Northern Oregon Coast

Park

Located 3 miles south of Yachats, this volcanic remnant was sighted and named by England's Captain James Cook in 1778. Famous for dramatic rock formations and crashing surf, the area contains numerous trails that explore ancient shell middens, tide pools and old-growth forests. Views from the cape are incredible, taking in coastal promontories from Cape Foulweather to Cape Arago.

Park

Located just north of town, Ecola State Park offers seclusion, various hikes and great picnicking. Short paths at Ecola Point lead over the headland to dramatic views of Cannon Beach's sandy shore, sharply punctuated by stone monoliths and all hunkered beneath the Coast Range. It's rainforesty territory, and the trails are often slick, so bring shoes with some grip.

Landmark

Haystack Rock is Cannon Beach's iconic symbol, a beautiful hulking monolith that rises 235ft and has had cameos in several movies. It's part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and home to a variety of seabirds, including the charmingly cute tufted puffin. The closest access to Haystack Rock is at the end of Gower St, a mile south of the rock. Note that there's another monolith also confusingly called Haystack Rock, off Cape Kiwanda to the south.

Park

Stretching a mile out to sea is the popular Yaquina Head, a grassy headland just north of Newport. Short trails lead to viewing areas for shorebirds, harbor seals and whales, and the tide pools are the best managed on the coast. Visit the excellent interpretive center to explore different marine environments and the history of the coast's lighthouses.

Aquarium

The region's top attraction, this cutting-edge aquarium is especially fun if you have kids along. Marine celebrities include seals, sea otters and a giant octopus (or two), and there's an impressive deep-sea exhibit where you walk under Plexiglas tunnels and get an eyeful of sharks and rays swimming by. The jellyfish exhibit is a surreal experience, while the touch tank appeals to everyone. There's also a good cafe.

Park

Ten miles west of Astoria, this park holds the historic military installation that once guarded the mouth of the Columbia River. Near the Military Museum are gun batteries dug into sand dunes – interesting remnants of the fort's mostly demolished military stations (truck and walking tours available).

Museum

Astoria's seafaring heritage is well interpreted at this wave-shaped museum. It's hard to miss the retired Coast Guard boat, frozen mid-rescue, through a huge outside window. Other exhibits highlight the salmon-packing industry and the Chinese immigrants who made up the bulk of its workforce; the river's commercial history; and the crucial job of the bar pilot.

Cave

Fifteen miles south of Yachats is an enormous sea grotto that's home to hundreds of Steller sea lions. An elevator descends 208ft to a dark interpretive center, and a caged-off observation area lets you watch (and smell) the sea lions jockeying for the best seat on the rocks. From late September to November there are no sea lions in the cave.

Historic Site

Five miles south of Astoria, this historical park holds Fort Clatsop, a reconstructed fort similar to the one the Corps of Discovery occupied during their miserable winter of 1805–06. There's expedition history and artifacts at the visitor center, and costumed docents demonstrate common fort occupations such as candle-making, leather-tanning and canoe-building.