washington oregon road trip

Ultimate 10-day Washington & Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

One of the most iconic, Pacific Northwest road-trips is THIS ONE that will take you through Washington & Oregon’s Coast. With temperate rainforests, coastal beaches, jagged rocks jutting out of the ocean and some of the biggest trees in the world – the PNW really does have it all!

We did this iconic road trip in March 2023 and I’m here to share our 10-day road-trip itinerary with you! We experienced lots of rain, clouds some sunshine and an occasional epic sunset on our trip. Our experience on our Washington & Oregon road-trip was SO unique and I recommend this trip to anybody who is willing to explore what the PNW has to offer!

Table of Contents

What you need to know before your road-trip

Before you begin your road-trip, you should be prepared and know that you will be visiting a National Park in Washington. Make sure you have your America the Great Parks Pass before visiting Olympic National Park! Other than Olympic, you are not entering any other National Parks on this road-trip. Make sure to check out our “ how to visit Olympic National Park in one weekend ” itinerary for details on what we saw in Olympic National Park!

The Oregon Coast road-trip has multiple stops along the way, so I also recommend reading our blog on “ 15 best stops to make on your Oregon Coast road-trip ” to make sure you’re prepared with stops you’d like to see! The best time to do this road-trip would be in the Winter or Spring since it will be less busy in the off-season, and the PNW vibes are best enjoyed when it’s been raining!

Where to start your road-trip

There are multiple different ways to begin your Washington & Oregon Coast road trip and it depends entirely on where you live ! Your trip can be convenient whether you’re driving South from the North, or North from the South. Since we are from Vancouver, BC, I will be directing this road-trip itinerary from North driving South .

If you’re following our road-trip itinerary from Vancouver or Seattle I recommend starting at Port Angeles . There are multiple ways to get to Port Angeles, but we decided to drive 6 hours from Vancouver. You can also take a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria and Victoria to Port Angeles. From Seattle, you can take a ferry to Port Angeles .

Our Actual 10-day Washington & Oregon road trip Itinerary

• Day One: Drive to Port Angeles & check-in.
• Day Two: Explore Olympic National Park & stay at AirBnb. Visit Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls & Sol Duc Falls.
• Day Three: Explore Olympic National Park & camping in Mora Campground. Visit Cape Flattery, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach & Hoh Rainforest.
• Day Four: Drive to Cannon Beach & check-in to Surfsand Resort. Visit Cannon Beach for sunset.
• Day Five: Explore Cannon Beach & Ecola State Park. Visit Ecola State Park for sunset.
• Day Six: Drive to Cape Kiwanda & check-in to Headlands Lodge.
• Day Seven: Explore Cape Kiwanda & Pacific City. Explore the sand dunes.
• Day Eight: Drive to Southern Oregon Coast & camp at Harris Beach State Park. Visit Devil’s Punchbowl, Bandon Beach, Florence Sand Dunes, and Meyer’s Creek Beach.
• Day Nine: Visit Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor & camp at Harris Beach State Park. Explore Secret Beach and Natural Bridge.
• Day Ten: Drive to Northern California, hike Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park & drive home.

Day 1-3: Port Angeles & Olympic National Park

The first 3 days of our road-trip were spent exploring Port Angeles and Olympic National Park. By booking an AirBnb in Port Angeles we were able to explore Olympic National Park with a “home-base” before we started camping! Check out Purvision Properties “The Perch” .

Our weekend in Olympic National Park was packed with adventures. The first day was spent exploring places like Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, and Sol Duc Falls . Make sure to read our full itinerary on “ how to visit Olympic National Park in one weekend ” for the best places to see!

We stayed at Mora Campground beside Rialto Beach for a night of camping after leaving Port Angeles. This was our second day of exploring Olympic National Park and we visited places like Cape Flattery, Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, and Hoh Rainforest . These were by far the highlights of our trip to Olympic National Park and camping in the rainforest was a vibe.

Make sure to spend some time exploring Port Angeles, La Push, and Forks while you’re in the area. You can find some fantastic hidden gems, such as local Port Angeles burger drive-thru Frugals. We also tried Red Bull soda’s for the first time at one of many coffee drive-thrus we found. Olympic National Park is completely do-able in one weekend but if you have longer consider doing the Mount Storm King hike .

Day 4-6: Cannon Beach & Ecola State Park

The next part of our road-trip brought us down the coast and into Oregon. We crossed over the Astoria Bridge and were greeted with sunny weather! It was a quick drive to Cannon Beach where we checked into Surfsand Resort for 2 nights. This gave us a great opportunity to explore Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park.

Staying right on the beach was fantastic – we rented bikes from our hotel for sunset and watched the sun go down behind Haystack Rock. There is a parking lot beach entrance located directly in front of the rock that makes a great spot for photos. Cannon Beach was definitely busy but a bucket-list spot for us to check out!

Another bucket-list spot we wanted to see in Cannon Beach was Ecola State Park. This quick drive brings you to a beautiful view overlooking Cannon Beach’s haystack rocks in the distance. The waves looked massive from above crashing into the shore and this ended up being one of our favourite spots.

Make sure to check out the town of Cannon Beach as well – we found some cool surf shops, great coffee, and good food around town. We really enjoyed

Day 7-8: Cape Kiwanda & Pacific City

We drove a few hours from Cannon Beach to our next 2-night stay in Pacific City. This was by far one of the most luxurious experiences we had on the Oregon Coast at Headlands Lodge. Headlands Lodge is located direction in front of Cape Kiwanda beach and is next to a c ouple of hikes and sand dunes for you to explore.

A few years ago, you could drive your vehicle directly onto the beach but we learned quickly that is no longer the case. There is also a new fence around the Cape Kiwanda hike to keep visitors a safe distance away from the cliff side. You can still get incredible views from behind the fence!

While we were here, we stayed around Cape Kiwanda and one of our favourite places to eat was Pelican Brewing . This brewery is located directly beside the hotel and Cape Kiwanda Beach! We also spent a lot of time at our hotel to relax half-way through our trip.

Make sure to check out the town of Pacific City – we really enjoyed the laid-back vibes here. Right next to our hotel was a local take-out spot called Ben and Jeff’s where we had the best breakfast burritos of our life.

Day 9-10: Southern Oregon Coast & Northern California

The last leg of our trip brought us to Southern Oregon Coast. This section of the drive had the most stops out of our entire trip, and I’ve made an entire list of the best 15 stops you can make on your Oregon Coast road trip . In between Cape Kiwanda and Brookings, Oregon you can stop at: Devil’s Punchbowl, Bandon Beach, Florence Sand Dunes, black sand beaches, and Meyer’s Creek Beach.

We drove to our final campgrounds at Harris Beach State Park and this is where we found our favourite stops on the entire trip. The Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor has some of the best views on the coast, and we stopped to visit Secret Beach and Natural Bridge.

From here, we were less than 30 minutes from California and decided to extend our trip a little bit the next morning to see the Redwoods. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is located right outside of Brookings, Oregon and we decided to visit the park and hiked the Simpson-Reed Trail to see some massive trees.

Our visit to the Redwoods was very quick and left us excited to see more of California! We only spent 1-2 hours in California before turning back and heading home towards Vancouver. We finished our travel day in the same day and were home by dinner.

Best places to stay on your Washington & Oregon Coast road trip

On our Washington & Oregon Coast road-trip we decided to do a mix of AirBnb stays, hotel & resort stays, and camping. We did not do any free camping but instead opted for State Park campgrounds. We stayed 1-night in our AirBnb, 2-nights at each hotel and camped in our tent for the additional nights! This gave us a good mix of adventure and relaxation.

Our favourite stay was Headlands Lodge in Cape Kiwanda. This was a beautiful, luxury resort located directly in front of the beach. We also really enjoyed our stay at Surfsand Resort because of it’s great location on Cannon Beach. Our AirBnb stay at The Perch was also fantastic because of how close it was to Olympic National Park and the cozy A-frame cabin vibes. Finally, we stayed at 2 campgrounds – one in Olympic National Park called Mora campground and one in Harris Beach State Park campground.

Final Thoughts on 10-day Washington & Oregon Coast road trip

The Washington & Oregon Coast road-trip down Highway 99 is one of the most iconic road-trips in the USA and for good reason! We explored some of the most unique landscapes in the PNW that can’t be found anywhere else in America. This is truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world and I hope we’ve inspired you to explore it yourself!

If you’re looking for more inspiration for trip-planning, make sure you read our “ How to visit Olympic National Park in one weekend ” and “ 15 best stops on your Oregon Coast road-trip “. For more adventures in Oregon consider reading “ How to spend 3-days in Bend, Oregon ” and “ 10 best stops on your Central Oregon road trip “. Make sure to respect the places you travel to and leave no trace!

Comments (4)

Maureen Reynolds

September 25, 2023 at 6:05 am

Wondering if you took in any of the hot springs in Southern Oregon?

Janet Mayer

May 15, 2024 at 6:34 pm

That’s it! You’ve convinced me! I’ve thought about visiting Cannon Beach ever since we moved to Washington. We’ve been pretty busy over the last few months with home renovations, but now that we finally finished the last thing on our to-do list, I’m ready to get outside and it looks like I need to get over to Cannon Beach! Thanks for sharing!

Jessica Zawada

May 22, 2024 at 6:17 pm

I live in Kelowna (hello BC neighbours) and plan on doing a very similar trip to this in September! My question is, how would your itinerary be different if you were bringing your pup with you? Were there any parts of Washington/Oregon that were not dog friendly?

Thanks in advance!

Jake & Marie

June 4, 2024 at 6:29 pm

Hey! We brought our dog on this trip, and most of the Oregon Coast itinerary is dog friendly including the hotels 🙂 The only part that wasn’t was Olympic National Park where she stayed at our AirBnb.

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How to Visit Olympic National Park in One Weekend

The Wave, Arizona: Everything you need to know before hiking (2023)

het avontuurlijke leven van Antonette Spaan

The perfect 14-day Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary

Last summer I made a fantastic road trip through the American Pacific Northwest. The Pacific Northwest does not have any official boundaries, but from what I’ve been told the American part includes Washington and Oregon and the Canadian part covers pieces of British Columbia. Since I had already been to the Canadian part twice before, I decided that during this Pacific Northwest road trip I’d only visit Oregon and Washington, a long time dream of mine come true. In this blog you will find my two-week Pacific Northwest itinerary, combining bustling cities with scenic nature. Enjoy this post with a long Oregon and Washington road trip itinerary.   Also read: more tips for your North West USA road trip   This post was first published in 2018 and fully updated in 2021  

Table of Contents | Inhoudsopgave

Day 1. Arrival in Seattle

Day 2. SeaTac – Portland – Columbia River Valley

Day 3. Portland

Today I was meeting friends from Canada and Los Angeles. After picking up my friend Melissa from Portland Airport, we drove into the city for breakfast at Pine Street Market. After this we walked through the city and in the afternoon we visited the Rose Garden. This is located on a hill from where you have amazing views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood in the distance. As I was visiting Portland on a Sunday, many of the food trucks which the city is known for were closed, so if this is one of the main reasons for you to visit, it’s better to pick another day of the week.  

Day 4. Portland – Crater Lake National Park

Day 5. Crater Lake National Park – Redmond

Day 6. Redmond – Mount Hood

Mount Hood is a stratovolcano and the highest point in Oregon. Right on its wings you will find the Timberline Lodge , a beautiful hotel that was used to feature in the movie The Shining as The Overlook Hotel. From here there are numerous hikes, I decided to head out on the famous Pacific Crest Trail for a while. After my hike I sat down on the lodge terrace for a drink and I spent the afternoon looking around in Government Camp Village. Unfortunately all campsites in town were fully booked, but eventually I found a camping spot on the shores of a pretty lake.   Also read my travel guide to 24 hours in Mount Hood !   Overnight on Clear Lake Campsite Accommodation near Mount Good is limited, so I suggest to book well ahead. Go here to see availability and prices!  

Day 7. Mount Hood – Pacific Coast

Day 8. Pacific Coast – Olympic National Park

Day 10. Olympic National Park

Day 10. Olympic National Park – Mount Rainier National Park

Day 11. Mount Rainier National Park – Leavenworth

Day 12. Leavenworth – North Cascades National Park

Day 13. North Cascades National Park – Seattle

Unfortunately the next morning the haze has only gotten worse. After I inquire with the Visitors Center, I decide to head back to Seattle since it may stay like this for days. I visit fellow Dutchie Inge where I sleep on her couch and we have dinner at Salty’s Seattle in the evening, with an amazing view over the bay and the Seattle skyline.  

Day 14. Seattle

As I arrived back in Seattle one day earlier than planned, I decide to give the city a thorough visit. Even though it’s still smokey, I get up with the Space Needle. I visit the first Starbucks in the world and walk around Pike Place Market and the Waterfront. By the end of the afternoon I drive back to Seattle Airport, where I’ve booked night at Motel 6 South again. I drop off my rental car and head to bed early, because the next morning at 06.00 am I’m flying to Alaska for another amazing adventure. My Pacific Northwest road trip has come to an end.   Overnight in Motel 6 Seattle SeaTac Airport South  

Additional travel tips for your Pacific Northwest road trip:

Solo female travel in the USA

Conclusion and disclaimer

I hope you found this blog useful for planning your Pacific Northwest 2 week itinerary. If you want to know more or if you have any additional questions, feel free to leave them below or send me a message. As I traveled solo I have probably done less miles than I would have with a partner, since I didn’t want to spend all the time driving. However, I’d have loved to spend more time in the national parks, so I’m sure you can make that work. Enjoy your trip planning and eventually your Pacific Northwest road trip as well!   Note that this blog contains affiliate links. In case you make a reservation or purchase through any of those links, I may earn a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you.  

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14 Comments

Ryan Biddulph

Wow what mountain views! Brilliant. I love those snow-capped hills and this region rocks to being with. I have a few readers in Oregon. Pure paradise. Low-key vibe out in those parts too.

They like in true paradise indeed, lucky them 🙂

I am old and don’t hike well due to leg and foot pain. Are any of the places you have been Accessible?

Yes many of them are! Your car can take you up right to Mt Rainier and Mt Hood and the lighthouse at Meares Point has a paved path if I’m not mistaken. Same goes for Crater Lake. You should definitely be able to enjoy it all with little walking!

Hi, this is so helpful for planning my itinerary for a similar trip! I’m just curious how much you budgeted for the 2 weeks? Did you find food and petrol etc was expensive?

Hi Pam, happy to hear! Since I think you are from the UK (seeing your email address) I think that you will find prices similar to Europe. I guess the budget also depends on whether you are camping and cooking your own meals, or staying at hotels and going out for dinner each night. As for dinner, if you just grab a pizza or mexican it’s not expensive, if you wish to take a 3 course meal each night it is. I guess it all depends on your preferences but generally, it’s similar compared to Europe!

From living in the Pacific northwest.. the term refers to Washington, Oregon and Idaho.. rather than including Canadian areas.

Your trip was truly beautiful.. but visit Idaho too.. many equally beautiful areas.

Ahh good to know. I keep on hearing various ways of explaining it .. I’d love to visit Idaho one day!

How did you feel about the outdoor cultural vibe of your fellow hikers in the area around Portland vs. Seattle? Crater lake is awesome though I always feel a little frustrated when I’m looking from the top that I can’t go for a swim below easily.

I loved it in both cities to be honest!

In the Pacific Northwest, disbursed camping is allowed in most of the US Forest lands, which are all through the area. There are certain restrictions regarding fires, distance from developed areas and off-road moterized travel, and the Forest boundaries can be 20 miles inland from the highways, but if you don’t mind camping alone (I don’t, and I’m female and in my 60’s), it can be very peaceful…and free. Check with the Forest Service offices that are usually located in small towns along your route. There are 19 National Forests in this area, National PARKS are different, and usually don’t allow disbursed camping.

Thanks for the add on, much appreciated!

I’d love to do a trip to northwest as I have a conference in Vancouver. I’d be taking my husband and two young kids. What would be an ideal itinerary for northwest with Vancouver for 3 days at the end? I’m thinking 10 days total. Thanks!!

I’d take out the Oregon section of my itinerary and add Vancouver towards the end, I think you can easily drive there from Seattle. Best of luck with your trip planning!

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Ultimate Itinerary: The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Posted by Arthur McMahon August 31, 2020 Updated May 21, 2024

The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip is an epic journey that showcases the PNW’s most iconic scenery as well as a number of hidden gems.

This trip has it all. Get ready to embark on a grand tour of the region encompassing all that makes the Pacific Northwest a special place beloved by adventurous people. The coast, the Cascades, the desert, the rainforest, and every town along the way all add to the magic of the PNW. It’s time to see it all for yourself.

Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Oregon

The Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Traversing the most epic territories within Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, this road trip leaves plenty of room for customization. This is an excellent route broken down into several sections. For each section, you’ll find highlights, interesting side trips, places to stay, plus some place where you can save some time if you’re on a tight schedule.

This epic PNW road trip includes:

• 54 Hours of driving
• 14 National Forests
• 4 National Monuments
• 4 National Parks

The journey as we put it together starts and ends in Seattle, but the road also passes through other urban areas including Portland, Boise, Bend, and Spokane. You can start this loop from wherever you’d like.

Take a look at the complete route on Google Maps  to follow along as you read the guide below. At a comfortable pace, the entire journey will take about two weeks. Make it your own, though, and enjoy the ride.

Related Read: The Ultimate Portland to Seattle Road Trip Itinerary

PNW Road Trip Section by Section

Seattle to Spokane

This first stretch of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip starts off in the skyscraper canyons of downtown Seattle. Our chosen route travels northward along the eastern edge of the Puget Sound and then turns east as it winds through the magnificent Northern Cascades.

Once you’re done exploring the evergreen mountains, you’ll drop down to the Columbia Plateau and cross over an early stage of the grand Columbia River at Chief Joseph Dam before arriving at The Lilac City of Spokane.

Related Read: 14 Vanlife Hacks: How to Make Van Living Easier

North Cascade National Park

The rugged mountain landscape and heavy snowfalls of North Cascades National Park severely limit winter exploration of the area, but the roadside views are spectacular throughout the year. The entire park is mostly protected as wilderness. There are wondrous hikes and backpacking trails aplenty for the most intrepid of explorers.

Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Ross Lake is a popular recreation destination in the Northern Cascades. It’s a 23-mile long reservoir that extends beyond the national border into Canada. There are camping and hiking opportunities galore, and the lake is renowned for its stellar fishing. You can also opt to spend some time at the unforgettable floating Ross Lake Resort.

Lake Chelan

Certainly worthy of its own mention, Lake Chelan is the largest lake in the state of Washington and is the 26th deepest lake in the world with a maximum depth of 1486 feet. Visitors can stay at the remote tourist town of Stehekin which can only be accessed by long-distance hikers, such as those that arrive via the Pacific Crest Trail or by boat. The Lady of the Lake passenger ferry is a relaxing and romantic trip that carries travelers across the lake.

Where to Stay

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Spokane to Boise

Incredibly scenic and remote, this section of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip starts with a short drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Couer d’Alene. Leaving the city behind, the road turns south and hugs the Salmon River as it threads its way between three different national forests.

Our route loops out to eastern Idaho to include the Sawtooth Mountains and the Craters of the Moon National Monument . Though these are stupendous places worthy of a visit, this part can be easily cut out to save a full day or more of driving by rerouting directly to Boise.

Related Read:   10 Scenic Drives in Washington State That’ll Blow Your Mind

Coeur d’Alene

The waterfront district of Coeur d’Alene is a delightful place to grab a meal or stay the night. The marina, golf course, restaurants, and parks allow for hours or even days of entertainment. Tubbs Hill is a fantastic urban hiking area along the waterfront with easy trails and excellent views of both downtown and the lake.

Take a Hike: Guide to the Best Hikes Near Spokane

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon is an awe-inspiring destination. It is literally a vast ocean of lava rock. Here you can explore 410,000 acres of basalt floodplain filled with lava caves, gigantic cinder crags, and, of course, plenty of extraordinary volcanic craters.

Wallowa Whitman National Forest

Full of hiking and backpacking trails, the Wallowa Whitman National Forest stands out because of its sky-high granite peaks and the lush diversity of its flora and fauna. It’s an expansive forest that includes the Eagle Cap Wilderness within its borders, a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest reminiscent of California’s Sierra Nevada.

Wallowa Lake

Taking a detour a Lewiston, Idaho will lead you toward Joseph, Oregon and Wallowa Lake, as well as the primary entrance into the grand Eagle Cap Wilderness. The town of Joseph is named after Chief Joseph, of the Nez Perce Tribe . The area is rich in indigenous history. The lake is gorgeous, and there is a spectacular tramway that can take you straight to the mountain tops.

Save Time: Stay the course due south on Highway 55 and head straight to Boise.

Boise to Bend

This is an arid trek through Eastern Oregon with many geological oddities to see and plenty of pioneering history to explore. The route we chose travels north to Baker City and cuts through John Day. The southern Highway 20 is a quicker route, but the northern passage is much more interesting.

You’re on the historic Oregon Trail now, and there are plenty of points of interest in the early stages of this section for history buffs to discover. Most of the towns on this road have the look and feel of the Old West, and that’s because some of these places haven’t changed much in the last 100 years.

