Sites to See When Driving from Portland to Newport

We all love a good road trip, and when in Oregon, you’ll find many people heading from Portland to Newport! These two amazing cities are mere hours away from each other, and let me tell you; it’s worth the drive with so many places to stop over and appreciate.

But what are the sites to see when driving from Portland to Newport in the first place? Understandably, it’s a bit challenging planning your grand road trip in the Pacific Northwest, especially if you don’t know where to go!

So, what are the sites to see when driving from Portland to Newport? Read on to find out!

 

How Far is Newport from Portland?

Before you head west, you’ll obviously need to plan out your trip and determine how long it takes to drive from one point to another. When driving from Portland to Newport, it is actually an hour and a half away from the Pacific Ocean, which is about 80 miles. However, driving along the coast would be about three hours long.

This isn’t a tiring trip compared to other places that take over 24 hours, but it’s still a breathtaking experience worth staying up for.

 

Sites to See When Driving from Portland to Newport

Now that you know how long it takes to get from Portland to Newport, the next thing to plan is your stopovers! While this would make your trip a slightly longer one, it will definitely be worth the adventure.

That said, here are the sites to see when driving from Portland to Newport:

 

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is about 23 miles away from Portland. It’s the cyclist’s absolute paradise, so if you love to cycle, make sure you pack your bike and ride through the trail’s scenic farms and dense forests!

You’ll be able to bike through six trailheads, giving you ample opportunities to customize your route. Afterward, you can grab delicious food to eat in Vernonia. It’s a small community that used to be a pioneer settlement, boasting many quaint coffee shops. Order an energizing cup of coffee before you head to the next stop on your way to Newport.

 

Camp 18

Suppose you want to stretch your legs after a few hours of driving or feel hungry in time for lunch or dinner, head to Camp 18. This is located along Highway 26 in the town of Elsie.

It’s not your ordinary town, though. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time as you set foot in Camp 18, a 19^th-century log cabin! We recommend reserving a seat in their rustic dining room during cold nights, warming your fingers by the cozy fireplace.

We recommend getting their classic meatloaf and taking home homemade cinnamon rolls for the road if you’re wondering what to order.

Besides being a delicious restaurant, Camp 18 also has a gift shop, a historic water tower, and a logging museum.

 

Seaside

As you leave Elsie, you’ll begin to see the road leading up to the Seaside, with spectacular views waiting for all drivers and passengers! Roll your window down as you drive past towering trees, breathing the fresh smell of Redwoods, everything looking blue and green.

When you turn from Highway 26 to Highway 101, go north and to the lovely town of Seaside. You can park your car to stretch your legs and walk down Broadway and toward the ocean. The town will welcome you to one of the biggest beaches you’ll see!

Before heading back to your trip, make sure you also stop at Phillips Candies, which is considered one of the world’s best taffy!

Indian Beach Trail

As you go down from the Seaside to Cannon Beach, don’t forget to check out the beauty of Indian Beach. This amazing place is an opportunity to take a magical hike with breathtaking landscapes around!

Admire all the ancient rocks that have been there for over 15 million years, walking in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. That’s right; they used this trail during their 1806 expedition!

Cannon Beach

As you enter Oregon Coast, you must stop by Cannon Beach, one of the most scenic and famous towns around! There are tons of things to do when in the area, such as birdwatching, hiking, strolling around farmer’s markets, touring the lighthouse, visiting art galleries, and admiring the gorgeous tide pools. You can even fish in the area, with fishing charters available.

The most famous attraction is Haystack Rock, which you can easily spot when driving along the coast. It’s worth stopping over there during sunset because you’ll see the shadow of the stunning rock against the sun’s soft rays and the reflection of shiny sand between your feet!

McMinnville

McMinnville is the country seat and largest city in Yamhill County. This area was named after the founder, William T. Newby, who was an early immigrant on the Oregon Trail.

We love the area because it’s located in the heart of Oregon’s wine country and on the native Kalapuya lands, a lovely getaway and stopover with numerous wineries, restaurants, and cycling routes you’ll appreciate. If you’d like to explore McMinnville a bit more, you can also stay in one of their many hotels.

 

Wrapping It Up

Who knew that there were so many sites to see when driving from Portland to Newport? The next time you’re going on a road trip around the huge and beautiful state of Oregon, you now know where to go when you want a stopover, whether to eat or explore.

 

And once you arrive in Newport, make sure you also get to visit the fantastic tourist attractions and participate in the many activities you can do in the area. If you’re thinking of fishing in Newport, don’t hesitate to contact us and learn more about our services.