Dreaming of epic Pacific Northwest vistas? This meticulously crafted Oregon Coast and Northern California road trip itinerary unlocks a treasure trove of natural wonders.
You can expect to see towering redwoods and dramatic coastlines.
As a travel enthusiast and photographer, I spent 5 days exploring this gorgeous region, chasing light rays at sunrise and soaking in the moody beauty of the Oregon Coast.
Ready to embark on your own unforgettable adventure?
This guide unveils everything you need to know, from the best time to visit to hidden coves and must-see attractions.
Buckle up and get ready to discover the magic of the Pacific Northwest!
The Perfect Season for Your Oregon Coast Adventure (When to Go)
The Oregon Coast transforms throughout the year.
Each season offers unique experiences for every traveler.
To help you choose the perfect season for your adventure, here’s a breakdown of the pros, cons, and who each season best suits:
Spring (March-May):
- Pros: Vibrant wildflowers paint the landscape, and comfortable temperatures make hiking ideal.
- Cons: Spring showers are frequent, so pack rain gear. Light ray opportunities are limited.
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts, wildflower photographers, and hikers seeking mild weather.
Summer (June-August):
- Pros: Perfect for beach lounging, tidepooling, and enjoying sunshine. Lower fog offers clearer views (though early mornings might be misty).
- Cons: Expect larger crowds, especially at popular destinations. Light ray chasers may be disappointed.
- Best for: Beach lovers, families with children, and photographers seeking dramatic, moody morning light.
Fall (September-November):
- Pros: Enjoy comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer. Fall foliage is subtle along the coast, but inland areas offer vibrant displays (check peak leaf times!).
- Cons: Rainy days are more frequent than summer. Light ray opportunities are scarce.
- Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, those seeking a peaceful escape, and fans of scenic drives with inland foliage detours.
Winter (December-February):
- Pros: Witness breathtaking light ray displays at sunrise, especially during clear mornings. Smaller crowds make for a more tranquil experience.
- Cons: Be prepared for potential stormy weather and road closures. Temperatures can be chilly, and some amenities might have limited hours.
- Best for: Photographers chasing light rays, those seeking solitude and dramatic winter landscapes. (This is when I went, and I was lucky with light rays!)
Bonus Tip: Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) offer a good balance of decent weather, fewer crowds, and potentially lower accommodation rates.
Finding Your Home Base for Coastal Exploration (How Long to Stay & Where to Base Yourself)
Aim for a relaxing 5-day itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the coastal charm.
Consider splitting your stay between charming cabins near Redwood National and State Parks and a beachfront location along the Oregon Coast.
While the hikes are short and the sights are relatively close together, you might encounter bad weather days or want some downtime.
As a photographer, I found 5 days ideal for capturing every sunrise and sunset.
Here are some great accommodation options catering to different budgets and styles.
Northern California:
- Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park: Perfect for proximity to parks. Click here to check availability!
- Emerald Forest Cabins: Affordable cabins with a true PNW vibe, offering RV and tent campsites too! (This is where I stayed for most of my trip!) Click here to check availability!
Oregon Coast:
- Beachfront Studio: Cozy little studio that overlooks the ocean and is just 10-minutes from Harris Beach State Park. Click here to check availability!
- Cozy Cabin with Sauna: Gorgeous cabin tucked away in the forest right outside of Samuel H. Boardman! Click here to check availability!
- Mermaid’s Muse Bed and Breakfast: Perfect for a homey feel and a relaxing hot tub with a view. Click here to check availability!
Flexibility is Key:
The beauty of a road trip lies in its adaptability.
While I spent one night near Brookings, Oregon, there are many affordable and excellent places to stay along the coast.
One night at the cabins and one night in Brookings might be sufficient (depending on your overall trip length).
Here are some additional lodging options I recommend, which will be incorporated into the detailed itinerary:
5-Day NorCal & Oregon Coast Road Trip At a Glance + Map
- Day 1 – Arrive in Redwoods area, explore Sue-meg State Park
- Day 2 – Karl Knapp Trail
- Day 3 – Wrap up exploring Redwood National Park, secret coastal swing
- Day 4 – Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
- Day 5 – Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, Depart
Below is a map of all the spots you need to see along this road trip!
Click here to view a live version of the map!
5-Day NorCal & Oregon Coast Adventure: Day-by-Day Itinerary
Ready to jump into the road trip itinerary?
Below we’ll go into what each day looks like!
Feel free to customize this to fit your needs and taste.
Day 1: Awe-Inspiring Light Rays at Sue-meg (Patrick’s Point) State Park (Northern California)
Kick off your adventure at Sue-meg State Park, renowned for its breathtaking light ray displays.
Aim to arrive a few hours after sunrise for the best show. Witness the magic as sunlight filters through the treetops, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
After witnessing the light rays at Sue-meg State Park, grab a delicious breakfast at Beachcomber Cafe in Trinidad for some fuel before exploring the coastal trails.
Soak in the dramatic ocean views and enjoy the tranquility of the early morning hours, often less crowded than later in the day. As a photographer, I found myself particularly drawn to the ocean vistas).
Explore the park’s scenic coastal trails after the initial light ray spectacle.
Tip: Consider using a photography app to predict sunrise times and plan accordingly.
Day 2: Redwood Giants & Quirky Charm (Northern California)
Hike the easy 4.8-mile Karl Knapp (Prairie Creek) Loop Trail, delving into the heart of Redwood National and State Parks.
Towering redwoods dominate the landscape, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.
Prairie Creek was by far one of my favorite things to do before we hit the Oregon Coast!
I couldn’t believe how tall the redwood trees were here.
This trail is pretty well known for the tree tunnel you walk through, which makes a great stop for photos.
