shores Inn in Lincoln City, 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 accommodations – 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 had been to do one other winter journey, I’d do a pair nights in Cannon Beach, and a pair nights additional down the coast (maybe in Newport or Yachats).
2. Check out 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 the spine of Astoria, however as of late tourism performs a much bigger position. People come to see the Victorian-era houses, go to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and hint some well-known film historical past.
Just a few the notable motion pictures which were filmed in and round Astoria embrace “The Goonies,” “Kindergarten Cop,” and “Free Willy.” (June seventh is definitely an official vacation in Astoria referred to as Goonies Day!) Definitely 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 study a bit about how film magic is made.
It’s not a big museum, however it’s price an hour of your time.
3. See the views at Ecola State Park
Speaking of “The Goonies” and funky filming areas, Ecola State Park simply north of Cannon Beach is one other spot price visiting. Not solely had been elements of The Goonies filmed right here, however the park gives up a number of the greatest coastal views on this a part of Oregon.
Stop on the Ecola Point Viewpoint to see sweeping views in the direction of Cannon Beach, and both stroll or drive to Indian Beach for a PNW seashore expertise. You can stroll right 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 Beach through the summer season months is a bustling little seashore neighborhood crammed with taffy retailers and ice cream parlors. But within the winter, it transforms right into a quiet city excellent for a coastal getaway. It’s additionally house to a number of the greatest tidepooling on the Oregon Coast!
Tide swimming pools kind 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 space across the well-known Haystack Rock is a great spot to go tidepooling. And, since you may undoubtedly need to see this iconic rock formation throughout your time alongside the Oregon Coast, chances are you’ll as effectively kill two birds with one stone!
For the perfect tidepooling expertise, you’ll want to double test the tide instances (you’ll be able to solely do that round low tide!), placed on waterproof boots (and maybe a raincoat, too), and get out and discover. Just you’ll want to watch out the place you step, and do not take away any sea life*.
*The exception is when you’re taken with harvesting issues like mussels or clams to eat. That IS allowed, as long as you could have the right shellfish license (extra data right here).
5. Take a tour at Tillamook Creamery
Run into really dangerous climate on the coast and need 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 offers you perception into how Tillamook makes its scrumptious cheese, and you’ll strive all types of dairy delights within the hooked up Dining Hall. (The triple cheese mac is SO good, as is their ice cream.)
6. Hunt for agates at Tunnel Beach
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 quite a lot of patterns and colours. And in Oregon, there are a number of seashores the place you’re allowed to hunt for agates and take them house!
One such spot is a singular and semi-hidden seashore referred to as Tunnel Beach. To attain this seashore, it’s worthwhile to stroll to the northern finish of Oceanside Beach within the city of Oceanside. There, you may discover a small man-made tunnel via the rock that was initially blasted via in 1926.
If you observe this tunnel*, you may end up on the aptly named Tunnel Beach. This seashore is nice for each agate looking and tidepooling, and gives glorious views of some offshore rock formations.
Bring a bucket or bag, and joyful rock looking! (Just know that, legally, you are solely allowed to take away 25 kilos of rocks per day from any Oregon pure areas.)
*Just beware that you simply traverse this tunnel at your personal threat. Low tide is the perfect time to go, however even then you definitely’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
Even although there are literally some whales that decision the waters alongside the Central Coast house all through the summer season and fall, it is winter that’s the spotlight for whale watching. Each 12 months, 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 after they’re migrating again north to Alaska) the place volunteers are stationed at 20+ nice whale watching websites alongside the coast to assist individuals spot these marine giants. (You can discover extra data about these weeks right here.)
Depoe Bay is mostly top-of-the-line spots for gray whale-spotting, and is house to the Whale Watching Center, which is run by Oregon State Parks.
And whilst you do not HAVE to get out on the water with the intention to spot whales right here, you can too e-book numerous whale watching excursions with corporations like Dockside Charters, Tradewinds Charters, and Whale’s Tail Charters.
8. Visit 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.” Today, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is considered top-of-the-line within the United States (and now not retains massive marine mammals like whales in captivity).
You can go to to see creatures starting from sea otters and harbor seals to puffins to sharks. Exhibits focus totally on sealife you will discover off the Oregon Coast, together with underwater tunnels within the Passages of the Deep exhibit (my favourite!).
9. Stop at Cape Perpetua
There are 20+ state parks alongside the Oregon Coast, and extra designated scenic areas. One that is particularly price visiting is Cape Perpetua, simply south of Yachats. Cape Perpetua has the best viewpoint (800 ft above the ocean!) accessible by automotive alongside the Oregon Coast, which will be reached through a brief strolling path – referred to as Amanda’s Loop!
