5 Days on the Oregon Coast: Cannon to Cape Perpetua
Base yourself in the quiet village of Yachats and roadtrip north to Cannon Beach and south to the rock formations of Cape Perpetua, hiking coastal trails and exploring tide pools that reveal starfish and anemones. This is the Oregon coast at its most dramatic: no theme parks, no crowds, just stone and salt air.
What to expect
- Hike to Haystack Rock tide pools near Cannon Beach; spot sea urchins and purple starfish.
- Walk the Cape Perpetua rim trail for 360° views of the Pacific and coastal ridges.
- Drive through the Sea Lion Caves visitor route and spy sea lions on offshore rocks.
- Explore Thor's Well and Spouting Horn (10-min walk from Cape Perpetua parking).
- Camp or stay at a rustic lodge; buy fish and chips from a beachside shack for dinner.
Day by day
Drive or fly into Portland; rent a car and head west 2 hours to Yachats (pronounced YAH-hots).
Settle into lodging; walk Yachats Beach and the rocky tideline; grab provisions at a local market.
Fish and chips at Luna Sea Fish House or a campfire dinner if camping.
Drive 30 min south to Cape Perpetua; hike the rim trail (2.5 miles, moderate); sunrise light is magical here.
Short walk to Thor's Well and Spouting Horn (parking shared, just 10 min each); watch the tidal surge.
Return to Yachats; sunset walk on the beach; dinner at a local diner.
Drive 90 min north to Cannon Beach; hike down to Haystack Rock tide pools (low tide is essential; check times).
Explore the Cannon Beach downtown (quirky galleries and bookshops); lunch at Newman's French Restaurant or a casual cafe.
Return to Yachats; evening beach walk; early dinner to watch sunset from your lodging.
Drive north 45 min to Sea Lion Caves; tour the massive sea cave by elevator ($18; wear a jacket—cold inside).
Stop at Darlingtonia State Natural Site (carnivorous plants) on the return drive; quick scenic loop.
Back in Yachats; explore the Luna Lake trail or relax with hot cocoa and a book.
Final beach walk or tide-pool hunt if the timing allows; pack and head north to Portland airport.
2-hour drive back to Portland; depart.
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