A Winter Odyssey on the Oregon Coast

Weather on the Oregon coast may not always be sunshine and rainbows, but no matter what time of year you visit, it will be beautiful. The video above, shared by our friends at Uncage the Soul, is a gorgeous introduction to some of Oregon's 363 miles of coastline. Here's a closer look at a few of the key locations from the video.

Ecola State Park

Photo by Tyson Gillard.

A day at Ecola State Park starts with a drive down a winding road through a lush forest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Once you pass through the entrance, green gives way to blue as views of the Pacific stretch as far as the eye can see. Whether you're stopping for a picnic, hiking Tillamook Head, or exploring the tide pools at Indian Beach, Ecola State Park is certainly worth a visit.

Seal Rock State Recreation Site

Photo by Tyson Gillard.

Seal Rock is a great pit stop no matter who you're traveling with, but it is richly entertaining for children. Enjoy the ocean views and sand between your toes as you watch harbor seals and sea lions basks in the sun, explore the tide pools for giant green anemones and purple sea urchins, and snack on your favorite treats at one of the picnic tables. 

Shore Acres State Park

Photo by Halvor Tweto. 

This is not your typical ocean state park. Shore Acres has incredible rock formations, a remarkable botanical garden, a very unique history, and the quaint Sunset Beach. If it happens to be a stormy day, visitors can find refuge in the observation building that provides a safe, and dry, view of the crashing waves. 

Thor's Well + Cook's Chasm

Photo by Tyson Gillard.

If you like the sound of exploding waves and 40-foot water spouts, Thor's Well and Cook's Chasm is for you. The rocky coastline just south of Cape Perpetua is a dramatic volcanic area consisting of lava formations and collapsed sea caves. There is a viewing platform a safe distance away, but proceed with caution if you go in for a closer look. Sharp rocks and large waves pose a threat to brave explores.   

Cape Perpetua

Photo by Tyson Gillard.

Views for miles is not an understatement. Cape Perpetua sits 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean and, on a clear day, offers views 70 miles down the coast and 35 miles out to sea. This is a prime location for whale watching, wave watching, weather watching ... you get the idea. 

Learn more and get an insiders look at the northern, central and southern Oregon coast in our three part series that will be published next Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Until then, we hope you take some time to explore more adventures featured in the video.