There are additionally a number of different pure points of interest price visiting close by. Some cool rock formations that waves drive themselves into and thru in cool methods embrace Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn, and Thor’s Well.
10. Go clamming (or simply eat clam chowder)
As I discussed above when speaking about tidepooling at Cannon Beach, 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 your entire coast is truthful sport for digging up razor clams and harvesting various kinds of crabs.
(The bigger bays like Tillamook, Yaquina, and Coos are typically greatest for year-round crabbing, whereas the Clatsop seashores are perfect for razor clamming.)
OR, if digging up and cooking your personal crustaceans does not sound enjoyable to you, winter is a superb time to take pleasure in a bowl of scorching clam chowder indoors. Some nice spots for chowder alongside the Oregon Coast embrace Gracie’s Sea Hag in Depoe Bay, Chowder Bowl in Newport, Mo’s Seafood & Chowder (areas in each Newport and Otter Rock), and Bridgewater Fish House in Florence.
11. Check out the Florence sea lion caves
There are so many alternatives to see distinctive wildlife alongside the Oregon Coast. But if sea lions are in your marine mammal bucket record, you are nearly assured to see them through the winter months on the Sea Lion Caves simply north of Florence.
This system of sea caves and caverns is definitely operated as a personal wildlife protect and fowl sanctuary, and lays declare to the biggest naturally fashioned basalt rock sea cave within the United States. Roughly 200 Stellar sea lions name the caves house year-round.
This attraction is effectively price a cease, and is open day by day within the winter months.
12. Visit Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area extends for 40 miles alongside the Oregon Coast from Florence to Coos Bay. The space is crammed with sand dunes, seashores, forest, climbing/biking trails, campsites, and extra, and is formally a part of the Siuslaw National Forest. The space is run collectively by the U.S. Forest Service and Oregon State Parks.
And sure, you’ll be able to completely go to within the winter!
If you simply desire a view of the dunes and a brief stroll, head to the Oregon Dunes Day Use Area south of Dunes City. There’s 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 may discover a number of the tallest dunes alongside the coast. This can also be 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 via Spinreel in North Bend.
If you are touring on a weekend, Sand Master Park in Florence can also be price a cease. It’s the world’s first devoted sandboarding park – which is mainly snowboarding besides on sand dunes! They are open Friday-Sunday through the winter.
13. Drive the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
If you make all of it the best way right down to the southern finish of the Oregon Coast, you are in for a deal with! The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor 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 can be price stopping to see embrace Secret Beach (climbing required), and Natural Bridges (well-known view proper off the highway). There are additionally viewpoints like Whaleshead, Cape Ferrelo, and House Rock somewhat additional down the coast.
Tips for the Oregon Coast in winter
The Oregon Coast can usually be a bit wild and unpredictable, particularly through the winter months when rain and storms are fairly widespread. But I nonetheless assume it is a good time to go to!
Here 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 search 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 every one the parks and seashores are open year-round. You simply would possibly need to e-book issues like your accommodations upfront.
- Keep in thoughts daytime – Oregon is a reasonably northern state, and this implies fewer daytime through the winter months. On the shortest day of the 12 months 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.
- Allow sufficient time – With daylight constraints, you do not need to attempt to pack an excessive amount of into every day of your journey. It’s very straightforward to spend a few hours on an exercise like tidepooling or agate looking, or just exploring a number of the parks, seashores, and coastal viewpoints. Don’t rush an excessive amount of! You might simply spend a whole week alongside the Oregon Coast.
- Dress 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. Start 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.
- Bring waterproof all the pieces – A good raincoat and waterproof boots (these are those I wore) are a should, and I additionally packed light-weight rain pants for a few of my deliberate outside actions. That approach, I used to be prepared it doesn’t matter what the climate threw my approach!
- Don’t count on snow (perhaps) – Snow just isn’t widespread in any respect alongside the Oregon Coast. BUT, when you’re planning to journey from the coast to different elements of Oregon, chances are you’ll certainly run into snow. In the state of Oregon, it is required to journey with snow chains in your automotive within the winter if you do not have snow tires in sure “snow zones.”
Need to hire a automotive to your time in Oregon? In the US, I exploit DiscoverCars to seek for and evaluate rental automotive choices.
Who’s satisfied to plan a visit to the Oregon Coast in winter?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey via the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares ideas based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s truly traveled!