Baker Historic District

Located smack dab in the middle of downtown Baker City, this district is rife with artifacts and properties that date back to the 1800s. The Baker Heritage Museum is a treasure trove of interesting stories to absorb, and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center lies just 5 miles down the road.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is actually divided into three sections, two of which are on this route. The Sheep Rock Unit features a mesmerizing canyon drive and an awesome fossil museum filled with animals that no longer exist which were discovered in the nearby John Day Fossil Beds. The Painted Hills Unit is another spectacle deserving of a pit stop.

Lake Owyhee State Park

If you’re interested in a remote, lightly-visited state park to spend some time exploring, Lake Owyhee is a gorgeous place to stay. It’s a long lake that fills a deep canyon, the walls of which are vibrant with colorful volcanic rock. Bighorn sheep frequent the area, and there are several varieties of fish to catch in the reservoir.

Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock is known as the birthplace of rock climbing, but you don’t have to scale the cliff faces here to enjoy their beauty. This is a relatively small park with a 4-mile loop trail that covers most of what there is to see, but it is absolutely stunning. There are often dozens of climbers at a go which can be just as interesting to observe as the lovely scenery.

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Bend to Crescent City

Outdoor lovers could easily spend a week or more in Bend without running out of fun things to do and places to explore. From backpacking around the Three Sisters to skiing to slopes of Mount Bachelor and kayaking the white water of the Deschutes River, the recreation opportunities are truly endless.

Yet there is so much else out there between Bend and the coast that you’ll have to whittle down your options to make the most of your time. Your mind will be blown the first time you see Crater Lake in person, Cave Junction has awesome spelunking tours, and a walk through the Northern California redwood forests can be a life-changing experience.

Crater Lake National Park

Oregon’s crown jewel, Crater Lake ‘s sapphire waters are breathtaking to behold. This is the only national park in all of Oregon. It is a natural wonder that one could see from every possible angle without growing tired of its presence. There are trails and roads all the way around its rim to explore.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Hikes in Crater Lake National Park

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

For as much time as you spend looking down at Crater Lake, you’ll be spending an equal amount of time looking up at the mighty redwoods at Jedediah Smith . These behemoths are a world apart from any other type of tree on this road trip, and they are a marvel that can only be truly experienced in person with your own eyes. This park contains 70% of all the old-growth redwood trees remaining in the entire world.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument

If you chose to skip over Craters of the Moon, you still have miles upon miles of lava to explore just outside of Bend. This monument features the Newberry Caldera, a large walk-thru lava cave, two lakes, the Deschutes River, and many hiking trails. Here you’ll also find the High Desert Museum which succinctly encapsulates the area’s geological and biological diversity.

Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

Near the Oregon town of Cave Junction lies the Marble Halls of Oregon. There is a massive marble cave to check out, parts of which are family-friendly, ADA-accessible, well lit, and offer interpretive signage. Cave tours are given by rangers. Within the cave lies the River Styx, the only designated subterranean Wild and Scenic River, which was named after the underground river from Greek mythology.

Save Time: Head northwest from Crater Lake toward Eugene and cut over to the coast at Florence, or head straight up to Portland.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Hikes Near Eugene, Oregon

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Crescent City to Portland

The Oregon Coast is special not only for its pacific beauty, but also because all 362-miles of coastline are designated as public land. From the sea up to the existing line of vegetation, all ocean beaches in Oregon are open to the public. This scenic coastal drive is made all the better by the fact that you can pull over at any of the countless waysides to dip your toes in the sand and surf.

And each town along the coast offers its own unique experience to travelers. Coastal towns are welcoming to tourists because tourism is a large part of the coastal economy. There are dunes for off-roading all up and down the coast, lighthouses and state parks aplenty to visit, and numerous charming seaside shops and restaurants to try with excellent seafood fare and cute beach town gifts.

At a glance, most people who see Astoria on a map would assume it’s just another coastal town, but it’s not actually on the pacific coastline. Astoria is a historic port town set on the southern bank of the Columbia River Delta. Nearby Fort Stevens State Park is a popular beachside park and campground, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park is another historic park worth a visit.

The big city has its appeal too, and it’s a nice change of pace after a long trip up the laid back coast. Portland has its own vibe, and it’s generally a pretty friendly city to explore on foot. If you’ve still got the itch to get outside and hike, though, you’ll want to take a look at our article on the best hikes in and around Portland .

The Beach, Everywhere

No two stretches of beach are the same in Oregon. Some are riddled with dazzling agates to collect, others are home to mini-ecosystems like tidepools and sea caves, while others are loaded with piles of driftwood, broken apart by freshwater streams, or adjacent to lively boardwalks. You’re sure to find something special about each beach you visit along this route.

Shore Acres State Park

Once a lavish estate of a wealthy timber baron, Shore Acres State Park is a beautiful combination of both natural and human-made wonders. Much of the park rests atop tall sandstone cliffs above the raging ocean where waves crash against upturned strata. A large, manicured botanical garden is maintained on the property, and there are multiple magical beach coves to discover.

Take a Mailboat up the Rogue River

This is less of a side trip and more of a thing to do, but you can turn this into an overnight or multi-day excursion. The Wild and Scenic Rogue River is mostly accessible only to hikers, rafters, and these mailboats. You can take a ride over 100 miles long and stay at a remote lodge far upriver from civilization and deep within the Wild Rogue Wilderness.

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Portland to Seattle

It’s all about those snow-capped Cascade peaks, baby! This final stretch of the Great Pacific Northwest Road Trip winds through the region’s tallest mountains. Starting with a scenic drive up the Columbia River Gorge, the road skirts past awe-inspiring Mount Hood and then crosses the river to weave between Washington’s regal giants.

Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier are the climax of this grand tour. But the final leg of the journey sweeps back over to the coast for one last glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a tranquil ride through the temperate rainforests of Olympic National Park before arriving back at the Seattle Metropolitan Area.

Columbia River Gorge

A scenic drive unlike any other, the Historic Columbia River Highway follows the gorge upriver as the scenery transitions from temperate rainforest to arid grassland. Attractions along this road include dozens of plummeting waterfalls , volcanic geological oddities, and the ever-present looming peaks of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

Mount Adams and Goat Rocks Wilderness

Driving by Mount Adams, you may not be able to help yourself from finding a trail to hike. There are several popular paths up to sky-high trails on Mount Adams and within the neighboring Goat Rocks Wilderness . Here, on a clear day, you’ll find alpine lakes, wildflowers, goats, marmots, and epic views of the surrounding mountains.

Olympic National Park

Return once again to the coastal beauty and dark rainforests of the Pacific Northwest’s coastline, but crank all of it up to 11 here at the national park. Olympic National Park is a verdant wonderland set just outside of Seattle. It’s wet, wild, and everything is covered in green. Moss and lichen abound, as do the terrific ocean views.

Take a Hike:  Guide to the Best Easy Hikes at Olympic National Park

Mount Hood and the Timberline Lodge

You’ll miss much of the majesty of Mount Hood by bypassing it along the Columbia River Gorge. If you have a spare day, we suggest heading up to the mountain from the town of Hood River. The lodge is quite an interesting place, and it provides access to year-round ski slopes as well as the Timberline Trail which circumnavigates Mount Hood.

Take a Hike: Guide to Best Hikes at Mount Hood

Mount Rainier National Park

The pinnacle of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Range, Mount Rainier reigns above the region and can be seen from all across Washington and Oregon on a clear day. The national park provides a closer view of this iconic monolith. The mountain is what you make of it. There are miles of trails, suburban tourist attractions, scenic gondola rides, and so much more to discover on this mountain’s slopes.

Take a Hike: Guide to the Best Hikes at Mount Rainier

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Known for its destructive eruption from a few decades past, Mount St. Helens offers a unique experience for adventurous folks who seek to climb or hike around the active volcano. You can experience first hand the remnants of the recent lava flow, the newly formed glacier, and numerous lava caves.

Save Time: Cut out either the mountains or the coast, or both, by heading up I-5 directly to Seattle.

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Posted by Arthur McMahon

Arthur loves to walk. It’s as simple as that. Whether it be in the mountains, on the beach, or along the city streets — he believes walking is the best way to experience the world. Thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was his first backpacking foray, and he hasn’t stopped crushing miles since. Arthur and his wife now regularly travel into the wilderness of the Pacific Northwest seeking new trails to hike.

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The Perfect 5 to 7 Day Pacific Northwest Itinerary

Last Updated on January 11, 2024

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

The Pacific Northwest should be on your radar for a number of reasons. Within the region, you have access to mountains, forests, and coastline along with unique and vibrant cities. The PNW generally includes Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. However, for your 5 to 7-day Pacific Northwest itinerary, we’re going to look specifically at Washington and Oregon.

Should you have more time to spend in the area, extend your trip to visit Idaho and BC. We’ll include a combination of urban and natural areas, as well as destinations that are a bit more off the beaten path.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit the Pacific Northwest

The best time to visit the PNW is in the summer. Summers tend to be mild–they are warm and comfortable. During this time of year, you can plan to pack sandals, shorts, and a light jacket. Always have a rain jacket on hand as the PNW is known for brief and sudden downpours before returning to beautiful blue skies.

Keep in mind that a visit in August or September might force you to travel around wildfires. Eastern and central Washington and Oregon experience their highest number of wildfires during these months, so it might be the case that some trails or forest areas are off-limits to visitors. 

Summer may be the best time to visit, but you can still visit during other months. Visiting national parks or state forests during the fall provides the opportunity to witness the stunning changing of the leaves.

In October, it’s usually still warm enough to camp and you can enjoy the orange and yellow leaves. The winter months in Washington and Oregon are cold and wet, but if you enjoy winter sports, consider paying a visit to the PNW during this time.

There are several ski resorts as well as opportunities for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. 

As a general rule of thumb, never visit the PNW without a rain jacket or umbrella. The area is known for being flush with green all year round, but this is only possible due to large amounts of rain. Make sure you pack carefully for whichever season you plan to visit. 

5 to 7-Day Pacific Northwest Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to have a full 7 days to spend in the PNW, take this itinerary to guide your travels. We also have options for a 5-day itinerary that will take you to some of the PNW’s best places.

If you need to rent a car for this trip, then you can browse Rentalcars.com which aggregates prices across a number of companies. Alternatively, you can also consider renting an RV or a campervan from Outdoorsy.

Day 1 – Seattle, Washington

Beginning your travels in Seattle, Washington is the perfect way to kick off your itinerary. You can visit the city in one day, but it’s ideal if you can spare more than that.

Seattle is most well known for the Space Needle, museums, and Pike’s Place Market, where you’ll find delicious seafood, outstanding views of Puget Sound, and the original Starbucks coffee.

The Chihuly is a blown glass museum that tends to be a fan favorite. You must also make sure to pay the famous gum wall at Pike’s Place a visit. 

Spending a day in Seattle can give you a great taste for the city before continuing onto the rest of your PNW itinerary.

Where to Stay in Seattle

The Mediterranean Inn – Situated within walking distance of the iconic Space Needle, this hotel is a great option for staying in Seattle. You can choose from a range of rooms including some with self-catering facilities and there is a 24-hour reception.

Inn at the Market  – Located close to the iconic Pike Place Market, this boutique hotel is a great option if you’re not worried about your budget. There are a range of comfortable rooms to choose from and a great rooftop bar with spectacular views of Seattle.

HotelHotel Hostel — If you’re travelling on a budget or are solo and looking for a social atmosphere, then this hostel is a great choice! Centrally located in Seattle, they offer both private rooms and dorms with good common areas as well!

Private Rental — If you’d prefer to have your own place to stay in Seattle, then it’s worth considering a private apartment for your stay. There are a number of great properties to choose from, from a basic one-bedroom apartment to unique stays like this urban treehouse .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Seattle!

Day 2 – Olympic National Park & Rialto Beach

For day two, head northwest toward Olympic National Park . If you sat on the waterfront in Seattle and looked west, you most likely saw a mountain range–this is Hurricane Ridge on the Olympic peninsula. Here you’ll find forests, mountains, and beaches to explore.

At the furthest tip of the peninsula is the stunning Cape Flattery. There’s a road that goes around the outskirts of the park, but you should make sure to venture into the mountains and rainforests, namely the Hoh Rainforest. 

One of the most popular areas of the Olympics is Rialto Beach. It’s near La Push, made famous because of the Twilight movies filmed there. Rialto is unique for its stacks of driftwood and ecosystems, a combination of beach and coastal forest.

If your itinerary allows, try to visit during sunset. On a clear summer evening, set up a blanket and watch the gorgeous sunset over the ocean. Those who aren’t interested in Olympic NP, consider staying inland and spending this day in Mount Rainier National Park , instead.

Where to Stay Near Olympic National Park

Olympic Lodge – Located in Port Angeles, this is one of the top options if you’d prefer a luxury accommodation to come back to after exploring the National Park. They have a number of great rooms and great facilities such as a swimming pool and a restaurant on site.

Emerald Valley Inn – Also situated in Port Angeles, this inn is located near the park entrance making it convenient for those who want to start exploring early! They have a range of rooms available including some with a patio and there is also a restaurant on site.

Greenhouse Inn by the Bay – Located in the town of Sequim, this bed and breakfast is the perfect cosy place to rest your head after a day of exploring the park. They have a range of comfortable rooms to choose from, with breakfast included in the nightly rate and a nice garden to relax in.

Private Rental – Another great accommodation option near Olympic National Park is a private rental. There are several options near the park that will give you more privacy and let you cook your own meals. For instance, this charming cottage in Port Angeles is an excellent option for a base!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other places to stay in Olympic National Park!

Day 3 – Oregon Coast

The cute and quaint coastal town of Astoria is a favorite getaway for a quiet weekend — it is actually the oldest city in Oregon, founded in 1811.

The Astoria Column is one of the most famous sites. It sits atop a hill overlooking the town. The column is covered in historical depictions of the region. For another look into local history, stop at the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

The Columbia River divides Washington from Oregon and was a critical part of the area’s economy many years ago. The museum details local fishing, shipping, and military history. 

No road trip through the PNW is complete without exploring the coast, so make sure to pay Cannon Beach a visit on your way to Portland . Cannon Beach is home to Haystack Rock, one of the most iconic sites along the coast. Take a hike through Ecola State Park or visit Arch Cape.

These are areas that will get you away from the crowds as Cannon Beach does tend to see a lot of visitors, especially during the summer months. Make sure to try local seafood to round out your Oregon coast visit . 

Plan to spend your third day driving down the coast to Portland, where you’ll spend your next two nights. As another major tourist destination in the Pacific Northwest, there are countless places to rest your head in this hip city.

Where to Stay in Portland

The Society Hotel – Centrally located close to all the major attractions of the city, this hotel is a perfect mid-range option. There are several rooms to choose from and there is also a restaurant and bar on site.

Kimpton Riverplace Hotel – If you’d prefer luxury accommodation during your stay in Portland then this hotel is a fantastic option. Located on the banks of the Willamette River, they offer a range of luxe rooms with all the amenities you would expect.

Private Rental — If you would rather have a bit of privacy and be able to cook your own meals, then a private apartment might be a good option for you. There are a number of great properties to choose from, like this quaint, centrally located cottage .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Portland!

Day 4 – Portland, Oregon

Portland is the other main city in the Pacific Northwest and well worth a visit. Though spending two days in Portland is probably most ideal, you can still cover quite a bit of ground in just one day, as well.

The city’s mantra “keep Portland weird” rings true as you explore everything the city has to offer. Food and hikes are local favorites. There are neighborhoods throughout Portland that have the best food and nightlife, so make sure you research them before choosing where to spend your time.

Powell’s bookstore, Pittock Mansion, the Japanese Gardens, and more are excellent ways to spend a day. If you’re looking for a quiet way to spend an afternoon, consider a picnic in Laurelhurst Park. 

Day 5 – Mt. Hood & Bend

If you drive just east of Portland, you’ll quickly arrive at Mt. Hood National Forest. You most likely saw Mt. Hood from Portland if it was a clear day, you might’ve also caught a glimpse of Mount St. Helens. Mt. Hood National Forest is filled with hikes of varying difficulty and camping.

The historic Timberline Lodge is worth a visit even if you’re not staying the night. Take a short hike to Trillium Lake or tackle a more strenuous hike up the side of the mountain. During the winter, Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline are two popular ski areas. 

Bend, Oregon is a great place to stop, refuel, and restock your snacks while exploring a central Oregon city – and there are also plenty of places to explore when driving from Portland to Bend .

Bend is known for its breweries, so take your pick and have lunch at one. The Deschutes River runs through the city and offers a much-needed relief from the heat during the summer.

During winter, Mt. Bachelor is a favored spot for outdoor activities. During your time in Bend, you can choose to stick to the city shops and restaurants or venture out to Pilot Butte or Smith Rock State Park for some time outside. 

You also could use this day to explore the highlights along the Columbia River Gorge, including the beautiful Multnomah Falls.

Where to Stay in Bend

Hampton Inn & Suites – If you’re after a basic clean hotel, then this is certainly a great option. Offering a range of different rooms in a central location, they have breakfast included daily and a hot tub and fitness centre for guests to use.

Oxford Hotel – This locally run and eco-friendly boutique hotel is an excellent option for spending the night in Bend. They offer several different types of rooms in a central location with great facilities. A superb breakfast is available each morning.

Private Rental – If you value your privacy and would rather stay in a private rental in Bend than a hotel, then are several options such as this historic home in central Bend .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Bend!

Day 6 – John Day Fossil Beds, Painted Hills & Umpqua National Forest

The John Day Fossil Beds are filled with striped hills and ancient remnants of many years ago. These colorful rock formations capture the history of the region. It’s one of the richest fossil beds in North America and a fun spot to visit for those traveling with small children.

Sit at an outlook to enjoy the view or tie up your hiking shoes to take a walk through these rolling hills. You can learn how creatures that once walked the earth here as well as climate changes while you explore. 

The Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds go hand-in-hand. Oregon’s Painted Hills are one of three units of John Day and perhaps one of the most recognizable. It’s hard to miss the towering hills striped with reds, browns, and yellows–colors that look like they’ve been painted on.

In total, the area is 3,132 acres, giving you ample space to explore and step away from the crowds if you desire. The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, so maybe you want to challenge yourself to visit as many wonders as possible during your trip. 

Next, head to the Umpqua National Forest. Within the forest, you’ll find waterfalls — we recommend paying Toketee Falls a visit, and several trails.

The forest covers 983,126 acres across three southern Oregon counties. Camping here during the summer is highly recommended.

There are several campgrounds that you can book in advance as well as many that are first come first serve, so they can better fit in your Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. Take a break from the crowds and cities by spending a day exploring Umpqua National Forest. 

Day 7 – Umpqua Hot Springs & Crater Lake National Park

Seated in the Umpqua National Forest are the river’s hot springs. Visitors park in a designated parking lot before hiking a short and steep hike to the pools. Each pool is about the size of an average adult, making them ideal for lounging.

They are carved into the side of a hill and the stone around the pools do tend to get slippery, so make sure you wear proper shoes and remain cautious of where you’re stepping. The crowds at the pools tend to be a hit or miss. A weekend day usually draws more crowds than a midweek visit, so try to build your itinerary according to your preferences.

The Umpqua Hot Springs provide a nice place to rest and relax toward the end of your PNW road trip. 

Finally, it’s time to head to Crater Lake . As the only national park in Oregon, Crater Lake is a must-see during your road trip through the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 8,000 years old, a volcanic explosion rocked the area. The result was a 6,173-foot lake filled with crystal clear water that makes it appear a vibrant blue.

It’s worth visiting the park any time of year, but winters bring intense snowpack that may close roads and summer risks wildfires that can close the park. However, on a clear summer day, Crater Lake is unlike any place you’ve visited before. 

Have More Time?

We highly recommend venturing into Idaho and western Montana, or even into British Columbia – in fact, there are plenty of place to visit on the drive from Seattle to Vancouver .

If you have more time, try spending an extra day or two in the national parks and cities like Portland or Seattle . There is a lot to see during your 7-day Pacific Northwest road trip, so be sure to plan a trip that works for the speed you want to travel at. 

Take a look at a few highlights to add to your itinerary should you have some time to spare.

Yamhill-Carlton 

Here is a recommendation for those who enjoy wine tasting. The Yamhill-Carlton area is a rising player in the wine industry. Wineries here are specifically known for their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Spend a day exploring a few local wineries and enjoying the lush green rolling hills of Yamhill-Carlton. There are also several wine festivals throughout the summer that are worth the visit if your itinerary aligns. 

The Enchantments

If you’re looking for a challenging hike to round out your time in the PNW, look no further than the Enchantments. You can get permits to camp at the top of the pass, but they are highly competitive. Many people opt to thru-hike the area.

If you’re not interested in a 20-mile day hike with substantial elevation gain, you can hike up to Colchuck Lake to take in the bright blue water and snowy peaks. It’s the most picturesque section of the hike and a favorite by those who make the trek up to see. 

North Cascades National Park

“The North Cascades are calling!” Located just north of Leavenworth are the North Cascades . These impressive mountains are loaded with hikes and vantage points that welcome visitors wholeheartedly.

With more than 3,000 glaciers, bright blue lakes, and snow-kissed peaks, these mountains are well worth the visit. Make sure to explore which hikes you’re interested in doing prior to arrival as some require permits.

