35 Important Oregon Coast Packing List Items (By The Seasons)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Oregon Coast Packing List (all seasons)

So, you’ve decided to take an Oregon coast road trip. Lucky you!

It’s one of our all-time favorite destinations, and we find ourselves coming back to the coast multiple times a year. (Probably even once a month!)

Berty and I have traveled to the Oregon coast during all seasons, in all types of weather. We know exactly what to put on your Oregon Coast packing list, and we’re sharing all the juicy details with you here!

Keep scrolling for our all-season list, and scroll down even further for seasonal additions along the way.

Happy packing!

Oregon Coast Packing list - Emily Mandagie

The Complete Oregon Coast Packing List For All Seasons

This blog post is sponsored by Gigi Pip. All opinions and writing are completely our own.

Let’s start with an all-season packing list for the Oregon coast. We’ll dive into specifics for each season below, but this first section is dedicated to things you’ll need any time of year.

Accessories To Bring To The Oregon Coast

1. Sun Hat

While you may opt for a beanie in the rainier months, the Oregon Coast actually has quite a bit of sunshine!

Protect your skin in style with a cute hat! Our favorites are from Gigi Pip. They have felt styles and straw styles (+ more!), and are perfect for any given season. Here are some of our favorites:

The Monroe Rancher
Bre Straw Pork Pie Hat in Natural (pictured above)
The Dahlia Boater Hat

2. Sunglasses

Along with a hat, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harsh rays.

The sunsets are on the horizon in the evenings, so on a clear day, you’ll get plenty of sunshine!

3. Hat Carrier

Don’t let your cute hats get squished in a bag!

Grab a day tote with a hat carrier built into the side. This Gigi Pip one has adjustable buckles to fit your hat’s brim for a secure fit.

If you’re flying in for your Oregon coast vacation, you can also stash your hat carefully in your suitcase. Here’s a helpful article on how to pack a hat in your suitcase.

4. Warm Hat

Coming to the Oregon Coast in the late fall or winter? Chances are that the sun won’t be much of an issue, but the wind surely will!

We like to pack at least one or two beanies with us on our trips. They will keep you warm as you walk along the beach, or if you’re sitting outside around a bonfire.

Read More: Where you are allowed to have a bonfire on the Oregon Coast (+ how to build one)

5. Packing Cubes

If you like to stay organized on trips (like me!), we highly recommend using packing cubes!

Using them, you can sort out your clothes by type (shirts, pants, underwear, etc) or by outfit.

We also pack an empty packing cube on purpose, to use for dirty laundry. This way, they stay separate in your bag!

6. Hair Ties

The Oregon Coast can get windy, especially on Oregon coast hikes that have cliffside views of the coast!

Pack a few extra hair ties in your bag to tame those flyaways.

7. Small Wallet / Waist Pack

Generally speaking, the Oregon coast is a pretty safe and laidback place. However, we don’t recommend leaving valuables in your car anywhere you park.

For comfort, pack a small waist pack to keep cash, cards, and keys on hand. If you don’t want your items visible, you can also opt to get a small neck wallet, and tuck it away under your jacket or in your shirt.

8. Cash & Debit/Credit Card

Most places on the Oregon Coast take credit cards. However, in small towns, you may encounter cash-only transactions!

Pack both cash and cards in your wallet to prepare for any situation. ATMs are common in bigger Oregon Coast beach towns like Seaside, Cannon Beach, or Coos Bay.

9. Travel Insurance (Optional)

As stated above, the Oregon Coast is generally a safe place to travel. However, in today’s world, things change so quickly! If you are concerned about your trip being interrupted, it’s a safe bet to purchase travel insurance.

Travel insurance can cover things like a health emergency, travel changes, and even more specifics if you want. This one is up to you and your comfort level.

What To Wear On The Oregon Coast

10. Lots of Layers

The beach can be calm and sunny one moment, and the next will bring high winds and rain! It’s essential to be prepared for any type of weather on the Oregon Coast.

Here are the layers you should be packing:

Base Layer: Merino wool or quick-dry synthetic fabric. NO cotton. (Cotton can hold on to water and make you feel colder.)
Fleece Jacket: This layer retains heat and keeps you warmer.
Rain shell or wind breaker. Depending on the weather, the outer layer should keep you away from the elements.

11. Long Pants

No matter what time of year you visit, long pants are always a good addition to your Oregon coast packing list.

