Oregon Coast in the Spring (Portland, Bend: rentals, how much, houses)

[MtnSurfer]

Hello,

I am planning our Spring family vacation to the PNW this year. Our main focus will be to visit the beautiful Oregon coast. We realize the water is not warm and that it can rain during this time. But we would like to see it none the less. We will probably go for walks on days when the rain is not too heavy and mostly sightsee. I am also a nature photographer hobbiest. So I will be looking for nice seascape ops (eg - lighthouse, seastacks, dramatic skys including storm clouds, sunset, etc...). I bought about a dozen Oregon books so I think I know what I would like to see.

But right now we are trying to narrow down our ETA to sometime between late April to late May. Originally I was aiming for late May. But I have recently seen some beautiful images of the coast in late April with wildlfowers blooming right along the coast. Here is one example Spring flowers.

I spoke with Bryan, the photographer, who said he took this in late April. I know the weather is always a gamble with trips like this. I guess I would just like some feedback from the locals. Would you have a preference between April or May to drive and visit the coast for sightseeing?

Thanks,

- Derek

[seashelly]

May - longer daylight hours.

[MtnSurfer]

Seashelly,

My wife Laura likes your answer. Longer days = more time to explore and play.

[mdvaden]

How much of the coast do you want to cover?

And how far south or north along the coast would you like to travel?

Flying and renting a car? Or just driving all the way over here?

[MtnSurfer]

Well, since you asked we will drive the coast. Here is our rough plan so far. We will stay overnight at most of these locations and explore the areas around them:

Portland
* Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
* Japanese Gardens

Cannon Beach
* Ecola SP - sunset
* Hug Point?
* Owald West State Park

Oceanside
* Three Arch Rocks
* Tunnel Beach - low tide thru the tunnel

Newport
* Aquarium
* Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yachatas
* Haceta Head Lighthouse - sunset/night
* Cape Perpetua

Bandon
* Coquille River Lighthouse - sunset/night from across the river
* Shore Acres State Park

Gold Beach/Brookings
* Cape Blanko & Lighthouse
* Boardman SP - Natural Bridge Cove

Crater Lake
* Maybe just visitors center depending on roads conditions/snow

We have three children (2-6). I am nature photographer by hobby and passion. So beautiful coastal views and fun stuff for kids are to the primary goals. Any other must sees along the coast?

[seashelly]

You might want to not forget the Umpqua Lighthouse (has the red lense) overlooking the sand dunes at Winchester Bay (around Reedsport between your Florence and Coos Bay stops). It was the lighthouse that was recently on the postage stamp.

Also, in Newport, there's 2 Lighthouses. The Yaquina Head AND the Yaquina Bay (the haunted one - lol).

Don't forget to stop along the 101 just South of the Haceta Head Lighthouse at the pull-off to see the barking sea lions way below OR catch them for sure along Cape Arago Highway (Charleston with the working marina and docks) in the North Bend/Coos Bay area on your way to Shore Acres Gardens. (There's another lighthouse out there but you can't drive to it). A must see.

Also, lol (I was only going to mention one thing, lol. anyways), with younger ones, you might want to take a rented ride in a large dune machine to get a wild experienced ride in the Sand Dunes (there's rentals just South of Florence and also South of Winchester Bay/Spin Reel).

You have a good trip planned. Know you'll have fun.

[Tony from Europe]

California coast is much nicerrrrrr

[tiffela74]

i would ignore tony from europe...this poster is just posting rude comments towards Oregon randomly w/nothing to back him up. Annoyingly repeating the last letter on each post too. Id disregard any postings by this person.

Dune City is a fun stop off for the kids. I know mine all love it. And yes, if youre looking for flowers, Shore Acres is a MUST! Heck, I think its a must even w/o the flowers simply for the cliff views and the amazing little cove you can walk down to. If you Youtube Shore acres, it does give some neat video so you can get an idea of it.

Best of luck on your trip! The Oregon coast is an unforgettable experience.
Tiffany

[MtnSurfer]

Thanks Tiffany,

I will definitely check out Shore Acres. Several people have recommended it. I'll also check out the Youtube after work.

And of course I will ignore Tony as his post is not even on topic. Tony, find something better to do with yourself please. You are contributing nothing here. I know, take a nice loooong European vacation.

[Tony from Europe]

I'm just nominate one coast who is for me nicer then this.sorry