The North Cascades are paradise for backcountry hikers. Winter severely limits which parts of the park you can access, so visiting during summer is recommended. Early summer avoids the late summer heat waves and there’s still some snow on the mountains. 

Whether you have five days, seven days, or more, the Pacific Northwest has a little something for everyone. With so much natural space to explore, unique cities, and geological wonders, it’s hard to decide what to visit first.

Use this route to guide your road trip decisions, but remember to create a trip that caters to your interests and you’re certain to have an unforgettable Pacific Northwest itinerary. 

Are you planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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The Perfect 3 to 5-Day Oregon Coast Itinerary

About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

Thank you. We like your Pacific Northwest Itinerary, Seattle to Portland and plan to visit our grandson in Eugene on this trip and want to link to scenic route including Mt. Rainer, Mt. St. Helen’s, Crater Lake, Mt. Hood and more. If there is a planning group to contact to help plan a route this would be helpful with hotels and b&b’s in our budget. 3-4 weeks duration.

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How to Plan an Incredible Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Looking to plan an amazing Pacific Northwest road trip? You’re in the right place. We live in Portland, Oregon, and we regularly venture north from our home base in Oregon to explore every corner of the Pacific Northwest (some corners more than others). 

Some of our favorite memories from the past few years (including when we spent the better part of a summer living in a van road tripping around Oregon and Washington) were made in the northwest corner of the US. 

In this detailed guide, we’re going to go over a perfect road trip itinerary that takes you to a bunch of our favorite places in the Pacific Northwest over the course of 14 magical days. 

Have more or less time than that? Have no fear, we’ve got ideas on how to structure a trip with more and less time below the main itinerary, and you can use the details in the main itinerary to help you plan out your trip. 

In this complete guide to planning your Pacific Northwest itinerary, we’re going to give you the logistics you need to know – when to visit and our recommended route – along with a mini guide to each place on the itinerary. 

That mini guide will have information like what to do and where to stay – all based on our own experiences exploring the Pacific Northwest – along with links to more in-depth content we’ve written on the destination. 

In each “where to stay” section, we’ll give you options for camping (which is what we usually do) and not camping, which we recognize is what the vast majority of people prefer. 

Finally, at the end, we’ll give you some ideas on how to shorten or lengthen the itinerary to fit your particular trip. 

Sound good to you? This guide is super detailed, full of our tips and favorite places based on our extensive experience exploring the Pacific Northwest, which means it’s LONG. 

Strap yourself in, grab a cup of coffee (or beer or wine, no judgment here), and let’s get to exploring!

Note : As you get into the Oregon section of the itinerary, you’re going to see links to a different website called Oregon Obsessed . That’s our side project where we dive deeper into our adopted home state, and we put the same level of care and thought into our guides on that site.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore the Pacific Northwest?

First of all, there’s something you need to know before we get into this guide. The Pacific Northwest is BIG. 

Did you know that Oregon is the 9th largest state by area in the United States? We live here in Oregon, and that fact surprised us when we first came across it. 

From the southern border of Oregon up to Vancouver, B.C., it’s a ten hour drive. Which means you’re going to have to make some choices on what to see and skip, which is why we’re here!

For the purposes of this guide, we’re only talking about Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia, which means we’re excluding Idaho, which is usually included, but doesn’t make sense from a travel time perspective. 

To tackle the itinerary as written below, which is our version of the “best” itinerary with limited time, you’re going to need 14 days at a minimum. 

Even with two full weeks, you’re going to be hard pressed to fit everything in, and are going to need to save some places for a return trip. 

If you have seven days or less , we’d strongly recommend focusing your time on EITHER Oregon or Washington. Lucky for you, we have guides to planning an Oregon road trip and a Washington State road trip to help you plan those trips. 

If you have 10 days , we’d focus on the corridor between Seattle and Portland, including Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park in Washington, and the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast in Oregon. 

If you’re blessed with more time, we have plenty of ideas on what to add in the “with more time” section below the main itinerary.

Our top recommendation if you have three weeks is to add a week between Seattle and Vancouver , which was a tough thing for us to cut because we love that stretch. You can find that in the “with more time” section below. 

Our goal here is to give you the information you need to make the most of your limited time, which means making some hard choices on what to do (and what not to do). 

In the road trip itinerary below, we’ve done our best to make choices on what to see and what to skip based on our own experience and knowledge of the Pacific Northwest. 

For example, we’ve dedicated two days to the Paradise region at Mount Rainier, and relegated the Sunrise region to the “more time” section because it’s too time-consuming to get between them.

Where to Start and End Your Road Trip?

First, you should know that there are three main airports in the Pacific Northwest – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Portland International Airport (PDX) , and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) .

Since we’re focusing on Washington State and Oregon in this guide, it makes the most sense to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and out of Portland International Airport (PDX).

To make the most of your time, for this itinerary we suggest flying into one of those and flying out of the other so that you don’t have to waste time driving back to the airport you flew into. 

We’ve chosen to have you fly into Seattle and out of Portland here, but you can easily flip it around and do it the other way if that happens to work better for you.

The other option, which makes sense if you’re including Bend on your trip, would be to fly into Seattle and out of Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) , which services the Bend area. 

There are pros and cons to that approach – there will be fewer flight options, they will be more expensive, and they will likely have a connection (in either Portland or Seattle). 

If you do choose to do that, you’d just move Portland and Mount Hood up before Bend, which is totally doable. It would go Rainier – Portland – Columbia River Gorge – Mount Hood – Bend. 

What is the Best Time to Do This Road Trip?

We normally put this section down below the detailed itinerary, but we’ve had enough people ask us about the weather and conditions in the Pacific Northwest that we realized this needs to be up front. 

The best time to do this road trip as written below is between July and October. 

The reason is that the unique geography of the Pacific Northwest means that there is a very specific “best time” to do this road trip as written.

Because many of the places we’ve mentioned are in the Cascade Range – the mountains that form the spine of Washington and Oregon – some pieces of this itinerary are essentially inaccessible for large chunks of the year. 

Between late October and June (though exact timing depends on the year), the following areas will be largely inaccessible: Mount Rainier National Park, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park, and Mount Hood (plus North Cascades National Park, which are in the “more time” section). 

If you’re planning to visit outside of that timeframe, we have some good news. There are plenty of places worth visiting in the Pacific Northwest outside of the summer season. 

You’ll still be able to use the itinerary below (plus the “more time” section below it) to put together a pretty incredible road trip, though you’ll have to skip some of the places in the mountains. 

The Road Trip Route

The main issue you’re working against here when you’re planning your route is that the Seattle to Portland corridor – which is where the region’s two main airports are located – is a relatively small part of the broader two states we’re talking about. 

That, combined with the fact that both states are bigger than you think, means that there are going to be some long drives in your future no matter which way you slice it. 

For example, Portland to Crater Lake is somewhere around a five hour drive, depending on traffic and conditions. 

Here is how we’d spend your time. There will be some long days of driving, but that’s going to be the reality if you want to make it to some of these places. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Seattle
• Day 2: Seattle 
• Day 3: Olympic National Park (Lake Crescent + Hurricane Ridge)
• Day 4: Olympic National Park (Pacific Coast + Hoh Rainforest)
• Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise) 
• Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)
• Day 7: The Columbia River Gorge + Hood River
• Day 8: The Columbia River Gorge + Hood River
• Day 9: Bend 
• Day 10: Bend
• Day 11: Mount Hood
• Day 12: Mount Hood
• Day 13: Portland
• Day 14: Portland + Fly Home

Here’s what that meandering route looks like on a map so you can visualize what we’re talking about. 

Of course, that’s just the base itinerary that we’d recommend. The exact route you take is going to depend on your particular interests, what time of year you’re visiting, and more factors than we can possibly take into account here. 

We have ideas for shorter and longer itineraries below the main itinerary if you have more or less time. 

One note on the balance of cities vs. nature . We’ve intentionally slanted this itinerary towards nature because that’s what we think makes the Pacific Northwest special. However, you could just as easily cut one or two nature destinations to give yourself extra time in Portland and Seattle, which are both well worth at least 2-3 days, given unlimited time. It depends on what you’re into!

How to Plan an Amazing 14 Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered the important logistics, let’s get into the detailed itinerary!

We’ll do our best to give you all the information you need to plan YOUR road trip through the Pacific Northwest, but if we miss something or you have more questions, leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to either answer your question, or point you to someone who can.

Days 1-2: Seattle

Any way you slice it, your trip is most likely going to start in Seattle, even if it’s just to snag your rental car and immediately head out to the wilderness. 

Now, we recognize that you’re likely coming to the Pacific Northwest to experience its natural beauty. Which is why you’ll find that this itinerary is slanted heavily towards the outdoors. 

However, allow us to make a suggestion for your trip. We highly recommend bookending your trip with 1-2 days in Seattle and Portland – which are beautiful cities full of greenery, mountain views, and great food and drinks. 

Seattle is set right on Elliott Bay, with views of the snow capped peak of Mount Rainier (which you’ll get to see up close later in the road trip!) from various vantage points. 

I, Matt, grew up in the Seattle area, went to college in Seattle, and lived there for a few years before taking a brief detour to California with plans to return to the Pacific Northwest. 

I still spend a fair amount of time in Seattle – my entire family lives there – and am consistently flabbergasted by how different the city looks today than, say, 20 years ago. The development and amount of wealth that has flowed into Seattle with the rise of the tech industry is astounding, and the city is experiencing the associated growing pains (like traffic and a housing crisis). 

I know I’m biased, but Seattle is a beautiful city with a diverse food scene and great cultural attractions that is well worth a couple of days of your limited time. 

What to Do in Seattle

You’re going to have somewhere between one and two days in the city, and we’d roughly split your time in half, spending half of your time in the downtown core where the main tourist attractions are (Pike Place Market and the Seattle Center), and half of your time exploring Seattle’s neighborhoods (like Capitol Hill and Ballard), which are where we think the city really shines. 

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Seattle, in no particular order. 

Experience Pike Place Market: There are certain tourist attractions around the world – like the Colosseum in Rome or the Louvre in Paris – that are very, very popular, and we’d say that it’s worth braving the crowds for the experience. That’s how we feel about Pike Place Market. Is it “touristy?” Certainly, yes. Is it a key element of any Seattle itinerary ? Also yes. It’s worth coming relatively early to beat some of the crowds. We’d skip the gum wall, which is downright disgusting if you really stop to think about it, and instead spend your time on the food and drink vendors in and around the market. Walk through the market and check out the vendors selling everything from candied nuts to flowers, and of course, the flying salmon. Stop by Rachel’s Ginger Beer , Beecher’s Cheese (their flagship cheese is one of my top three all time favorites), and Ellenos Frozen Greek Yogurt while you’re there. To go a level deeper, take this awesome guided tour of Pike Place with a Local Chef .

Seek out the Best View in Seattle: No, it’s not the Space Needle. In fact, we don’t think you should go to the top of the Space Needle. It’s a nice view, sure, but it’s ridiculously expensive AND it’s missing the most distinctive element of the Seattle skyline…the Space Needle. Instead, head just up the hill to Kerry Park, a free public park with a show stopping view of Seattle’s skyline, including the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Elliott Bay. You can find it here on Google Maps.  

The Museum of Pop Culture: Formerly the Experience Music Project (EMP), this is where Matt had his senior prom wayyyyy back when. It’s a cool space, and the focus is still mostly on Seattle’s influence in the global music scene with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, along with some Jimi Hendrix thrown in. There are als sections of the museum focused on other mediums, like movie production and sci-fi and fantasy. It’s a little pricey, but it’s our favorite attraction at the Seattle Center. 

Learn About Seattle’s History in a Unique Setting: A little quirky and offbeat, kind of like Seattle, the Underground Tour is worth doing while you’re in Pioneer Square. The tour guides are funny, and you get to learn about the history of Seattle from a slightly different perspective. 

Wander Capitol Hill: Capitol Hill is the most convenient of Seattle’s cool neighborhoods, sitting just across the freeway from downtown Seattle. It’s packed full of interesting spots to stop in, whether you’re looking for vegan ice cream or a unique boutique selling who knows what. Pound-for-pound, it’s probably the best place to eat and drink in the city. 

Explore Ballard: Ballard is a little less convenient than Capitol Hill, but we think it’s worth the journey and it’s the neighborhood where we find ourselves drawn to most often when we’re in Seattle. The highlight, by far, is the Ballard Farmers Market on Sunday mornings – if you’re in town on Sunday, absolutely do not miss it. We love Root Plants for coffee, Miro Tea for tea (it’s Alysha’s favorite spot in Seattle), and 8oz Burger for food, among a myriad of other fun spots.  Ballard Ave NW is where most of the action is. 

Where to Stay in Seattle

If you’re only in town for a couple of nights, we’d make sure to stay centrally, which means staying somewhere in the downtown core of Downtown Seattle , Belltown , or South Lake Union . 

Keep in mind that if you’re renting a car, street parking is nonexistent. 

You’ll need to either park at your hotel and pay a premium, park at a parking garage in downtown Seattle near your hotel (ask the hotel if they have any recommendations – do not leave ANYTHING in the vehicle ), or wait to rent a car until you’re on your way to your next stop. 

Given limited time, it probably makes the most sense to pony up for parking for a couple of days to streamline things. 

We have stayed at – and recommend – the CitizenM in South Lake Union . 

It’s within walking distance (~15 minutes to Pike Place Market or Seattle Center) to most of the sights you’re going to want to see, the rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff are super friendly. We’ve stayed in three different CitizenM hotels in the past year, and love them. 

If you’re interested, you can read more about our stay at the CitizenM South Lake Union . 

Some other hotels we’d recommend are the Ace Hotel Seattle (the original Ace Hotel – we stayed there a few years back and it’s a great location), the State Hotel (a boutique hotel around the corner from Pike Place Market), and Hôtel Ändra (a Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel in Belltown). 

Days 3-4: Olympic National Park

Drive Time & Distance: 2 hours and 23 minutes // 82 miles

Situated at the northwestern corner of the contiguous United States, Olympic National Park is the most diverse of the three national parks in Washington State in terms of landscapes. 

Within the park, which sprawls out over the Olympic Peninsula, you have several distinct ecosystems, including alpine sections, rocky beaches, and the world-famous coastal temperate rainforests that thrive in the mild, wet weather in this part of the world. 

One note here: We’d strongly recommend you take the Bainbridge Island Ferry – which is a car ferry – across the Puget Sound from Seattle. It’s faster than driving around, and more importantly, it’s 1,000 times more scenic (though it does cost more). On a nice summer day, you can see Rainier, Baker, and the Olympic Range from the deck of the ferry.  

Here’s a view from that ferry ride to convince you. 

Before we get into what to do in Olympic National Park, we need to take a second to talk about the park’s geography. 

There are four main regions of the park that we’d recommend that you take the time to explore. 

• Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent – This region features towering mountains on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s easy to get to from all points east, like Seattle, and it also sits just 17 miles south of Port Angeles. Don’t miss Sol Duc Falls, Marymere Falls, and Hurricane Hill.
• La Push Beaches – Rialto, First, Second, and Third Beach will all provide you with million-dollar sunsets and views onto the sea stacks with cliffs rising up from the sea. Make sure to look up too! You might spot the elusive bald eagle waiting patiently for its next meal (we saw two on our recent trip).
• Hoh Rainforest – This is the moss-covered rainforest region that features sphagnum moss, wildlife, old-growth Sitka spruce, ferns, banana slugs, and wildlife of all kinds.
• Lake Quinault – This is a region in the western part of the park that features the stunning Lake Quinault, located within the extraordinary Quinault Rainforest.

Normally, we recommend at least three days for an Olympic National Park itinerary . However, we’re working with limited time here, so we’re cutting that to two and focusing on the highlights. 

Given limited time, we think you should focus your time on Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coast, and the Hoh Rainforest, which is more than enough to fill a couple of days in the park.  

To make the most of your time here, you’ll want to make a counter-clockwise loop starting with Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, moving west to Forks and the Pacific Coast, and ending with a drive south along the coast, with a few beach stops along the way.

This will also set you up nicely for your drive to Mount Rainier National Park, your next stop. 

It also makes sense to split your time in terms of where you stay, staying one night in the northern region of the park, and one night out on the coast near Forks.

You’ll want to spend your first night near Port Angeles , a good home base for Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent, then spend the next night in Forks (yep, that Forks) to do the Hoh Rainforest and Pacific Beaches. 

One other thing: There are no two ways about it – getting from the Olympic Peninsula to Mount Rainier National Park requires some driving, so be prepared for a long drive at the end of this leg.

What to Do in Olympic National Park

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Olympic National Park. We’ve ordered them in the order you’ll encounter them on your counter-clockwise loop around the tip of the Olympic Peninsula (from Port Angeles, to Forks, to Lake Quinault). 

Hurricane Ridge: Your first stop is Hurricane Ridge, which is at the northeastern corner of the park. To get up to the ridge – the highest point in the park that you can drive to – you’ll climb a steep, windy road (that closes in the winters for somewhat obvious reasons). Once you’re there, hike Hurricane Hill for excellent sweeping views of Western Washington. Then, drive out to Obstruction Point for more great views of the Olympic Range. If you want a longer hike, the hike to Grand Lake leaves from the end of Obstruction Point Road. 

Lake Crescent: Lake Crescent is the second deepest lake in the state, and you’ll find it about 20 miles west of Port Angeles along Highway 101. There are a couple of things to do and see here. First is the Lake Crescent Lodge , which is a historic lodge right on the lake (as you might imagine) that would be a great place to grab a drink and a snack after a morning of exploring (bonus points if you sit in the adirondack chairs on the lakeshore). Second are the hikes to Marymere Falls (short and easy stroll through the forest to a waterfall) and Mount Storm King (tough hike straight up to a nice view over the lake). 

Sol Duc Falls: Our favorite waterfall in the park, this is a little bit of a detour from Lake Crescent. We encountered it on our hike on the High Divide , a great backpacking trail that leaves from the same trailhead. It’s a very short, mostly flat stroll through the woods to a wooden bridge over the falls. 

Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the-Wall: If you made us choose, this hike is in our top three when it comes to hikes in Olympic National Park . It’s a flat stroll along the beach (hiking in the sand does suck, so be prepared for that) out past towering sea stacks, tidepools, and bald eagles sitting in the trees to a rock formation with a hole in it. We got super lucky on our first ever trip with perfect weather at sunset, which is the best time to do this hike, but your experience may vary (we’ve since been here twice in the summer, and it has been gray and raining both times). 

The Hoh Rainforest: The most famous of the coastal temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, the Hoh Rainforest is lush, ferny, and mossy. It’s also busy, so we’d recommend trying to structure your itinerary here to make sure you’re parked and on the trail by 9am at the latest to avoid the long lines that form at the entrance station. Once you’re parked, do the short Hall of Mosses and Spruce Nature Trail , and if you’re up for a relatively easy walk, do the first portion of the Hoh River Trail , which sees a fraction of the people that those first few trails see and is a very pleasant walk. 

Ruby Beach: Ruby Beach is one of our favorite beaches on this stretch of coast, and it’s a short walk away from the parking lot, and makes a nice stop between the Hoh Rainforest and Kalaloch (which is the last beach in the park before you head to Rainier). It’s everything you want in a coastal beach in Washington State – driftwood, sea stacks, and abundant bird life. 

Where to Stay in Olympic National Park

Given the context of this trip, where you’re coming from Seattle and your next stop is Mount Rainier, we’d recommend spending your first night in Port Angeles at the northern end of the park, and your second night in Forks (again, yes, that Forks) near the Pacific Coast and rainforest.  

That’ll make a nice counterclockwise loop around the Olympic Peninsula, leaving you in a good position to make your way east to Mount Rainier. 

By the way, we have a whole, much more detailed guide to where to stay in Olympic National Park , which has our picks for the best places to stay in each region (Port Angeles and Forks, mainly) along with what you need to know about camping. 

Days 5-6: Mount Rainier National Park (Paradise)

Drive Time & Distance: 5 hours // 248 miles

If you didn’t already know, we spent almost two years living in a converted Honda Odyssey on a never ending road trip around the western United States starting in 2020. During that time, we hit every national park in the west, except for the Channel Islands. 

Mount Rainier National Park is in our top three, and we revisit it every chance we get (which usually means a few days once or twice every summer and fall). 

Before we get to what to do and see at Mount Rainier, let’s quickly cover the geography of the area. 

There are three main areas of Mt. Rainier National Park: Paradise, Sunrise, and Mowich Lake . 

Here’s a quick summary of each. 

• Paradise – Best for first-time visitors: Paradise is the most popular area to visit, located on the southern side of the Mountain, and home to some of the best wildflower meadows and lakes in the park. 
• Sunrise – Best for epic hikes: Sunrise, which is on the east side of the park, is the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park that you can drive to. Several of our favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park leave from the big parking lot at the visitor center. 
• Mowich Lake – Best for peace and quiet: Mowich Lake, on the northwestern side of the mountain, is the quietest area of the park. It is free from the tourist hype of Paradise and Sunrise, and the long and arduous bumpy gravel road to get there cuts the number of visitors significantly. 

The problem with Mount Rainier is that it takes a LONG time to get between those different areas. Paradise and Sunrise are roughly 90 minutes apart (one way), which makes it a long journey for a day trip with limited time. 

If it’s your first time and you only have a couple of days, we’d recommend basing yourself for your two days in the Paradise area. 

