Oregon Central Pacific Coast
Driving the National Scenic Byway from Florence to Newport
What to expect and what not to miss on a driving tour of the central Oregon coast.
Some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States can be found along on the Pacific coast. In the Northwest, some of the most magnificent views can be found by driving U. S. Route 101, the Pacific Coast National Scenic Byway.
The entire route along the coast offers great vistas, but the route in Oregon from Florence to Newport is particularly impressive. The road is designed with a number of areas to stop and survey the views, along with other fantastic sites along the way.
Starting in Newport Oregon
To see this area, the best place to begin the journey is in Newport, then proceeding the south. Heading in this direction, the fantastic coastal views will be on the right, and stopping at the parking areas (many of them referred to as waysides), will be easier.
Be sure to take the time and stop to enjoy the view. Trying to take in the wonderful sights while driving is dangerous. Watch out for your own way and for the other vehicles around you, who may not be so cautious.
Heading south from Newport, the views include mammoth sand dunes and wide open beaches. The Pacific can be rough, and the waves turn the water white as it crashes into the rocks.
The Seal Rock Area is especially impressive, and has the requisite tourist shops and restaurants. The views become more astonishing as your proceed to Cape Perpetua, where there is a visitor center.
Whales are often visible in the ocean anywhere along the coast, and beware of elk, which cross the road in a number of marked areas. The Cook’s Chasm area has an impressive view.
Heceta Lighthouse Area
One of the most photogenic areas is the ocean and cliffs in the Heceta Lighthouse area. The Lighthouse is open for tours. There is a fee for parking at the lighthouse. Many of the waysides along the way require a daily fee for parking.
Sea Lion Cave is a tourist stop near the Lighthouse. This is the largest sea cave in the world, and seals congregate inside, especially in bad weather. Admission is $10, but the views in the area are worth a stop even if you don’t venture into the cave.
Heceta Beach and the Jetty
Just before you reach Florence, there is a turnoff for Heceta Beach. The beach area is fairly small, with limited parking. Near the parking area is Driftwood Shores, the only resort hotel on the ocean in this area.
Just up from the beach area is the Jetty, with wide open sand dunes and great views as the water forces its way into the ocean through the narrow channel.
Route 101 pulls into Florence, Oregon, an excellent place to rest, enjoy the views of the vast Suislaw River before heading back or continuing down the highway toward California.
