REGIONS > OREGON CENTRAL COAST
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The Oregon Coast Range runs roughly two-thirds the length of the state, starting near Portland and terminating near the north fork of the Coquille River. At its highest point (Marys Peak), the range barely tops 4,100 feet (1,249 m), making it a relatively low when compared to other mountains in the Pacific Northwest. For example, Mt. Hood in the Cascade Mountain Range to the northeast is over 11,200 feet (3,413 m).

Although intrinsically valuable as a unique environment, the Coast Mountain Range is also economically important. It provides much of Oregon’s raw lumber, though over-harvesting has left the soil unprotected from erosion in many places, hampering new forest growth. These dwindling resources and efforts to restore the forest have caused logging to decline although recreational activities, including fishing, hiking and camping remain popular.

GPS Coordinates: 44.5041921, -123.5686486

Little Big Mountains:

The Coast Range Mountains may be one of the lowest in Oregon, but it can still be a major headache trying to get from one side to the other. Historically, passage across the mountains was hampered by a rugged terrain, inclement weather, powerful rivers and natural hazards such as landslides and floods.

​The first Native Americans to settle here probably made it over the mountains by following trails cut by wildlife. Later, railroads and then roads for automobiles followed similar routes, but still proved to be engineering nightmares. Even today, modern roads leading through the mountains are in need of constant repair and may be closed to traffic by both weather and other challenges related to geography.

Related Features: Colonel Hogg's Great Railroad to the Pacific and Other Engineering Disasters | Mountains of Mist, Mountains of Rain

Explore the Coast Range Mountains: 

Representative Species of the Coast Range Mountains:

Suggested Activities for the Coast Range Mountains: