Beautiful Fall Scenic Drives on the Oregon Coast
As autumn paints the Pacific Northwest in gold and crimson hues, the Oregon Coast transforms into one of the most beautiful destinations for a scenic fall drive. With the summer crowds gone and the air turning crisp, Highway 101 offers travelers a front-row seat to coastal cliffs, misty forests, and charming small towns—each with their own touch of fall magic. Here are some of the best routes and stops for an autumn road trip along the Oregon Coast.
1. Astoria to Cannon Beach – Historic Charm and Rugged Beauty
Start your journey in Astoria, Oregon’s oldest city, where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Drive south on Highway 101 through lush Sitka spruce forests draped in autumn color.
Highlights:
- Astoria Column: Offers sweeping views of the river, forest, and ocean.
- Ecola State Park: Near Cannon Beach, this park explodes with autumn color and provides one of the most iconic coastal viewpoints in the Pacific Northwest.
- Cannon Beach: Stroll along Haystack Rock under soft fall light—perfect for photography.
Travel tip: Stop for coffee and pastries at Sea Level Bakery + Coffee in Cannon Beach before heading further south.
2. Tillamook to Pacific City – Dairy Country and Dune Views
This stretch blends pastoral farmland with dramatic coastal scenery. The Three Capes Scenic Loop is especially spectacular in fall, weaving through forested headlands, quiet beaches, and ocean overlooks.
Highlights:
- Cape Meares Lighthouse: A short walk offers incredible coastal vistas surrounded by fiery autumn foliage.
- Cape Lookout State Park: A favorite for short hikes under a canopy of golden leaves.
- Pacific City: End your drive watching surfers take on waves at Cape Kiwanda, with the famous sandstone dunes glowing in the late-afternoon sun.
Travel tip: Try local cheese or ice cream at the Tillamook Creamery before hitting the road.
3. Newport to Florence – Bridges, Bays, and Coastal Forests
One of the most photogenic drives in Oregon, this route highlights architectural wonders and fall-toned landscapes.
Highlights:
- Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport): The art deco bridge is a sight against the backdrop of fall mist.
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area: Just south of Yachats, where old-growth forest meets ocean cliffs. Don’t miss the Devil’s Churn and Cook’s Chasm.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse: Surrounded by deep green forest and glowing autumn maples—it’s one of Oregon’s most photographed lighthouses.
Travel tip: Stop in Yachats for a cozy lunch at Yachats Brewing or Luna Sea Fish House.
4. Florence to Bandon – Coastal Dunes and Serene Beauty
As you continue south, the scenery changes from dense forest to open dunes and rocky shorelines. Fall light enhances the dramatic textures of this region.
Highlights:
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: Miles of wind-sculpted sand dunes framed by autumn-colored trees.
- Umpqua River Lighthouse: Near Winchester Bay, it offers a quieter alternative to the busier northern lighthouses.
- Bandon: Famous for its sea stacks, beaches, and quaint downtown shops—ideal for a fall sunset stroll.
Travel tip: Visit Face Rock Viewpoint for some of the most memorable coastal photography opportunities.
5. Brookings and the Southern Coast – The Wild Edge of Oregon
For those who venture to the southernmost stretch, the drive between Gold Beach and Brookings rewards travelers with a wilder, warmer coastal landscape.
Highlights:
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: A 12-mile wonderland of natural arches, hidden coves, and forested trails—spectacular when autumn light filters through the trees.
- Lone Ranch Beach: Ideal for tide pooling and picnicking among fall-colored cliffs.
Travel tip: Bring layers—the southern coast can swing between warm sunshine and misty rain within minutes.
Planning Your Fall Drive
- Best Time to Go: Late September through early November.
- Weather: Expect mild days (50–65°F) with occasional rain and dramatic coastal fog.
- Essentials: A camera, rain jacket, thermos of hot coffee, and time to pull over—because on the Oregon Coast, nearly every turnout is postcard-worthy.
From the fiery trees lining the cliffs to the cool mist rolling off the Pacific, every mile offers a new perspective on this rugged, romantic stretch of America’s shoreline. Autumn is the perfect season to experience Oregon’s scenic coast in all its golden glory.
