Plan Your Trip Pacific Northwest Road Trips - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 60

Planning
Top Tips
On some of these trips (like the Washington or Oregon Cascades) gas stations are
sporadic, so top up whenever you can. Leave yourself extra time to explore unex-
pected sights along the way. Pack a bag in case you fall in love with a place and de-
cide to stay overnight!
What to Bring
Ensure you take your swimsuit, good walking shoes, rain gear and other layers, and
sun protection.
Best Experiences
Whale-watching and beachcombing along the Oregon coast, counting volcanoes in
the Washington Cascades, hiking inside ancient forests at Olympic National Park,
and taking in spectacular views along British Columbia's Sea to Sky Hwy.
Highway 101 Oregon Coast
Oregon's scenic, two-lane Hwy 101 follows hundreds of miles of shoreline punctuated
by charming seaside towns, exhilarating hikes and ocean views. Everyone from nature-
lovers to families can find their dream vacation along this exceptional coastal route.
Why Go
From the California border to Gold Beach (renowned for its Rogue River fishing) is
some of Oregon's most magnificent coastal scenery. Heading north, the quaint hamlet of
Port Orford offers stunning state parks, including Cape Blanco, home to Oregon's oldest
lighthouse and some exhilarating views.
Further north, Bandon has a picturesque downtown harbor and beautiful rock forma-
tions just offshore. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area boasts the largest expanse of
oceanfront sand dunes in the US, and they're hugely popular with hikers and dune bug-
gies (but not in the same place!). The little town of Yachats offers great walks along its
gorgeous coastline and nearby in Cape Perpetua.
In Newport, don't miss the first-rate Oregon Coast Aquarium. Just north is Yaquina
Head Outstanding Natural Area, with amazing tide pools. If it's the season, take a whale-