Your guide to Scenic Coastal Routes on the Oregon Coast

Some days the Oregon Coast is all about the drive. When swell and wind shift by the hour, a smart plan is to pick a scenic line, time it against the tide, and string together viewpoints you will not backtrack. These route ideas are for people who check the tide chart before the forecast and want a coastal drive that rewards the timing.

Below is a directory of route-focused pieces within Coastal Destinations. Each keeps to one stretch or theme so you can decide how to run Highway 101, where a short detour pays off, and what to hold for a lower tide. Open the write-up that fits the window you have, then let the tide range tell you whether to linger at a headland or keep rolling between towns.

• Astoria to Tillamook: The Stops That Earn the Detour: which pullouts and side trips along this stretch are actually worth planning into the day.

Pick your route, note the day’s high and low tide times, and set your stops to match the water level you want.

Published: September 28, 2026 · Reviewed by the State Of Oregon editorial team