I like to have some flexibility if I’m doing a trip like this with stuff I’m unfamiliar with. That way if I’m enjoying something I can stay another day or if not I can move on.
But I know given the time of year that won’t work here. That’s why I’m trying to get it figured out. There’s still some places to stay now, but I’m hoping to get reservations made in the next couple days so I don’t have to worry about it.
“If your trip is Sunday, June 30 and Monday, July 1st, I hope that you have made hotel / motel reservations or are staying with friends or relatives as everything will be booked up.”
A simple google search will prove this to not be true.
I can recommend the Cannary Pier hotel in Astoria.
Bruce’s Candy Kitchen in Cannon Beach has the best saltwater taffy I’ve ever had.
Here’s another vote for the Oregon coast over WA coast. Gearhart is north of Cannon Beach and is less developed. It has a gorgeous beach that stretches up to Astoria. Also check out the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park in Astoria. Your girls should find it very interesting. Route 101 is very busy in the summer and traffic is slow going so don’t expect to cover a large area in your 2 days. Astoria to Gearhart and Cannon Beach would be reasonable.
The WA coast is more wild and remote and much of the road is inland. It is a very long drive from Seattle to the Hoh Rain Forest. Especially since you are then heading over to Hood River. Stick to Oregon!
If you want to hike in Hoh Rainforest, you pretty much need to make a base camp somewhere nearby. It is a long drive from Seattle. We really liked Kalaloch Lodge. Kind of a rustic lodge rather than luxurious accommodation, yet cozy and in amazing location.
Re: Ruby Beach - have never heard of it and have lived in the PNW for nearly 40 years. I looked it up on the map and it’s a long drive from wherever you are coming from. You would be driving miles and miles on an inland road dealing with logging trucks.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is interesting. I also enjoy visiting the Yaquina Head lighthouse at Newport.
Skip Ruby Beach this trip and just visit the northern Oregon coast. Next time you’re in the area visit Ruby Beach and Olympic National Park.
This should be a pinned thread, because it may be the most unanimous opinion on CC. So since everyone who actually knows the area thinks I should stick to a smaller area in Oregon, that’s probably what I am going to do.
As usual, thanks to all who contribute to the collective wisdom on CC.
We did both a few summers ago. Flew into Portland, drove to Olympia and over to the coast, visited the Tlillamook factory, stayed in Seaside a couple of days, then headed up to The Olympic peninsula. We stayed there a few days and drove all the way around. We loved the whole trip but with the amount of time you have, head to the Oregon coast. Things are very spread out on the Washington portion and you’d spend the whole time in the car and see mostly trees unless you take time to stop and hike.
With just “two full days” to explore, I doubt that OP has enough time to explore the coasts of two states unless willing to stay in the car or SUV for most of the two days. (Certainly an option on California’s Coastal Highway or driving along the Columbia River, but is this feasible along the Washington & Oregon coasts ?)
Honestly, when you see that Oregon shoreline around Cannon Beach you’re going to want to grab your flip flops, maybe a beach chair and a credit card to buy some yummy food and you’re not going to want to move. It’s just beautiful, relaxing and well, I wouldn’t/didn’t want to leave it!!!
Easy–Oregon
I just came back yesterday from my first trip to Cannon Beach, OR and it was 1000x better than I expected. The sand “beach” is incredibly deep and when it’s low tide the sand is hard packed and walkable for miles. D & I walked to Haystack Rock, and marveled at the tide pools and schools of starfish and urchins (there are a group of conservationists that hang out there and offer wonderful information). In the evening we walked (and walked) to watch the sunset and folks had bonfires going. The ocean itself is intense, and definitely not for swimming, but it sure is beautiful! We took time to visit Astoria, Seaside and Tillamook as well.
One of my all-time favorite commercials.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=doVV1a7XgyQ
Enjoy!!
Ohhh…, another one!
Wow what fabulous commercials! (though animated… 
) What’s the deal with rabbits in Oregon??? I don’t recall this!
This thread is making me want to plan my own re-visit to Oregon!
The rabbits are WA expats! There are so many of them here they migrate down the coast…
Mr. B just came back from our front yard and said he saw a caravan of bunnies marching south. Beware, there will be more bunnies down in Oregon soon! 
JK.
@abasket - Here is the back story of the commercial. YouTube is still buzzing with comments a year after the commercials first aired… guess the ad campaign was a success. 