Van Life Adventures: Central Oregon Coast

One of the best van life adventures to escape Boise is the Central Oregon Coast.

When the hotter temps hit us in Boise, we hit the road! Cooler temps and sunny weather on the Oregon coast this time of year make for the perfect van get away. We have found the Central Oregon coast to be quieter than areas like Lincoln City, Newport or Cannon Beach. Long stretches of untouched beaches, evergreen forests that go right down to meet the ocean, and quirky little towns abound in this region of the Oregon coast. 

While having reservations can be nice on the coast, we found that many state parks offer one-night options for a last minute campsite if you didn’t plan ahead. Just show up and see what they have available. An easy option after a long day’s drive if you’d rather not look for a boondocking spot, which can sometimes be tough to find right near the beach. 

We found a prime spot at Carl G. Washburne State Park, just north of Florence, Oregon. A half-mile hike to the beach, private camping spots with plenty of trees, and hot showers! The camp hosts keep this place impeccably clean and can provide helpful tips for visiting the surrounding area. Plus, you can hike from the campground to other sites such as the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Here’s our recommendations:

• Drive or ride your bike up to Yachats, Oregon where you will find cute bakeries, plenty of beaches and delicious clam chowder. Luna Sea Fish House is our top pick for chowder or fresh fish and chips, with an impressive regional beer selection. Park at the Yachats State Recreation Area to explore tidepools afterwards.
• If you find yourself in Florence on a Tuesday afternoon, be sure to check out their farmers market. The local strawberries are so good, people get in line a half hour before the market opens to make sure they get a pint! We brought home some delicious local fruits, vegetables and baked goods to make dinner.
• For more clam chowder with incredible views of the Suislaw River and Florence bridge, visit the Waterfront Depot. We recommend grabbing cocktails and sitting on the patio to enjoy the views. In addition to great chowder, you can get a variety of local seafood. 
• Of course no trip to the coast would be complete without some saltwater taffy. BJ’s Ice Cream parlor offers well over 100 flavors and, you guessed it, ice cream!