Rock formations in the ocean in the shape of arches make another unique spot along the dynamic Oregon coast. There is a sign on Oregon Coast Highway that guides you to the small parking area. You will see the wooden boardwalk that takes you to the viewing deck. There is a hiking trail down to the beach if you have time to spare.

1881 steamer Mary D. Hume was built by pioneer R.D. Hume. She was in service for almost a hundred years, hauling freight along the West Coast from Oregon to San Francisco and then as a whaler in Alaska. She retired in 1977, returning to her place of christening, but sank in the Rogue River in 1985. She has remained here ever since near the Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge.

The conical shaped sea stack and the mystical fog surrounding the beach impart an eerie beauty. This area of Oregon is known for its amazing sea stacks, the Wizard's Hat being just one of them. The best time to go is low tide at sunset when the sky is a myriad of watercolor hues reflected perfectly in the tide pools left behind. Take Beach Loop Road to Face Rock Scenic State Park for beach access.

This stunning emerald botanical preserve is dedicated to ensuring the continued existence of an extremely rare…and carnivorous…plant. The innocently named Darlingtonia californica, a.k.a. cobra lily, thrives here - feasting on insects with its forked tongue. If you decide to visit this state park, the golden rule here is, "Look, but don't touch!"

The sea-level caves on the coast of the Pacific is also a protected preserve for sea lions. They breed, hunt, swim, and languish as they please. 14 bucks will get you a close-up view of these blubbery creatures and parking is free. Those of you with RVs will have ample space to park your mobile home.

Any place magnificent enough to be named after the Norse god of thunder is a must-see on a road trip. A yawning wound on Cape Perpetua along the Oregon Coast, this hole in the ocean seems to be endless but in reality it is only about 20 feet deep. Still the area can be as treacherous as any place located on the wild Pacific coastline. For the safety of visitors there is a sitting area near the gaping hole.

Over thousands of years strong waves cut an inlet into the shoreline creating the violent water movement known as Devil's Churn. The walk down to the shoreline is steep, but thankfully a staircase is there to guide your descent. Be prepared for a long climb down and back up the staircase! The parking lot to the staircase is easily accessible via the 101. Needless to say, take care when you're standing near the inlet.

This 800-foot spot is the highest viewpoint on the Oregon coast. From this high visitors have a bird's eye view of the Northwestern forests meeting the rocky shoreline against the backdrop of the sun dappled Pacific.

Just off the beaten path of the 101, is a sharp, rocky, naturally carved out pool that empties and fills with water via Pacific Ocean waves. When it empties, you can stand on the sandy floor, and admire the sea creatures that the exiting water leaves behind. If you're taking a coastal drive, this state park should surely be on your checklist.

Sea stacks and estuaries lining a system of thick green forests characterizes Siletz Bay. Located in the quaint and historic Taft district this little area of Oregon is one of its hidden gems where vacationers like to go crabbing and clamming or simply enjoy sunset on the beach. There is a small parking area located off to the side of the 101 with a large lookout deck that gives visitors a perfect view of the bay and sea stacks.

An ancient Sitka spruce forest was unearthed in 1997-1998 when violent storms washed away the deep sands and debris they were buried under. Only their stumps remain, probably the result of a cataclysmic earthquake or tsunami that occurred approximately 2,000 years ago. The best time to see this wondrously eerie place is at low tide. Some of the stumps are partially hollow creating little tide pools for sea creatures to rest in.

This Sitka spruce was once a ceremonial tree of the Tillamook tribe. Its uniqueness is debated. Some believe the odd shape is purely manmade - the tribe would choose a special tree that had not yet matured and then restraints would be used to force the tree to grow into its unnatural position. Others believe that natural events wreaked havoc on the tree resulting in the cephalopod-like limbs. Whatever it's origin is it is certainly a striking curiosity.

Named for the narrow cape that was once used as a stagecoach pass for early settlers, the Hug Point Waterfall is just one of the many glorious sights to be seen at this ruggedly beautiful state park on the Oregon Coast. The waterfall falls over the cliffs and caves that were formed from water erosion. There's plenty of parking but you have to make sure to get there at low tide in order to walk around the caves at the shoreline.

All that remains of the grand, four-masted barque "Peter Iredale" is a rusted bow. It juts out of the water, a skeleton that looks like the bony remains of a great whale or shark. It's the perfect setting at sundown where the ship's carcass makes an eerily beautiful silhouette against the backdrop of a fiery sky.