Discover the Art of Capturing Moments with Dan Sproul Photography. Immerse yourself in a world of visual storytelling through the lens of an experienced photographer. From breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits, our blog unveils the magic behind every click.
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Exploring Oregon by Circle: Coast, Cascades & Gorge
Exploring Oregon by Circle: Coast, Cascades & Gorge
Oregon has a way of surprising you at every turn — from misty coastal cliffs to mirror-flat alpine lakes and thunderous waterfalls. This circular Oregon road trip takes you from the Pacific in Cannon Beach, down the coast, through the Cascade heart, and back home through the Columbia Gorge.
Prologue: We flew into Seattle because it was cheaper than direct Oregon flights, grabbed our bags, and hopped into a Jeep we rented via Turo (getting off the beaten path is easier when you’re in control of the wheels). With a sense of adventure (and a camera in hand), we headed southwest toward the Oregon coast.
Cannon Beach & the Northern Coast
Our first stop: Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock pierces the horizon and seabirds wheel overhead. The wind off the Pacific carried salt and promise.
Press enter or click to view image in full size
Evening light paints the sky above the iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. -link to image
We wandered the surf, watched tidepools fill and empty, and felt the ocean’s timeless pull. As the day’s light softened, we made our way to Ecola State Park, where trails wind through spruce and hemlock toward viewing points that frame the coast in dramatic arcs.
By lunchtime, seafood was calling. We stopped in Cannon Beach at Ecola Seafoods Restaurant & Market — a rooftop, boat-to-table seafood spot with ocean views. Their fish & chips, smoked salmon, and clam chowder were absolutely worth the detour. Visit Ecola Seafood
Down the Coast: Tillamook, Cape Perpetua & Bandon
Continuing our journey south, we passed Tillamook Creamery, a cheese and dairy institution on the Oregon Coast. We couldn’t resist stopping. The visitor center and sampling (and ice cream) were delicious — a dairy lover’s delight. Visit Tillamook Creamery
A little further on, we paused at Heceta Head Lighthouse, perched above crashing waves, then wound through Cape Perpetua Overlook, where coastal forest meets surf in misty harmony.
We arrived in Lincoln City for a quiet evening by the sea, then pressed on to Bandon. At Face Rock Viewpoint, as the sun dipped, the sand lit up, sea stacks cast long shadows, and driftwood lay gentle in shallow surf.
We lingered by the surf, letting the salty air and sea spray re-set our spirits before heading inland.
Into the Cascades: Sisters & Sparks Lake
Leaving the coast behind, we headed toward the Cascade Range and the quaint town of Sisters, Oregon. The alpine air felt different — cool, clear, and sharp. En route, we detoured to Sparks Lake, a gem tucked into mountain terrain. As evening light softened, the still water caught every peak in perfect reflection.
From Sisters we drove toward Mount Hood, passing through Government Camp into forested slopes. At Trillium Lake, the views are iconic. As the sun set, Hood’s silhouette darkened above, mirrored in glassy waters, while the forest whispered in twilight.
We paused, breathing in alpine quiet, letting the world slow just for a moment.
Finale: Corbett & the Columbia River Gorge
Our loop brought us toward Corbett, Oregon, nestled at the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge. This stretch of highway is a cascade of waterfalls and river vistas. We visited Latourell Falls, where water plunges through lush greenery in vivid streams.
Starting in Seattle saved on airfare, letting us stretch more time on the ground in Oregon.
Renting the Jeep through Turo gave us flexibility to explore off-beat roads and hidden pullouts.
Dining local mattered — from Ecola Seafood’s fresh line-caught fish in Cannon Beach to the cheesey pleasures at Tillamook Creamery — both stops are culinary highlights.
Give yourself extra time for spontaneous detours. Oregon is full of “just around the bend” magic: secret viewpoints, little waterfalls, and stretches of road that make your heart skip a beat.
Check road and weather conditions, especially as you head into the Cascades and gorge roads — snow or rain can shift plans in a moment.
Whether you’re chasing coastal sunsets or alpine reflections, this circular Oregon route offers a taste of everything: the ocean, the mountains, and waterways that carve through deep forest. It’s a journey of contrasts, of quiet moments and grand views — and one you’ll want to take again.
No comments:
Post a Comment