5 Epic Destinations on the Oregon Coast to Explore in Your Electric Vehicle

Aug 24

by Lydia Schuldt

The Oregon Coast is the perfect place to explore the rugged beauty and seasonal moods of the Pacific Northwest. Also known as the people’s coast, or simply the coast, the area spans 363 miles of publicly owned coastline. With sweeping coniferous forests, breathtaking views, and near-endless outdoor adventures to be had, the coast earns its distinction as one of the 7 wonders of Oregon.

Cruising along Highway 101 among the Sitka spruce and cute fishing towns can make for the ideal road trip, but if you’re heading to the coast in an electric vehicle, finding convenient places to charge can be frustrating. To help get you out there and make it easier to find Oregon EV charging stations, we’ve compiled a list of 5 epic destinations on the Oregon Coast to explore in your electric vehicle. Enjoy an EV road trip along the Oregon Coast!

Ecola State Park
Oswald West State Park
Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Kiwanda
Devil’s Punchbowl & Otter Rock

Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is the gem of Cannon Beach, Oregon. This picturesque park is known for Indian Beach which is one of the most stunning beaches on the Oregon Coast. Located on a secluded stretch of coastline through a winding road of moss covered trees, this beach has some of the most incredible rock formations and arches in the Pacific Northwest. Famous for tidepooling and surfing, Indian beach is the perfect spot to post up for the day to surf and finish off the day with a fire while the sun sets. This is one of the only surf breaks in Oregon which can offer more consistent rights, so enjoy catching some peeling right waves in a beautiful location. Explore the beaches, wildlife and trails throughout the park and lookout for elk who call this state park home. Make sure to explore the incredible Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach as well before you leave town!

Where to Charge Your Electric Vehicle near Cannon Beach?

To keep it simple, we’ll focus on locations with Level 3 chargers, also known as DC-fast chargers. If you’re an electric vehicle newbie, bear in mind there are two major plug standards for DC-fast charging–the Combined Charging Standard (CCS) and the North American Charging Standard (NACS). Historically, NACS was for Tesla vehicles as a part of their Supercharger Network and CCS was for most other non-Tesla vehicles. This situation is now evolving as the Tesla Supercharging Network opens up to non-Tesla vehicles, and the NACS plug is winning out as the dominant standard in North America. Most major electric vehicle brands plan to incorporate the NACS plug into their vehicles in the coming years. That said, on the North Coast your best options are:

NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the outlet mall in Seaside, OR
CCS - Electrify America DC-fast chargers at the Fred Meyer in Warrenton, OR

Oswald West State Park

Another epic destination on the Oregon Coast is Oswald West State Park. The most famous beach in Oswald West State Park is Short Sands, which is also one of the most popular surfing destinations on the Oregon Coast. This golden sand beach is half a mile hike from Pacific Highway 101 in a hidden cove surrounded by mossy old growth forests and sea scapes. Short Sands is a great destination for an EV road trip along the Oregon Coast and provides plenty of space for surfers of all levels to enjoy cold water surfing in Oregon. This temperate rainforest paradise also offers hikers several different trails to enjoy. Falcon Cove Trail has scenic views of Short Sands Beach and hiking up Mt. Neahkanhinie provides vast views of the coastal town of Manzanita and the Nehalem Bay.

Where to Charge Your Electric Vehicle near Short Sands?

It’s slim pickings in terms of Level 3 chargers near Short Sands as you’ll be about halfway between your two best bets:

NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the outlet mall in Seaside, OR
NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook, OR

Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout State Park is the best place on the Oregon Coast to visit if you want to experience the remote coastline without driving too far. Located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean, this state park is only 15 minutes from Tillamook, but it feels like you are in the middle of nowhere. With miles of hiking trails, a campground, incredible views and scenic drives to explore around, there are plenty of outdoor adventures and EV joy rides to enjoy in Cape Lookout State Park. Make sure to check out Cape Meares, Oceanside and head south to Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City after a night in a yurt or a cabin at the Cape Lookout Campground.

Where to Charge Your Electric Vehicle near Cape Lookout State Park?

Two new electric vehicle Level 2 chargers have been installed through the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation at the Cape Lookout Day Use Area. Both of these Level 2 chargers are live if you want to spend a few hours hiking around Cape Lookout while you charge up your EV. These chargers are compatible with all EV models currently on the road, so you won’t feel any charging anxiety at Cape Lookout. Since Cape Lookout is conveniently located just a short drive from Tillamook, you can also use the fast-charger in town on your way to or from Cape Lookout.

NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook, OR

Cape Kiwanda

Cape Kiwanda, located in Pacific City, Oregon is one of our favorites on the Oregon Coast. Known for its massive sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, and Haystack Rock, it’s a beautiful place for a beach getaway off the 101. Located on the Three Capes Scenic Route near Tillamook and Cape Lookout State Park, the charming town of Pacific City is a quintessential Oregon Coast village. Enjoy a hike up the sand dunes for panoramic views, surfing, or a mahi mahi burrito from Ben and Jeff’s Burgers and Tacos. Then chill and take in the sunset at Pelican Brewing.

Where to Charge Your Electric Vehicle near Pacific City?

Same story here; You’ll be in between Level 3 chargers in Tillamook and Lincoln City.

NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook, OR
NACS - Tesla Superchargers at the outlet mall in Lincoln City, OR
CCS - Rivian Adventure Network DC-fast chargers at the outlet mall in Lincoln City, OR. At the time of writing, these chargers are only open to Rivian vehicles, but in the near future, word on the street is that Rivan has plans to open up the network to other electric vehicles.

If you’re fast-charging at the outlet mall in Lincoln City and the mood strikes you, go throw some axes at Scout Northwest Trading Co. Then grab a snack and sip refreshments at Salt.

Devil’s Punchbowl & Otter Rock

Last but not least is Otter Rock and Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area. Located near Depoe Bay, this captivating landscape offers a dramatic place where waves crash through an opening in a rock formation at Devil’s Punchbowl. If you are up for a cold water plunge, Otter Rock is an excellent location for beginner surfers to test the waters in the summer. Drive your electric vehicle to the lookout viewpoint which is a great location to spot gray whales migrating. Low tide near Otter Rock and Devil’s Punchbowl is an excellent location for tidepooling and watching the powerful pacific ocean break along the rocky coastline. Sip a coffee or eat a sweet treat from Cliffside Coffee & Sweets while you take in the views.

Where to Charge Your Electric Vehicle near Depoe Bay?

To your north are the Level 3 chargers in Lincoln City, OR (see above). South of Otter Rock, you have a couple options:

CCS - Electrify America DC-fast chargers at Walmart in Newport, OR
NACS - Tesla Superchargers near the Safeway in Newport, OR

Make sure to pack up your Rivian, Tesla or other electric vehicle for an epic Oregon Coast Roadtrip! Enjoy beautiful warm beach days in the summer or choose to explore during the Spring or Fall when the coast is less crowded and covered in a misty fog. Regardless of the season, the Oregon Coast will leave you stunned with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the rugged beaches. Now start planning so you can dive into these 4 epic Oregon Coast destinations to explore in your electric vehicle!

For more sustainable travel blogs and ecotourism in Oregon and the PNW, check out the best EV charging stations near National Parks in the PNW and 10 best hikes in Oregon near EV charging stations.