Paradise is our favorite part of the park with the best diversity of scenery (wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and waterfalls) with plenty to do and see to fill a couple of days. 

It also happens to be the most convenient place to access your next stop on this road trip, which will take you south down to Oregon. 

What to Do in Mount Rainier National Park

Here are our favorite things to do in Paradise. 

Hike the Skyline Trail: The Skyline Trail is one of the best hikes in Washington State . From the lush subalpine wildflower meadows, to the rocky alpine terrain and up-close-and-personal view of Rainier’s face, to the sweeping views out over the Tatoosh Range and Mount Adams, it’s spectacular from start to finish. And we didn’t even mention the marmots and mountain goats yet! It’s a difficult hike, and you need to be prepared for a fair amount of climbing and lots of sun exposure. We have an entire guide dedicated to hiking the Skyline Trail – including logistics like which direction to hike and a complete trail guide – which you should read for more detail. 

Go chasing waterfalls: One of our favorite parts about Paradise is the great waterfalls. There are four main falls, and one of them – Myrtle Falls – is on the Skyline Trail. There are two that are accessible with a short walk from the parking lot – Christine Falls, framed by a picturesque stone bridge – and Narada Falls, which are on the road up to Paradise. The last is Comet Falls, which is the most impressive of the bunch and requires a quick hike to reach (you can read about it in our Comet Falls trail guide ). 

Capture a perfect reflection at Reflection Lakes: Reflection Lakes is one of our favorite views in the park, especially at sunrise or sunset. On a clear day, there’s a near-perfect reflection of Rainier’s glaciated peak in the water. BEWARE: the bugs here in the summer are intense. Matt is a magnet for mosquitoes and flies, and he braved the swarms of them to get some photos at sunrise and sunset on our last few trips. 

Tackle some other hikes near Paradise: While the Skyline Trail is our favorite of the bunch, there are several other hikes that are worth your time here. The first we’d recommend is Bench and Snow Lakes , which we overlooked ourselves until our last foray into the park, and want to help you avoid making the same mistake. It’s a great pair of lakes, and the hike in is tough enough to discourage most of the crowds, but easy enough for most people to make it out to both lakes. Second is Comet Falls , which is the most impressive waterfall in the park. Third is Pinnacle Peak , a tough climb up to a saddle with great views of Rainier. 

Where to Stay near Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park

You’re going to want to base yourself near Paradise, which is on the south side of Rainier near the Nisqually entrance and the town of Ashford. 

If you’re camping , Cougar Rock Campground is a great home base for exploring this part of the park. It’s where we camp when we visit, though it’s tough to get reservations for summer weekends. More information here , including how to reserve a site. 

If you’re not camping, the town of Ashford is the best option. 

Sitting just outside the Nisqually Entrance, Ashford has a couple of nice hotels and a range of cabins in the woods if you’re looking for more space and a little more privacy. It’s the best location both in terms of accessing Paradise, and getting out to the I-5 corridor for your next stop. 

For more detail, make sure to read our guide to the best places to stay at Mount Rainier . 

Days 7-8: The Columbia River Gorge and Hood River

Drive Time & Distance: 4 hours // 210 miles

After Rainier, you’ll be making your way south and crossing the Oregon border – which is the Columbia River (the one that Lewis and Clark traveled up to “discover” Oregon) – bringing you right into our own backyard. 

The Columbia River Gorge is nearly as impressive as the two national parks you’ve already seen, but in a different way. Millions of years of water running down the Gorge, combined with ample volcanic activity, have formed this massive chasm that separates the two main states in the Pacific Northwest. 

The Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, which is shaded by the walls of the Gorge, is lush, wet, green, and full of a stunning array of impressive waterfalls. 

The Washington side of the Gorge, which gets more sun exposure with its south facing hillsides that makes it drier and a paradise for wildflower hunters in the spring, features some of the best views of the Gorge from various hikes along the river.

Hood River sits at a unique point in the Gorge, and is a good home base for your explorations over the course of a couple of days. We say unique because of its geography. Head in any direction and the geology and topography changes drastically. 

East of Hood River deeper into the Gorge, you start to get into the High Desert. South of Hood River, you pass through the fertile Hood River Valley before climbing up into the Cascade Range. And west of Hood River is the lush Oregon side of the Gorge. 

The Gorge and Hood River is our favorite day trip from Portland , and we take almost every visitor that comes to see us in Portland out to experience the natural beauty that exists roughly 30 minutes from our front door. 

What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge & Hood River

Like we mentioned, we spend a lot of time exploring the Gorge and Hood River because they’re so accessible from our home in Portland. Here are some of our favorite things to do. 

Waterfalls in the Gorge: The best concentration of waterfalls exists on the Oregon side of the Gorge. Try to get to Multnomah Falls ( here on Google Maps), which you’ve undoubtedly heard of and seen pictures of, early in the morning to beat the crowds and tour buses that make it a zoo starting at around 10am. We really like Horsetail and Ponytail Falls ( here on Google Maps) and the short hike to Wahclella Falls ( here on Google Maps) which are a great bang-for-your-buck in terms of beauty to effort ratio. 

The Best Views of the Gorge: For some of the best views of the Gorge, there are a couple of viewpoints on the Historic Columbia River Highway that are worth a stop – the Vista House ( here on Google Maps) and the Women’s Forum Viewpoint ( here on Google Maps). In terms of hikes with a nice view, we love Angel’s Rest , which is a moderate climb to a rocky outcropping with great views up and down the Gorge. There are also some great views from the Washington side from Beacon Rock , the Hamilton Mountain Trail , and the Dog Mountain Trail . 

The Fruit Loop: The Hood River Fruit Loop refers to a particularly fertile section of the Hood River Valley that features fruit trees as far as the eye can see and excellent views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams, depending on which direction you’re looking. We love stopping at the fruit stand at Draper Girls (they also do u-pick fruit in the summer) and the Gorge White House for a drink in a nice location. For a great view of the valley and Mount Hood from above, head to Panorama Point ( here on Google Maps). 

Tamanawas Falls : This is a beautiful hike, and is equally as impressive as some of the waterfalls in the Gorge for a very reasonable effort. It’s about 30 minutes south of Hood River, and the trailhead is right off of Highway 35 on the way towards Mount Hood. 

Wine Tasting near Hood River: Hood River is a good place to go wine tasting because it’s more low key than the Willamette Valley – one of the premier wine regions on the west coast – but still has a baseline quality of wine. We prefer the wineries on the Washington side of the Gorge, and Loop de Loop is our favorite of the bunch. Other good ones that have been recommended to us by various locals are Savage Grace and AniChe (which are near Loop de Loop). On the other side of the Gorge, it’s worth driving a bit further east to hit Annalemma Wines . 

Note that we actually have a completely separate website dedicated to our explorations in Oregon called Oregon Obsessed . Here are our Columbia River Gorge guides from that site. 

• 15 Incredible Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
• What to Do in Hood River: A Complete Guide for First Timers
• The 16 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• How to Hike the Hamilton Mountain Trail in the Gorge
• Hiking the Gorgeous Wahclella Falls Trail in the Gorge

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge & Hood River

Generally speaking, you basically have two options here. Stay right in town (or close to it), or stay somewhere more secluded and private. 

If you want to be walkable to town, we’d look at the Best Western right on the Marina, which has some rooms that have kitchens. 

If you want something more secluded and private, we’d look across the river to the charming little town of White Salmon . 

We have personally stayed at and loved the RubyJune Inn , which is a B&B in the truest sense (and the breakfast is fantastic, sourced from local bakeries). No kids, no pets allowed, and the two owners are a wealth of knowledge about what to do, see, eat, and drink in the area (especially wine). 

Days 9-10: Bend

Drive Time & Distance: 2 hours and 50 minutes // 143 miles

Bend, similar to Hood River, is in a unique geographical location. It sits at the turning point between the alpine and subalpine environment in the Cascades and the high desert that’s nestled in Central Oregon between the mountain ranges on either end of the state. 

Plus, volcanoes! There’s lots of volcanic activity here that has shaped the landscape. 

That diversity has meant that Bend has become a little slice of paradise for adventure lovers over the past several years, and has gained nationwide notoriety with lots of media coverage recently. Though it has always been on the map of most adventure-loving Pacific Northwest residents. 

If you’re an astute reader and you’ve been following along on a map (or just looked at the one above), you’ll notice that heading out to Bend actually represents a little bit of a detour because your next stop (Mount Hood) is actually pretty close to Hood River. 

In order to get down to Bend, you’ll head south from Hood River, passing through the eastern foothills of Mount Hood to get to Bend. Then, you’ll double back and hit Mount Hood on your way back to Portland. 

First of all, that detour is absolutely worth it, and you should definitely make an effort to include Bend as a part of your road trip. Both because of Bend itself, and because of the diversity of landscapes you’ll find just outside of Bend. 

Second of all, we have it structured this way (rather than doing Hood then Bend) to maximize your time on the way back to Portland . Going up to Hood and then over to Portland means you avoid the I-5 corridor south of Portland, which is known to be a traffic-filled nightmare on most days of the week. 

Anyway, we love Bend and we just spent a full week there exploring recently, which opened our eyes to the diversity of things to do and see within about an hour of the city. 

What to Do in Bend

Bend is a big city by Oregon standards – and growing FAST – and there’s plenty to do to fill a full week (or a full month, or year, you get the idea). 

With limited time in and around Bend, here is what we’d focus on. 

Smith Rock State Park: Smith Rock is one of the destinations that is most emblematic of the stark contrast between the wetter, greener part of the state that we live in (west of the Cascades) and the high desert on the east side of the mountains. It looks like it belongs in Utah, not the lush Pacific Northwest! But the Pacific Northwest is more than evergreen forests. The best trail in the park is the Misery Ridge Trail, which has two route options (after the brutal climb up to aptly-named Misery Ridge) – the shorter, flatter River Trail and the longer, more difficult Summit Trail . It’s between Bend and Mount Hood, so you can stop on the way in or out of Bend (we’d try to go early, because it does get hot and there’s very little shade).  

The Deschutes River: The Deschutes runs right through the center of town – and is one of the biggest reasons why Bend is located where it is. Today, it isn’t really the lifeblood of the city, but it is full of recreation opportunities. There’s a long trail that follows the path of the river south from Bend, and we love doing a short portion of it as part of any visit to Bend (here’s the rough route that we usually do when we’re in town). The other thing you should try to do – as long as it’s summertime – is get out on the water! You can float the river from Drake Park down to Riverbend Park. Rent a tube from Tumalo Creek and use the Ride the River service, which shuttles you to the entry and exit from the river. 

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: This is one of our favorite places in the entire state. It’s a corridor that runs west out of Bend into the Cascades into a land of pine trees, gorgeous lakes, and great hikes. Definitely stop by a couple of the lakes – Sparks Lake and Elk Lake are our favorites. It’s well worth spending a day exploring this part of the state, and there are a nice range of hikes to choose from. Here are three of our favorite Bend hikes : 

• Green Lakes (9.1 miles // 1,174 ft. elevation gain): A nice, relatively easy (but long) creekside stroll through the forest out to a series of lakes backed by the South Sister and Broken Top. Lovely hike!
• Tumalo Mountain (4.1 miles // 1,423 ft. elevation gain): Short and sweet, this hike climbs straight up to the top of Tumalo Mountain where you’ll have sweeping views out over the valley and surrounding peaks. Particularly nice at sunrise or sunset!
• Moraine Lake (5.2 miles // 1,476 ft. elevation gain): This was an unexpected delight last fall! It starts with a climb through the forest, and a couple of miles in you burst forth from the forest out into a basin with great views of both the South Sister and Broken Top before you head down to the lake (which is tucked right at the base of the South Sister). 

Newberry National Volcanic Monument: This is the volcano that shaped the high desert in Central Oregon, and it’s almost a mini-Crater Lake in terms of how it was formed and how it looks today. There are two parts of the monument, and they’re about 30 minutes apart. The first you’ll encounter heading south from Bend is the Lava Lands Visitor Center , which is where you’ll find the Trail of the Molten Land (walk through a lava field!) and Lava Butte. Continue South to Paulina Lake and the Newberry Volcano , where you’ll find a large lake, the hike up to Paulina Peak (which features incredible views over the surrounding landscape, including the vast lava fields), and Paulina Falls . 

Tumalo Falls: A nice waterfall just outside of town. There’s a longer hike that you can do that follows the creek, or you can drive right up to the lower viewpoint and follow the short trail up to the upper viewpoint (which would be our strong recommendation). 

Where to Stay in Bend

With only a couple of days in town, you have two choices when it comes to where to stay. Stay right in town, or stay on the outskirts in a more quiet locale.

For the purposes of this trip, we’d recommend staying in town so you can be within walking distance (or a short drive) from the breweries and restaurants in Bend. 

The Oxford Hotel is right in the heart of Downtown Bend, and is walkable to all of our favorite spots in that area. 

We always like having a kitchen so we can cook for ourselves (Matt has Celiac Disease) and we’ve had our eyes on Wall Street Suites , which is about a block from the downtown area. 

Days 11-12: Mount Hood (Government Camp)

Drive Time & Distance: 2 hours and 10 minutes // 106 miles

Matt grew up in the Seattle area, where Mount Rainier is the resident snow capped peak towering over the skyline. 

In Portland, that role is played by Mount Hood, which sits at the northern edge of the state and is actually visible on a clear day from the Skyline Trail at Rainier. 

The best part about Mount Hood? It’s 90 minutes from our front door to the trailheads for some of our favorite hikes (or, the ski resorts in the winter). 

The best area to focus on here is the area around Government Camp on the south side of Hood, which is where the vast majority of trailheads and activities are located. Though there are definitely some worthwhile spots on the eastern and western flanks that are worth a quick detour. 

What to Do at Mount Hood

Here are our favorite things to do and see at Mount Hood. 

Sunset at Trillium Lake: Trillium Lake is one of our favorite photo spots in the state because, on a clear, calm day, you get a near-perfect reflection of Hood on the surface of the lake. For that reflection, you’ll want to go to the southeastern corner of the lake (roughly here on Google Maps). There are lots of great photo spots along the lakeshore. 

Ramona Falls: Ramona Falls is a fun contrast to the towering waterfalls in the Gorge. Rather than being a big drop from a rocky ledge high off the ground, Ramona is a wide, sweeping cascade that is tall, but less powerful and more elegant, if that makes sense. It’s a relatively easy hike to reach (~7 miles) with a somewhat treacherous river crossing early in the season. 

McNeil Point: The McNeil Point trail is one of our favorite hikes in Oregon , but it’s a beast of a climb up to one of the closest viewpoints of Mount Hood that you can get to without actually climbing Hood. It’s a long, tough climb, though it’s particularly beautiful for the last half or so once you’re above the treeline and you have views of Hood and the other peaks int he Cascade Range. If that hike sounds like too much, there is a shorter version from the Lolo Pass Trailhead to Bald Mountain (our favorite view in Oregon). We did it in June, and the trail was lined with blooming rhododendrons (but the viewpoint at the end was obscured by thick fog). 

Visit the Timberline Lodge: The Timberline Lodge is an iconic piece of history here, and is not to be missed. If you’re looking for a good hike that leaves from Timberline Lodge, you can hop on the Pacific Crest Trail and follow it to Zigzag Canyon (or further up into Paradise Park ), where you’ll have great views of Hood. 

Sahale and Umbrella Falls: This hike is another unexpected gem, leaving from the parking lot for Mount Hood Meadows (our favorite ski resort at Hood in the winter) on the eastern side of Hood (so we’d consider doing it on the way from Hood River to save a little bit of driving). It’s a loop that starts with a beautiful waterfall (Umbrella Falls) and ends with a walk across the ski slopes with nice views out to the (very flat) land to the east. It’s worth noting that you don’t actually get a good view of Sahale Falls from the trail – the best view is from the bridge here , which you can drive to before or after the hike. 

Where to Stay near Mount Hood

The town of Government Camp is the best home base for your explorations of Mount Hood. It’s on the south side of the mountain, and it has the widest selection of places to stay, greatest number of amenities (restaurants, grocery store, etc), and the closest location to most of the trailheads for hikes here. 

If you’re up for camping, the Trillium Lake Campground is our pick. We’ve camped there multiple times at this point, and will probably camp there again multiple times in the future. It’s walkable to Trillium Lake, which is one of our favorite photo locations in the state. 

If you’re not up for camping, the options are somewhat limited. We’d either stay at the Best Western right in Government Camp, or find a nice cabin in the woods near the town of Rhododendron to use as a home base for a couple of days. 

Days 13-14: Portland, Oregon

Drive Time & Distance: 1 hour and 10 minutes // 57 miles

We live in Portland, and we think it’s a fitting end to your epic trip through the Pacific Northwest. In many ways – mostly food and drinks – we’re saving the best for last here. 

Portland also offers a nice contrast from Seattle. Portland is much more compact than Seattle, and feels a little bit more down-to-earth with the absence of the tech scene that Seattle has and all the money that brings. 

A couple of days in Portland doesn’t really leave you with all that much time, but it’s enough to see some of the highlights (and start putting places on your list for a return trip).

Broadly speaking, we usually recommend spending a day exploring the downtown core (the west side of the Willamette River, which runs north/south through the middle of Portland), and a day east of the river exploring the neighborhoods on the eastside (where we live and think Portland is at its best). 

What to Do in Portland

There are far too many things to list for Portland, so we’re going to go with our top recommendations here. 

Powell’s City of Books : We bring every visitor to Powell’s, the largest independent bookstore in the world. Specifically, the multi-story downtown location. Matt is incapable of walking out of that store without at least 2-3 new books. 

Hit the Markets! The PSU Farmers Market , which is also on Saturday mornings (8:30am – 2pm) down at Portland State University’s Campus, is a must-do. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Downtown, and it’s the biggest farmers market I’ve ever been to. The Portland Saturday Market , which focuses more on arts and crafts, is also worth a stop. Both ONLY happen on Saturdays, but are worth prioritizing if you happen to be here on a weekend. 

The International Rose Test Garden: Portland is known as the City of Roses (which was essentially created as a marketing slogan for the city after the timber industry took a hit). And this is the most convenient place to see them. 10,000 of them, in fact. They bloom between June and October (ish), and we also come here often during that timeframe to see the roses of all shapes, colors, and sizes. In the fall (call it late September through mid-October), it’s also worth going to the Portland Japanese Garden to see the brilliant fiery hues of orange and red with the Japanese Maples (it’s also just a lovely place to spend an hour – we’re members!). 

Eat some Doughnuts (Donuts?): First thing’s first, somehow Portland became famous for its donuts, and the conversation around the “best donuts in Portland” is fairly contentious. We think the best way to decide is to try them all – here are three spots that consistently rise to the top. If you’re really into donuts, then you should probably hop on the Underground Donut Tour , which takes you to five of the best stops for donuts in the city.

Note : These aren’t gluten free (NOT EVEN CLOSE), but if you are looking for some of the best gluten free donuts we’ve ever had, head to Petunia’s Pies and Pastries on the weekends – they’re 100% gluten free AND vegan. 

• Voodoo Doughnut is the Insta-famous spot and their location in Downtown Portland has a line around the corner most mornings. Come here for the novelty donuts, like donuts topped with Cap’n Crunch. However, the donuts certainly aren’t the best that Portland has to offer (though it’s a fun experience). We’d also recommend going to the location across the river ( here on Google Maps) which is both less busy and a more pleasant location. 
• Blue Star Donuts , who are expanding outside of Portland to cities like Los Angeles now, is the pick for the actual best donuts in Portland according to Alysha, her mom, my mom, my brothers, and my friends who came to my bachelor party – but they’re not cheap. They’re “artisanal” so you’ll need to budget $4-5 per donut. They have some fun flavors, like Blueberry Bourbon Basil and Mexican Hot Chocolate, so get a couple of different ones to try and split them with your group. “Get the apple fritter” says Alysha.
• Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai not only makes Alysha’s favorite chai in Portland, but also makes fried mini doughnuts that are fried fresh to order. They’re a little further out, but it’s worth the journey. Plan on waiting in line if you come on a weekend, but the warm mini doughnuts will make it all worth it in the end. 

Explore the Eastside: East of the Willamette River, you’ll find a much more residential part of the city, which is where we think Portland really shines. There are two broad areas we’d prioritize; Northeast Portland (Alberta and Mississippi, where we used to live) and Southeast Portland (Belmont, Hawthorne, and Division, where we currently live). Refer to our 3 day Portland itinerary for what to do, see, eat, and drink in those areas (and for links to more detailed guides). 

Where to Stay in Portland

We’d stay somewhere central, either in Downtown Portland or the Northwest District . 

In Downtown Portland, shoot for somewhere in the southern end near the PSU Campus like the Heathman Hotel or the Paramount Hotel . 

We also really like the Hyatt Centric as a slightly more affordable option, which is about as central as it gets. 

In the Northwest District, there are only a few options, and the Inn at Northrup Station is the clear winner (we think) in terms of location and value. 

For more information (and A LOT more detail), read our guide to the best places to stay in Portland . 

What to Do with More Time in the Pacific Northwest

If you happen to have more time for your trip to the Pacific Northwest, here are our recommendations on what to add (in order of our preference). 