Not only do they keep you warmer, but they can also protect you on Oregon Coast hikes. They can prevent you from getting scratched by underbrush and keep mud off your body!

12. Wool Socks

Why wool socks specifically? Generally, wool will still keep you warm even if the material gets wet.

This is especially important to consider when planning for a trip to the Oregon Coast. Tide pools and other beachside activities have a high chance of you getting splashed!

How To Break In Hiking Boots - Teva Boots - The Mandagies

13. Waterproof Shoes / Boots

To keep the waves at bay, consider bringing a pair of waterproof boots or sturdy shoes on your Oregon coast packing list.

During your trip, you may find yourself crossing streams, hopping tide pools, or getting in the way of a sneaker wave. (Like at Cape Perpetua)

14. Rubber Boots

Looking to get up close to the waves? Consider packing a pair of rubber rain boots too!

This will give you a little more freedom to wander the shores, streams, and Oregon coast tide pools with a little more protection.

15. Fleece Jacket

A fleece jacket is an excellent layer to add to your Oregon coast packing list.

Fleece is lightweight and paired with other layers, it keeps you warm.

16. Rain Jacket

No matter what time of year you visit the Oregon coast, you should be packing a rain jacket! It is the Pacific Northwest after all.

Choose one that is lightweight, and can be stuffed into a day pack or small backpack.

17. Windbreaker Jacket

If you plan to be hanging out on the beach, you need to add a windbreaker to your Oregon coast packing list. Windbreakers will keep you warm even when the wind is whipping, which is quite often on the beach!

You can double up on a windbreaker/rain jacket combo too, so you don’t have to pack two separate coats.

18. Hoodie

For casual evenings around the bonfire, a casual hoodie will do just fine! It’s important to have plenty of layers, even in the summertime on the Oregon coast.

Tech For Your Oregon Coast Packing List

19. Camera

Some of the best Oregon photography locations are on the coast! Don’t forget to capture those moments and bring a camera! It doesn’t have to be a fancy one either – smartphones now take just as high quality images.

Want To See Our Setup? Read Our Complete Travel Photography Gear List

20. Binoculars

Bird watching? Whale watching? If scoping out wildlife is your jam, consider bringing a pair of travel binoculars.

This way, you can hang them around your neck on the trail and be ready for a surprising sighting!

21. Waterproof Phone Case

If you are planning to spend an extended amount of time around the water, pack a waterproof phone case.

We can’t even count how many times our phone has dropped out of our pocket on the sand or a tide pool. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

22. Power Bank

Have you ever been stuck in an unfamiliar place with a dead phone? Trust us, it’s not fun!

Pack a pocket-sized power bank and an extra phone charging cable. This way, you have power on hand when you need it.

23. Extra Cords or Chargers

Because Berty and I travel a lot, we’ve learned that outlets in hotels or Airbnbs aren’t always in the most convenient places!

This is why we bought 6ft phone charging cords on Amazon. When the only outlet is clear across the room, it’s a lifesaver!

Oregon Coast Packing List For All Seasons

Outdoor Gear To Bring To The Oregon Coast

24. Tide Schedule

One of the most essential items for your Oregon Coast packing list is a tide chart!

The tides determine which areas of the beach are accessible. The tides also determine what activities are available, and what you can do or see.

Pick up a tide chart at the front desk of your hotel, or find your location and TidesChart.com.

25. Mile-By-Mile Oregon Coast Guide

Is your trip to the ocean part of a big Oregon coast road trip? Pick up a mile-by-mile guide to plan stops at the best places!

Want an internet-friendly version? We’ve covered all the stops in this blog post here!

26. Doggy Bags

If you are traveling with your pet, make sure to bring extra doggy bags! It is ESSENTIAL that you pick up after your pooch on the beach.

The waves and water combined with poop can be a huge hazard to others on the beach. Keep an eye out for your dog!

27. Retractable Hiking Poles

Hiking poles are a great idea for Oregon coast hikes that require a little more elevation or distance.

Pack them on trails like Neakahnie Mountain, Elk Flats Trail, or God’s Thumb Trail in Lincoln City.

28. Paracord Bracelet

For peak preparedness, double up on emergency gear that’s also a fashion statement!

A Para cord bracelet that doubles as an emergency rope is great to have on slightly more challenging hiking trails on the Oregon coast. We never recommend getting too close to the edge, but if you do, you’ll be glad you had some rope!

29. Day Pack

Pack up all your hiking gear and snacks in a daypack. We like to choose one with comfortable shoulder straps and made of a water-resistant material.

