• Ecola State Park - After a scenic drive through the lush Coast Range Mountains, the first stop is at one of the coastline’s most stunning vistas, which inspired William Clark (of the renowned Lewis & Clark Expedition) to write poetically upon his arrival in 1805, “… I beheld the grandest and most pleasing prospects my eyes had ever surveyed in front of a boundless ocean!”. This sense of wonder continues to captivate all who stand at Ecola Point, feeling the salty sea breeze and gazing over the swirling blue-green waters of the mighty Pacific. The striking shoreline is adorned with numerous dramatic basalt islands and arches, complemented by windswept rolling hills decorated with gnarled, ancient Sitka Spruce trees. Ecola offers many beautiful spots to explore, and visitors may delve deeper into the park to search for wild herds of Roosevelt Elk, black bears, bald eagles, ospreys, raccoons, and even the mythical Sasquatch that roam these forests!
• Indian Beach - If time and schedule permit, the guide may choose to visit Indian Beach, allowing a stroll along this exceedingly picturesque surfing beach dotted with rocky islands. Alternatively, a short hike to a stunning viewpoint through lush temperate rainforest filled with huckleberries, salmonberries, thimbleberries, ferns, lichens, and liverworts may be enjoyed. This unique forest is surrounded by towering old-growth Spruce, majestic Hemlock, and sacred Western Red Cedar trees. The guide will share fascinating Native American uses of these forest treasures and discuss the cinematic fame these forests and beaches have gained over the years!
• Cannon Beach - After exploring Ecola State Park, guests will have about an hour to wander through the charming seaside town of Cannon Beach, explore art galleries, enjoy the eccentric culture, pick up a souvenir, and dine at one of the many delightful bistros, restaurants, charcuteries, coffee shops, and cafes. Fresh seafood is always on the menu, with Pacific Coast salmon, steelhead, halibut, mussels, clams, chowder, crab, and other Northwest delicacies sure to please the palate! There are several top-notch local microbreweries, a micro distillery, and multiple wine shops (often featuring world-class Pinot Noir) for those who wish to indulge in style! For those with a sweet tooth, Cannon Beach offers a mouth-watering bakery, chocolate truffle stands, a popular creperie, and several saltwater taffy and ice cream shops, guaranteed to bring a smile to every traveler’s face.
• Haystack Rock - After lunch, a visit to the world-famous Haystack Rock is often on the agenda, where guests can learn about its fascinating geological history while observing the rare and beautiful nesting sea birds that call this dramatic 235-foot-tall basalt island home! The charming Tufted Puffin (resembling a parrot crossed with a penguin) nests here by burrowing up to 6 feet deep into the grassy northern slope of the rock tower, raising its young within easy binocular range of the prolific tide pools below. These remarkable birds spend their winters on the open ocean, chasing fish and invertebrates by “flying” over 100 feet below the waves! If low tide coincides with the visit, travelers delight in exploring the tide pools that reveal themselves between the shore and this beloved intertidal sea stack. Purple sea urchins, green anemones, red sea cucumbers, nudibranchs, mussels, chiton, limpets, various crabs, and colorful sea stars abound in this fragile ecosystem!
• Hug Point State Park - The next adventure often includes a stop at Hug Point (tides permitting), which amazes travelers with its many caves, colorful sandstone cliff features, sweeping vistas, charming short hikes, and even a waterfall that pours directly onto the beach during certain times of the year! Learn about the pioneers’ and early settlers’ use of the area and revel in the majesty of the mighty Pacific. Tales of buried treasure, pirate smugglers, Native American legends, and shipwrecked Spanish galleons from the 1600s abound! This location may be visited instead of Oswald-West State Park (or vice-versa) depending on the day’s flow, lunch time, previous hikes, stops, and travelers’ interests. Hug Point boasts some of the most incredible vistas of the entire coastline, with many hidden perches and lookouts offering breathtaking photo opportunities!
• Oswald West State Park - The guide has access to many hidden gems along the coast and may choose to explore the 2,484-acre Oswald West State Park, depending on time. Visitors can explore the beloved Short Sands beach, which involves a beautiful ½-mile stroll through gigantic old-growth temperate rainforest, often brimming with fresh wild berries that can be picked right from the forest, depending on the season. The path follows the meandering Short Sands Creek, eventually leading to what local surfers lovingly call “Shorty’s”! This iconic surfing beach also features a small waterfall at the far end, dramatic examples of geological uplifting and tilting of marine floor sediments, beautifully forested lava cliffs, abundant sea birds, and an endless supply of perfect waves. The park was named after Oregon’s 14th governor, Os West, who fought tirelessly to pass the famous “beaches bill,” ensuring that all 363 miles of Oregon coastline are public!
• Neahkahnie Mountain - If time allows, a stop at a stunning viewpoint on Neahkahnie Mountain offers tremendous 180-degree views of the coast, Nehalem Bay, and the charming seaside town of Manzanita. It is one of the best spots in Oregon to spot Grey Whales on their 12,000-mile migration between Alaska and Baja California. After an incredible day of exploring and sightseeing, the journey returns to Portland through the Clatsop and Tillamook forests, possibly catching a glimpse of several Cascadian volcanoes before being dropped off back in the city. Guests always return refreshed, invigorated, and thrilled with the unspoiled, underdeveloped, and wild nature of the uniquely scenic Oregon “People’s Coast”!

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Snacks

Experience the enchanting Ecola State Park and marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Oregon’s wild and verdant coastline. Delight in the foggy coastal forests teeming with wild berries, time-worn Sitka Spruce trees, many types of ferns and lichens and a wealth of other natural wonders!

Take a peaceful walk through the charming seaside town of Cannon Beach, renowned for its expansive sandy shore, Haystack Rock, art exhibitions and chic boutiques.

Journey along the picturesque Highway 101, with pit stops at hidden beaches en route and savor the sight of bold Oregon surfers tackling the powerful Pacific waves!

Keep an eye out for gray whales, sea lions, seals, uncommon seabirds (like Tufted Puffins!), bald eagles, ospreys, impressive gatherings of Roosevelt Elk and innumerable other stunning instances of vibrant fauna (& flora) throughout the day from wind-battered basalt cliffs.

This tour package comprises snacks, drinks, a luxury van for transportation and the guidance of a naturalist.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.