Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 576

Oregon Coast Highlights
Nibbling fish 'n chips, crab cakes or chowder in towns such as Seaside ( Click
here ) .
Spotting gray whales during their migrations at Depoe Bay ( Click here ).
Hiking the Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain Trails ( Click here ) for awe-
some views.
Checking out the jellyfish, sea otters and sharks at Newport's Oregon Coast
Aquarium ( Click here ).
Cruising and taking in the views along the stunning Three Capes Scenic Drive
( Click here ) .
Camping and hiking among the towering sands of the Oregon Dunes National
Recreation Area ( Click here ) .
Counting lighthouses - like the super-photogenic one at Heceta Head ( Click
here ) - along the coast.
NORTHERN OREGON COAST
Oregon's northern coast stretches from the mouth of the Columbia River south to
Florence. Here lie the state's biggest and most touristy beach towns - Seaside, Cannon
Beach and Lincoln City - while Depoe Bay is great for whale-watching and Newport is
famous for its excellent aquarium.
Because of its popularity, the northern coast tends to get clogged with weekend visit-
ors from Portland and the Willamette Valley. Since US 101 is mostly a two-lane highway,
traffic can slow to 20mph in sections - especially with the many RVs on the road. Expect
to join the masses during summer months, when the beaches fill with crowds and lodging
prices skyrocket.