4 Days: Oregon Coast Backroads from Cannon Beach to Cape Perpetua
A short, intimate coastal drive hugging the Oregon shore from Cannon Beach's iconic rock formations south to Cape Perpetua's sea caves. Built for photographers, tide-pool explorers, and anyone who craves dramatic ocean light without the highway drone.
What to expect
- Haystack Rock's sea stacks and puffin nesting areas (May–August)
- Cape Lookout Head Trail: 2.4-mile forested ridge above ocean cliffs
- Tide-pool scramble at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area during low tide
- Coastal taverns serving fresh local oysters and Dungeness crab rolls
Day by day
Arrive Cannon Beach mid-morning. Check into a beachfront cabin or motel.
Walk to Haystack Rock at low tide; explore tide pools and sea caves nearby.
Sunset stroll along the beach; dinner at Newman's French Restaurant or casual fish & chips.
Drive 20 minutes south to Cape Lookout State Park. Hike the headland trail (2.4 miles).
Descend to Short Sands Beach; low tide reveals sand dollars and anemones.
Stop in Pacific City for fresh fish tacos and coastal-town strolling.
Drive 45 minutes to Cape Perpetua. Visit the visitor centre for tide-pool timing.
Hike to Thor's Well (sinkhole overlook) and Spouting Horn; explore rocky coves.
Stay overnight near Yachats or Sea Lion Caves. Sunset from cape viewpoint.
Tour Sea Lion Caves (largest sea cave in North America; tour by boat).
Drive back north via scenic 101; final stop at a roadside diner.
Depart or extend southward toward Newport.
Palcation builds the whole plan in seconds: flights, stays, food and a day-by-day itinerary you can share and budget.
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