San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Day 4 (Southern Oregon to Central Oregon)

Day 1: San Francisco to Sonoma
Day 2: Sonoma to the Redwoods
Day 3: Redwoods to Oregon
Day 4: Southern to Central Oregon
Day 5: Central Oregon to PortlandGeneral Notes/ Words of Precaution

My strategy for this journey was to limit the daily driving to less than 3.5 hours. That way we could wake up at a decent hour, take a leisurely lunch, stop at impromptu vista points and still fit in the driving during daylight. I also wanted to maintain a bit of spontaneity and flexibility (to the extent that I am capable of that) so I only booked the last two nights (Oregon locations) in advance. We reserved the two California overnights on site.

Day 4: Southern Oregon to Central Oregon Coast

Looking for an out of the way romantic getaway? You must try the Tu Tu Tun Lodge in Gold Beach, Oregon. I wish we could have stayed longer and loved waking up to the lingering smell of our wood burning fireplace and the misty river view.

We started our morning with a comforting two course breakfast overlooking the Rouge River. Tu Tu Tun Lodge provides all guests with a first course “bar” of granola, fruit, yogurt and muffins, and then a custom warm course of eggs any style, bacon, and/or sausage.

We left the Lodge with full bellies, ready to take on our 3 hour drive north. First stop was the Battle Rock City Park in Port Orford, Oregon.

After the Battle Rock, we took another quick detour to see the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, also the westernmost point in Oregon. Unfortunately the entrance to the lighthouse was not open at the time (only open April to October) but we were still able to take in the breathtaking panoramic view of the cape.

By this point, the Oregon mist had chilled us and we were happy to be warmed up in the charming town of Bandon, Oregon where we tried one of the 5 varieties of mocha’s on the menu at Bandon Coffee Cafe. This town is definitely a place I would have liked to spend more time exploring, it looked like you could get some tasty eats at the seafood restaurants on the waterfront.

We powered through Coos Bay, a very industrial town and made our way north to our final destination for the day, the SeaQuest Inn Bed & Breakfast in Yachats, Oregon. We had booked this accomodation in advance thanks to the positive views on TripAdvisor, but I would be remiss if I did not mention my excitement to stay in a place that shares its name with the early 1990’s Jonathan Brandis classic TV show.

Our room was on the first floor and featured large windows looking straight out into the ocean. There is no better way to wake up than to the sound and view of crashing ocean waves. The Inn definitely has a much more bed and breakfasty feel with eclectic decorations throughout, and warm, accommodating hosts.

My first heart shaped tub!

View of the ocean from private deck.

Links to more in depth reviews by me, of places visited on this trip:

Lodging

Miranda Gardens