Loop Drive

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This tour begins along Interstate 5, south of Portland, Oregon and could be driven in either direction. Convenience from Portland dictates this counterclockwise route beginning at Albany (Which you might note as the ending point of two other loops on these pages.) From Albany the route follows U.S. 20 west through Corvalis, over the coastal mountains to Newport, famous for Yaquina Head State Park and lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Bridge and an inner harbor that can be explored for days. While there, the Oregon Coast Acquarium is a must. From Newport, head south on U.S. 101 stopping at interesting beach accesses, my favorites being Lost Creek and Seal Rock, passing through Waldport to the Yachats area. Every town, wayside, and beach access on the central coast is worth a stop, but Yachats is a favorite with headlands and tide pools accessible directly from beachside drives. Storm watching here is nearly as good as further south at Cape Arago State Park. In between, Florence's harbor is a favorite for photographers. Visiting Cape Arago, Bandon is many folks first choice destination. There, miles of sand and sea stack littered beaches lure Pacific Coast lovers all year and Old Town Bandon's shopping district has local crafts and eateries. A short jump south to Port Orford will catch Cape Blanco, the highest point on the Oregon Coast as well as Orford Head with headland hiking and a maritime museum. Heading back north through Bandon pick up Oregon Highway 42 and jump back over the mountains to Interstate 5 at Roseburg or continue to Oregon 38 at Reedsport, which will close your loop nearly where you began on I-5. Have a great time. Allow one night minimum.