Mid-Coast Oregon: 6 Month Solo Road Trip

My original route from Eugene to Portland, but I only made it to Lincoln.

Mid-Coast Oregon: After leaving the Sea Lion Caves I drive north on route 101 towards Portland where I’m staying at a tiny home on wheels for a week. I’m checking out mid-coast Oregon. One of my goals on this trip is to see all Oregon’s coast. I’ve traveled from Brookings to Florence now I’m driving from Florence to Cannon Beach. I stop at a number of scenic vistas to admire the view.

The Oregon coast is breathtaking, from rocky cliffs to miles of sandy beaches, it would take a lifetime to explore every nook and cranny. I only have a few days, but I have the memories and thousands of pictures to remind me of the beauty of this magnificent state of mind. I stop and explore as much as I can. As I travel up the coast I stop at many vistas including Heceta Head Lighthouse Viewpoint, South Beach State Park, Yaquina Bay State Park and D River Wayside State Park.

Named after a Spanish Explorer who was surveying the Oregon coast in 1775 the Heceta Head Lighthouse which sits high on a cliff is still in service. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast. I understand why, as it stands proud against the onslaught of persistent waves pounding the coast.

After leaving Heceta Head I drive up the coast stopping at Neptune State Park and Seal Rock to admire the views. I’m looking forward to walking on a long sandy beach. South Beach State Park fits the description. Located in the town of Newport it has miles of soft sandy beach and grassy dunes. The temperature is in the mid 50’s on a blustery day but the sun is shining as I get out of my car and head to the beach. Wow! I practically have the beach to myself. Well, it is chilly April weekday, so that could be the reason for the ghost town. The only creatures I find are 100’s of colorful jellyfish sunning themselves on the beach. As I walk along the beach I see a solo windsurfer flying across the waves. I stop and watch as he glides across the water.

It’s close to 3 pm and I’m only a quarter of my way up the coast. It’s time to drive. I say goodbye to South Beach as I ramble up the coast. I see signs of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and turn on to the road. I get out of my car and walk around. The 93 foot high black and white lighthouse stands in solace, protecting boats from the rocky cliffs. There is a trail which leads up the hill behind the lighthouse. It’s calling my name so I follow it. The rays of the late afternoon sun catch the blades of grass turning everything a golden hue. As I reach the top I feels as though I’m standing at top of the world. What an amazing 180-degree view of the coast.

I stay for an hour enjoying the views, but it’s time to go. One of my favorite activities is watching the sunset over the ocean. In Lincoln, I stop at D River Wayside State Park to watch the sun sink into the ocean’s horizon. The blue sky turns intense colors of orange, pink, yellow and red. It reminds me of a painting. The sound of the waves lapping the shore as dusk turns to-night. It’s a peaceful time of day to reflect.

I didn’t make it up to Cannon Beach since I have a reservation in Portland for the night at an Airbnb tiny home. Instead, I head inland on route 18 to Portland. I will save that trip for another day.