The Drive from Seattle to Vancouver, B.C. (+7-10 Days) 

If you only have a limited amount of time, you’re going to have to choose between the stretch between Portland and Seattle (our recommendation and the focus of the main itinerary above) and the stretch between Seattle and Vancouver B.C.

With an extra 7-10 days, the first thing we’d add is the stretch between Vancouver and Seattle, which is also a magical place. It will require a slight restructuring of your trip (you’d want to fly into Portland, do the main itinerary above backwards to end in Seattle, and then continue north). 

Along the way, make stops in Leavenworth, North Cascades National Park, and Bellingham en route to Vancouver. 

Because we think the best place to stay for visiting North Cascades National Park is in the eastern foothills of the Cascades, we think you should head east out of Seattle up and over Snoqualmie Pass and over to Leavenworth, which is absolutely worth your time in its own right. 

But the real reason we’d include Leavenworth is to access the magical Alpine Lakes Wilderness . This is one of our favorite hiking destinations in the PNW, and though its popularity has exploded over the past decade or so, it’s well worth braving the crowds for the hike to Colchuck Lake . 

If you want a slightly less trafficked trail with a similar (though notably less spectacular) payoff, look at the Snow Lake Trail near Snoqualmie Pass (which is on your way over to Leavenworth).

It’s worth noting that if you only have a day or two to add to your Pacific Northwest itinerary, you can absolutely just add 1-2 days in Leavenworth and skip the drive further north . 

Once you’re east of the Cascades, you can hug the foothills up to Winthrop , the best home base for North Cascades National Park, before making your way back across the mountains to the charming college town of Bellingham just south of the Canadian border. 

From there, it’s a quick drive up to Vancouver.   

Here’s a map of what that route might look like. 

Note: We had to use bike directions because Google Maps won’t let you change the season on multi-stop routes, which means there are road closures that have it very confused. It’s more like 12-13 hours of driving. 

Reminder: Adding this piece to your itinerary means you’ll need to either fly in or out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to make the timing work. If you’re renting a car, you may not be able to rent a car in one country and drop it off in another – it varies by agency, and you’ll need to check. 

Here are the stops we’d make along the way. 

Leavenworth

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness has become a sensation over the past few years thanks to the fact that the Enchantments , which is a series of crystal clear lakes backed by rocky peaks, look great on Instagram and TikTok.

While it’s essentially impossible to secure an overnight permit to backpack here, there is one great – albeit very popular – hike that takes you out to one of the many lakes here, Colchuck Lake. And the gateway to this incredible source of natural beauty is the pseudo-Bavarian town of Leavenworth, which sits in the eastern foothills of the Cascades.

If you want to hike to Colchuck Lake , which is only accessible in the summer, we’d suggest spending two days in the area because you’ll need to get to the trailhead no later than 7am (no, we’re not joking) to get a parking spot. Stay in Leavenworth the night before your hike and the night after.

If you’re in town in the winter or spring when the hike is not accessible, or you just aren’t into hiking 9 miles, then we’d recommend a night in Leavenworth (you could even do it as a day trip from Seattle , though it’s a long day). 

Read More: What to Do in Leavenworth (for First Timers)

North Cascades National Park

If you want to check off the last of the three national parks in Washington State , you’ll have to journey a few hours north of Seattle to the North Cascades. This is by far the least visited of the three, but that doesn’t make it any less spectacular.

The season here is painfully short (basically late July through the first week of October), but it’s a magical mix of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and wildflowers/fall color (depending on the season).

It’s home to a couple of our absolute favorite hikes in the world, and we have an entire guide dedicated to hiking in North Cascades National Park that you should read for inspiration. 

Bellingham makes for a lovely stopover on your way between North Cascades National Park and either Vancouver or Mount Baker (depending on the itinerary you’ve built).

At its core, it’s a college town, but it’s set right on the water with the Cascades as a backdrop, and has a surprisingly good food and drink scene for its size thanks to the fertile farmland that sits right outside of town. That plus a handful of nice green spaces makes it worth a stop. 

Mount Baker (only with 10+ Extra days)

Mount Baker is our pick for the most underrated hiking destination in Washington State. If you’re into hiking, this stop is worth your time (it’s probably not worth it if you’re not looking to hit the trail).

It’s another case of being a tragically short season – it’s so far north that it’s basically on the Canadian border, which means August and September are the only reliable months for snow and ice-free trails.

There are a bunch of amazing hikes packed into this relatively small area, and you can read all about them in our guide to the best hikes at Mount Baker . Our absolute favorite of the bunch is Yellow Aster Butte , particularly in late September when the fall color arrives. 

We’ve fallen more in love with Vancouver over the past year or so, which has taken us up to British Columbia’s biggest city twice for a good amount of time on each trip. Before then, we had visited multiple times, but had basically only spent time in the downtown core.

We’re here to tell you that the real magic in Vancouver happens outside of that core in places like Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant, where you have streets lined with independent shops and restaurants.

Vancouver is worth a couple of days (here’s our guide to 2 days in Vancouver !), and more if you want to do some day trips to places nearby. 

Putting it all Together

Putting it all together, here’s what that extra 7-10 extra days might look like.

• Day 1: Leavenworth
• Day 2: Leavenworth + Colchuck Lake
• Day 3: North Cascades National Park
• Day 4: North Cascades National Park
• Day 5: Bellingham
• Day 6: Vancouver
• Day 7: Vancouver + Fly Home

If you’d like to add on Mount Baker, here’s what that 10 day addition looks like.

• Day 6: Mount Baker
• Day 7: Mount Baker
• Day 8: Vancouver
• Day 9: Vancouver 
• Day 10: Vancouver + Fly Home

In both of these scenarios, you’d want to start your trip in Portland, Oregon, and do the main itinerary above in reverse from Portland to Seattle . From there, you could add on the two mini itineraries above to put together a pretty unbeatable introduction to the Pacific Northwest. 

Day Trip to Sunrise at Mount Rainier (+1-2 Days)

While a couple of days gives you a good amount of time to explore the Paradise side of Rainier – that’s the western flank of the mountain – this 14 day itinerary doesn’t really give you enough time to spend the extra time to get over to Rainier’s eastern side, where you’ll find the Sunrise Visitor Center. 

This is the highest point in the park that you can drive to, and an absurd number of our favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park leave from this very parking lot. Because of that altitude, it’s also only open in the peak summer and early fall (roughly June to October, but it depends on the year). 

Unfortunately, it’s not particularly convenient to go between Paradise and Sunrise, which has been exacerbated by road closures in recent years. And there’s basically nowhere to stay within 30 minutes of the Sunrise Visitor Center (aside from one VERY popular campground). 

If you have the time and you’re around in the summer, it’s well worth a trip. It’ll take a while to drive there and back (plan on about 90 minutes each way), but we think it’s probably worth it for the amazing hiking. 

A perfect day over here looks like this: start with an early morning (we’d say sunrise) at Tipsoo Lake, then head up to the Sunrise Visitor Center to get an early start on one of the three great hikes here: the Mount Fremont Lookout (a hike to a historic fire lookout on a ridge facing Rainier), Berkeley Park (great wildflowers in the early summer – late July-ish), or Burroughs Mountain (the hardest, but the best way to get into the rocky high alpine territory).

On the way home, consider stopping at Ohanapecosh Visitor Center to walk the shaded path along the river to Silver Falls and Grove of the Patriarchs , an Old Growth Forest ( NOTE : The bridge on Grove of the Patriarchs washed out recently, and the trail is closed until construction happens in…2027). 

A Detour to Crater Lake National Park (+1-2 Days)

Full disclosure, we have somewhat mixed feelings on including Crater Lake National Park on this itinerary for a few reasons. 

First, it’s pretty far out of the way, near Oregon’s southern border. Second, it’s only really accessible for a small slice of the year (you can only circumnavigate the lake from roughly July to October). 

Though, as we’ve noted above, that’s the best time to do this road trip anyway (and it’s the only time you can actually get to most places on this list).   

However, if you’re already down in Central Oregon in the area around Bend, you’re within striking distance and you should do it as a side trip from Bend. 

So if Crater Lake is on your bucket list, that’s probably as close as you’re going to be to Crater Lake without a dedicated trip to it and you might as well make the trip! 

There are three things we think you should focus on with your time at Crater Lake. 

• Drive the rim road all the way around the lake: This is the best way to see the lake from all angles, and it’ll take you a couple of hours, including stops at the various viewpoints along the way. Start at the Visitor Center on the southern rim, walk a portion of the Discovery Trail from there, and then hop in the car. 
• Hike to the highest and lowest points in the park: Mount Scott is the highest point in the park, while Cleetwood Cove is the lowest point in the park, and is the only place where you can get down to the water level. We’d hike both!
• A sunset hike to Garfield Peak: Garfield Peak is right next to the Visitor Center, and makes an excellent place to watch the sunset because you’ll be looking north, where you’ll be able to see the setting sun to the west, and the soft golden light illuminating the eastern rim of the crater. 

The other big challenge with Crater Lake is that there’s really not that many places to stay nearby . You’ve basically only got the (very expensive and competitive) lodges and cabins inside the park if you’re not up for camping. 

There’s the Crater Lake Lodge , which is the fancy option that sits right on the rim road and has some rooms that have lake views. Then down below the rim there’s the Mazama Village Cabins , which are less convenient but more affordable. 

If you’re camping, there’s one campground in the park at Mazama Village . We’ve stayed there, and it’s “meh.” 

For more affordable options, you’ll have to head outside the park to Klamath Falls, which is about an hour south of the southern entrance. We have our eye on the lakefront Fairfield Inn and Suites . 

The San Juan Islands (+1-3 Days)

The San Juan Islands are a group of islands off the coast northwest of Seattle, and they are one of our favorite summer getaways from Seattle. Every summer growing up, Matt’s family would pack up the car and go camping out on San Juan Island (which, to be clear, is one island out of the many that make up the “San Juan Islands”). 

The geography here is pretty unique, and there aren’t a whole lot of places that we can think of that are similar to these islands. 

The weather is slightly cooler and sunnier thanks to the rain-shadow effect of the Olympics (which get ALL of the rain), and it’s a great time to get out on a kayak and explore the islands, which we were lucky to do a few summers ago. 

Though, the waters are treacherous thanks to all the currents that meet here, and you’ll need to do a guided trip because it’s too dangerous for 99% of people to do solo. 

Plus, the orca whales tend to pass by right off of the western coast of the islands in the summer! 

The two main islands are San Juan Island, home to Friday Harbor and the Lime Kiln Lighthouse (where to go to see orcas from shore), and Orcas Island, home to Mount Constitution and some good hiking. There’s also Lopez Island, which is more quiet and low key. 

One island can be done in one day / one night, both will take three days / two nights. Obviously, you could easily spend more time (we spent a full week between San Juan Island and Orcas Island last summer). 

As you might have guessed, we have guides to the best things to do on San Juan Island , where Matt used to spend a week every summer growing up, and guides to Orcas Island .

What to Do with Less Time in the Pacific Northwest

With less time in the Pacific Northwest, you’re REALLY going to have to focus your time. 

With 10 Days

As we mentioned above, with 10 days in the Pacific Northwest, we’d focus your time on the corridor between Seattle and Portland, which would include Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. 

Depending on how much time you want to be spending in the cities themselves (we’d recommend at least one day in each, though two would be better), you could also fit in a day trip or two from Seattle or Portland. 

Here’s what that might look like. 

• Day 2: Seattle
• Day 3: Olympic National Park
• Day 4: Olympic National Park
• Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 6: Mount Rainier National Park
• Day 7: Hood River + the Columbia River Gorge
• Day 8: Hood River + the Columbia River Gorge
• Day 9: Portland
• Day 10: Portland + Fly Home

With 7 Days

With just 7 days, we’d strongly recommend focusing on the drive from Seattle to Portland, with stops in Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park on the way.

It’s going to be quick, but you’ll get to pack in two national parks and two great cities, hopefully leaving you with the desire to make it back ASAP. 

• Day 7: Portland + Fly Home

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

Where are the restaurants listed that we’re supposed to eat at when we go visit these places? I mean this is a great itinerary for a non Celiac who can eat anywhere, But I would expect to have a list of restaurants to eat at at each stop which would be helpful for somebody who is gluten-free or celiac. I’m a bit disappointed… 🤷‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤯 or am I missing something?

Hey Connie!

Unfortunately, the (sad) reality is that there just aren’t that many gluten free restaurants outside the main cities (Portland, Seattle, and Bend) on this itinerary with the notable exception of Nourish Sequim (which you should visit!). On road trips to places where there aren’t many options, we’re usually cooking for ourselves (either camping, or staying in a place with a kitchen) because there just aren’t that many gluten free options in more rural areas like Rainier, Olympic, or Mount Hood.

However, we do have guides to eating gluten free in Seattle and Portland, which you can read for some good gluten free options (along with options in cities nearby).

Hope that helps. -Matt

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10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

The Pacific Northwest is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in the United States. Washington and Oregon have a little bit of everything — impressive mountain ranges, pristine beaches, spectacular national parks, cool cities, quaint small towns, wine regions, lush forests, charming islands, and everything in-between. What’s not to love?

With so much to see in the Pacific Northwest, it’s best to plan a Pacific Northwest road trip to explore as much of this gorgeous region as possible. In this post, we’ve outlined the ideal ten-day Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary with things to do, places to eat, and where to stay, to help you plan the perfect road trip to the Pacific Northwest. Are you ready?

Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

When Is the Best Time to Go on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip?

The best time to go on a Pacific Northwest road trip is from June to October . During the summer and fall months, you can usually count on sunny, dry weather, clear roads, and ideal conditions for enjoying the spectacular outdoor adventures in Washington and Oregon, like hiking, waterfall spotting, fruit picking, and going to the beach.

Usually, prices will be more expensive in the summer months (especially July and August). The end of September and beginning of October is a great time to visit if you want to see fall leaves and for cheaper prices and fewer tourists. Just be sure to plan your visit before the first snowfall in November or December — driving in unpredictable rainy or snowy conditions can make the logistics of this Pacific Northwest road trip more of a challenge.

Where Should I Start and End My Pacific Northwest Road Trip?

I recommend starting and ending your Pacific Northwest road trip in Seattle .

The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is the most accessible airport in the Pacific Northwest, and it’s convenient to drive in a loop from Seattle to Leavenworth to Portland and back to Seattle (which is exactly how this itinerary is laid out for you!). Plus, you can also book a round-trip ticket from Seattle, which is really convenient. However, once you arrive in Seattle, read through this list of Road Trip Essentials to ensure you have everything you need before hitting the road.

Recommended 10-Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

Seattle, washington.

Once you arrive at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it’s time to begin exploring Seattle!

Seattle is a fabulous city with so many things to see and do (and tons of excellent food!), but it is also a great launching point for several amazing day trips to national parks, cities, and natural attractions in the surrounding area. We recommend spending two days exploring all that Seattle has to offer, and at least one day on a day trip from Seattle!

Top Things to See & Do in Seattle

• Chew a piece of gum and “stick” your contribution to The Gum Wall.  
• Stop by the Original Starbucks to snap a photo at this iconic spot. 
• Take a guided or self-guided food tour through the iconic Pike Place Market . 
• Explore Waterfront Park and consider riding the Seattle Great Wheel for stunning views of the city or paying a visit to the marine animals at the Seattle Aquarium. 
• Ride all the way to the top of the Space Needle on a clear day to see panoramic views of Elliot Bay, Mount Rainier, and the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. 
• Marvel at the glass sculptures and artwork in the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum , featuring artwork from famous glass artist, Dale Chihuly. 
• Enjoy a unique coffee beverage, cocktail, dessert, or meal from the Starbucks Reserve Roastery — one of only six in the world! 
• Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a hike or walk around Discovery Park . 
• Hop in the car and take a day trip to one of Seattle’s three national parks — Olympic National Park , Mount Rainier National Park , or North Cascades National Park . Check out some of the best hiking trails while you are at these parks, like the Skyline Trail in Mt Rainier and Hurricane Hill Trail in Olympic National Park.

Top Places to Eat & Drink in Seattle

• Savor a cup of craft coffee at Storyville Coffee in Pike Place Market. 
• Make reservations at The Pink Door for delicious Italian food, memorable entertainment, and stunning views of Elliot Bay from the patio. 
• Order some cheesy mac ‘n’ cheese or grilled cheese from Beecher’s Handmade Cheese — a staple in the Pacific Northwest! 
• Get a thick, creamy Greek yogurt that tastes like dessert from Ellenos . 
• Order handmade pasta at Pasta Casalinga in Pike Place Market (my personal favorite!). 

Where to Stay in Seattle

• Hotel Theodore — The lobby at Hotel Theodore is beautiful, and the hotel has a complimentary cocktail hour in the evening, and there is a coffee shop in the lobby. You can even rent bikes to ride around downtown. 
• Thompson Seattle — This stunning hotel offers a rooftop bar and a terrace with views of Elliot Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The rooms are extremely luxurious, so if you are looking for an upscale stay in Seattle, this is the perfect spot for you! 
• The Paramount Hotel — This hotel is just a ten-minute walk away from Pike Places Market and the Space Needle is just one mile away. You’ll find sleek furniture and modern furnishings in this gorgeous hotel. 

Read More on Seattle

• Jam-Packed Itinerary for One Fun Day in Seattle  
• 9 Fabulous Pike Place Market Food Tours in Seattle  
• Pike Place Market Guide: What to See & Eat at Seattle’s Iconic Market  
• 19 Must-Do Day Trips from Seattle    

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Before leaving Seattle, take the ferry from the Seattle Ferry Terminal to Bainbridge Island for one day. This ferry ride costs less than $10 per person, and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of Elliot Bay and the city’s skyline on the short 35-minute journey to this beautiful island.

These are some of the best things to do on Bainbridge Island to include on your Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. We aren’t including any hotel recommendations, because we recommend visiting Bainbridge Island as a day trip from Seattle.

Top Things to See & Do in Bainbridge Island

• Ride the bus to Blodel Reserve — a gorgeous nature preserve filled with landscaped gardens, forests, and a stunning reflecting pool. 
• Explore the local shops and boutiques on Winslow Way, including Eagle Harbor Book Co. and Lively Olive Tasting Bar . 
• Admire contemporary artwork from local artists around the Puget Sound at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art . 
• Take a scenic walk along the Bainbridge Island Waterfront Trail and enjoy beautiful views of Eagle Harbor and Hawley Cove. 
• Purchase some local fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other goodies on Saturdays from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market . 
• Learn about the fascinating history of Bainbridge Island at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum . 
• Go wine tasting at one of the many wineries on Bainbridge Island, including Fletcher Bay Winery and Bainbridge Vineyards . 

Top Places to Eat & Drink in Bainbridge Island

• Sit down in Pegasus Coffee House to enjoy a coffee and pastry (and take a photo of the charming greenery outside too!). 
• Enjoy British-style fish and chips, as well as other delicious seafood, like lobster rolls and fish tacos, at Proper Fish . 
• Make reservations for a nice dinner at Seabird — an island-inspired restaurant serving seafood, including oysters, scallops, and mussels. 
• Fill up on the delicious surf ‘n’ turf menu at Islander , featuring organic produce, locally sourced meat, and sustainably sourced seafood. 

Read More on Bainbridge Island

• Ultimate Guide to Spending the Perfect Day on Bainbridge Island  

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth is a charming Bavarian-themed town in the Cascade Mountains that is worth spending some time in during your Pacific Northwest road trip. It’s only a two-hour drive east of Seattle, so it’s pretty easy to get here from the city.

Not only is the town itself fun to explore, but the surrounding area is filled with tons of adventurous activities — from hiking to white-water rafting. Check out all the best things to do in Leavenworth for two days!

Top Things to See & Do in Leavenworth

• Go shopping at the local boutiques in Downtown Leavenworth to find fun souvenirs. 
• Visit during select dates in September, October, November, or December to experience Oktoberfest or the Christkindlmarkt . 
• Ride horseback through the gorgeous scenery with Wild at Heart Horse Rides . 
• Spend a day hiking in the Enchantments on Colchuck Lake Trailhead or stay closer to Leavenworth by hiking the Icicle Gorge Nature Loop or Icicle Ridge Trail . 
• Sample local beer or wine at local breweries or wineries, including Icicle Brewing Company , Leavenworth Cider House , or Silvara Cellars . 
• See Santa’s reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm . 
• Go on a white-water rafting adventure down the Wenatchee River in the warm summer or early fall months. 

Top Places to Eat & Drink in Leavenworth

• Grab a craft coffee, breakfast sandwich, and delicious pastry at Argonaut Coffee & Biscuits to fuel up for a big day of exploring. 
• Sit outside at the beer garden while enjoying a pretzel, brat, or beer at München Haus . 
• Cozy up with an artisanal bone broth soup made from scratch at Yodelin Broth Company — this is perfect for the chilly fall or winter months! 
• Enjoy a sit-down dinner at Watershed Café , a chef-owned, farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on the ingredients and flavors of the Pacific Northwest. 
• Try some traditional German fare at the Andreas Keller Restaurant . 
• Sample a flight of beers at Icicle Brewing Company or a flight of ciders at the Leavenworth Cider House . 

