Part of our trip to Oregon in June includes a drive up coast...starting w/Bandon Dunes. Assuming we leave there around 2pm after lunch on DAY ONE & plan to get to Astoria the end of DAY TWO...where is a good stopping point in the middle. I was going to do Depoe Bay, but a lady at a hotel said it was a 6 hr. drive from Bandon.



Am I rushing this too much? Note: We will have already spent 12 days from Col. River Gorge down thru Bend, Crater Lake, Ashland, Bandon.

The halfway point between Bandon and Astoria is Newport. Lots of fun stuff to do there.

It is not a 6 hour drive from Bandon to Depoe Bay unless you plan to do A LOT of stopping along the way. I live in Florence and travel south to Bandon for my work and north to near Astoria to visit family. I also grew up on the north coast. If you were to drive straight through as a local might, you can drive from Bandon to Astoria in 6 to 6 1/2 hours, trust me. Done it!



Leaving Bandon at 2pm might be a bit late to make Newport and stil see the many sights in between, but it's doable. phirl is correct about this stretch of coast. It's quite varied and very beautiful.

Also in Tillamook is the Air Museum and the Blue Heron Cheese Factory which are both worth a stop. The Shilo has average food but the views from the dining room are beautiful. We like to go here for Sunday Brunch or the Steamer Clams for a late afternoon appetizer.

Dooger's is OK, the atmosphere isn't anything great. We like Sam's Seaside Cafe for their fresh fish and funky, beachy atmosphere. Norma's Ocean Diner has great clam chowder but again, not much ambiance here.

For great meal with a really cozy ambiance, check out the Pacific Way Bakery and Cafe in Gearhart. I'm also a big fan of the Silver Salmon Grille. If you want good food with views of the river in Astoria, the Cannery Cafe is very nice. :)

You are rushing it too much. Reedsport to Depoe Bay i think best of oregon coast. Sand dunes, rugged headlands, big bays, sandy beaches, to try to pass by all that in midafternoon not good. Might be possible if short trip, but you mention 12 days already. Think i would find way to add a day.



Not sure why Astoria is destination. you could turn inland at Lincoln City.

According to their website Ft Clatsop will be up again this month. Lewis & Clark things could take most of two days in Astoria area.

turn inland? Isn't the Lincoln City to Astoria drive good? Assumed Astoria/Ft. C, etc. was worth a couple days???

Yes, Syrahgirl you are correct, it was Pier 11. Horrid service!



I hve had dinner at Baked Alaska once. It was really good. The wine list was horrid, but the food was tasty. And that view, oh the view!

I think you're referring to Pier 11. Great views, lousy food. They need a good chef in there, but don't hold your breath, LOL!

Baked Alaska also has gorgeous views and a very pretty dining room, mediocre food tho. :)

The drive from Depoebay to Astoria is not real interesting except for 15 miles between Manzanita and Cannon Beach, you are inland, the drive through the dairylands of Tillmook county is pleasant and Astoria is interesting place, one of my favorite towns, but I like history.



I was trying to figure way you would have more time Reedsport to Depoe Bay.



And other poster right you can make better time than 6 hours, and i too have, but I live here. and I can pass by the many intersting places, though still like to do it slow ever so often.



Last fall we made Bandon to Yachats and took us all day.