Written By: Lisa Petrarca
If Southern Oregon isn’t already on your bucket list—it’s time to add it!
From hidden gems and quirky roadside stops to bucket-list-worthy hikes and iconic viewpoints, this coastal road trip quickly became one of our all-time favorite adventures. Even better? You can do this trip year-round.
Whether you’re planning a short escape or a longer journey, this post will help you map out an unforgettable getaway rooted in scenic hikes, epic vistas, and the kind of spontaneous moments that only happen when you’re out on the open road.
Trip Planning: Why We Chose Southern Oregon
Oregon had been calling our names for a while. With only 10 days off and Southern California as our home base, we zeroed in on Southern Oregon—close enough for a road trip but remote enough to feel like a real escape.
We planned our stops around:
- Drive Time – Anthony’s max is 5–6 hours a day (he gets carsick, so he drives—always).
- Viewpoints – Give us all the views!
Our Pleasure-Way Lexor TS has panoramic windows, which means wherever we park, we’re immersed in the landscape—unless, of course, it’s a Walmart parking lot. But hey, that’s road life. No expectations = no disappointments.
First Stop: A Mountain-Top View to Kick It Off
Williams Hill Recreation Area, Bradley, CA
(– 35.983625, -121.012812)
We wanted to start strong, so we took a slight detour to this elevated campsite. It’s both a paid and free area, with a long dirt road leading up to incredible views. All the designated sites were full, but we snagged a secluded, free spot surrounded by trees and overlooking the valley. It turned out to be even better than the paid sites. 🌙✨
We stargazed under a pitch-black sky and soaked in the solitude. The perfect start to our trip.
From Mountain Tops to Coastal Curves
The next morning, we headed west—toward the coast and the iconic Highway 101. Winding and narrow, this road makes up for slower driving with nonstop coastal drama: jagged rocks, crashing surf, and moody skies.
We pulled over constantly—breakfast, lunch, and dinner at incredible view spots. One of the many perks of van life? The freedom to stop anywhere the moment feels right.
Vista Views… After Dark
Vista Overlook, Fort Bragg, CA
(39.599105, -123.784841)
We arrived after dark and in the rain. This tends to cause some friendly tension—Anthony prefers arriving early, I want to stop at every scenic overlook and quirky roadside stand. (Working on it! Lol.)
We woke up the next morning to the sound of crashing waves and an oceanfront surprise. Worth the rain-soaked arrival.
Roadside Magic
We made a pit stop in the small oceanside town of Westport, CA. As we wandered, we found a painted rock nestled on an overlook. It read:
“You are blessed.”
And we truly felt it.
We carried it with us, planning to leave it at another stop for someone else to find. Just a small, beautiful moment that reminded us what this journey is all about.
Bucket List Pit Stops
We couldn’t miss the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree—even though our van was too tall to squeeze through. We still explored the beautiful area and snapped lots of pics.
Drive-Thru Tree Park – Leggett, CA
(39.85860, -123.71900)
It’s a classic roadside stop and a fun walk through redwood history. Definitely worth a quick detour.
Destination Gem: Harris Beach State Park
Harris Beach State Park, Brookings, OR
(42.06706° N, 124.30704° W)
This wasn’t just a stop—it was a destination. We booked it for convenience, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and well-equipped campgrounds on the Oregon Coast.
Camping Details:
- 65 full-hookup sites
- 25 electric + water
- 59 tent sites
- 6 yurts (3 pet-friendly)
- Hiker/biker camp
- Showers, dump station, firewood
Trails Inside the Park:
- Rockway Beach Trail (0.4 mi)
- Harris Butte Trail (0.3 mi)
- Sunset Point Trail (0.3 mi)
- South Beach Trail (0.4 mi)
Located right off the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, you could honestly spend days here and never run out of trails or views.
Jurassic Surprise: Prehistoric Garden
Prehistoric Gardens – Port Orford, OR
(42.6118, -124.3922)
A rainforest meets Jurassic Park!
Life-size dinosaur sculptures are scattered among moss-covered trees and ferns. We stumbled upon this place after watching a movie about it, and we’re so glad we did.
Admission:
- Adults: $14
- Kids (3–12): $10
- Seniors: $12
- 2 & under: Free
- Free parking!
The Wild Unexpected: Sisters Rock State Park
We pulled off near some large sea stacks rising from the ocean, planning just to eat lunch. But curiosity got the best of us.
Sisters Rock State Park – Port Orford, OR
(42.5928873 N, -124.3998257 W)
We found a giant blowhole where the mountain had collapsed—waves thundered from deep inside like a beast waking up. One unexpectedly large splash and we quickly backed away… this place was wild and untamed. A top favorite!