30. Sunscreen

While you may know the Pacific Northwest as a rainy region, you can still get burned by the sun here!

Make sure to put some sunscreen on your Oregon coast packing list, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.

31. Bug repellent

Mosquitoes are a nuisance in the summertime! This is especially true on nearby lakes, as still water is a breeding ground for these pesky insects.

Pack some bug spray for use in the mornings and evening (which is peak time for mosquitos).

32. Water Bottle

You may be in the presence of water, but that doesn’t mean you can take a break from hydrating! Pack a wide-mouth bottle for easy cleaning and filling on the go.

33. Snacks

Snacking is such a customizable thing – you can get as fancy or as cheap as you want!

Personally, we like to visit a grocery store and pick up a bottle or local Oregon wine for a coastal picnic. Other times, we bring our own coffee and make Aeropress brew mid-hike. The choice is yours!

Read More: 15 Easy Hiking Snacks To Bring On The Trail

34. Headlamp

If you are planning any kind of early or late adventure, it’s important to add a headlamp to your Oregon coast packing list.

Oregon Coast Packing List (By The Seasons)

In addition to all of the above items, here’s what to specifically pack for the Oregon Coast based on the seasons.

What To Pack For Winter On The Oregon Coast (Dec, Jan, Feb)

Rain. You can always rely on it during winter on the Oregon Coast! Temperatures average between the 30s- low 50s, which means bundling up is essential.

You’ll want to pack plenty of extra layers during this season and add these extras to your Oregon Coast packing list:

Waterproof Hiking Boots
Gloves
Scarf
Waterproof Coat / Parka
Rain pants
Long Underwear
Towel
Extra Trash Bags

What To Pack For Spring On The Oregon Coast (March, April May)

Spring on the Oregon coast is a transitional month. You’ll find that there will become sunny days sprinkled in with the occasional rainy day. Expect your Oregon Coast vacation to consist of a mix of indoor AND outdoor days.

Here’s what we suggest adding to your Oregon coast packing list for spring:

Games: Easy travel games include Bananagrams, UNO, and the classic deck of cards.
Camp blanket
Picnic Basket

What To Pack For Summer On The Oregon Coast (June, July, August, September)

You might be wondering, “how do people dress for the Oregon Coast in June?”

Well, it’s pretty common to see the same clothing items worn year-round on the Oregon coast, but summer brings out a few more short sleeve shirts and shorts!

Here’s what to add to your Oregon coast packing list for the summer:

Flip flops or sandals
Shorts
Swimsuit / Wetsuit
Beach Games / Volleyball
Cooler
Beach Blanket
Camping Chairs
Bonfire Supplies: Firestarter, paper, matches, wood

What To Pack For Fall On The Oregon Coast (October, November)

Oregon Coast in the fall is the storm-watching season! It’s also the season with less marine layer, which means the skies are clearer for more vivid sunsets. Expect to pack a few extra layers for some late evenings out. Think warm and cozy!

Add these to your Oregon coast packing list in the fall:

Travel Mug
Extra Socks
Jean Jacket / Light Jackets

Do NOT add these items to your Oregon Coast Packing List

So what should you NOT add to your Oregon coast packing list? Here are some things we suggest leaving at home and why:

Fancy Clothes

The Oregon Coast is a generally laid-back, casual place. With notable exceptions for fancy dinner reservations, nice clothes are not necessary. In act, you’d probably stick out quite a bit!

Most people on the Oregon coast wearoutdoor causal gear (think Patagonia fleece, Blundstones, and a Carhartt beanie)

Impractical or uncomfortable shoes

A lot of Oregon coast activities require moving around quite a bit. If your shoes are uncomfortable, that’s going to affect nearly everything you do!

This isn’t the time to try out new shoes, so add a pair of tried and true kicks on your Oregon Coast packing list.

Leather or suede (untreated)

Have a nice pair of shoes or a high-quality piece made of untreated suede or leather? Chances are, it’s going to come in contact with saltwater one way or another!

If you’d rather not have water stains on your nice items, we suggest leaving them at home.

An exception would be things like leather hiking shoes or boots like Blundstones. These are treated with a water-resistant coating and can handle some water!

Let’s Wrap Up Your Oregon Coast Packing List

We hope you enjoyed our take on what to pack for an Oregon coast vacation. The coast is a pretty casual and outdoorsy place. If you stick to the guidelines of low-key, active, and warm items, you’ll be just fine!