From Portland
Highway 26 West (the Sunset Highway) is the main corridor from Portland to the Oregon coast. It's a scenic drive through the Coast Range — old-growth Douglas fir forests and rolling hills give way to the first glimpse of the Pacific. From Portland city center, plan 80–90 miles and 1.5 hours in normal traffic.
Once you reach US-101 at Seaside, turn south for Cannon Beach — it's about 10 miles and 15 minutes further. The coastal route on US-101 is beautiful; the town entrance off Hemlock Street is well-signed. Portland makes an ideal base for a day trip, or you can combine Cannon Beach with other coast towns like Manzanita and Tillamook on a multi-day loop.
From Seattle
Take I-5 South from Seattle to Portland (about 3 hours), then follow the directions above on Highway 26 to the coast (another 1.5 hours). The total trip is approximately 4 hours. Alternatively, Washington's own coast and Olympic Peninsula offer scenic alternatives if you don't want to travel all the way to Oregon — but Cannon Beach is worth the drive.
The Oregon Coast Highway
US-101 runs the entire length of the Oregon coast and is one of America's great scenic drives. If time allows, consider coming or going via the coast highway rather than the inland route. Driving from Astoria to Cannon Beach via 101 passes dramatic headlands, historic forts, and the stunning Columbia River estuary. The southbound coastal drive from Cannon Beach through Tillamook and Lincoln City is equally spectacular.
Parking in Cannon Beach
Parking in Cannon Beach is limited, especially in summer. The main beach access areas on Hemlock, Gower, and other streets have metered and free parking zones, but they fill quickly by mid-morning on summer weekends. There's a larger free lot at the south end of town and additional parking near the visitor center. Consider arriving before 9am or after 4pm to find a spot more easily. The downtown core is very walkable once you've parked.
Road Trip & Outdoor Gear
Car Phone Mount
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Road Trip Cooler
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