Welcome

Welcome to Western & coastal oregon

Overhead View of Siltcoos Lake, photo by Nate Kaplan

Embark on a new adventure through the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast. On the coast is an area encompassing Bandon to the south and Astoria to the north. Inland, the lush Willamette Valley is dominated by the State Capital of Oregon, which is located in Salem to the north, and Eugene, Springfield and Roseburg to the south. Farther east are the Willamette and Umpqua National Forests.

Visitors come to these areas of Oregon for a variety of reasons: to enjoy a scenic wilderness area, to relax at a luxurious resort or to view abundant wildlife. Whatever the reason, this area of varied natural beauty is sure to impress. The counties that make up the region are as diverse as the great State of Oregon. Between the mountains of the Coast Range and the much higher Cascade Range, lie verdant valleys with some of the world’s most productive agricultural land, giant old-growth forests and miles of volcanic wasteland. The opportunities for fun and adventure in this area are as varied as the terrain. In fact, this magazine offers 101 Things To Do just in these locales.

Two north-south traffic corridors connect the region. Inland, I-5 bisects the fertile valleys of the Umpqua and Willamette rivers. On the coast, Highway 101 skirts the edge of the continent between the Coast Range and the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors spectacular views of rocky coastline, lighthouses and crashing surf.

The northern most county on the Oregon Coast is Clatsop County. As you cross the beautiful Columbia River from Washington State via the Astoria-Megler Bridge, also known as the Columbia River Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the marina district. This area has so much to offer, including the Astoria Riverwalk, historic landmarks and buildings, fishing, boating, and water sports of all kinds. Stop for something to eat at one of the many eateries, restaurants and bistros in town. Taste one of the many award winning local ales and brews that Astoria is known for. There are many beautiful points of interest and many photo opportunities from both sea level and from higher elevations, such as the Astoria Column.

South of Astoria are the beautiful sights in Seaside and Cannon Beach. These beachside communities grace the northern Oregon Coast with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Hiking, horseback riding, viewing natural sights, shopping, and dining are among the activities that will keep you engaged. Visit the Seaside Aquarium on the beach and get to know the local native ocean dwellers — a fascinating learning experience for the whole family. In Cannon Beach, make sure to take the short walk to world famous Haystack Rock, one of the largest geological beach formations of its type in the western hemisphere — some say it’s among the largest in the world!

South of Cannon Beach you’ll find the beautiful Tillamook Coast in Tillamook County. At the northern end are the little resort towns of Manzanita, Nehalem and Wheeler. South of Wheeler lies the beachfront city of Rockaway Beach, and the quaint fishing town of Garibaldi. South of Garibaldi is the city of Tillamook — you guessed it — home of world famous Tillamook Cheese! This area is the largest coastal dairy cooperative on the Oregon Coast, but has so much more to offer than just great cheese! Spend a day or two in the area, and don’t forget to take the family to the Tillamook Forest Center. Located just 19 miles east of Tillamook on Hwy 6, the Tillamook Forest Center is an educational experience that teaches the principles of forest conservation in a fun, hands-on museum with dozens of exhibits and helpful guides. Kayaking is another favorite activity in Tillamook, with the local estuaries and rivers as the perfect setting.

West of Tillamook are the tiny townships of Netarts and Oceanside, two quaint stops along the Three Capes Scenic Drive. Further south you’ll find Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City and the southern Tillamook County border town of Neskowin.

In Lincoln County, you can enjoy whale watching or go deep-sea fishing. Visit Newport’s historic Nye Beach, tour the lighthouse, or walk the Bayfront. Along Hwy 101, spanning three counties, is the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (see map on page 7). Beginning just north of Florence and extending 40 miles to the south near North Bend, this area of gigantic sand dunes extends as far as three miles inland in some places. A series of inland freshwater lakes, created when the dunes dammed up small streams, provide excellent places to fish, sail or swim. There are national, state, county and private campgrounds throughout. Heading south, the sand dunes eventually give way to one of the world’s largest forest products ports, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. The three towns around the bay — Coos Bay, North Bend and Charleston — make up the largest urban area on the coast known as Oregon’s Bay Area. A combination of beaches, rivers and sloughs provide nature lovers with a variety of recreational possibilities. Inland, on Hwy 42, lies Coquille, a friendly community tucked away along the banks of the Coquille River between Myrtle Point and Coos Bay/North Bend. Spectacular scenery marks the drive to Coquille. There are plenty of opportunites for hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking.

At Bandon, the southwestern-most town in Coos County, magnificent sea stacks stand just offshore along miles of sandy beaches. The Historic Old Town invites strolling and has a good variety of shops, galleries and restaurants. Inland in Lane County lie the cities of Eugene and Springfield, part of the fertile Willamette Valley and Oregon’s third largest population center, after Portland and Salem. East from I-5 in Springfield, State Hwy 126, known as the McKenzie River Highway, leads to McKenzie Pass in the Cascades. Highway 58 east from Eugene is the route that will take you to Lowell where you will find opportunities for fishing or enjoying a variety of water activities. Continuing on Highway 58 takes you to Willamette Pass, which offers hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, fishing and spectacular natural beauty. Roseburg is 67 miles south of Eugene, in the heart of Douglas County. East on Highway 138 is the fascinating Colliding Rivers Viewpoint, where the waters of the North Umpqua River collide with those of the Little River. Diamond Lake and the summit of the Oregon Cascades are 79 miles away, and Crater Lake National Park is just 20 miles farther. Discover local appellations at wineries throughout western Oregon. Most are open for tours and tastings. Outdoor adventurers will find abundant hiking, biking, camping, skiing, snowmobiling and snowboarding in Western Oregon. There are ample opportunities for hunters, anglers, and explorers as well. Discover beautiful scenery and bustling cities as you explore Western Oregon.