Where to Stay in Leavenworth

• Posthotel Leavenworth — This adults-only hotel is by far the most luxurious property in Downtown Leavenworth. Here, you will be able to enjoy a European-style breakfast included in the cost of your stay as well as steam rooms, saunas, plunge pools, and other luxurious amenities for guests. 
• LOGE Leavenworth Downtown   — This down-to-earth hotel has an outdoorsy and relaxed “camp” feel with a cozy coffee shop in the lobby, fun hammocks hanging in each room, helpful gear rentals, and city cruisers that are free for guests.  
• Bavarian Lodge  — This hotel in Downtown Leavenworth provides guests with spacious rooms (cozy fireplaces included!), a heated swimming pool, an outdoor hot tub, and complimentary breakfast. What more could you ask for? 

Read More on Leavenworth

• Ultimate Guide to Leavenworth in the Fall  
• 18 Delicious Places to Eat & Drink in Leavenworth  

Portland, Oregon

Two Days  

After spending the first half of your trip in Washington, it’s time to drive down to Oregon. It only takes about three to four hours to arrive in Portland from Leavenworth, and the drive is pretty easy. You’ll even be able to get a sneak preview of the Columbia River Gorge!

We recommend spending two days in Portland, so you can take one full day to explore the city and another full day to explore the wineries in the Willamette Valley. These are our best recommendations for what to see and do in Portland and the surrounding wine country!

Top Things to See & Do in Portland

• Get lost in the endless shelves of books in Powell’s City of Books — the world’s largest independent bookstore. 
• Browse the Portland Saturday Market at Tom McCall Waterfront Park and take a photo in front of the famous Portland White Stag Sign. 
• See thousands of beautiful roses in bloom in the late spring, summer, or fall in the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park. 
• Wander through the Portland Japanese Garden, also in Washington Park, to see the Natural Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, and more. 
• Dive into the history of Portland at Pittock Mansion — a house museum that tells the story of how Portland evolved from a pioneer town to a modern, industrialized city. 
• Plan a wine-tasting adventure in the Willamette Valley by visiting wineries like Brick House Vineyards, Willamette Valley Vineyards, and Domaine Roy & Fils. 

Top Places to Eat & Drink in Portland

• Go on a coffee crawl to Portland’s top craft coffee roasters, including Coava Coffee Roasters , Good Coffee , and Stumptown Coffee Roasters . 
• Try an adults-only donut flavor, like Cointreau Crème Brûlée and Blueberry Bourbon Basil at Blue Star Donuts (it’s way better than Voodoo Doughnuts!). 
• Check out some of the top local breweries in Portland for a brew and lunch, including Von Ebert Brewing & Kitchen and Little Beast Brewing Beer Garden . 
• Treat yourself to a nice dinner at Noble Rot , a restaurant in Downtown Portland that grows all its own vegetables and offers wine flights with dinner. 
• Make reservations to enjoy a six-course meal at one of the most famous restaurants in Portland, Le Pigeon , where you can enjoy French-inspired fare. 
• Grab an ice cream cone at Salt & Straw — the innovative flavors from this West Coast ice cream chain were dreamed up right here, in Portland. 
• While you’re in wine country, grab a quick lunch at Red Hills Market in Dundee to fill up between wine tastings, or head into McMinnville for more options. 

Where to Stay in Portland

• Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel  — This beautiful hotel provides guests with rooms, apartments, and suites in a riverfront setting overlooking the Willamette River. At the property, you can also enjoy refined dining, a fabulous happy hour, and complimentary wine hours. 
• Canopy by Hilton Portland Pearl District   — This chic and modern hotel in Portland’s hip Pearl District offers a restaurant, rooftop gym, and spectacular city views. Guests have commented that the staff and amenities are exceptional.  
• Woodlark Hotel  — This boutique hotel is in the center of the city and offers a refined restaurant, cocktail bar, and event spaces. Their coffee shop in the lobby, Good Coffee, is also one of the best coffee shops in Portland! 

Read More on Portland

• Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Portland, Oregon  
• 10 Best Wineries to Visit in the Willamette Valley (+ Map & Helpful Tips)  

Oregon Coast, Oregon

One Day  

The Oregon Coast is only an hour or two away from Portland, so it’s the perfect day trip away from the city! If you have more time in Oregon (especially if you’re visiting in the summer or early fall, when the weather is nice), I even recommend finding a hotel on the Oregon Coast and staying an extra night. There is a lot to do and see along this scenic coastline!

However, even if you only have one day, you can still squeeze in the “best of the best” of the Oregon Coast by hanging out around Tillamook and Cannon Beach. Here is what to enjoy on the Oregon Coast in one day on your 10-day Pacific Northwest road trip!

Top Things to See & Do on the Oregon Coast

• Take a photo in front of Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. 
• Walk around the quaint Downtown Cannon Beach and check out some of the shops, including Cannon Beach Book Co. and Bruce’s Candy Kitchen. 
• Spend some time hiking in Ecola Beach State Park for beautiful coastal views. Popular trails include Clatsop Look Trail and Crescent Beach Trail. 
• Embark on another hike at Oswald West State Park, where forested greenery meets coastal views. Cape Falcon Trail and Elk Falls Trail are the most popular trails here. 
• Visit the aquarium, golf course, amusement park, and other fun attractions at Seaside — the most “touristy” town on the Oregon Coast. 
• Go on a tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, Oregon (the tour is free and includes free cheese samples!). 

Top Places to Eat & Drink on the Oregon Coast

• Grab a coffee and fresh-baked pastry at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters . 
• Sit down for casual lunch or dinner and enjoy a locally crafted beer at Pelican Brewing Company at Cannon Beach. 
• Make reservations for an upscale dinner, featuring fresh-caught seafood and craft cocktails, at The Wayfinder Restaurant & Lounge . 
• Try some cheesy and dairy-filled treats at the food court at the Tillamook Cheese Factory , including cheese curds, mac ‘n’ cheese, ice cream, and more. 

Read More on the Oregon Coast

• Perfect Cannon Beach Day Trip from Portland  
• Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour: Tips, Tricks & What You Need to Know  

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is my personal favorite day trip from Portland, Oregon. This scenic stretch along the Historic Columbia River Highway is only a 30-minute drive from Portland and is filled with stunning waterfalls, beautiful hikes, fruit orchards, wineries, and other attractions!

Be sure to get an early start from your hotel in Portland, so you can maximize your time exploring the Columbia River Gorge before heading back home. Here is everything you should do while you’re on this portion of the Pacific Northwest road trip!

Top Things to See & Do in the Columbia River Gorge

• Hike to the top of Bridal Veil Falls , where you can snap a photo of this iconic waterfall before making the journey back down. 
• Stop and snap a photo of the iconic Multnomah Falls . You can hike to the bridge for a closer view of the falls, and hike even further if you have time. 
• Spend a few hours hiking to Wahclella Falls . This waterfall is lesser known than other stops along the Columbia River Gorge and is easily just as beautiful! 
• Pick apples, peaches, cherries, pears, or whatever fruit is in season at Mt. View Orchards or Draper Girls Country Farm on the Hood River Fruit Look. 
• Find a winery, like Mt. Hood Winery or Marchesi Vineyards & Winery , where you can go wine tasting while enjoying the gorgeous scenery! 

Top Places to Eat & Drink in the Columbia River Gorge

• Savor breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the Multnomah Falls Lodge , where you can watch this iconic waterfall tumbling down outside while enjoying your meal! 
• Order a delicious pizza and a local wine, beer or cider at Grateful Vineyards while enjoying stunning views of Mount Hood. 
• Enjoy a burger, sandwich, noodle bowl, or other delicious meal at Thunder Island Brewing Co. , while also enjoying views of the Willamette River. This restaurant also serves locally brewed beers. 

Read More on the Columbia River Gorge

• Scenic Columbia River Gorge Day Trip from Portland  

FAQs: Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

What is the best month to visit the pacific northwest.

The most popular months to visit the Pacific Northwest are June , July , and August . The summer months bring limited rain and sunshine to Washington and Oregon. However, September and October are generally also great months to visit — usually, the weather is still fantastic, but you can score cheaper prices and won’t have to deal with as many tourists at popular locations.

What is the best way to visit the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest has tons of unique hidden gems, beautiful natural landmarks, national parks, and cool cities to explore. That’s why a road trip is the best way to visit the Pacific Northwest — you’ll be able to see as many of the popular sites in this region of the country as possible, even in a limited amount of time.

Is Oregon or Washington prettier?

Overall, there are more mountainous regions and scenic coastal spots in Oregon than in Washington, although Washington has more national parks. Both states are filled with plenty of natural beauty, so I recommend visiting both to decide for yourself!

Is the Pacific Northwest expensive?

The Pacific Northwest is known for being expensive, but you shouldn’t feel the pain of the higher costs too much as a tourist. Try to fill up on gas outside the big cities, and budget a little extra money for food, coffee, and meals. However, the real “expense” in the Pacific Northwest is the cost of living (renting, buying a home, etc.), so you’ll be fine as a visitor!

Let’s Hit the Road with This Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

If you give this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary a try, you’ll have to let me know what you think! We loved exploring Oregon and Washington with this itinerary, and I’m already itching to go back to explore more of this stunning region of the United States. 

Save This Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary for Later

About the Author

Brittany Sawyer

Hi, I'm Brit! I'm a writer from Phoenix, AZ who loves coffee, golden retriever puppies, and obviously, travel! I help ordinary women (like me!) dream, plan, and do extraordinary travel experiences.

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Highway 101 Road Trip: Oregon & Washington Coast 4 Day Itinerary & Stops

The Oregon and Washington coastlines are a few of the most beautiful places in the entire United States to explore. Along the more than 500 miles of road sits waterfalls, beaches, history, vistas and food that will keep you coming back again and again for more. This guide is merely here to help you enjoy your time to the fullest with a four-day itinerary and a lot of recommendations for how to make the most of your time. I also wrote about driving the coast of California here if you want to make your journey longer. Enjoy your drive and let me know what I left off in the comments.

• Length: 500+ Miles
• Recommend at least 4 days

Four Day Road Trip Guide

Here is my recommended itinerary for each day on this drive.

• Read about Day 1 from Brookings, OR to Newport, OR here .
• Read about Day 2 from Newport, OR to Astoria, OR here .
• Read about Day 3 from Astoria, OR to Forks, WA here .
• Read about Day 4 from Forks, WA to Seattle, WA here .

24 Best Stops on the Oregon / Washington Coastlines

Here are my 24 favorite stops along the Oregon and Washington coastlines.

Natural Bridges

Located in the Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor, the Natural Bridges are large rocks in the ocean with arches in the base.

Meyers Beach

Meyers Beach is the first part of the coast you will get to that will take your breath away. There are many large rocks in the water here with a North and South Beach.

Wreck of the Mary Hume

This wreck in the northern part of Gold’s Beach is not to be missed. With the green moss growing on it, it is a great spot for photography.

Prehistoric Gardens

I love fun roadside attractions and this is one of the best along this drive. The Prehistoric Gardens are like walking through the Jurrasic Period where dinosaurs walked the Earth.

Cape Blanco State Park

Whether you come for the coastal views of the lighthouse, Cape Blanco State Park is a little off the highway but it is not to be missed.

Oregon Dunes Overlook

The Oregon dunes are one of the largest in the USA. There are many places to check them out at, but I recommend the Oregon Dunes Overlook at the end. There are trails and viewpoints within walking distance of the parking lot.

Sea Lion Caves

Another popular roadside attraction, the Sea Lion Caves are one of the largest coastal caves in the USA. Accessed via an elevator you can take it down into the cave itself.

Thor’s Well

One of my favorite stops on the entire drive, Thor’s Well is a majestic blowhole right on the beach that sends gigantic plumes of water into the air. Don’t get too close but be sure to check it out.

Yaquina Head Light

The second lighthouse on this drive, Yaquina Head also has amazing coastal views and history. Be sure to head down to the beach and check out the tide pools as well.

Devil’s Punchbowl State Park

Devil’s Punchbowl State Park is basically a large sea cave. You can park and view it from above or you can walk down to the beach and see it from below as well. I recommend both.

Tillamook Cheese Factory

No trip up the Oregon coast is complete without visiting the Tillamook Cheese Factory. This spot has tons of free cheese tastings, a museum, and a full restaurant.

Hug Point State Park

Just south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point State Park is a less-trafficked and beautiful beach with a hidden sea cave and waterfall.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is the Oregon coast’s most popular attraction. A visit to the famous Haystack Rock is a must on your road trip.

Fort Clatsop

This national park is located to be near the endpoint of the Lewis and Clark trail and it features a full replica of Fort Clatsop, the fort they built at the end of their journey.

The Wreck of the Peter Iredale

At over a century old, The Wreck of the Peter Iredale is located inside a state park on the tip of Oregon. The remains are situated on the beach and you can walk out and explore them during low tide.

Astoria Film Museum – Goonies

In Astoria, explore Goonies history at the Astoria Film Museum. This museum is located in the Astoria Jail and even though it is small, it has a lot of charm.

Astoria Tower

At the top of the hill in the middle of Astoria, there is a large tower that you can pay to climb. From the top of the tower, you have an amazing view of the coastline and the city below you.

Kurt Cobain Park

Crossing over into Washington and driving for a while will take you to Aberdeen which was the home of Kurt Cobain. There is not much here to see related to him but this small park.

• Lake Quinault Lodge

Lake Quinault is a beautiful body of water right off the highway. Lake Quinault Lodge is a famous and historic hotel that sits right on the water. Even if you are not staying here you should still go check it out.

In the heart of Olympic National Park, Ruby Beach is one of my favorite stops. The beach is littered with driftwood and it is majestic to see as the fog rolls in.

Rialto Beach

Rialto Beach on the outskirts of Forks, WA is an amazing spot to catch a sunrise or sunset. It is never very crowded so you can enjoy a quiet morning at a beautiful place.

John’s Beachcombing Museum

John’s Beachcombing Museum is a labor of love from one man who has spent the last 35 years collecting the things that wash up on the beach. You will be amazed by what you see here.

Marymere Falls

On a little bit off the highway, this short .25 mile trail takes you to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall.

Olympic Game Farm

Olympic Game Farm is a drive-through animal preserve which rehabilitates and provides a retirement home for old circus animals. It is home to the popular waving bears.

Here is a video I made of the 4 days I spent driving up the coast.

Hotel Recommendations

There are lots of great places to stay on the road trip, but here are a few of my recommendations.

• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• The Old Tower House Bed & Breakfast 
• Riverhouse Inn
• Elizabeth Street Inn
• The Ashley Inn of Tillamook
• Inn at Haystack Rock
• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria 

Lake Quinault

• Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast
• Too many great spots to recommend in Seattle, pick your favorite from this list

What would you recommend? Be sure to leave it in the comments.

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Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips (and When to Take Them)

Updated : June 14, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome

Everything you need to know about taking a Pacific Northwest road trip , including scenic drives in Oregon and Washington plus day trips from Seattle and Portland.

The Pacific Northwest States

By definition, the “Pacific Northwest” is the northwestern region of the United States near the Pacific Ocean. For our purposes, the Pacific Northwest region includes the following states:

• Washington

People sometimes include Idaho and British Columbia, Canada, in the Pacific Northwest. But we cover these areas in separate AAA road trip guides. (See for drives in Idaho and surrounding states. See Western Canada Road Trips for drives through British Columbia.)

Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips for Scenic Views

If you’re planning on taking a road trip in the Pacific Northwest, you may be overwhelmed by the options. Active volcanoes, dramatic ocean cliffs, towering waterfalls and temperate rainforests are just a few things to see. There’s a wide range of geography to marvel over in this region.

If you have a full day or more to spare, consider one of these popular scenic drives. (Click the links for a sample road trip itinerary and interactive maps.)

• Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip - A scenic loop through northern Oregon and southern Washington. The trip includes Portland, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Multnomah Falls, Yakima Valley and Mount Rainier National Park.

• Northern CA & Southern OR Coast Road Trip - A one-way journey that starts in the Central Valley of California and includes driving Oregon’s coast. You'll have views of state parks and quaint beach towns along the way.

• Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon Coast Road Trip - A one-way trip up Oregon’s coast on the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101). The route features some of the best whale watching opportunities in Oregon. You'll see the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Sea Lion Caves, Haystack Rock and other noteworthy sights.

• Olympic Peninsula Road Trip - A scenic loop from Seattle that circles the Olympic Peninsula and the lush rain forests of Olympic National Park. Stops include Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. A great northwest national park road trip.

Best Time of Year for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Figuring out the best time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest largely depends on what you want to see. It also depends on what sort of weather conditions you can handle. The climate can vary widely across the area, so it’s best to be prepared for all types of conditions.

In areas west of the Cascade Range near the Pacific Ocean, the climate is mild, with sunny and dry summers and wet, cloudy winters.

Rainy season typically starts in October and lasts through March in this part of the Pacific Northwest. But clouds, fog and a light drizzle can linger along the coastline year-round. If you don’t mind a drizzle, the rainy season could be a good time for a road trip, as hotel rates may be cheaper and crowds are lighter.

In areas east of the Cascade Range, the climate is much drier, but seasonal temperature swings can be more dramatic.

What to Know About Winter Road Trips

The first snowfall of the season can arrive as early as October in Oregon and Washington. From the first snowfall through April or May, expect road closures on mountain roads and around some national parks. After a heavy snowfall, snow plows typically work on the areas near ski resorts first. Some mountain passes in the Cascade Range are open year-round.If you want to experience the Pacific Northwest mountains in winter, the is a great option. The route is accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier.To see Oregon’s Mount Hood up close, consider the .

How to Tour Washington and Oregon Wine Country

Did you know that Oregon’s leading wine region is just south of Portland? Explore the wineries of the Willamette Valley — they number more than 500 — on a scenic drive through the Oregon countryside. Here are two road trips in Oregon’s southern Willamette Valley that are close to wineries and vineyards:

• Willamette Scenic Highway - See a historic covered bridge and venture into Willamette National Forest. The trip ends at the foothills of the Cascade Range.

• Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Road Trip - Begin near Roseburg, home to many wineries. Then travel into the mountains of Umpqua National Forest before stopping near Crater Lake.

In Washington state, you’ll find the most wineries and vineyards in the Yakima and Walla Walla valleys. The best way to explore this region is on the , which takes you through Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, Yakima, Zillah and other cities with wineries.

Inspiration for a National Park Road Trip

Whether you want to go hiking or just admire the scenery from your car window, national parks make great road trip destinations. Visit the parks in spring or summer to see wildflowers in full bloom. Or plan your trip during the fall for plenty of leaf peeping opportunities.To see Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, consider the or the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway Road Trip . (Note that the latter is closed in winter.)Olympic National Park is best explored on the . The best time to visit the Olympic Peninsula is in July when you can see colorful fields of lavender near Sequim.Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the United States, the cuts through North Cascades National Park on SR 20. The road passes mountains, forests and glacial lakes.If Crater Lake National Park is on your vacation itinerary, take the . The trip begins in Roseburg, Oregon, and ends near Diamond Lake.

Quick Day Trips from Seattle

Here are a few ideas for scenic road trips that would be an easy day trip from Seattle, Washington:

• Drive along the Hood Canal to see mountain peaks on the Hood Canal Scenic Route Road Trip and Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Hood Canal Area Road Trip .

• Take a ferry ride across the sparkling waters of Puget Sound on the Whidbey Scenic Isle Way Road Trip .

• Explore ice caves in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the Mountain Loop Scenic Highway Road Trip .

• Check out horse country and see snowcapped Mount Rainier on the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway Road Trip .

Scenic Road Trips from Portland

If you’re visiting Portland, Oregon, and have a few hours to spare, consider heading out on one of these scenic road trips:

• See Mount Hood from across the Columbia River on the North Shore Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Byway .

• Travel deeper into Mount Hood National Forest on the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip .

Start Your Next Vacation with AAA

AAA Travel provides peace of mind for travelers — from the first mile of the journey to the last. Get inspiration for your next road trip with AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner , or browse pre-planned road trip itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips or in the AAA Digital TourBook® . Estimating fuel costs is easy with the AAA Gas Cost Calculator , and if your car needs a quick tune-up before the trip, find a AAA Approved auto repair facility near you at AAA.com/AutoRepair . For printed maps, AAA TourBook guides and trip planning advice, visit your local AAA office .

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Washington Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

A Washington / Oregon road trip is the dream of travelers around the world. From mountains to beaches, cities to small towns, this itinerary down the coast is easy and features National Parks, wine country, waterfalls and the best cheese.

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The Complete Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (50 Stops & 4 Unique Routes!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary According To A PNW Local

Oregon. That magical spot in the corner of the United States where roaring waterfalls, epic coastlines, and mysteries in the forest all thrive next to each other. 

It’s an incredible place that requires the guidance of PNW experts (that’s us!) to divulge all the best stops in the state. We’ve been exploring Oregon for years , so you can count on us to provide well-rounded tips to give you the best experience!

In this post, we’re sharing the most epic Oregon road trip route , including our favorite stops and custom trips of 2-weeks, 10-days, and 1-week to cater to your specific needs. Scroll all the way to the bottom to find a free Oregon road trip itinerary download , too!

Okay, enough talking, let’s get exploring!

The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (Exactly Where To Find The Best Spots!)

First of all, where is oregon.

Oregon is located in a region called the Pacific Northwest , which is located in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States.

Fixed between its northern neighbor, Washington , and its southern neighbor, Northern California , Oregon is a unique mix of giant redwood trees, raging waterfalls, high desert, and beautiful coastal wilderness.

