Key Points

Price and Duration: The trip costs $159 per person and lasts around 10 to 11 hours.
Comprehensive Coastal Experience: Highlights include scenic drives, lighthouse visits, beach time, and viewpoints of sea stacks.
Variety of Stops: Includes town visits like Tillamook**, Cape Meares, and Neskowin Beach, plus optional cultural attractions such as the Tillamook Air Museum.
Physical Activity: Features a short hike through oldgrowth Sitka spruce forest and time at tidal pools, suitable for most travelers with moderate mobility.
All-Inclusive Comforts: Snacks, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle are provided; the tour uses a PA system so everyone can hear the guide.
Booking and Logistics: Starts at 9:00am from Portland, with pickup offered, and can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Exploring the Oregon Coast on a Full-Day Scenic Loop

The Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip to the Three Capes Scenic Loop offers a full-day adventure that captures the rugged beauty of Oregon’s northern coastline. For $159 per person, the tour provides a well-rounded experience with scenic drives, picturesque viewpoints, and plenty of time to explore beaches and historic sites. The tour lasts around 10 to 11 hours, making it a comprehensive escape from Portland with a mix of sightseeing, gentle walking, and relaxing scenery.

Designed for those who want a mix of natural beauty and cultural stops, this trip includes multiple scenic viewpoints, such as Cape Meares Lighthouse and Cape Kiwanda, as well as time on beaches like Neskowin. The tour is suitable for most travelers, offering moderate physical activity like a short hike through oldgrowth Sitka spruce forest and time at tide pools, depending on the tides. The air-conditioned vehicle and snacks keep the experience comfortable, while the PA system ensures everyone can hear the guide’s commentary.

While the tour is rich in sights, it’s worth noting that lunch is not included, so travelers might want to bring snacks or plan to purchase something during the stops. The tour also features optional visits to places like the Tillamook Cheese Factory and Tillamook Air Museum, which add a cultural flavor to the coastal exploration. This makes the trip ideal for those who enjoy scenic drives combined with cultural and natural highlights.

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The Route from Portland to the Oregon Coast

The journey begins in Portland at 9:00am, with convenient pickup offered. The route takes travelers through Willamette Valley, known for its vineyards, hazelnut orchards, and Christmas tree farms. These views set the stage for the stunning coast ahead. The drive then continues through the Tillamook State Forest, showcasing lush greenery and dense woods before reaching the coast.

This route offers a seamless transition from urban scenery to wilderness, all in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The timing allows for a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for photographs, sightseeing, and brief walks. The group size is limited to 14 travelers, maintaining an intimate atmosphere and allowing the guide to tailor commentary and attention.

The Charm of Tillamook and Its Cultural Stops

One of the potential highlights is a visit to Tillamook, a town celebrated for Americana charm. Here, the tour can include a visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, where guests can observe cheese production and sample local products. Alternatively, the Tillamook Air Museum offers a look into aviation history, with aircraft exhibits housed in a historic hangar—admission to this museum is not included in the ticket price.

These stops add a layer of cultural context to the day, providing insight into the region’s history and industry. The 2-hour window for this part of the trip gives enough time for tasting cheese or exploring the museum, depending on group interest.

Driving the Three Capes Scenic Drive

The core of the trip is the Three Capes Scenic Drive, which takes travelers along Oregon’s rugged coast. Key stops include Cape Meares, with its 1890s lighthouse and massive Sitka spruce—the largest in Oregon and the 10th largest in the world. Here, visitors can enjoy spectacular views to both the north and south, and even see the site of a WWII B-17 crash.

Next, the route passes through Cape Outlook, with its impressive sand dunes, leading to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Known for sculpted sandstone formations, tidal pools, and the fourth-tallest offshore monolith in the world, this spot is one of the most breathtaking along the coast. The drive itself offers stunning sea stacks and rugged shoreline vistas.

Beaches and Unique Coastal Landmarks

The tour allocates time at Neskowin Beach, famous for Proposal Rock, a tide-dictated island with an arch perfect for proposing or snapping pictures. At low tide, visitors may see the Neskowin Ghost Forest, a haunting set of fossilized stumps that tell a story of ancient trees. The 30-minute stop here gives ample time for strolling and taking photos.

