Dunes and Coastlines: A Self-Guided Oregon Drive

This self-guided driving tour follows the Oregon Coast between Newport and Lincoln City, one of the most geologically dramatic stretches of coastline in America, shaped by tectonic fury, maritime history, and the instinct to build right where nature is most destructive. The tour starts at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, beneath the Yaquina Bay Bridge, an Art Deco masterpiece by Conde McCullough. You'll drop into Newport's Historic Bayfront, climb into the Nye Beach district, and stop at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, abandoned after three years and allegedly haunted. Heading north, detour through Agate Beach, where a tsunami dock washed ashore in 2012, and out to Devil's Punchbowl, a collapsed sea cave. Cape Foulweather, named by Captain Cook during an 1778 storm, offers views 500 feet above the surf. The tour ends at Road's End Beach, beneath the basalt formation known as God's Thumb. Along the way, climb Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and watch for gray whales off Depoe Bay.