The Oregon shoreline is famed for its rugged cliffs, picturesque coves, historic lighthouses, gorgeous sunsets, and dramatic sea stacks punctuated by scraggly evergreens. And remarkably, each one of many state’s 363 miles of beautiful shoreline is open to the general public.

There are quite a few state parks dotting the coast the place guests can go to take pleasure in Oregon’s pure wonders, however these are the awe-inspiring stops that simply can’t be missed.

Oswald West State Park

Nicknamed Smuggler’s Cove by locals, Quick Sands Seaside at Oswald West State Park is the vacation spot for browsing in Oregon. Even in the event you don’t plan to hop on a board, take the serene forested path a half mile right down to the seaside to people-watch or try the waterfalls and tide swimming pools. Or, take one of many climbing paths to old-growth forest, Cape Falcon, or gorgeous Neahkahnie Mountain.

Nehalem Bay State Park

This 4-mile sand spit between Nehalem Bay and the Pacific is the proper place to catch a fish, go crabbing, admire the sand dunes, get out on a kayak, or take a romantic horseback experience on the seaside. There’s additionally a motorbike path by way of 1.8 miles of tranquil forest.

Cape Lookout State Park

Simply off Freeway 101, this fashionable campground within the sleepy city of Netarts presents 5 miles of picturesque sandy seaside dotted with agates and seashells. Don’t miss the idyllic 2.4-mile path to the tip of Cape Lookout or hikes by way of old-growth forest. And you should definitely strive some completely briny Netarts Bay oysters at a seafood store or restaurant earlier than you permit the world.

Fort Stevens State Park

This sprawling park on the northern tip of the state has fairly a historical past: from the Civil Battle by way of World Battle II, the previous navy fort guarded the doorway to the Columbia River. Now well-known for its navy ruins and an previous shipwreck that’s nonetheless partially submerged within the sand, the 4,300-acre park additionally presents freshwater lake swimming, climbing trails, and wildlife viewing areas.

Ecola State Park

Sandwiched between the perennially fashionable seaside cities of Cannon Seaside and Seaside, this 9-mile coastal gem boasts unbelievable views of the Tillamook Head Lighthouse.

The drive into the park is among the finest components: the slim highway meanders by way of a dense forest of Sitka spruce, ultimately opening as much as a rocky bluff with picnic tables perfect for taking within the panoramic views over lunch.

Under, Indian Seaside additionally presents nice views, and is an effective spot for surfers.

Cape Blanco State Park

A well-preserved Nineteenth-century lighthouse, campgrounds, rustic cabins, and an abundance of climbing trails make this distant and quiet state park on westernmost level of the state distinctive. In-built 1870, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest standing construction of its form on the Oregon coast.