Adjacent to this is the Cape Kiwanda area, where the sculpted sandstone, tidal pools, and natural beauty provide plenty of opportunities for relaxed exploration. The hour-long stop offers sweeping coastline views and chances to explore the natural landscape.

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Historical and Natural Highlights at Cape Meares

The Cape Meares Lighthouse, established in the 1890s, offers an hour-long visit. The lighthouse stands as a testament to Oregon’s maritime history and provides spectacular views to both the north and south. Nearby, an ancient Sitka spruce adds to the scenic grandeur, providing an impressive sight and photo opportunity. The lighthouse visit is included in the tour, making it a must-see highlight.

Additional points of interest include the site of a historic WWII plane crash, accessible during the stops, adding a touch of wartime history to the natural landscape.

The Coastal Dunes and Breathtaking Shorelines

Between Cape Outlook and Cape Kiwanda, the tour passes through sand dunes, unique landforms that accentuate the rugged terrain of Oregon’s coast. These dunes, along with the expansive shoreline, give a sense of the wild, untouched beauty that characterizes this stretch of coastline.

The landscape here is marked by dramatic sea stacks and bays, making it a favorite for photography and quiet contemplation. The variety of geological features ensures that each stop feels distinct and memorable.

Time at Neskowin Beach and Proposal Rock

The final stop at Neskowin Beach provides a peaceful conclusion to the day. Visitors spend about an hour exploring the beach, walking past Proposal Rock, and potentially witnessing the Ghost Forest at low tide. This setting offers a serene, almost magical atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

This stop emphasizes the natural beauty and tranquility of Oregon’s coast, with ample opportunities for photography and reflection. It’s an ideal place to soak in the ocean air before heading back to Portland.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour includes snacks, bottled water, and an air-conditioned vehicle to ensure comfort throughout the day. The group size is limited to 14, providing an intimate experience with the guide. The tour can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning.

Meeting at 523 NE 19th Ave in Portland, the trip begins promptly at 9:00am. The guide uses a PA system for clear commentary, and service animals are welcome. As a full-day experience, travelers should prepare for a mix of scenic drives, walking, and sightseeing.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals most to those interested in coastal scenery, lighthouse history, and beach exploration. It suits travelers who appreciate moderate physical activity, such as short hikes and walking on beaches. Nature lovers will enjoy the sea stacks, tide pools, and ancient trees, while those interested in local culture can explore the cheese and aviation stops.

Because the itinerary balances natural beauty with optional cultural visits, it offers flexibility for different interests. However, those with limited mobility should consider the short hikes and walking involved at some stops.

Final Thoughts on the Three Capes Scenic Loop Day Trip

This full-day tour from Portland provides a well-balanced mix of spectacular scenery, natural landmarks, and cultural stops like the cheese factory and air museum. The scenic drive along Oregon’s coast, combined with stops at lighthouses, beaches, and sea stacks, makes for a memorable adventure.

While lunch is not included, the plentiful snacks and water help keep everyone energized. The tour’s small group size and comfort features create an enjoyable and educational experience. It’s perfect for those who want to see the best of Oregon’s coast in one day, with flexible options to deepen the experience through optional stops.

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Northern Oregon Coast Day Trip to Three Capes Scenic Loop

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $159 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours.

Where does the tour start?
From 523 NE 19th Ave, Portland, with pickup offered.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but snacks and bottled water are provided.

What are the highlights of the scenic drive?
Stops include Cape Meares Lighthouse, Cape Kiwanda, and Proposal Rock, with views of sea stacks, tidal pools, and old-growth Sitka spruce.

Can I visit the Tillamook Cheese Factory?
Yes, there is a stop at Tillamook, where you can visit the cheese factory, taste cheese, and explore the town.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?
Yes, it is designed for most travelers, with moderate walking involved and limited group size for comfort.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, layers of clothing, and any personal items needed for beach exploration.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are welcome on the tour.