The Oregon Coast is a dream in the summer. Warm, bright days. Technicolor sunsets. Just as soon as you've had enough sunshine, the fog will tuck in for a few days. Between June and September (okay July and September), the Oregon Coast is an especially easy place to love.
Starting in October, the crowds thin and the parking lots empty. Restaurants and coffee shops belong to locals once more. The rain slowly returns and the weather becomes increasingly moody. Trails grow even muddier and even the heartiest of hiking boots will meet their match.
On those gloomy, gray days when the wind is whipping and the rain is pouring, and the indoors seems like the only place anyone would want to be, it can take a bit of resolve to experience the Oregon Coast.
But, your resolve will almost always be rewarded. How else will you get the chance to see an elk standing in a misty, lush coastal rainforest? When else would you be able to watch tendrils of fog dance among the sea stacks? If you are indoors, you'd miss the gray whale spouting just offshore or the harbor seal popping up to say hello. If you don't bundle up in that waterproof coat to take a walk along the shore, how will you ever find that perfectly whole sand dollar resting in your path? If you don't take the time to appreciate the subtle beauty of a gray day along the Oregon Coast, you'll simply miss so much magic.
View from Heceta Head- Photo Credit Rachel Irene
Why Visit the Oregon Coast After Summer
The seasons changing brings with it a number of reasons to head to the coast. Arguably the best reason is the dwindling crowds. In the off-season, you can explore the most popular destinations without battling the crowds, circling parking lots, or navigating packed viewpoints. Places like Ecola State Park, Yaquina Head, Cape Perpetua, Heceta Head, etc. all become much easier to navigate. Lodging can also become considerably cheaper during the off-season, so there are deals to be found. The rainy season also brings coastal waterfalls and forests back to life, animals like gray whales migrate along the coastline, and there will be less traffic to compete with around the tidepools (check the tides before you go!) Not to mention, the scenery completely changes! Between foggy coastal rainforests, mist-cloaked sea stacks, and king tides crashing against the cliffs, the off-season is a perfect time to slowly explore anywhere between Astoria and Brookings.
Where to Go: The Coast in Three Parts
The Northern Oregon Coast is perfect for a day-trip! Cannon Beach and Seaside are about 1.5 to 2 hours from Portland. The drive itself is beautiful as you wind through the Cascade Range. Once near the coast, head to Cannon Beach to visit Ecola State Park, Haystack Rock, and wander the cute downtown area. Or, head to Seaside to wander along the shoreline or explore the historic city. You could also consider heading to Astoria or Pacific City for even more adventures. Here are more suggestions for sightseeing the Northern Oregon Coast!
The Central Oregon Coast (guide coming soon) spans Lincoln City to Florence. While Lincoln City to Newport is doable for a day-trip from Portland, you are likely better off booking a weekend coastal getaway! For a larger city experience with plenty of state parks, restaurants, and shopping, head to Lincoln City, Newport, or Florence. For much quieter but still stunning experience, head to Depoe Bay or Yachats.
The Southern Oregon Coast reaches from Reedsport to Brookings. This part of the Oregon Coast is the most remote and isn’t typically busy even in the height of the summer months. Whether staying in the quaint, sleepy (but very scenic) town of Bandon or in Brookings, the larger community just North of the California border, we suggest a minimum of three days to explore the region. Here are our favorite scenic spots between Coos Bay and Brookings!
Things to Do on the Oregon Coast After Summer
Take a Scenic Drive- With the unpredictable weather of the off-season, taking a scenic drive can be a great way to see the Oregon Coast while having shelter to duck into if needed. There are dozens and dozens of view points accessible right off the highway, so choose a direction and pull-over (safely) when you see a place to stop!
Book a Weekend- Picture a day full of exploring the rugged, rocky Oregon coastline, then enjoying a delicious dinner in one of our incredible restaurants, and ending your day in your cozy hotel suite, cabin, or beach house. The off-season brings empty rooms and discounted rates, so there is no better time to book!
Storm Watching- On a rainy and windy day, watching a storm (from a safe distance or from inside an oceanfront restaurant, hotel, etc) can be a fun adventure! After a storm has rolled through, this can be a great time to go beach combing and see what churned up on shore. On a clear day in December or January, gray whales are migrating so be on the look out!
King Tides- Every year, the impressive King Tides make their way to the coast. The highest tides of the year, watching the waves roll in can be an amazing sight! It is not safe to be on the beach during the King Tides, so finding a high up place like Depoe Bay or Shore Acres is key.
Explore a Coastal Town- During the off-season, pick town to explore. This way, you can spend time outside and venture inside (for shopping, art galleries, museums, etc) if the weather gets to be too much. Our favorites for the winter season are Astoria, Cannon Beach, Newport, Florence, and Bandon! Here are some travel suggestions for a few of those towns.
Visit a Lighthouse or Historic Site- Whether perusing the museums in Astoria, checking out a famous shipwreck right on the beach in Warrenton, or exploring one of our many scenic lighthouses (like Yaquina Head or Heceta Head), there are numerous important historical and cultural sites to explore. Some of these sites can have limited hours in the off-season so plan ahead!
What to Know Before Visiting in the Off-Season
The off-season can have implications for enjoying scenic views on the Oregon Coast. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
The off-season brings shorter days. Plan to start early!
Keep your plans flexible in case the weather changes.
When the fog is really dense and low to the ground, it can be difficult to see things like sea stacks off-shore. Either head to see something up close (like tidepools, coastal trails, beach-combing, etc), or use this time to enjoy things in town!
Even if there is fog, but it's up a bit higher or off in the distance, it can create a really magical, mysterious effect on the landscape. Forests, sea stacks, and coastal cliffs look beautiful when partially hidden by fog.
When it's raining, clothes can get damp quickly which can make exploring uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. Something waterproof or having a change of clothes ensures you can explore all day.
Check the tides and be aware of sneaker waves- never turn your back on the ocean! During storms or high tide, stay off the beach.
The Oregon Coast isn’t only worth visiting when the skies are blue and the breeze is gentle. In many ways, the Oregon Coast is at it’s best when the weather becomes less predictable and the scenery becomes more dramatic. With fewer crowds, cheaper lodging options, and plenty of places to explore, heading the coast between October and April is almost always worth it.
Our last monthly newsletter was ALL about exploring the Oregon Coast in the off-season! Don’t miss out on the next edition full of tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you see more of the Pacific Northwest- Sign up here!
