7 Places On the Oregon Coast That Changed My Life

Even though I currently reside in inland Oregon, I’ll be the first to tell you just how much the Oregon coast has affected me. Not only has it been a reliable and restorative vacation destination for me over the past decade. It has also changed my life in more ways than I can count. I’ll be the first to admit: I’m sentimental about this state. But that’s why I have to tell you about some of the places on the Oregon coast that changed my life.

I’ve been an Oregon resident for the past 13 years. But only recently have I settled down in one specific town. In fact, I spent a number of my post-college years in Portland as well as traveling through my favorite state as a camp host. This opportunity granted me some of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had, especially along Oregon’s diverse, beautiful coastline.

Spend some time with me as I detail where in Oregon I’ve felt the most altered and for the better.

The 7 Places On the Oregon Coast That Changed My Life

Okay, I know – my bias is definitely showing right now. I love Oregon! It’s the state I live in, the state I got engaged in, the state I continue to explore and cherish daily. If you ever get the chance to visit Oregon’s coast, here are some places worth checking out. Take it from a former Oregon State Park camp host volunteer and current enthusiastic Oregon resident!

1. Astoria

Technically resting along the banks of the Columbia River with the ocean a stone’s throw away, Astoria is one of my favorite places in the world and among the top places on the Oregon coast that changed my life. A sleepy, quirky fishing town, Astoria is full of delicious places to eat, fascinating antique shops, and plenty of things that make it oh-so Oregonian. 

I lived in Portland for roughly 4 years. But it got to the point where my partner and I visited Astoria at least once a month. Barely two hours away from the city, Astoria was a quick, feasible drive for me and my partner to escape the hustle and bustle of Portland. Plus, Astoria is home to Fort George Brewery and other delicious craft beer spots we couldn’t get enough of at the time. 

Not only is Astoria full of history (it marks the end of the Oregon Trail) but it is also full of memories for me. My partner and I got engaged in this place. We return to it annually for our anniversary, a date that conveniently coincides with Fort George’s Festival of Dark Arts, a stout beer fest unlike any other. 

If you get the chance to visit, I highly recommend grabbing fish and chips at Bowpicker, touring the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and marveling at the views from the Astoria Column. Extra points if you like craft beer and choose to visit Fort George. Or check out the famous shipwreck located in Fort Stevens State Park! 

2. Ecola State Park

While the road up to Ecola State Park proved nearly too much for our vintage travel trailer to take, my partner and I will never forget our time as camp hosts in this special spot. Ecola State Park is located within the city limits of Cannon Beach, an upscale and iconic town along the Oregon coast. What’s so special about this particular day-use area? The views, hiking, wildlife, and movie history surrounding this location. 

Ecola State Park boasts iconic shots and filming locations for The Goonies and other famous Hollywood hits. But my partner and I weren’t terribly interested in this fact at the time. No– to me, the views and peaceful moments found in Ecola State Park made me fall in love with this gorgeous spot.

I felt incredibly spoiled taking care of Ecola State Park, as this day-use area cleared out in the evenings. That left only me, my partner, and our dog in this quiet place. Elk visited our campsite daily. They were so close that we could touch them from our RV windows (we didn’t, of course; please don’t touch the elk). Not only did I find this so very life-changing. I also had the opportunity to view the Tillamook Lighthouse from our campsite every single day. 

I’m a self-professed lighthouse nerd, having written plays about both the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse and the North Head Lighthouse in Washington. The Tillamook Lighthouse is abandoned, resting a few miles out into the sea on a large rock. The views of this infamous lighthouse are unmatched from any cliff or hike found within Ecola State Park. Plus, this is a favorite spot for locals when it comes to surfing or picnicking! 

3. Lincoln City

Hosting at Devil’s Lake State Park was the final stop on my and my partner’s camp host journey. Devil’s Lake is technically located within the city limits of Lincoln City. It’s an Oregon coastal town that feels so very Oregonian to me. A mashup of friendly local residents, excitable tourists, and natural beauty, I enjoyed getting to know Lincoln City during my time hosting in this place. 

