Oregon's Scenic Byway Offers Hiking Trails With Coastal Views

Western Oregon is a remarkable place, a lush region of deep river valleys, thick forests, scenic wine country, and wild Pacific coast. From these idyllic cascades called the "Niagara Falls of Oregon" to an uncrowded peninsula with sand dunes and stunning sea glass, the rainy side of the Beaver State has so much to see and do that at times it can be hard to know where to start. 

This makes the area ripe for road trips, where you can tick off several destinations in one single journey. One of western Oregon's most alluring routes is the Trees to Sea Scenic Byway, which stretches 68 miles from the edge of suburban Portland to Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint on the coast. This gorgeous route connects the Tualatin Valley to the Pacific Ocean via Oregon's rugged Coastal Range, boasting bucolic countryside, rushing rivers, and dense forest along the way. 

While you can do the drive in one shot, there is plenty to experience as you go, including vineyards, creameries, museums, and hiking trails. They offer jaw-dropping views of the mighty Pacific, where you can gaze out at the surging waters and, if you're lucky, spot a migrating whale. 

The Trees to Sea Scenic Byway begins in the town of Banks, a farming community that sits on the far western outskirts of Portland. The area is home to U-pick farms and wineries, along with tasting rooms featuring local offerings. Pick up a bottle of local pinot noir at the Willamette Valley Vineyards — Tualatin Estate or grab a rare Sangiovese (the only one produced in the region) at the smaller Appolino Vineyards before continuing down the road.

Next up are the cedars and Douglas firs of the Tillamook State Forest, which blanket much of the Coast Range that cuts off the pastoral inland from the bluffs and beaches of the Pacific. If you're feeling like stretching your legs and (a lot) more, stop off at the King's Mountain Trail. Here you can make the 5-mile roundtrip climb to the summit of the 2,545-foot King's Mountain, which offers terrific views of the surrounding ridges and valleys. While you're in the area, make sure to also pop into the Tillamook Forest Center, where guests can scale a 40-foot-tall fire lookout, stroll over a 250-foot suspension bridge spanning the Wilson River, and learn about the devastating effect of the Tillamook Burn, a series of wildfires that destroyed much of the Coast Range's forests in 1933.

Once the byway crosses over the passes of the Coast Range, it enters the town of Tillamook, which is most famous for its cheese. Stop off for a sample of the good stuff (and perhaps a taste of ice cream) at the storied Tillamook Creamery, or get a bit fancier at the Blue Heron French Cheese Company, which, in addition to creamy, tart, and pungent cheeses, also boasts a petting farm for kids. And if road tripping has worked up your appetite, their delicatessen serves grilled sandwiches, salads, and breakfasts featuring their products. 

No visit to Tillamook is complete without checking out the Tillamook Air Museum. Situated in one of the last-remaining WW II blimp hangars, this fascinating complex features aerial artifacts from WW I onward, along with photographs and other exhibits, and adds an unexpected element of modern history to the drive.

The Trees to Sea Scenic Byway ends at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, a rocky headland of old growth forest surrounded on three sides by the roiling waters of the Pacific. In addition to taking in the uniquely-shaped "octopus tree," along with the largest Sitka spruce tree in Oregon, visitors can also hike along the path to the historic Cape Meares Lighthouse, and marvel at the endless expanse of the ocean roaring out to the horizon. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for seabirds, as well as marine mammals such as sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins, and during certain times of the year you may also catch sight of grey whales making their way up and down the coast. For of Oregon's seaside wonder, check out this beautiful state park with incredible coastal views.