Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 573

Oregon Coast
Why Go?
A drive along Oregon's coast is a must-do any time of year. Rocky headlands loom high
above the ocean, providing astounding vistas, while craggy rocks lie scattered along the
shoreline like oceanic sentinels. The Coast Range is deeply etched by great rivers and
patched with forests, offering outdoor enthusiasts excellent boating, fishing and hiking.
The Oregon Dunes - among the largest coastal dunes in the world - stretch for more than
50 miles, and just offshore, gray whales migrate from Alaska to Mexico and back.
Thanks to a far-sighted government in the 1910s, Oregon's 363-mile Pacific Coast was
set aside as public land and strung with more than 70 state parks and protected areas. The
northern Oregon coast has developed more quickly than the southern end, offering travel-
ers a choice between bustling beach resorts and blissfully laid-back retreats. Everyone
from campers to gourmet-lovers will find a plethora of ways to enjoy this exceptional re-
gion.
When to Go
Jul & Aug Hit the beach or go camping - but be prepared for crowds and high prices.
Nov-Jun Gray whales migrate north (March to June) or south (November to February).