Rate the BEST of the Coast

My September sightseeing vacation to the NW is approaching and I%26#39;m trying to zero in on what to see in a short amount of time. We will be driving the coast in only two days from Astoria to Crescent City.

What are the BEST state parks with great views? Am I to assume it would be Ecola and Cape Perpetua.

What are the BEST lighthouses to see?

And what are the best FREE locales to see the sea lions?

We will be staying the first night in Seaside, the second night in Newport and the third night in Crescent City.

So, please what are the absolute BEST coastal highlights in your experience opinions?

Rate the BEST of the Coast

Ecola is great, I would add Oswald West State Park near Cannon Beach and Fort Stevens State Park in Warrenton, between Astoria and Seaside. Where are you staying in Seaside? If you go to Astoria, South Mooring Basin is a nice place to spot the sea lions. Rogue Public Ale House is in this area if you want to have a meal there. Have fun! :)

Rate the BEST of the Coast

Thanks syragirl...we%26#39;re staying at Rivertide Suites in Seaside.

I was curious as to how Ft Stevens compares to Cape Disappointment state park across the river mouth in WA. We had been leaning toward the latter, but we%26#39;re flexible.

Thanks, too, for the info on the sea lions.

Both places are beautiful, you will see the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment, it%26#39;s very cool. In Fort Stevens there is the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, miles of biking and walking trails and Coffenbury Lake. :)

The Peter Iredale is fun to see, but Cape Disappointment is overall superior, IMO. Keep in mind that there is not much left of the shipwreck, and it%26#39;s only impressive at very low tide. Cape Disappointment has an extremely good Lewis and Clark interpretive center - not sure you%26#39;ve been there yet, syrahgirl?

BEST free place to see sea lions is unquestionably the bayfront at Newport. You can get within about 15%26#39; of them and they are *always* there. Many of them. Go out on the wooden dock next to Port Dock 1 restaurant.

BEST lighthouse is Yaquina Head just north of Newport. Tallest in Oregon and you can climb to the top. Entry fee charged at gate, $5/car I think.

Second is either Cape Blanco, which is off 101 about 6 miles and not sure if open; or the classic Heceta Head north of Florence, but don%26#39;t think you can climb it.

As you approach and cross the CA border, look out to sea for Point St George lighthouse. In Crescent City, Battery Point lighthouse is *unique*, as it can be accessed only at low tide across a causeway. It%26#39;s open for tours at low tide.

Ecola is pretty, Cape Perpetua is good if it%26#39;s clear - walk out to the lookout hut. On the southern coast, there are a series of small parks which have spectacular view if it%26#39;s clear. They are all under the umbrella name of Samuel Boardman SP.

BEST pit stop / day use SP IMO is Ophir on the south coast. Sits *right* on the beach.

Tours are offered at Heceta Head Lighthouse 10 am to 6 pm daily. It was closed for a short time for repairs, but opened again about a month ago.

Many thanks for all your ';BEST OF...'; replies. It really helps a speed demon like me prioritize and maximize our time.

Any suggestions by chance on this OR board as to the best places to scope out the Redwoods around Crescent City?

Since I am [ahem] the DE for Crescent City, yes it%26#39;s the right place, LOL!

My first thought is Howland Hill Road, but I know you are in a hurry ;-) That is a beautiful drive, but s-l-o-w.

Remind me of your timing again, and where are you heading after Crescent City?

I feel privledged, half-brit, to have access to an expert.

In Sept, we will be arriving in CC late on a Saturday night , and will have all day Sunday there to explore before spending Sun night about 2 hours up the road in Grants Pass.

Okay, Howland Hill Road would work for you then. It%26#39;s an unpaved gravel/dirt road that is about 6 miles long. It takes about a half hour to drive it without stops. It is potholed, but worth the drive as you get within touching distance of the huge trees.

You can go south of town on 101 and turn east on Elk Valley Road. Follow signs to Howland Hill. Or, take Hwy 199 inland a few miles and there will be a sign to Howland Hill Road on your right at the bridge.

For redwoods on a paved highway, you can also drive on Hwy 101 south of Crescent City to just north of Orick. Then take the Newton Drury scenic route back north. It will return you to Hwy 101. There are some awesome lagoons a bit south of Orick if you want to go that far; Stone Lagoon has a large elk herd. Total time for this tour is about 2.5-3 hours RT without stops.

Here are some other options:

www.nps.gov/archive/redw/scenic_drives.html

Thanks half-brit, we%26#39;ll print all of that out. What is your opinion of the Trees of Mystery Park?