Oregon Coast: Day Trips and Tours from Portland, Oregon

From charming fishing towns to dramatic sea stacks, the Oregon Coast has no shortage of things to see.

The coastline area covers almost 600 kilometers and travels all the way to California. It is a paradise for walkers, birdwatchers and nature lovers alike with dozens of panoramic viewpoints, and scenic hiking trails along the route.

On an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, Oregon, you'll manage to see the area's most astounding highlights in a few hours.

You will find below everything you need to know about Oregon Coast tours, one of the most breathtaking day trips from Portland.

How to get to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon?

The Oregon Coast is a section of coastline that stretches from the town of Astoria to the border of California. It covers a distance of over 580 kilometers and its starting point is approximately 150 kilometers from Portland.

From Portland, Oregon to the Oregon Coast by car

The simplest way to make the journey to the Oregon Coast is by car. If you wish to start at the top and work your way down, you'll need to drive to the town of Astoria.

You'll head north out of Portland on the I-5. You'll exit at junction 36 onto the WA-432 and merge onto the US-30, which takes you to Astoria. The drive takes just under two hours in total.

From Portland, Oregon to the Oregon Coast by bus

It's an easy jaunt to the Oregon Coast from the city by public transport. You can take a direct bus from Portland's Amtrak station, which takes approximately two hours and costs between US$18 and US$26.

Guided tour to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon

Guided excursions to the Oregon Coast typically begin around 9 AM and last approximately eight hours. Many tours will pick you up from your hotel, but if yours does not, then you'll meet at an easy-to-reach location in the city instead.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon?

You'll begin your Oregon Coast day trip by meeting at your hotel or a local pickup point in the morning. From there, you'll travel to the coast by private vehicle or luxury minibus, depending on the type of tour you've chosen.

If you're participating in a group tour, the group size is limited, which allows you to get to know each other on the way.

You'll drive towards the northern stretch of coastline where you'll visit the most renowned landmarks and viewpoints. These vary between tours but typically include Short Sands Beach, Ecola State Park and Oswald State Park.

You'll stop for lunch at Cannon Beach where you can follow your nose to the best seafood joint in town. The viewpoint at Neahkahnie Mountain is usually the last stop of the day before heading back to Portland.

However, some tours travel as far as Proposal Rock at Neskowin Beach, before returning to the city.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Oregon Coast?

There are several options for Oregon Coast day trips. You can choose to travel as part of a group or enjoy a more personal experience with a private tour.

Guided tours to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon

Day tours to the Oregon Coast often take place in small groups of 12 to 14 participants.

You'll start in the north and weave your way down the jagged coastline, stopping to take in many sights along the way. Some of these landmarks include Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, which was formed over 15 million years ago.

Private tour to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon

You'll be able to have greater control over your itinerary with a private Oregon Coast day tour.

You'll visit more sights than you would on a group trip, including Cape Lookout State Park and Neskowin Beach, which is home to the famous Proposal Rock. The rock is named after the legend of a sea captain who took his beloved to the spot in order to propose to her.

Day trip to the Oregon Coast plus wine tasting from Portland, Oregon

This private day trip includes a wine tasting session, which enables you to gain a well-rounded view of the area and its produce. You'll enjoy hiking to viewpoints, such as Manzanita Point, and at low tide, you can seek out starfish and other sea creatures at Haystack Rock.

You'll stop for lunch at the town of Cannon Beach, which is known for its outstanding seafood.

How much does a tour to the Oregon Coast from Portland, Oregon cost?

Day trips to the Oregon Coast cost approximately US$130 and usually include no more than 14 participants.

If you choose to take a private tour, you can expect to pay between US$310 and US$330, and your itinerary will be customizable.

Oregon Coast day tours that include a wine tasting cost around US$300. You'll also have lunch provided at a local sea view restaurant.

What will you see and do on an Oregon Coast day trip from Portland, Oregon?

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a quaint town on the Oregon Coast, with a rich history. While the Clatsop people inhabited the area for centuries, British explorer Robert Gray named the town after finding cannons on the beach, in the 18th century.

Over time, American settlers arrived and turned the area into a thriving beach town. Today its sandy shore is regularly named the "best beach in Oregon" and it holds the famous Haystack Rock, which is a 72-meter sea stack.

The site is recognizable for its appearance in several Hollywood films, including "The Goonies" and "Twilight." At Cannon Beach, you can take a picturesque hike along the jaw-dropping coastline or enjoy a mouthwatering meal of fresh, locally-sourced seafood.

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is located just north of Cannon Beach and stretches over 1,000 acres. The park was named after the Clatsop word for whale — Ekoli — by westerners who traveled to the area to trade blubber with the native people.

There is a selection of hiking trails to choose from, ranging from the 1-kilometer Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Loop to the 20-kilometer Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail. W

ildlife lovers will have the opportunity to spot Roosevelt elk and bald eagles on their hike. If you time your trip to coincide with the migration season between mid-April and mid-March, you might catch a glimpse of a gray whale.

Over 18,000 of these spectacular mammals travel between Alaska and Mexico annually, passing by the Oregon Coast.

Indian Beach is a highlight of Ecola State Park and is a popular spot for surfers to catch impressive waves. Alongside surfing, the beach is also an excellent place to relax and take in the majestic scenery.

When is the best time to visit the Oregon Coast?

The best time to take a day tour to the Oregon Coast is during September or October when the summer crowds have vanished and the days are still warm. During this time, the temperature peaks at around 26 degrees Celsius.

The wettest season is between November and March, so it's best to avoid traveling to the Oregon Coast during this time.

Travel tips

• The weather along the Oregon Coast is notoriously unpredictable. Bring an umbrella and a rain jacket with you, regardless of the time of year you visit.
• If you are driving along the Oregon Coast, start at Astoria and allow yourself several days to travel its entire length.
• Bring a picnic with you on your Oregon Coast day trip to enjoy at one of the many beaches along the route.