Posted in Oregon Nature July 23, 2021 by Tessa Metcalf

Take An Unforgettable Drive On This Gorgeous Coastal Road In Oregon

The Oregon Coast is a spectacular sight; just ask any Oregonian. There are dramatic cliffs, old growth forests, crashing waves, hidden beaches, historic lighthouses, and so much more to be discovered on this stunning stretch of shoreline. One great way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Oregon Coast is taking a drive on the Three Capes Scenic Loop. One of the best scenic drives in Oregon, this gorgeous byway leads from Pacific City all the way to Cape Meares, and then loops back on a lovely inland stretch of Highway 101. Along the way, you’ll pass incredible sea stacks, sand dunes, charming seaside towns, pristine beaches, and of course the three amazing capes: Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares. The drive only takes a couple of hours in total, but you’ll want to plan on taking some extra time to explore along the way; the excursion can easily be done as an afternoon trip *or* a weekend-long adventure. It’s truly one of the best scenic drives in Oregon, and a bucket list must for all adventure-seekers!

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Since it's a loop, you can start the drive anyway you'd like, but for our purposes we'll start at the southern tip of the loop: the stunning Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City.

To start off your adventure, take some time to explore this beautiful beach and the immense sand dune that overlooks miles and miles of shore and sea.

Going north, you'll pass many gorgeous beaches, nature preserves, state parks, and towns that you'll have the option to stop at and explore.

As you continue north, you'll come across the amazing Cape Lookout State Park.

Just over the hill you'll reach the charming town of Netarts.

Next up: Oceanside. This lovely town is perched over the ocean and is a great place to stop for lunch or a coffee.

While in the area, you'll also want to visit Three Arch Rocks at the Oceanside Beach Recreation Site.

The third cape on the Three Capes Scenic Drive is the impeccable Cape Meares. Here you'll find amazing views, dramatic cliffs, hiking trails, and more.

You can also visit the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse!

After leaving Cape Meares, the route heads past Bayocean toward Tillamook. At the intersection of Third street and Highway 101, turn right to loop back around south.

You'll pass through numerous small towns on the way back south, including Beaver, Hebo, and Cloverdale. Before you know it, you'll be right back where you started, in Pacific City.

When you decide to take this scenic drive in Oregon, be sure to check out this map first as there may be some road closures in the area.

Ready for more scenic adventures? You can find out about some more of the best scenic drives in Oregon in this article.

Address: Tillamook, OR 97141, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Oregon

July 28, 2021

Sarah

What are some of the best scenic drives in Oregon?

There’s no shortage of scenic drives in Oregon; it’s really a matter of what you’re in the mood for. If it’s a coastal drive you’re seeking, there’s really nothing better than the Three Capes Scenic Loop. If you want to have your jaw drop at numerous scenic, wondrous vistas, the Historic Columbia River Highway is sure to deliver, offering million-dollar views of the Columbia River Gorge in all its glory. If it’s a peace and solitude of the Oregon desert that’s calling your name, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is an astonishingly beautiful drive in eastern Oregon that leads through canyons, meadows, the Wallowa Mountains, and more. It’s a designated All-American Road, too. And in the fall? Well, the Cornucopia Highway is a wonderful road in eastern Oregon that can be reached from the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. This amazing photo sums up the balance of beautiful foliage and bucolic scenery at its finest.

How long is the Oregon Coast?

One of Oregon’s most marvelous natural wonders, all 363 miles of the Oregon Coast are free and open public (hence its nickname the “People’s Coast”). That means endless opportunities for beach combing, whale watching, hiking, exploring, or simply reveling in the beauty of the Beaver State’s stunning shores. The Oregon Coast is pure Beaver State beauty, and the Three Capes Scenic Loop is a marvelous way to take it in.

What are some scenic places in Oregon?

There is scenic beauty all around us here in the Beaver State, and there’s nothing better than finding a great view point to relax and take it all in. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is a breathtakingly beautiful area that offers stunning Pacific Ocean views, and the Oregon State Parks recently added new fences at Cape Kiwanda, which provide access to previously off-limits ocean views. Another must-visit scenic spot? Crown Point State Scenic Corridor and the Vista House, which offer the most incredible panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge. While you’re in the area, absolutely spot by Multnomah Falls, which is easily the most iconic waterfall in the PNW, and can be admired from several safe viewpoints – including while dining inside the beautiful Multnomah Falls Lodge!

Address: Tillamook, OR 97141, USA