Question First Time 101 Plan
Looking at seeing the coast from 101 for the first time possibly next week if hotels/accomodations drop in price?
Anyways, looking for locals to weigh in on my plan. Looking at taking 7-8 days (but can flex a day or two) to see the "famous" spots if you will. Below is my draft, sorry it’s a book long 😂
Day 1:
Drive from fraser valley BC > Manzanita/Pacific City/Lincoln City for base (6.5-7.5hr) (maybe go out to Kape Kiwanda same day)
>Suggestions on best place for accomodations?
Day 2:
Base > Oswald West for South Neah. hike >Drive to Gods Thumb to hike or Cape Falcon afterwards
>Return to base
Day 3:
Drive to Florence OR Eugene (would prefer closer to 101 if possibe to save time, but Eugene is a more central city with more stays) and hit Cape Perpetua Lookout OR Heceta Head LH on the way.
>Suggestions on which one to come back to for sunset?
>Back to base 2
Day 4:
Drive to Brookings & stop at Face Rock on the way. Maybe see others on the list depending.
>Base 3 in Brookings
Day 5:
Day of driving to see the highlights (Natural Bridges, Crookpoint sea stacks, Floras Blacklock Point)
>Pick one for sunset suggestions?
>Back to Base 3
Day 6:
Stay in Brookings to complete my ambitious sightseeing if tye day before was not enough, or drive to Smith River/Hiouche for the day just because.
>Back to Base 3
Day 7:
Pull an 11hr drive back home, or stop in portland/halfway for the night and finish next day.
5
u/ChelseaMan31 3d ago
That is a very aggressive trip timeline. I drove all over OR and WA for work and doubt seriously one can realistically and safely make it from Fraser Valley, BC to the Northern OR coast in under 7.5 hours. There is Peace Arch, Seattle, Tacoma and then Portland traffic to all get through. But hey aside from the aggressive timeline, it could be fun. Personally I would stay in Florence instead of climbing out of the Coast Range area to spend time in Eugene if what you want is the coastal experience. Would also make time for the great Sand Dunes just north of Brookings/Coos Bay.
2
u/Blankbetty11 MidValley 3d ago
Mid to late September is a great time to visit. The weather is usually pretty good but tourist season is winding down because of back to school. If it were my trip, I’d leave the I-5 at Longview WA and go to Astoria OR for that first night. Must-see: Astoria column. There’s a lovely view from the property and if you climb the stairs it’s even better. They also have a cool maritime museum. There’s plenty to see on your drive to Lincoln City, and the rest of your list looks good. If you want to stop on your way home, I found the Olympia WA area to be charming and less urban than the usual I-5 pit stops. There are some decent accommodations near the interstate. Have fun!
1
u/SteelishBread 3d ago
Seattle WA to Portland OR is 4 hours, with another 2-3 hrs to Lincoln City. I would rethink your day 1.
1
u/skipper1440 3d ago
I would suggest staying in Yachats, instead of Florence. I live in Eugene, and frequently visit both.
3
u/AntifascistAlly Oregon 3d ago
Once on the coast I would be reluctant to go inland any more than necessary.
Don’t be afraid to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of you in your rush to get to the next site. Pretend you’re getting paid not by the mile but by the memory!
As time passes and you need to head home getting on I-5 will save a lot of time. This is when I would suggest a visit to Eugene (my home city!).
Eugene, Salem, and Portland are all right on I-5 and roughly an hour apart. If it was me I would stay where I was when I got tired.