It’s got a little bit of everything , which is why taking an Oregon road trip will probably be the most incredible thing you will do this year!

Here’s a little bit about Oregon to start…

Oregon is broken down into seven distinct regions, each with its own unique spin on Oregon culture and iconic destinations . Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect from each:

• The Oregon Coast: 363 miles of accessible beaches, historic lighthouses, sea stacks, and gorgeous little Oregon beach towns . 
• Central Oregon: A High Desert escape including popular spots like Sisters, Bend, and Smith Rock State Park . 
• Eastern Oregon : Lonely vast desert with incredible geological features scattered across the area. Known for the Alvord Desert, Pendleton, and the Painted Hills. 
• Portland Region: The urban center for creatives, makers, and foodies. Known for its epic food culture, bridges, and accessibility to nature.
• Mt. Hood & The Columbia River Gorge: Home to the highest mountain in Oregon (Mt Hood), and some of the most famous Oregon waterfalls like Multnomah Falls. 
• Southern Oregon: Home to Crater Lake National Park, this region also boasts adventurous caves, gorgeous forests, and hidden hot springs (Umpqua Hot Springs). 
• The Willamette Valley: Known for its amazing wine, tulips, and orchards, this farming community is a hub for a perfect weekend getaway.

Great…So Where Do I Start My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest place to start your Oregon road trip is in Portland . This is the biggest city, where you will find the most options for car rentals, flights into the state ( Portland International Airport – PDX ), and stores to pick up any last-minute supplies.

Our Oregon road trip itinerary has you starting in Portland and heading east, but you can always fit the route to suit your own needs and desires! Keep scrolling to see all the stops so you can make your decision.

How Do I Get Around On My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest way to get around on an Oregon trip is to drive in a car . It’s unreasonable to believe that you can fly from place to place. The biggest major airport is in Portland (PDX) and the rest are smaller local airports.

It’s easiest to get around Oregon in a car , and we highly suggest this mode of transportation! If you are hoping to do some camping along the way, we recommend checking out the company Outdoorsy to rent a campervan . It’s like having your transportation AND accommodations all in one place.

Outdoorsy does local recreational vehicle rentals (kind of like Airbnb but for cars!) so you can travel around Oregon in style with a cool vintage VW bus or cute teardrop trailer!

Where Do I Stay During My Oregon Road Trip?

The good thing about Oregon road trips is that they are completely customizable! You can stay at some of the coolest lodges and hotels in Oregon, explore backcountry roads for camping, or do a little mix of both!

Finding Epic Campsites in Oregon: There are so many amazing campsites in Oregon that the topic requires its own blog post! However, one of our most coveted tools for finding the best camping spots is through The Dyrt . The Dyrt is a campground finding app , and one of the best ones we’ve used! It’s got great reviews with photos, offline maps, road trip routing tools, and more! Our readers get to try it free for 30-days by using our code Mandagies !

Our favorite lodges & resorts in Oregon: Some amazing accommodations stand out among the others, and we think that some of these places deserve their own recognition! Here are some of our favorite lodges in Oregon that we recommend checking out!

FivePine Lodge – Sisters, OR (Central) Bay Point Landing – Coos Bay, OR (Southern Coast) Headlands Lodge – Pacific City, OR (Northern Coast) The Independence Hotel – Willamette Valley (Northwest/Central ORegon)

The Mega Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stop In Oregon)

This two week Oregon road trip will bring you to all the best spots!

Stop 1: Portland, Oregon

Before departing the city, spend some time visiting Portland’s coolest locations! Some of the most popular outdoor places to visit in the city include the Portland Rose Garden, Washington Park, the Pittock Mansion (with its view of the city!), and Forest Park.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the several food truck communities around town. Click here to locate all the food truck pods around Portland!

From here, make sure to stock up with snacks at your favorite grocery store, fill up with gas, and hit the road!

Stop 2: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

Begin your Oregon road trip in Portland and head to Interstate 84 East to start your Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive . This is a great start to any Oregon road trip itinerary for its iconic stops like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

If you want to go hiking in this area, consider Wahclella Falls Trail (only 1.9-miles long) or Munra Point Trail for incredible panoramic views.

To spend more time checking out cool waterfalls in Oregon , consider taking the Historic Columbia River Highway (that parallels I-84), which provides easy access to many of them. Don’t forget to drive a little farther than Hood River to check out Rowena Crest , that famous hairpin road!

Note: The Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 devastated much of this area, and hikes/waterfall trails are slowly opening after restoration efforts. Click here to be updated on real-time trail openings in the Columbia River Gorge . 

Extra Stops Between Portland and Hood River:

• Vista House – A museum, observatory, and rest stop
• Bridge of the Gods – Many of the Pacific Crest Trail Hikers cross here!
• Beacon Rock State Park (on the Washington side)
• More than 25 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to see!

Stop 3: Hood River, Oregon

Hood River, Oregon is the perfect place to stay after a day of planning fun things to do in the Columbia River Gorge ! Placed conveniently on the river’s edge, there is easy access to Mount Hood directly south, water activities like windsurfing , and Washington waterfalls right across the river in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest to the north.

If you want a little more adventure, consider crossing the toll bridge ($2) to Washington and venturing on nearby trails to Falls Creek Falls , Panther Creek Falls, or Lower Lewis Falls.

Cool Places To Stay in Hood River, Oregon

Modern Townhome in White Salmon, WA (just across the river) MtAdamsView in Hood River (TONS of gorge and mountain views, sleeps 6) Best Western Plus in Hood River (great value, free breakfast)

Stop 4: Mount Hood

Route your Oregon road trip from the river’s edge to the mountains, more specifically to all the cool things to do in Mount Hood !

Watch a sunrise at  Trillium Lake – one of the easiest lakes to reach on Mount Hood. On a clear day, you will be able to see the reflection of the picturesque Mount Hood beautifully framed in the distance! Other Mount Hood lakes include Frog Lake,  Lost Lake,  and  Mirror Lake –  each with their own unique reflection of the mountain. 

If you are interested in discovering some cool hiking trails around Mout Hood, consider  Ramona Falls trail. This gorgeous horsetail falls is hidden deep in the forest, but the payoff is huge once you see it with your own eyes. Care for a short waterfall hike for your Portland day trip? Consider  Tamanawas Falls , an easy 3.3-mile trail with a gorgeous view!

Want to challenge yourself? Here are some other longer hikes in the Mount Hood area.

• Tom Dick and Harry  (9 miles out and back)
• Bald Mountain  (6 miles out and back)
• McNeil Point Trail  (9.6 miles out and back)

Stop 5: The Painted Hills

After stopping at Mount Hood (overnight or just for a day trip) take the 3.5-hour drive from Mount Hood to the Painted Hills to catch a gorgeous sunset in the Oregon desert. 

The Painted Hills gets its name from the exposed layers of colorful soil that are revealed in the rolling hills of the John Day Fossil Beds . Make sure to stay on the boardwalks as you explore the Painted Hills. The hills are extremely fragile!

In the morning, return to the John Day Fossil Bed units and see the Painted Hills as the sun rises! This is a gorgeous time of day in the hills, and you’ll likely get it all to yourself in the early hours of the morning. 

Need a place to sleep? Consider these nearby campgrounds (or click here to discover FREE campsites nearby too! )

Stop 6: Smith Rock State Park

From the Painted Hills through the Ochoco National Forest , take the 1.5-hour drive to Smith Rock State Park . Smith Rock is a hub for climbers , but there are several other things to do here, including hiking, biking, and taking photos!

To stretch your legs on this Oregon road trip, take the short but *very* steep Misery Ridge Trail . This 0.68-mile trail climbs 600 feet giving even the most experienced hiker a run for their money! The views at the top are worth it though, especially during sunrise or sunset!

Stop 7: Bend, Oregon

The city of Bend is an excellent stop on any good Oregon road trip! It’s an outdoor-loving town that connects Western Oregon and Eastern Oregon, making it a great pit stop to pick up last-minute gear, groceries, and maybe even tune ups for your car.

For a little relaxation from the road, grab a beer in town at any of the iconic stops on the Bend Ale Trail . If you are visiting in the summertime, floating the Deschutes River is a popular activity on a hot day. Make sure to bring your PFDs, water sandals, and a garbage bag!

In the morning, grab breakfast in Bend at The Sparrow Bakery, (their ocean rolls are famous!), and some to-go coffee at Spoken Moto and make some fun stops around Bend on your way south. Lava Island Falls and Lava River Cave are both easy and accessible places to see along your Oregon road trip route going out of town.

More adventures near Bend, Oregon

• Hiking to Tumalo Falls (6.5 miles out-and-back)
• Go backpacking in the Three Sisters Wilderness
• Take a road trip detour on the Cascades Lake Highway

Read More: How to Spend 4 Days In Bend, Oregon

Oregon Road Trip Bonus Route – Eastern Oregon!

Psst…want to spend a lot more time in Eastern Oregon? Check out our Eastern Oregon Road Trip route right here !

From Bend, you have the option of extending your Oregon Road trip going east , or continue south and west towards the coast! Either option is great, it really just depends on how much time you have.

Stop 8: Oregon Waterfalls

The drive from Bend to Crater Lake National Park is pretty short, about 1.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to make some fun stops along the way , most notably, to waterfalls in Oregon !

For longer Oregon waterfall hikes, make your way west on Highway 58 for a fun hike at Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls . Continue your drive south and divert north on Highway 138 for a stop at Watson Falls before making your way to the Crater Lake North Entrance. 

More Oregon Waterfalls Near The Area:

• Proxy Falls (Highway 242 – North of Bend)
• Chush Falls (Near Sisters, Oregon)
• Dillon Falls
• Benham Falls

Stop 9: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic stops on an Oregon road trip, and the ONLY national park stop in the state. Spend sunset capturing the iconic Wizard Island on Crater Lake, and top it off by spending the night at the historic Crater Lake Lodge .

In the morning, spend an entire day hiking around Crater Lake on Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, or Cloudcap Overlook.

At Crater Lake , you can spend the morning driving the Rim Drive , which takes about 2 hours to go all the way around. Hike to Plaikni Falls in the afternoon and in the evening watch the sunset at Garfield Peak or Sinnott Memorial Observation Station.

Bonus Oregon Road Trip Stop: Oregon Hot Springs

Now, this is the part of your road trip route in Oregon where you can choose where you’d like to spend your time! You can opt to continue driving east to explore some of the famous Eastern Oregon hot springs . 

If you decided to check out some hot springs in Oregon , we highly suggest booking an overnight stay (Summer Lakes Hot Springs and Crystal Crane have lodging available!) or bringing your camping gear to find some free camping nearby . 

Here are some Oregon hot springs you should be checking out on this leg of your Oregon road trip itinerary:

• Crystal Crane Hot Springs – Hot spring pond and private soaking tubs
• Summer Lakes Hot Springs – Communal bathhouse
• Hart Mountain Hot Springs – Structured underground pool and open springs, both natural
• Have an extra day? Drive farther east and check out Alvord Hot Springs , and Willow Creek Hot Springs !

Stop 10: Umpqua National Forest

Another iconic destination on your Oregon road trip is an adventure in Umpqua National Forest . You’ve probably seen pictures of those cliffside hot springs pools, or the rushing waterfall flanked by towering basalt cliffs. Well, these places are Umpqua Hot Springs and Toketee Falls !

Both places are easy to reach, each with a short hike to the final destination. Come with a national forest pass to hang in your car’s rearview mirror. You can pick one up at the Diamond Lake Ranger Station nearby if you need one. See the difference between Pacific Northwest forest passes here to find the correct one.

Leave No Trace Notes: Umpqua Hot Springs is notorious for garbage . Please pack out your trash, and consider taking other garbage with you, too. Hiking to the base of Toketee Falls is prohibited , no matter how many pictures you see of people doing so. It is possible to get cited for climbing down to the bottom, so don’t risk it!

Stop 11: Southern Oregon Coast

Finally, the first ocean stop on your Oregon road trip!

The Southern Oregon Coast is arguably the most beautiful area of an Oregon road trip. If you love seaside cliffs, hidden coves, and gorgeous beaches, this is the place for you!

Spend some time exploring the 12 miles of protected coastline at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor . This part of your road trip in Oregon will take an entire day, between stops, viewpoints, and even a hike to a place called Secret Beach .

Finally, end your day in Gold Beach for the evening. Here, you can find tons of amenities, hotels, and beach rentals for a quiet and relaxing evening. Make sure to stop at our favorite beach, Myers Creek Beach to enjoy a beautiful Oregon coast picnic to end the day!

Read More: The 25 best beaches in Oregon (From North to South!)

Stop 12: Central Oregon Coast

Central Oregon is full of adventurous destinations and unique curiosities. If you like thrills, try renting an ATV to ride across the Oregon Dunes, stretching 40 miles across the coastline.

You can also check out incredible places like Cape Perpetua , which is filled with churning coves, sea spouts, and lots of tide pools along the Oregon Coast .

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is another great place to explore, with a giant sea cave and surfing opportunities!

In the evening, splurge to go glamping and one of Coos Bay’s coolest spots – Bay Point Landing ! This luxury camping resort has plenty of pull-in sites for RVs and trailers. You can also rent a standalone cabin , airstream , or renovated RV of your own to enjoy upscale camping. The grounds have amenities like a pool, lounge room, upscale bathrooms, and a cute camp store.

Stop 13: Eugene, Oregon

If you wanted to go inland to explore the Cascade Mountains, this is the part of your Oregon road trip to make that decision! Drive away from the Oregon coast to go inland to Eugene, Oregon, and explore this upbeat college town.

But before leaving the coast, consider stopping by Heceta Head Lighthouse and Cape Perpetua for one last adventure by the water. The lighthouse can be seen up close with a short hike, which is incredible at sunrise and sunset!

Cape Perpetua is best explored during low tide, where you can access the many tide pools and curiosities that dot the shore. If you do come during high tide, don’t fret! You can see the waves push up through Thor’s Well for a dramatic display, and the Devil’s Churn to watch the waves crash around this small cove. 

Stop 14: Willamette National Forest

Heading inland from Eugene, there are a ton of beautiful places to see in the Willamette National Forest . The first stop is Terwilliger Hot Springs (often called Cougar Hot Springs) for a lovely natural soak. Keep driving to choose a waterfall adventure – Proxy Falls , Sahalie and Koosah Falls , The Blue Pool , and Tamolitch Falls .

You’ll want to spend at least a full day in this area (or even go camping overnight!) because the trails here are packed with adventure! Keep driving on Highway 126 as it continues on Highway 22 north to Silver Falls State Park and Salem, Oregon to continue on your epic Oregon road trip.

Stop 15: Salem and The Willamette Valley

If you like good food, you’re going to love this stop on your Oregon road trip. The Willamette Valley is full of wineries, farms, and beautiful vineyards! There are lots of options to enjoy farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings, and all-day experiences. Consider staying nearby at the Independence Hotel .

For a little adventure, head to Silver Falls State Park where you can hike the Trail of Ten Falls . This Oregon hike is exactly what its name entails – ten beautiful falls in an 8.7-mile trail. Come enjoy this condensed version of many iconic Oregon waterfalls all in one place!

Stop 16: Northern Oregon Coast

Refueling in Salem, it’s time to get back to the coast! The final stops on your Oregon road trip include classic North Oregon Coast stops and beautiful Oregon beach towns , hikes, and plenty of dreamy overlooks.

Beginning in Cape Kiwanda , spend the day hiking up the sand dunes to watch the dory boats dock onshore and paragliders sail down to the beach. Make sure to stop and eat lunch at Pelican Brewing . They have incredible beer and pub food, with an outdoor patio overlooking Pacific City’s own Haystack Rock.

Continuing north to another iconic “Haystack Rock” (arguably the most popular one too) Cannon Beach is the best place to grab a coffee and take a walk along the beach. During low tide, you can get close to the rock and spot puffins in their natural habitat!

If you want a little more adventure in your day, drive up to Ecola State Park to hike Crescent Beach Trail , the trail to Indian Sands, or Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint. These lush Oregon Coast hikes are sure to leave you breathless!

Stay either at the Headlands Lodge in Pacific City , Oregon Coast Modern Cabin in Manzanita , or affordable hotels in Cannon Beach !

Stop 17: Finish Your Oregon Road Trip Back to Portland, Oregon 

On your way back to Portland to finish your Oregon road trip, you can take the short way on Highway 26, or the long way through Astoria, Oregon, and heading back to the city on Highway 30.

The detour through Astoria won’t disappoint! Filled with great restaurants, antique and vintage shops, and lots of history, it’s a perfect final stop on the Oregon coast road trip section of your drive.

For outdoorsy activities, stop by Fort Steven’s State Park to check out the historic military installation, as well as the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck . For hiking, stay close to town and check out the Cathedral Tree Trail and the Astoria Column .

And you’ve done it! You’ve completed the coolest Oregon road trip to see all the best highlights, hikes, and iconic locations in the state.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Below, we’re sharing some Oregon road trip itinerary examples to help you customize it exactly to fit your needs. For even more resources, we created this road trip itinerary in Oregon to print out and take on your journey!

(We’re running some email maintenance – this download will be back soon!)

Two Week Oregon Road Trip

See the detailed breakdown of our two-week Oregon road trip itinerary above!

10 Day Oregon Road Trip

You can see a lot with 10 days in Oregon! This route is a compressed version of our two-week road trip, with just a little less time in each spot but plenty of stops for an epic and interesting route!

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Umpqua National Forest
• Day 5: Umpqua National Forest to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 6: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 7: Coos Bay to Eugene, Oregon
• Day 8: Eugene, Oregon to Salem, Oregon
• Day 9: Salem, Oregon to Cannon Beach
• Day 10: Cannon Beach to Portland, Oregon

One Week Oregon Road Trip

One week for an Oregon road trip will introduce you to Oregon’s vast and diverse landscape! From Crater Lake to Bend, Coos Bay to Cannon Beach, this route will bring you to some of the best of Oregon photography locations. 

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 5: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 6: Coos Bay to Cannon Beach
• Day 7: Cannon Beach to Portland, OR

5 Day Oregon Road Trip

With 5 days in Oregon, you can see the highlights! This quick trip averages about 3-4 hours of driving per day, and takes you through mountains, by waterfalls, and meets up with some of the most scenic views along the Oregon Coast.

• Day 1: Portland to Bend
• Day 2: Bend to Eugene
• Day 3: Eugene to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 4: Samuel H. Boardman to Yachats
• Day 5: Yachats to Portland

Have you ever experienced an Oregon road trip? What Oregon itinerary is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

I’m really glad you liked our Oregon road trip route! I hope you et a change to travel across this beautiful state!

The Ultimate Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip

By: Author Bram Reusen

Posted on Last updated: May 2, 2024

One of America’s most diverse regions, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is home to massive volcanoes, pristine temperate rain forests, high desert plains, sea stack-lined coasts and spectacular mountain ranges.

The amazing national parks of the Pacific Northwest reflect its diversity beautifully.

In this post, I talk about the many must-visit Pacific Northwest national parks and offer a couple of suggested road trip itineraries, based on my many trips around the PNW.

Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip

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First of all, though, let me start by clarifying the definition of “Pacific Northwest” I’ve used here. There is, after all, not a single clearly outlined conception of this region in the North American northwest .

The most common definition considers the Pacific Northwest to consist of the states of Oregon, Washington and Idaho (as well as Canada’s British Columbia). Broader definitions may also include southeastern Alaska, northern California and even western Montana and Wyoming.

For the purpose of this Pacific Northwest national parks road trip post, I chose the following states as making up the Pacific Northwest: Washington, Oregon and northern California.

This is basically the span of the Cascade Mountains in the United States—the Pacific Northwest is sometimes also referred to as “Cascadia”—and makes for the most convenient road trip opportunities. Washington, Oregon and northern California also have similar landscapes, natural features and ecosystems.

The vast majority of the national parks in the Pacific Northwest are either in the Cascade Range or along the Pacific Coasts of Washington, Oregon and northern California. This offers amazing opportunities for one-way road trips or longer loops.

No matter how much time you have—whether it’s a week or a month—you can explore several, if not all, of the Pacific Northwest national parks on a world-class road trip.

This Pacific Northwest national parks road trip post contains affiliate links. You can read more about our Terms of Use / Disclosure here .

12+ National Parks in the Pacific Northwest

The following overview of the national parks of the Pacific Northwest is roughly from north to south, from Washington, through Oregon, to northern California.

Note that this is not necessarily the precise order in which you’ll want to do your road trip, though. You can find a couple of specific road trip itinerary suggestions after the descriptions of the individual parks.

Also, a few of the destinations below are not managed by the National Park Service, but by the U.S. Forest Service.

The reason I decided to include them is because they’re both amazing places to visit in the Pacific Northwest and part of America’s extensive national public lands system.

• Highlights: Alpine peaks, temperate rain forests, rugged coastal scenery, waterfalls, lakes, and abundant wildlife
• How long to stay: 4 days

Olympic National Park is a pristine wilderness unlike any other on the planet. Known as “three parks in one”, the park’s ecological variety is of such importance that it’s both an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the heart of the park stands 7,980-foot Mount Olympus, dominating the mountain ranges in the interior of the Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle.

Glaciers radiate down from its slopes toward primeval pine forests, lush rain forests and wide valleys. Rivers and waterfalls abound in this rugged region, while glacial lakes dot lower areas.

