Oregon Pacific Coast Cascade Mountains

Follow the south bank of the Columbia River to the Pacific and Astoria, the oldest US settlement in the American West. The drive south along the Pacific Coastal Highway is one of the most spectacular in the USA. Past Cannon Beach with its iconic basalt sea stacks and through the towns of Newport and Yachats, the coast here is moulded by ancient volcanic activity. South of Florence giant sand dunes dominate the drive for 50 miles, followed by beaches flanked with high cliffs. Brookings, just north of the California border, boasts palm trees and azaleas as well as the giant Redwoods. From here loop back north to Bend via Crater Lake and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The drive ends with time in Portland – ‘The City of Roses’.