Prairie Creek Loop Fast Facts
- Difficulty – Easy
- Distance – 4.8 miles
- Elevation Gain – 498ft
- Features – Large redwood trees, tree bridge, lush forest
- Best Time To Hike – Early morning to mid-day
Keep your eyes peeled for Roosevelt elk grazing in clearings along the trail.
For a deeper dive into this hike and redwood exploration, check out my dedicated blog post.
In the afternoon, take a fun detour to Trees of Mystery, just 13 minutes from Prairie Creek.
Now, I am not one for gift shops, but if there is a quirky Paul Bunyan statue, I’m down.
It’s full of kitschy charm with Paul Bunyan statues and a plethora of Sasquatch souvenirs.
It’s a lighthearted break from the natural wonders and a great place to grab a souvenir.
Looking for a mood ring? They have it.
You can spend the rest of the day exploring places like Jedediah Smith State Park and driving Howland Hill Road.
Make sure you read my full Redwood National Park guide for everything you need to know about exploring this area!
Day 3: Secret Swings & Dramatic Sunsets (Oregon Coast)
You can take it slow in the morning before heading out on the next adventure.
Venture north of Trinidad to discover hidden coastal gems in the afternoon.
Explore scenic pull-offs and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive hidden swing overlooking the coast.
Ask friendly locals for tips on finding this secret spot.
This will be the last spot you hit before leaving for Brookings, OR.
Head to Samuel H. Boardman State Park, a photographer’s paradise, in the evening.
Capture the iconic golden sunset at Natural Bridges.
Hike to the top viewpoints for the most captivating views – the pink hues illuminating the coast are truly unforgettable.
Explorer Tip: Based on my experience, arriving 1.5-2 hours after sunrise offers the best opportunity for the light rays to appear, but sunset at this spot is still a great option.
Day 4: Golden Hour Magic & Breathtaking Coastal Vistas (Oregon Coast)
Return to Natural Bridges for a spectacular golden hour display in the morning.
Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee at The Bell & Whistle Coffee House after your sunrise mission – a perfect pitstop to warm up and recharge.
Relax and take in the vibrant sunset colors at Arch Rock in the evening.
Explore the Arch Rock picnic area, marveling at the massive waves crashing against the shore.
Be cautious of poison oak in this area.
Here’s a quick list of other things you can do in the area!
- Harris Beach State Park: Long, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, swimming, tidepooling, and wildlife viewing (seals and sea lions are common). Offers horseback riding opportunities.
- Chetco River Fishing Charters: Head out on a charter for salmon or bottom fishing.
- Azalea Park: Relax in this scenic park with walking paths, a disc golf course, playgrounds, and a seasonal rose garden.
- Brookings Harbor: Explore the harbor by kayak or boat rental, or visit the Chetco Estuary Interpretive Center to learn about the area’s unique ecosystem.
Tip: Samuel H. Boardman Scenic C offers numerous pull-offs, each a potential spot for witnessing stunning coastal light displays.
Day 5: More Tranquil Coast Time (Oregon Coast)
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Secret Beach in the morning or afternoon.
Listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean and soak in the beauty of the rugged coastline.
Capture scenic photos or simply relax and reconnect with nature.
Since this is your last day in the area, you can choose to relax before departing or you can drive a little north and explore Cape Sebastian.
I recommend Cape Sebastian Trail.
The 1.5-mile round trip trail that leads down to the lower levels of the cape.
This trail offers opportunities for closer views of the ocean and interesting rock formations.
It’s considered moderately easy, but be mindful of drop-offs!
Essential Tips for Conquering Your NorCal & Oregon Coast Road Trip
Planning an epic adventure along the captivating NorCal and Oregon Coast?
Here are some tips from a seasoned traveler (that’s me LOL!) to ensure a smooth, enjoyable journey:
Download Offline Maps
Oregon Coast cell service can be scarce in remote areas.
Download NorCal Coast offline maps of the region beforehand using Google Maps or other navigation apps to avoid getting lost.
Consider carrying a paper map as a backup for peace of mind.
Embrace Early Mornings
Popular attractions along the NorCal and Oregon Coast can get crowded quickly.
Aim to arrive early at key destinations like viewpoints and trails.
You’ll not only snag the best parking spots but also experience these breathtaking locations in a more peaceful setting.
From my experience, having fewer crowds meant the coastal stops were incredibly quiet.
I was even able to capture endless images because I didn’t have to worry about other people!
Beware of Poison Oak
Poison oak is prevalent along the Oregon Coast.
Wear long pants and sleeves to minimize contact with this irritating plant.
If you have allergies, consult your doctor beforehand and carry necessary medications.
As a traveler myself, it is SO important to stay as safe as possible on trail — it can ruin your experience otherwise!
Respect the Trails
Stay on designated trails to help preserve the delicate coastal ecosystem and minimize your risk of encountering poison oak.
Embrace the Elements
The Oregon Coast boasts diverse weather patterns.
Rainy days offer opportunities to capture dramatic, low-hanging fog photos.
However, the region can experience heavy downpours.
Check the forecast before your trip, especially if chasing light rays is a priority.
Moody days make for some great images but as a photographer myself, please make sure you protect your gear.
You don’t want anything to get ruined by rain!
Gear to Bring to the Oregon Coast & Northern California
Below is a short list of items I recommend you bring with you! You will need to plan for various weather conditions during your trip.
This NorCal and Oregon Coast road trip offers breathtaking views and unique experiences.
From stunning coastal vistas and hidden gems to towering redwoods and quiet beaches, there’s something for every traveler.
Prepare accordingly, respect the natural beauty, and enjoy your adventure along the beautiful Pacific Northwest coast!
