Oregon Coast

“Driving down 101 in September from Astoria Oregon to Carmel California or possibly as far as Santa Barbara/ LA.

Besides Pistol River and Cannon Beach, what other "must sees" are there along the Oregon coast?”

“You'll see plenty :-)

A "must" is stopping at one of the Mo's Restaurants along the way and having a bowl of clam chowder and a serving of garlic cheese bread. Or try the slumgullion (clam chowder with shrimp). You'll be satisfied, very, very satisfied :-)”

“What are your plans? Do you have a lot of time to wander or just want a few good places to look over?”

“We have 13 days for a road trip from Seattle down the Oregon and California coast, and then Yosemite, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Zion and Canyonlands, then on the way back to climb Lassen Peak and see Crater Lake.

For Oregon I'm looking for the best places to spend a night, take pictures, and take a short hike along a beautiful beach. I know Cannon Beach is a nice place, but I think we can get farther south than that on the first day of driving.”

“Bandon looks like a good stop after one day of driving.”

“I would recommend scratching Lassen Park altogether, spend the time in Canyonlands and Zion - hiking through Needles and to the top of Angel Landing.

Crater Lake is beautiful, but once you've seen it - you're done. The hiking opps are limited.”

“Angel Landing is my top priority at Zion.”

“The south coast of Oregon has awesome beaches....

South of Florence is the Tahkenitch Trail, including dunes, beach & coastal forest.

North of Coos Bay is the John Dellenbach Trail also over the dunes through the forest and on the beach. Both of these are a good 3-4 hour hike.

For views and a hike, the trails on the cliffs above the ocean out of Coos Bay are awesome. The trail goes through the Simpson Gardens and a bit of history. The cliffs are rugged and tell quite a bit of geological history. I've seen killer whales, Orca whales, even a elephant nose sea lion, California sea lions, many different birds, seals, plus it's a great hike. You can drive to the lookouts or take the trail as far as you want. I like to grab something good to eat at the seafood market in Charleston for a picnic at Cape Arago.

The Bandon area is fun too. Lots of beaches (on low tide you can walk for miles) and beautiful sunsets. Below Bandon is the Secret Beach, Arch Rock with a short trail. The beaches are beautiful from Bandon to the California border. Not many people and miles of beaches...

When are you coming through?”

“Mid-September. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.
last edited: 8/22/06 9:03:38 PM”

“I don't know about the Oregon coast, but a littie south of Monterray CA on the coast hiway is an awesome bridge over Bixby creek. You have seen it in dozens of photos, as its a classic. On one side of the bridge is a pull out for cars, and a steep cliffy trail leads to the beach. It appears so steep as to be impassible, but with care you can descend it, and the beach is beautiful and empty. You can camp on the beach, and you'll have it all to yourself.”