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Portland Itineraries
An early start on Highway 26 West takes you quickly out of downtown Portland and past Beaverton, nicknamed Oregon’s high-tech “silicon forest” and home to Intel. You’ll also pass through beautiful farm country on your way to the Coast Range. These low mountains (+/- 3,500 feet/1,067 meters) are seldom covered with snow, allowing for easy passage almost any time of year (though we recommend checking locally before embarking on this route in winter). An hour of so from Portland, stop at Camp 18, a fun and unusual logging museum/restaurant (try one of their huge cinnamon buns).
Soon you’ll join the Pacific Coast National Scenic Highway 101. Head north to visit the town of Seaside, a family destination with wide beaches and kid-friendly activities. Then, drive south on Highway 101 to Cannon Beach, a sophisticated seaside village known for its art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Take time to enjoy lunch here before continuing south on Highway 101. (Note: You’ll need to leave this part of the coast by early afternoon in order to be back in the Portland area in time for dinner.)
For a glimpse of non-touristy coastal life, visit Garibaldi Marina in Garibaldi, Ore., where you can get fresh-cooked seafood right from the dockside shops. On arrival in Tillamook, Ore., visit the Tillamook Cheese Visitors Center. Here you’ll see the cheese-making process and have the opportunity to sample more than 30 flavors of ice cream. Then, stop at Blue Heron French Cheese Company (just down the road from the Tillamook cheese factory) for several varieties of brie.
From Tillamook, Highway 6 takes you east towards Portland. Visit the Tillamook Forest Center to discover the lush green landscapes of the northern Coast Range. An hour later (following Highway 6 to Highway 26 East), you’ll be back in Portland – or you could stop for dinner en route at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse, just off Highway 26 at Exit #62 (west); or Helvetia Tavern, off Highway 26 at Exit #61 (follow signs).
Return to Highway 26 East and continue on to Portland.
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