Oregon has no dearth of mind-blowing outdoor adventures, from dramatic coasts with vertigo-inducing cliffs to rushing rivers through national forests to high desert. Moreover, while the northeast corner of the state garners much love, southwest Oregon offers an away-from-it-all experience that features the many natural beauties of this state.
And the best way to explore it? By car, of course. The 101 runs along the coast, with a web of highways and country roads leading inland, connecting national parks, quirky towns, and off-the-beaten-track getaways.
Here’s our itinerary for a perfect southwest Oregon road trip.
Stop 1: Florence is an Atmospheric Place to Begin Your Road Trip
Fly into the little Eugene airport for quick access to the southwest coast – seaside Florence is only an hour and fifteen minutes down the road. Located on the traditional land of the Suislaw people, this small settlement features an atmospheric Main Street with restaurants, confectionaries, art galleries, and even an apothecary. If you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss Novelli’s, where you can enjoy straight-from-the-ocean whole Dungeness crab and savory seafood chowder right on the dock.
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area right outside of town to sandboard down spectacular dunes at the world’s first sandboarding park, Sand Master Park. They’ve thought of everything – a sandboard designed to work on wet sand is perfect for the inevitable Oregon rainshower.
Drive to Coos Bay: Head south from Florence on the 101 for about an hour until you reach Coos Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass several recreation stop-off options including Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Umpqua Beach, and the Horsfall Beach Camping Area.
Stop 2: Enjoy the Scenic Coastline around Coos Bay
Coos Bay is a small port town nestled against its namesake body of water, making it an excellent place to slow down and enjoy the subtle beauties of the Oregon coast. For an unconventional accommodation option, consider a cabin or Airstream at Bay Point Landing, a glamping getaway that strikes the perfect balance between luxury and outdoor adventure. Wake up with the rising sun to watch shorebirds fly across the estuary, go crabbing in nearby waters, or make s’mores over your personal fire pit.
Three state parks sit within a stone’s throw of Coos Bay: Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago. These protected areas showcase Oregon’s striking cliffs and sea-battered rock formations; each park includes short, accessible trails that deliver stunning views, and you can hike all the way from Sunset Bay to Cape Arago on a continuous out-and-back.
Drive to Port Orford: Return to the 101 and drive an hour south to arrive at Port Orford; the route veers away from the coast a bit, showcasing rural Oregon.
Stop 3: Get Out on the Water near Port Orford
Port Orford is a small town adjacent to the Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. If you’ve been yearning to be on the water, now’s your chance – join South Coast Tours to kayak around the cliffs and see vibrant sea stars, anemones, seals, shorebirds, and more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the Crazy Norwegian for crispy fish and chips, plus a decadent slice of marionberry pie.
Drive to Grants Pass: Afterward, proceed south on the 101 to enjoy all the beautiful coastal views before your journey takes you inland – stop at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint to stretch your legs before circumnavigating the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest on your way to Grants Pass. Your drive will take you down into California, right past Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, a worthy detour.
Stop 4: Grants Pass is a Gateway to Trips on the Rogue River
Grants Pass serves as an excellent access point for adventures down the Rogue River, a 200-mile waterway that offers everything from a pleasant float to an adrenaline-pumping trip through some of the state’s best rapids. Choose Orange Torpedo Trips for single and multi-day excursions; an outing in an inflatable kayak is perfect for beginners looking to try their hand at whitewater kayaking.
For a place to rest after your epic paddle, head to the Weasku Inn, a historic lodge built in 1924, which hosted many of Hollywood’s Golden Era elite, including Clark Gable and Bing Crosby.
Drive to Crater Lake National Park: Travel east from Grants Pass for 2.5 hours to reach one of Oregon’s treasures: Crater Lake National Park. The route follows OR-62, winding up the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains.
Stop 5: Crater Lake National Park is Full of Fantastic Outdoor Activities
The park’s defining feature is the country’s deepest lake (almost 2000ft deep!), a crystalline body of water nestled in a volcanic caldera. Admire views along the Scenic Rim Drive, stroll through the historic Rim Village, hike some of the park’s 90 miles of trails, catch a boat out to Wizard’s Island, or take a dip in the lake’s blue waters via the Cleetwood Cove Trail – but be warned, the hike down to the shore is not for the faint of heart.
Drive back to Eugene: The home stretch! Take the 2.5-hour drive back to Eugene. If you need to unwind after all that time in the car, consider stopping at Umpqua Hot Springs for a relaxing soak.
Stop 6: Hit the Nightlife in Eugene
Spend some time in this eclectic university town, and you’re bound to discover local treasures. Bike along the Willamette River, enjoy a brew in the Whiteaker neighborhood, or stop at Oregon Wine LAB to taste some of the region’s renowned pinot noirs (or a few crisp whites) while savoring amazing eats from Da Nang Vietnamese Eatery. Nightlife also offers unique twists and turns – hit the Big Dirty for a rockstar karaoke experience on their atmospheric stage, play pool at Luckey’s Club (one of Oregon’s oldest bars), or catch a show at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
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