One of our favorite destinations in Oregon is along the Central Oregon coast.  The area between Rockaway on the North and Pacific City on the South is a quiet scenic area that has become one of our favorite destinations for family outings offering a large variety of photographic opportunities.

Just off of Rockaway Beach is two large haystack type rocks-Twin Rocks, part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  During the summer months you can see flights of brown Pelicans flying low over the surf hunting while they go to and from their roosting spots on the rocks.

Just south of Rockaway is the town of Barview. There alongside Highway 101 are several tall rocks topped by nature made Bonsai trees.  Late in the day these are the favorite roosting spots of Cormorants. More that once we have spotted Bald Eagles dining on fresh caught fish in the upper branches of these trees.

Traveling south from Bay City into Tillamook, veer right following the Three Capes Scenic Route, keep right and follow the signs to Cape Meares. This will take you along the southern edge of Tillamook Bay where large rafts of duck and geese can be seen during the winter migration.  Watch for the bay/ocean dike road on the right.  We seldom drive this dike road without spotting wildlife, Great Blue Herons, Egrets, ducks, Yellow Rumped Warblers and Kingfishers. All are common here during different seasons. Cape Meares State Park offers scenic ocean views and don’t forget to stop at the Cape Meares Lighthouse.

Continuing south be sure and stop at Oceanside. The town is built on a steep sided cove with beautiful views of Three Arch Rock National Wildlife Refuge. Spend some time on the beach here… there is a tunnel through the headlands on the north side of the beach that takes you through to what is called “Tunnel Beach” or “Lost Boy Beach” which is dotted with large rocks and is one of the most scenic beaches on the Oregon coast.

Just south of Oceanside take the Netarts Bay road. Pelicans, Crab Boats, and Blue Herons compete for your attention during the summer season.  Netarts Bay Road turns into Cape Lookout road as you travel south. If you are a hiker be sure to take the Cape Lookout trail out to the headlands, the views are spectacular.

Cape Lookout Road crosses the edge of Sandlake, a fun place to take pictures of all the Dune Buggies and 4×4’s that are climbing the sand dunes.

Just past Sand Lake watch for a turn to the right that will take you into Pacific City.  It is a pastoral drive that delivers you to Cape Kiwanda.  Here you can watch the Dory fleet coming and going. It is a favorite place for surfing and we have seen hang gliders launching from the high dunes behind Cape Kiwanda. While here enjoy some food and a beer at the Pelican Brew Pub and watch the beach.

If you have done half of what I suggested here, you have had a very busy day ;^)

A short trip through Pacific City and you are back on Highway 101 ready for your next adventure.

See you there.