Lincoln City is one of the larger towns along the Oregon coast, something to keep in mind should you choose to visit. Many of the towns along the coastline offer more views than amenities. But Lincoln City is an ideal blend of both. Surrounded by hikes and beautiful vistas, Lincoln City is a convenient stop between Cannon Beach and Newport.

Devil’s Lake is a great spot if you have a kayak or boat. Hikers should check out the views from the Roads End State Recreation Site as well as The Knoll. In town, be sure to visit the outlet mall (tax-free shopping!) as well as Salt, Kyllo’s Seafood and Grill, or the local casino for some entertainment and dining options. 

4. Humbug Mountain State Park

I’m extremely sentimental about Humbug Mountain State Park for multiple reasons. When my partner and I first started dating in college, this was our favorite campground to visit. It was worth the extra jaunt given just how beautiful and peaceful this spot is. Plus, Humbug Mountain State Park was the very first campground my partner and I had the honor to host. 

Located in forested wilderness between Gold Beach and Port Orford, Humbug Mountain State Park offers traditional campgrounds as well as RV sites. Not only is this state park on the smaller side, affording more privacy and amenities to visitors. It also has a great trail leading to the ocean. This is my favorite part of this campground. The beach is private to campers and follows a freshwater stream, ideal for cooling off on hotter days. 

The hiking available within this state park is fantastic. Multiple trails wind through iconic Oregon forests and fields of wildflowers. Plus, you can even hike to the top of Humbug Mountain, a somewhat rigorous 5-mile hike with views that are worth every step. The park rangers working here are incredibly helpful and friendly. But the peace and quiet make this spot even more life-changing. I’m planning a camping trip here as we speak!

5. Cape Lookout State Park

My partner and I watched the iconic 2017 eclipse from Cape Lookout State Park. Located just outside of the town of Tillamook, Cape Lookout is an understated state park worth visiting given its location and unseasonably warm weather. Every single time I visited Cape Lookout State Park, I was greeted by sunshine, lush breezes, and pleasant temperatures – much more pleasant than whatever Portland had on offer at the time! 

Netarts Bay helps direct the winds and weather around Cape Lookout. It keeps things sunny until the nightly mists cool things off. If you’re hoping to go whale watching, it’s worth it to take the moderately strenuous hike up the Cape Trail. While five miles long, the views from above the cape are stunning. It’s perfect for catching spouts from whales as they migrate through the area.

Cape Lookout is a great state park to visit if you’re unfamiliar with camping. It offers visitors the option to stay in either a yurt or a cabin. Plus, the drive out to Cape Lookout State Park passes by the Jacobsen Salt Company, a great place to stop if you’re interested in buying some life-changing sea salt, caramels, or chocolate! 

6. South Beach

Technically an unincorporated community of Newport, South Beach is an ideal spot for anyone seeking entertainment and great seafood along the Oregon coast. My partner and I hosted at South Beach State Park, another great park for anyone unfamiliar with camping. There are yurts and cabins at this park alongside plenty of RV or tent campgrounds. But this is a spot I encourage campers to venture out of to visit fantastic places nearby. 

I cooked some of the freshest, most delicious seafood of my life while living in South Beach State Park. The South Beach Fish Market is located just a few brief turns away from this park. Or drive into Newport to grab fresh fish from Local Ocean Seafoods. And the Oregon Coast Aquarium, one of the best tourist attractions in the state, is just up the road as well.

7. Cape Blanco

A brief drive north from Humbug Mountain will bring you to Cape Blanco and Cape Blanco State Park, another life-changing spot for me as a lighthouse nerd. The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is currently closed to visitors due to vandalism, an unfortunate circumstance given just how special this spot feels. Still, you can walk up to this historic monument and marvel at technology long abandoned, just as I did during my time as a camp host.

Cape Blanco State Park feels more secluded than the average Oregon State Park, making it even more special in my book. There are cabins and tent sites here as well as equestrian camping perfect for those of you who want to enjoy the tails with your horse. If the lighthouse is closed when you visit, not to worry. There will likely be tours available for the Historic Hughes House also located within the park!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Bob Pool/Shutterstock.com