RV Routes: Explore the PNW coast inside and out
If you’re itching for the perfect spring RV getaway that takes in some of the best of the Washington and Oregon coasts, we have just the road trip for you.
Welcome to RV Routes, a new feature from your Going Mobile team. Every once in a while, we’ll feature an RV-friendly journey that takes in iconic locations in the region, with a particular emphasis on national and state park camping. Buckle up, let’s hit the road!
First stop: Waldport, Ore.
This adventure travels along U.S. 101 from the Central Coast of Oregon to the Salish Sea on the Olympic Peninsula, going from wild coastline to equally scenic inland waters. We did it recently from south to north, but you could easily do it in reverse.
Starting near Waldport, Ore., book a stay at Beachside State Recreation Site, a state park with excellent access to a long strand. You and your four-legged friends will love this beach that seems to go on forever.
Nearby, check out funky Yachats, one of the best beach towns in Oregon. Other attractions include long bike rides along scenic U.S. 101, and hiking in nearby Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve.
Second stop: Astoria area
Travel 150 miles up U.S. 101 to Astoria, a bustling coastal city on the mouth of the Columbia River. Astoria is filled with thrift stores, excellent breweries and history -- it was founded in 1811 and is Oregon’s oldest city.
Along the way, you’ll pass through several of Oregon’s top coastal destinations, including Newport, Lincoln City, Manzanita and Cannon Beach. Each is worthy of a stop if you are so inclined.
Once you’re in Astoria, you have two excellent state park camping options nearby. Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon is massive, with miles of quiet roads to ride a bike, World War II gun batteries to explore, a jetty and long walking beach that features an old shipwreck. You’ll most likely be able to get a full hook-up here.
Your other state park option is across the Columbia in Washington at Cape Disappointment. It has fewer full hookups than Fort Stevens, but lots of standard sites.
Cape D has many attractions. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (where we volunteered last June) tells the tale of the Corps of Discovery from a Washington state perspective and is well worth a visit, if only for the dramatic view of the Columbia Bar. Also at Cape D, the North Head Lighthouse might be Washington’s most beautiful lighthouse, standing on a cliff overlooking the broad Pacific.
Benson Beach and the north jetty of the Columbia are also stellar attractions.
Third stop: Port Townsend
Your final leg takes you 190 miles up U.S. 101 from crashing coastal waves to the quieter waters of Puget Sound.
This is oyster country. Along the way, you’ll pass Goose Point near South Bend, Wash., Taylor Shellfish in Shelton, Wash., and Hamma Hamma on Hood Canal. No excuses -- stop and pop open some half-shell magic!
In Port Townsend, check out the touristy downtown, founded in 1851 with the Victorian-era architecture largely intact. If you want to see where the “real” Port Townsend is, head to Uptown, with shops, bakeries and a weekly farmers market.
Stay at popular Fort Worden Historical State Park, where miles of trails wind through a vast series of old gun batteries, built to protect Puget Sound in the early 1900s. The views of the Salish Sea from Battery Hill are amazing.
Other possibilities for camping: Just south of Port Townsend, Fort Flagler Historical State Park and Fort Townsend Historical State Park may have room if Fort Worden is completely booked. Also worth considering: Point Hudson Marina and RV Park on the north edge of Port Townsend.
If you want to extend the fun, consider hopping on the ferry and heading to beautiful Whidbey Island and Fort Casey Historical State Park. We’ll be volunteering at the lighthouse during the month of July. Stop by and say hi!
