Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip to Three Capes Scenic Loop

This day trip is a tour along a section of rugged coastline along Oregon's northern coast. There will be one or two town stops, and multiple stops at headlands and beaches. The trip will include a short hike through oldgrowth Sitka spruce forest, beach time, tide pools (if tides allow), sea stacks, viewpoint stops, and a lunch stop in a charming coastal town. If group interest allows, stops with a more technological history focus may be made, such as the Tillamook Air Museum and/or Tillamook Cheese Factory.

1. 1

   Willamette Valley

   Pass by

   We'll drive through the Willamette Valley on our way to and from Portland, passing by Pinot Noir vineyards, hazelnut orchards, marionberry vineyards, and Christmas tree farms.

2. 2

   Tillamook State Forest

   Pass by

   We'll drive through the Tillamook State Forest between Portland and Tillamook.

3. 3

   Tillamook Creamery

   30 min

   We'll stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory and taste some cheese and observe the process of mass-production cheese making.

4. 4

   Tillamook Air Museum

   5 min

   The Tillamook Air Museum is housed inside a WWII-era blimp hangar that happens to be the largest clear-span wooden structure in the world. We'll stop long enough for you to take a picture of the outside.

5. 5

   Cape Meares Lighthouse

   1 hour

   An 1890s lighthouse. A spectacular view to the south and north. An 800-year-old Sitka spruce that is the largest in Oregon, and 10th largest spruce in the world.

6. 6

   Three Capes Scenic Drive

   3 hours

   We'll travel the Three Capes Scenic Drive, where we'll make stops at Cape Meares and Cape Kiwanda. While driving we'll see Tillamook Hangar B, the Cape Meares Lighthouse, the Three Arch Rocks, Cape Outlook, the Sandlake dunes, Chief Kiawanda Rock, and the Great Dune of Cape Kiwanda.

7. 7

   Sandlake Recreation Area

   Pass by

   We'll drive through these sand dunes between Cape Outlook and Cape Kiwanda.

8. 8

   Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

   2 hours

   Sculpted sandstone, tidal pools, and the fourth tallest offshore monolith in the world; Cape Kiwanda is one of the most breathtaking spots along the Oregon Coast, and that's saying a lot. You'll also have the opportunity to slalom down the tallest sand dune on the Oregon Coast, at 240 ft (73 m).

9. 9

   Neskowin Beach

   1 hour

   Spend some time on the magical Neskowin Beach, where you can propose to your lover at Proposal Rock, a tide-dictated island with an arch. At low tide you may even see the Neskowin Ghost Forest, which tells stories of the past.

10. 10

    Proposal Rock

    30 min

    Spend some time on the magical Neskowin Beach, where you can propose to your lover at Proposal Rock, a tide-dictated island with an arch. At low tide you may even see the Neskowin Ghost Forest, which tells stories of the past.

11. 11

    Cape Lookout State Park

    Pass by

    The site of a crash by a B-17 Flying Fortress during WWII.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.