Discovering The Oregon Coast Solo In A Van

1. DISCOVERING THE OREGON COAST SOLO IN A VAN

2. I’ve been wanting to explore this 337-mile coast for decades. Suddenly I did it. And I was thrilled to the core. It was beyond what I was expecting. Why? Breathtaking landscapes, magical coastal towns, a ton of lakes, and millions of trees. This scenic stretch of the Pacific Northwest is a perfect destination for solo camping enthusiasts seeking solitude and pristine nature. Your eyes will pop out of your head on the daily. So get ready for extreme fun accordingly.

3. THINGS TO CONSIDER: Firstly, before hitting the road, selecting the perfect camper van is crucial. What suits your needs and preferences? I used my Kia Sedona mini-van. Because It parks in tight places and is great on gas mileage. Boom. And I don’t want to tow anything other than my camera and snacks certainly. How do you plan your route? The Oregon Coast stretches from the Columbia River in the north to the California border in the south. So choose what you want to do. I started at Brookings, Oregon in the South. Don’t miss stopping at Harris Beach State Park. One thing to note: you’ll discover places that enchant you so you’ll want to stay longer, my favorites: Bandon Beach Newport Yachats Florence Devils Punchbowl It took me 4 weeks and I loved every minute of this adventure. So are you ready to start out?

4. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: A sleeping bag or blankets, cooking equipment, food, water, and toiletries. Flashlight, head lamp, and pillow. Camping: You’ll find places outside of the parks to camp as the paid spots are often full of Summer campers who thought ahead and booked months before. If you’re like me, you set off on a whim and didn’t do this. But never fear as boon docking is accepted and celebrated on the Oregon coast and there are many other vans and small to huge campers doing the same thing as you. And these spots along the coastal route have breathtaking sunsets too! Don’t forget to pack a good book, camera, and binoculars to make the most of your solo coastal adventure. Get the ioverlander app so you can find free camping along the way. I did enjoy paid camping with electricity a few times as I loved using my laptop at my campsite. And the discounted prices for Seniors. I love being older!

5. But I did have to wait in line to get this spot at the campground itself so I didn’t do this often. There are too many natural places, full of wonder and awe to camp at and free. You’ll find these spots either south or north of all the coastal towns, if you don’t find any, just keep driving. It’s informal and unscripted; perfect for those of us who are spontaneous. Exploring Coastal Towns: the cute towns of Yachats, Florence, Newport, and Bandon, were my favorites. In Florence hike around Jessie Honey man Memorial Park, you can even swim in the lake. And its chock full of trees, water, and stunning views.

6. YACHATS IS LOVELY: Restaurants, bakeries, cute shops, and a library. Friendly residents. My absolute favorite place to be there was Green Salmon Bakery. The building is green you can’t miss it on the main drag and it has the best wifi too. I was able to do a zoom call here for business and was so grateful. Basically the Oregon Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the numerous scenic trails that wind through lush forests and along rugged cliffs. The Cascade Head Trail near Lincoln City offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is known for its awe-inspiring old-growth forests and stunning coastal vistas. Additionally, engage in activities like beachcombing, tidepooling, kayaking, and whale watching to fully immerse yourself in the coastal experience. I liked Hobbit Beach and Trail north of Florence – you walk through trees feeling like a hobbit and then you emerge on a gorgeous beach. It’s killer! Photography: dramatic sea stacks and golden sandy beaches to misty shorelines and charming lighthouses, this coastline offers a photographer’s paradise. Also, be sure to capture the vibrant sunsets, capture wildlife in their natural habitats, and experiment with long-exposure shots to create mesmerizing seascapes.

7. safety Tips Be cautious when driving along winding coastal roads and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Always let someone know your itinerary and expected return time, and carry a charged cell phone for emergencies. I have a low cost attachment from Best Buy inserted into my 12 volt charge on the dashboard of my van and it charges my phone as I drive. Don’t let your phone lose power. You can also get a portable charge station. I have one for emergencies. And it charges the van battery too. It’s a good investment to have AAA road side service. It’s worth it! If you have any questions about this adventure let me know – there is so much more information than I’m giving here as the entire coast is a playground of divine nature and inspiration. Traveling solo and camping is truly more fun than I thought it would be. You meet people, you enjoy nature, and you have time to relax.

8. So pack your bags, hit the open road, and get ready to discover the natural wonders of this Pacific Northwest gem. If you like being cool rather than boiling hot in the Summer this is the trip for you Get in touch if you have an an international trip, camping adventure, or solo travel escapes you’d like to discuss. One on one travel consultations will save you time and money. I have contacts and people worldwide who help me live this global lifestyle of solo travel and leading photography workshops in Italy, France, and Mexico. My next workshop is in Oaxaca City and there are 2 openings now, only 6 people. You’re invited to join me! Write me at: mary@bartnikowski.com

9. CONTACT US www.vagabondtravelmag.com Email ID: mary@bartnikowski.com Phone Number: +1 (808) 542-4566