Oregon Coast
Camping along the Oregon Coast
USA
For the start of our Oregon Coast trip we headed down the I5 to Portland. After exploring Portland and the surrounding area we planned to have several stops on the coast of Oregon to view its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Our favorite moments from our trip were: watching hundreds of sea lions hanging out, walking along pristine sandy beaches, eating delicious fresh seafood and spotting elks at our campground.
The picture below was taken at Cannon Beach with the 235 ft-tall Haystack rock at the back. We were there in April, and it was very cold and windy at the beach. As you can see, we bundled up!
Below are pictures from the Sea Lion Caves. The best time of year to visit the sea lion caves is during the winter. When we were there, there was about 200 sea lions. Admission was $18/adult, but check the website for current pricing. As we approached the caves, the sound of the sea lions' barks filled the air, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
As we went down inside the caves, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight of hundreds of sea lions basking in the sunlight, their sleek bodies glistened against the rugged rocks. The caves themselves had towering ceilings and intricate rock formations. It was a rare opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, observing their playful interactions and graceful dives into the shimmering waters below. The sea lion caves on the Oregon coast offered a unique and unforgettable encounter with nature's wonders.
We headed further up the coast and camped at Nehalem Bay State Park. This park had well-maintained campsites, equipped with modern amenities. As we left in the morning we had to do a double take at the front entrance as we spotted several elk relaxing on the grass.
Continuing up the coast, we arrived at Cape Meares. This area offered breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. The highlight of the visit was the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, where we could take in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and rugged cliffs. The historic Cape Meares Lighthouse was a must-see attraction, providing insight into the region's maritime history.
The Oregon coast trip was full of amazing views, close encounters with wildlife, and dotted with historical sites and landmarks, offering a glimpse into the past. Definitely an area we recommend packing your bags and going on an adventure! Happy exploring!
You can't go up the Oregon Coast without getting some fresh and tasty seafood. We stumbled across this South Beach Fish Market restaurant as we entered the town of Newport. This was a no-nonsense very retro seafood place. It had a small dirt parking lot with some outside picnic tables and very cozy inside dining tables.
Even during a weekday, there was a line to order but it moved fast and they marked your order with your name. The food was made fresh and came out quick. Even though it was quite substantial, it was too tasty to not finish every last bite and we continued our journey in a mild food coma.
