Now that the calendar has turned to October, we are now well into the fall season in Oregon. That means that the summer crowds have headed back home, the leaves are hitting their peak colors, and the weather is still nice enough to explore all over the state.
One of the most underrated places to visit in October is the Oregon coast. Most folks think that once fall hits, the storms and rain start rolling in, and the days will be spent hunkered down in the hotel (not that there is anything wrong with that!).
But what is actually true is this time of year on the coast is commonly referred to as the second summer. This is the time period after summer rolls off but before the late fall storms start battering the coastline.
So, if you need a getaway this weekend, then hit the road with us as we try to convince you why October is the best time to visit the Oregon coast.
Fewer Crowds
Anyone who has fought for parking spots along the northern Oregon coast during busy summer weekends can fully appreciate the absolute bliss of pulling into town to empty parking lots. That goes for waiting for restaurants, walking along the beach, or just sitting quietly in the coffee shop and taking a little extra time to enjoy your morning latte without being crowded by a line stretching out the door.
Mild Weather
As we mentioned earlier, mid-fall on the Oregon coast is often referred to as the second summer. This stretch of mild weather often means warm days, little rain, and plenty of opportunities to explore the beaches and woods up and down the coast.
If you’re into mushroom foraging, then this is also peak time, and doing it in the sun instead of a downpour is always welcome!
Dramatic Storm Watching
With that said, the fall months on the Oregon coast also bring about some mightily impressive storms, especially as the calendar stretches into late October and early November. It can be worth watching the forecast and heading out to your favorite rocky beachside town to see one of nature’s most majestic displays as waves pound the rocky shorelines.
Depoe Bay is one of our favorite spots for this, as the waves will wash all the way up the seawalls and onto the main road through town.
Crab and Clam Season
There’s an old saying that you should avoid harvesting shellfish in months that don’t have an “r” in the name. That means that September through April is good, and May through August should be avoided. While this old wives’ tale isn’t perfect, there is certainly something to be said for harvesting in the cooler months.
October is usually a perfect time to hit the beaches in search of some ocean-grown sustenance for your bouillabaisse. Just check the regulations and beach status before heading out!
Beautiful Fall Colors
The Oregon coast may not be on the top of everyone’s list for leaf peeping, but the drive there certainly can be a nice one. Here, the roads are often lined with big leaf maples whose impressive canopy turns into an array of oranges, yellows, and browns as the season advances. You can even find pockets of color on the coast if you head out on the trails slightly inland from the sea.
Whale Watching
While peak migratory whale watching season takes place in early winter through the spring, October is still a fine month to catch a glimpse of the resident gray whales that call the central Oregon coast home. Spots like Depoe Bay are home to whales who choose to set up shop here rather than make the trek all the way to Alaska, and they usually stick around until the migration season starts up again in November and December.
Affordable Lodging
Anyone who has booked a trip to the coast during the summer months knows that finding affordable lodging can be quite a herculean effort. Even the less glamorous lodging options command a premium, but thankfully, for us budget-conscious folk, there are far more wallet-friendly options available once the calendar flips to fall.
From vacation rentals looking to fill up extra space to hotels offering perks like free nights, October is often the month to start seeking out deals.
Local Festivals and Events
Fall is the perfect time to celebrate the things that make the Oregon coast so amazing. From the Mushroom Festival in Yachats to the Stormy Weather Art Fest in Cannon Beach to the Great Columbia Crossing run in Astoria, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate everything Oregon during this time.