Patterson Bridge/Mary D. Hume Ship Remains: Forgotten Tale in the Surf
Keep your eyes peeled near the shoreline south of Gold Beach. Depending on tides and sand levels, you might catch a glimpse of the remains of the Mary D. Hume—an old steamship turned shipwreck.
Patterson Bridge/Mary D. Hume Ship Remains – Gold Beach, OR
(42.42205N, 124.41704W)
We were hoping for low-tide to see the entire ship but it didn’t work out that way. So we’re sharing what we captured. Rusting in the water beneath the bridge, this ship tells the story of Oregon’s seafaring past. The steamer was named after the owner’s wife and launched on January 21, 1881 and was in service for 97 years (the longest of any commercial vessel in the west coast.) The first 10 years spent hauling wood, salmon, and cargo. It was sold to a whaling company for over a decade (glad it was eventually put out of service for this), and finished its years as a tugboat before finally resting here in 1978.
Arch Rock State Park: Portal to the Pacific
Just a short drive north of Sisters Rock, Arch Rock is one of those magical coastal pull-offs that takes your breath away. A flat, easy trail leads to a cliffside overlook where the ocean has carved a massive stone arch into the rock—like a window framing the sea.
Arch Rock State Park – Brookings, OR
(42.20514N, -124.37421W)
Waves crash through the opening, made the entire view feel like something out of a dream. It’s a quick stop, but so worth it!
Final Stop: Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges Viewpoint – Brookings, OR
(42.19001, -124.36603)
This was the spot. The crown jewel of our trip. The hike that sparked the entire adventure—and the one that would challenge me (Lisa) in ways I didn’t expect.
We didn’t come all this way to just admire the view from the designated overlook (though it’s beautiful and safer if conditions are wet). No, we were here to immerse ourselves right in the middle of it—to stand on that iconic rock bridge you see in photos and feel the thrill of the wild Oregon coast at our feet.
But getting there wasn’t exactly easy.
To reach “the spot,” you have to descend a steep, slippery path, using a rope in some sections to help lower yourself down. Once at the base, the trail narrows dramatically, hugging the edge of a cliff with sheer drop-offs on either side. And this was no leisurely stroll—it was a full-body experience, a test of focus, courage, and prayer.
We were the oldest ones out there (most of the others could’ve been our kids age), but with shaky legs and a pounding heart, I kept going. The crashing waves below roared as a massive swell rolled in, sending salty spray high into the air—almost over the cliff edge where we stood.
And then we were there.
Standing on the edge, completely surrounded by raw beauty and ocean power—it was beyond breathtaking. One of those moments where time pauses and all you feel is awe.
But what goes down… must come up.
The climb back was even harder. My legs were limp from fear, trembling so badly they barely moved. I had pushed myself so far out of my comfort zone, I wasn’t sure I could make it. Thankfully, Anthony was there, calm as ever, reaching out his hand and helping me navigate each step until I made it safely back to the top.
It turns out this hike wasn’t just about chasing a pretty view. It became a turning point—a moment where I learned I could do it afraid. And that realization? It opened the door to so many more hikes, rappels, and Via Ferratas I’d once believed were beyond my limits.
This wasn’t just a place to check off the list.
It was a mountain conquered—and a bold step into new adventures.
Safety First!
Please don’t attempt this hike unless you’re fully prepared.
- Avoid the trail after rain—it’s extremely dangerous and has claimed lives.
- Only experienced hikers should descend to the lower viewpoints.
- For a safer experience, enjoy the incredible view from the main viewpoint at the top—still absolutely worth the stop!
Final Thoughts
This trip was built around one Instagram hike, and yet it unfolded into a breathtaking adventure full of surprises, views, quirky spots, and starry skies. From mountaintop campsites to rainforests with dinosaurs and blowholes that almost swallowed us whole—Southern Oregon delivered!
Pin or Save These Stops for Your Road Trip:
- Williams Hill Recreation Area, CA
- Vista Overlook – Fort Bragg, CA
- Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree – Leggett, CA
- Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, OR
- Prehistoric Gardens – Port Orford, OR
- Sisters Rock State Park – Port Orford, OR
- Patterson Bridge/Mary D. Hume Ship Remains – Gold Beach, OR
- Arch Rock State Park – Brookings, OR
- Natural Bridges – Brookings, OR
If you’re craving a road trip with freedom, beauty, and new discovery, Southern Oregon should definitely be on your list.