A wide range of wildlife and iconic American bird species thrive here as well, most notably large herds of Roosevelt elk , black bears, bald eagles and marmots.

There is enough natural beauty in the Olympic Mountains alone to make it worthy of being a national park on its own. Yet, Olympic National Park’s diversity doesn’t end there. Arguably the park’s most extraordinary feature is its temperate rain forests.

On the western slopes of the mountains, thick blankets of moss drape towering trees. Carpets of ferns cover the forest floor. Mist lingers in the air.

This is one of only a few temperate rain forests left in the world. Moreover, the combined areas of the Hoh, Bogachiel, Queets and Quinault Rain Forests make up the largest rain forest of its kind on Earth.

You can learn much more about the beautiful temperate rain forests of Olympic National Park here .

A number of easy hikes in Olympic National Park ‘s rain forests allow you to immerse yourself in this stunning environment.

And then there’s the park’s third ecosystem, separated from the two above: the wild Pacific Northwest coast.

A narrow 73-mile-long (117 kilometers) strip of coastal forests, sandy beaches, huge sea stacks, tidepools and headlands, this is the one of longest undeveloped stretches of coastline in the contiguous U.S.

It’s known appropriately as “ The Wilderness Coast .”

• Highlights: Historic sites, beautiful coastal views, and orca watching
• How long to stay: 1 day

One of the greatest National Park Service sites near Seattle , San Juan Island National Historical Park offers superb outdoor activities and fascinating history.

In 1859, the United States and Great Britain almost started a war over possession of San Juan Island, a crisis that got started by—of all things—the death of a pig.

Important sites in the park commemorate the 12 years of American Army and British Royal Navy presence on the island, located near the United States-Canada border, most notably American Camp and English Camp.

Nowadays, San Juan Island is as peaceful as can be, featuring great views, beautiful shores and, above all, fantastic orca viewing opportunities.

In fact, this park may just be the best place in the entire United States to see killer whales, which is why it’s a must-visit destination on any Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

• Highlights: Solitude, turquoise glacial lakes, spectacular mountains, wildlife, boating and hiking
• How long to stay: 2 days

Even though it’s only three hours by car from downtown Seattle , North Cascades National Park boasts some of the most spectacular and remote wilderness areas south of Canada and Alaska.

In this park, finding adventure and solitude is a piece of cake.

North Cascades is also among the least-developed national parks in the U.S., crossed only by scenic Route 20 and home to only a few small towns.

This park encompasses over 300 glaciers, a third of all glaciers in the lower 48 states! This massive amount of ice feeds countless rivers and lakes, occupying upper slopes and flowing through lower valleys.

The landscapes in North Cascades National Park are also beautifully diverse. They include towering mountain peaks, as well as also thundering waterfalls and old-growth forests.

Attracting fewer than 30,000 visitors each year, this park, despite its accessibility, is all about isolation and solitude.

A weekend exploring its landscapes , enjoying scenic drives and hitting a couple of trails is perfect to get a real feel for this wilderness park.

The main features of the North Cascades are endless series of sawtooth-like peaks, stunningly blue alpine lakes, and lots of wildlife.

In fact, this is one of only a few national parks that have grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. That said, though, the North Cascades grizzly bear population is really small and sightings are extremely uncommon.

Other high-profile mammals that call these mountains home include gray wolves, black bears , mountain lions, elk and mountain goats.

This vast national park complex consists of North Cascades National Park itself, but also comprises of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.

• Highlights: Tallest mountain/volcano in the Pacific Northwest, massive glaciers, spectacular wildflowers, old-growth forests, still alpine lakes, and world-class hiking
• How long to stay: 3 days

Rising 14,410 feet toward the often-cloudy Pacific Northwest sky, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State. This national park is roughly halfway between Seattle and Portland and easily accessible from both major cities.

Moreover, this mighty active volcano is so prominent—the highest peak in the Cascade Range —that it’s an integral part of the skyline of Seattle. It’s also visible from certain viewpoints near Portland.

Mount Rainier National Park encompasses everything from old-growth forests to gorgeous subalpine wildflower meadows to spectacular waterfalls. While Rainier itself might be the star attraction, I highly recommend exploring some of its other ecosystems as well.

The huge, ancient trees in the Grove of the Patriarchs, for example, are absolutely worth seeing, while the summer wildflowers in the Paradise area are nothing short of breathtaking.

Hiking the Skyline Trail Loop , which starts at the historic and rustic Paradise Inn , is the best way to explore this wonderful alpine area. As you walk this fantastic trail, you’ll have amazing up-close views of Mount Rainier almost the entire way.

Other highlights along the Skyline Trail Loop include gorgeous meadows, beautiful Myrtle Falls and occasional wildlife sightings, such as mountain goats and black bears.

I recommend dedicating three days to this glorious Pacific Northwest national park. That way, you’ll have much more time to explore other areas in the park and hit some of the Mount Rainier trails .

Make sure to explore Tipsoo Lake and the Sunrise Area, too. Both areas are especially spectacular in the fall .

• Highlights: Volcanic crater, aftermath of a volcanic eruption, spectacular views, and wildflowers
• How long to stay: ½ day

Established in 1982 and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument was the first monument of its kind in the United States.

It was created after the massive 1980 eruption of the volcano, which is still the most devastating volcanic event in U.S. history—in terms of both number of deaths and economic destruction. The purpose of this national volcanic monument is multifold, including research, education and recreation.

Because it was protected, the area around Mount St. Helens was able to respond to this natural disaster in a natural way.

Nowadays, you can still see thousands of fallen trees on slopes and floating on lakes, while evidence of enormous landslides and pyroclastic flows is visible all around.

The view of the blown-away crater from the Johnston Ridge Observatory is spectacular. If you’re there in late-spring or early-summer, an amazing display of wildflowers will cover the fertile valleys, slopes and ridges.

If you’re up for a half-day hike, I highly recommend the 8.5-mile round-trip Harry’s Ridge Trail.

It may not technically be a “national park”—as in, managed by the National Park Service—but this public park is absolutely worth visiting on your Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument lies conveniently between Mount Rainier National Park and Portland, Oregon. In fact, the mountain’s flattened summit is clearly visible from many places in and around Portland.

• Highlights: Full-scale replica of a 19 th -century Hudson’s Bay Company fort
• How long to stay: 2-3 hours

Situated on the Columbia River’s northern bank in Vancouver, Washington, just across the river from Portland, Oregon, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site highlights the story of pioneers, settlers, Native Americans and explorers.

The closest National Park Service unit to Portland, it’s located at the site of the 19 th -century headquarters of the Columbia Department of the Hudson’s Bay Company. This former frontier fur trading post grew into a powerful military fort.

Named after Captain George Vancouver, it was an important crossroads of multiple trade routes, including those coming overland from the East Coast, ships from places as varied as Britain and China, and several Native American trails.

Nowadays, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has a full-scale replica of the fort, including buildings like a carpenter shop, bakery, blacksmith shop and kitchen.

• Highlights: Spectacular waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, lush forests, and great views

Just like nearby Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Carved through the Cascade Mountains by the mighty Columbia River, the Gorge is home to lush forests and myriad gorgeous waterfalls , including famous Multnomah Falls.

Its verdant western part starts just past Portland’s eastern boundary and runs to charming Hood River, while the eastern part, situated in the mountains’ rain shadow, is characterized by much drier landscapes and canyons.

The eastern Gorge is famous for its spectacular wildflowers in spring . Between April and May, its hills, plateaus and meadows attracts thousands of hikers, photographers and other nature lovers.

The Columbia River Gorge is a super-popular day trip from Portland , but also makes for the perfect transition from Oregon’s vibrant largest city to its high desert interior.

Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway for the best views and scenery, and access to waterfalls and trailheads. I’d recommend planning your visit to this area on a weekday. Weekends and holidays get extremely crowded in this beautiful area.

Alternatively, if you’re after more mountain scenery, you could opt to drive the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway through Mt. Hood National Forest. This brings you right past towering Mt. Hood , as well as lakes, forest scenery and some amazing Mt. Hood hiking trails . The Columbia River Gorge, however, would be my personal first choice.

• Highlights: Rich fossil deposits, spectacular multi-colored hills, and extraordinary desert scenery

Just like the Columbia River Gorge and Crater Lake (see below), John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon .

It’s unlike anything you might imagine when you think about Oregon national parks —which is most likely wild coasts, thundering waterfalls, rain clouds and evergreen forests.

There’s also an entirely different side to this large state in the American West, though. Located in north-central Oregon, 4.5 hours by car from Portland , this landscape of canyons and cliffs, desert plains and multi-colored badlands is absolutely spectacular.

As its name implies, it’s preserved mainly for its rich fossil deposits. Its fossil record spans no fewer than 40 million years and includes fossils of countless plants and animals, as well as evidence of ancient climate change.

The most popular unit in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is home to the famous Painted Hills of Oregon , which features stunning multi-colored hills.

Other units are the Clarno Unit and Sheep Rock Unit . Each unit has trails that allow you see these amazing landscapes from up close and learn more about the fossils found here. This is a worthwhile detour on the way from Portland to Crater Lake on your Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

• Highlights: Beautiful alpine lakes, scenic drives, all kinds of outdoor activities, and volcanoes, including the largest volcano in the Pacific Northwest

A sprawling national forest in central Oregon, Deschutes National Forest preserves huge tracts of forests, lakes, volcanoes and mountains south(west) of Bend. It’s a dream destination for hikers, kayakers, rock climbers and other adventurists.

Located partially in four Oregon counties—Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath and Lake—on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range, this national forest comprises no fewer than 1.8 million acres (7,300 km 2 ).

It’s also home to five designated wilderness areas, all of which also extend into other, adjacent national forests.

It’s amazingly diverse, featuring shimmering lakes and scenic rivers, cinder cones and sweeping summit vistas.

While there are several different areas to explore in Deschutes National Forest, I recommend focusing on the following two. They’re easily accessible from  Bend , as well as gloriously beautiful and filled with attractions.

• Cascades Lakes Area (west of Route 97): A series of glorious alpine lakes linked together by the fantastic Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, great for hiking and boating.
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument (along and east of Route 97): The Newberry Volcano is the largest volcano in the Cascade Range, home to two caldera lakes, cinder cones, lava flows and other awesome volcanic features.

If you decide to make Deschutes National Forest a part of your Pacific Northwest parks road trip, I suggest doing it justice and not simply driving through.

Both the Cascade Lakes Area and the Newberry Volcano deserve at least one full day of your time. You can read about the best things to do in Deschutes National Forest here .

• Highlights: America’s deepest and clearest lake, scenic drive, and stargazing

Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake National Park lies in the southern part of the state. An awe-inspiring, glorious park, it’s centered on eponymous Crater Lake.

This water-filled caldera was created after the massive eruption and collapse of Mount Mazama, once a mighty volcano in the Pacific Northwest, about 7,700 years ago. Although its origins are undeniably violent, Crater Lake is now a prime example of peacefulness and tranquility .

Dependent entirely on rainfall and snow melt as its water sources, the lake has some of the cleanest, and clearest water of any North American lake.

Additionally, it’s also the deepest lake in the U.S.—it’s average depth is 1,943 feet (592 meters). The water surface is usually perfectly still, too, which results in stunning reflections of the caldera walls around it.

That ripple-less water often reflects a blue sky, making it “the bluest lake on earth”, while at night it twinkles with the lights of a thousand stars .

Crater Lake National Park is also super-easy to explore. The scenic Rim Drive encircles the entire lake, offering access to Crater Lake viewpoints and hiking trails .

The historic Rim Village is home to the amazing Crater Lake Lodge , while Mazama Village down the road below has cabins, a store, gas station and a large campground.

• Highlights: Beautiful marble caves in the Siskiyou Mountains, wildlife watching

Located deep within southern Oregon’s Siskiyou Mountains lie the renowned Oregon Caves.

These “Marble Halls of Oregon” are home to spectacular marble formations and passageways , a major tourist attraction in this remote part of the Pacific Northwest.

Cave tours are the obvious top attraction here and you can go on Discovery Cave Tours, Candlelight Cave Tour, and Kids and Family Tours. Experienced speleologists can go on off-trail tours, too. Other popular activities at the Oregon Caves are hiking and wildlife watching.

• Highlights: Some of the world’s largest trees, abundant wildlife, scenic drives, (mountain) biking, and camping

Redwood National Park could be considered one of the most remote national parks on the U.S. West Coast. There aren’t any major cities nearby.

The drive from San Francisco to Redwood National Park is about 5.5 hours, while the nearest other major city, Portland is also approximately 5.5 hours away.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Redwood National and State Parks are certainly a place worth visiting. They’re an essential destination on a Pacific Northwest national parks road trip.

This amazing park complex consists of four parks :

• Redwood National Park
• Jedediah Smith State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Del Norte Coast State Park

Together, the Redwood National and State Parks protect no less than 45% of all remaining old-growth coastal redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) forests in the world. These massive trees are some of the tallest, most voluminous and oldest on the planet.

There’s a lot more than redwoods to be discovered here, though. In addition to the coastal redwood forests, the parks preserve huge expanses of prairie, oak forests, wild rivers and streams, and almost 40 miles of spectacular coastline.

Wildlife abounds in these pristine forests, coasts and grasslands, and is often seen from the many hiking trails in Redwood National and State Parks . High-profile animals range from Chinook salmon and Steller’s sea lions to black bears, Roosevelt elk, mountain lions and river otters.

The abundance of animals in Redwood National and State Parks, combined with its extraordinary flora, is a main reason this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular activities include the classics, such as camping and hiking, but also road cycling on the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway and other park roads.

If you’re camping, I strongly recommend the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground, which is my all-time favorite national park campground .

Additionally, Redwood is also one of very few U.S. national parks where backcountry mountain biking is allowed .

• Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, including all four types of volcanoes on Earth, hydrothermal areas, stargazing and hiking

Situated at the meeting point of the Great Basin desert, the Sierra Nevada mountains and the volcanoes of the Cascade Range, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers natural thrills unlike anywhere else in California.

Just over 500,000 people visit Lassen Volcanic annually, making it one of the quietest national parks in the Pacific Northwest and California.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place of shimmering lakes, cinder cones and age-old lava beds. The namesake and star attraction of the park is Lassen Peak , the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range.

In fact, Lassen Peak is one of America’s most active volcanoes . It’s also the biggest plug dome volcano on the planet, a massive natural landmark surrounded by many smaller volcanoes, fumaroles, boiling mud pools, pristine lakes, hot springs and wildflower-filled meadows.

This park is exceptional for various reasons, but the most interesting one is that you’ll find every existing type of volcano here. Composite, plug dome, cinder cone and shield volcanoes are all present in this underrated park in the very southern part of the Pacific Northwest.

Because of that exceptional volcanic diversity, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the only American national park that comes (relatively) close to Yellowstone in terms of hydrothermal features.

There’s plenty of great camping, boating, cycling and hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park . Additionally, the night sky is amazing, too.

Moreover, the park is also open in winter , offering all kinds of fun winter adventures.

• Highlights: A massive shield volcano, Native American rock art, hundreds of caves, colorful dunes, and desert landscapes

Arguably the least known of all these Pacific Northwest parks, Lava Beds National Monument lies in northeastern California.

This is yet another volcanic park in the Cascade Range, home to Medicine Lake Volcano, a massive shield volcano with a surface area of over 770 square miles (2,000 km 2 ). In terms of sheer volume, it’s the biggest volcano in the Cascades!

Volcanic eruptions have occurred on and off for 500,000 years here. Unlike Mount St. Helens, however, these eruptions were fairly gentle, covering the flanks of the volcano by layer after layer of basaltic lava.

These geological events created a landscape of various volcanic features.

At Lava Beds National Monument, which occupies the volcano’s northeastern side, you’ll find no fewer than 800 caves, historic battlefields, spectacular high desert wilderness and Native American rock art sites.

You can visit caves like Crystal Ice Cave and Fern Cave, go for scenic drives and hikes, and camp at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated National Park Service units.

Lava Beds is key destination on the National Park Service’s fantastic Circle of Discovery Tour . This scenic loop drive around southern Oregon and northern California takes in the region’s seven NPS sites, including above-mentioned Crater Lake, Oregon Caves, Lassen Volcanic and Redwood, too!

Suggested Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip Itineraries

You’re free to connect these amazing national parks in the Pacific Northwest as you want.

Generally speaking, however, there are two main clusters of parks in the region: (1) the parks around Seattle in northern and central Washington, and (2) the parks in southern Oregon and northern California.

You can either start this epic road trip in Seattle and finish in Portland, or pick Portland as both your start and end points.

For a loop drive, I recommend Portland because it is roughly in the middle of the Pacific Northwest region.

Additionally, my suggested Portland itinerary also allows you to drive Route 101 along the coasts of both Washington and Oregon. This is a phenomenal bucket list-worthy drive.

Feel free to play around with possible itineraries, though!

• Olympic National Park, WA
• San Juan Island National Historical Park, WA
• North Cascades National Park, WA
• Mount Rainier National Park, WA
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, WA *
• Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, WA
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR *
• John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, OR
• Deschutes National Forest, OR *
• Crater Lake National Park, OR
• Lava Beds National Monument, CA
• Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
• Redwood National Park, CA
• Oregon Caves National Park, OR
• (Pacific Coast Highway Route 101 north to Portland)

* = Not a National Park Service site, but managed by the U.S. Forest Service

• (Pacific Coast Highway 101 south through Washington and Oregon)
• Oregon Caves National Monument, OR

Have You Ever Been on a Pacific Northwest National Parks Road Trip? What Were Your Favorite Parks in the PNW? Share Your National Parks Experience Below!

• Southern California Desert Parks Road Trip
• National Parks Along Route 66
• Arizona National Parks Road Trip
• Utah National Parks Road Trip
• Cascade Range Volcanoes Road Trip
• Northern Rockies National Parks Road Trip
• Greatest National Parks Road Trips in the USA

Cascade Volcanoes Road Trip: Explore 12+ Mighty Volcanoes in the PNW

Sunday 22nd of August 2021

[…] Pacific Northwest National Parks […]

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The Joy of Road Trips in Oregon and Washington

There’s nothing…I mean nothing more spiritually fulfilling than getting up at the crack of dawn on a summer’s day, getting in your car with a full tank of gas, and a grocery bag full of snacks. Grab a friend (or two, or three…) and hit the open road. A Pacific Northwest drive is the perfect way to get away from it all.

A good road trip is where ALL things are possible; the world is your oyster and you alone are in charge of your destiny. Am I getting too philosophical? Well, that’s because road trips really do mean that much to me. Whether you are traveling to an old familiar town or exploring brand new territory with nothing but a map (okay a GPS, sheesh…) and no firm plans (those trips are the best kind!) road trips embody the American dream.

In the Pacific Northwest , the possibilities are practically endless. But I have managed to give credit where credit is due, and pull together some great road trip articles. These are specific itineraries and loose guides from other travel bloggers as well as a couple of my own posts. These will whet your appetite to get out and get you thinking about your next great American road trip! Or at least have a lovely armchair staycation as you read on! These should satisfy most any Oregon Washington road trip itinerary.

Here are some Oregon road trip ideas:

The Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip

8 Unforgettable Road Trips

Central and Southern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

The Lighthouses of Oregon

Take a Tasty Road Trip through Wine Country

The Columbia River Gorge

Northwest Washington Road Trip Itinerary

7 Unforgettable Road Trips

Deception Pass and the Northern Olympic Peninsula

Olympic National Park

One thing I have learned in my many road trip adventures is to NOT make detailed plans beforehand. Leave time for the spontaneous (and of course any roadblocks you encounter along the way.) But do have a loose idea of where you want to go and a handful of places you want to experience. And don’t forget to talk to the locals for recommendations! They are your best bet for having the ultimate road trip vacation.

From a scenic drive in Washington State to finding the best-kept secret on a dirt road in Oregon (dive bar, anyone?), these suggestions should get you well on your way to an epic Pacific Northwest road trip. Grab a friend (even if it’s just your dog), pack a bag and get out on that open road!

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Susan Stephens has lived in Oregon most of her life and the Pacific Northwest is her playground. She has traveled extensively throughout Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia. Her passion is to explore every nook and cranny of this gorgeous part of the world and bringing it to her readers.

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Travel & Adventure Blog

Pacific Northwest Road Trip in 10 Days

Last summer, we spent 10 days seeing the Pacific Northwest on a road trip. I was able to visit Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and a little bit of California in 10 days! The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful area that you MUST visit! If you are short on time, I’ve detailed my trip so you can get ideas on what is possible. My philosophy for travel is fit in as much as I can, because I never know if I’ll get back to the area. I can always sleep when I get home, lol.  I know that doesn’t work for most, but my husband tolerates me.

Day 1: Montana

I flew to Spokane solo, rented a car and then headed towards Whitefish, Montana. One of my good friends moved there a year ago and this was my first opportunity to come visit. Technically Montana is not part of the pacific northwest, but I couldn’t be this close and not visit her!

I stopped for a quick breakfast at Frank’s Diner in Spokane, super cute! It’s in a train car!

I took the scenic route by accident, but it was gorgeous! Of course, I’m from Dallas, so any kind of elevation makes me happy.

Stopped in Libby at Kootenai Falls and Swinging bridge.  Very easy to get to, right off the highway. Short walk to a beautiful waterfall in one direction and a swinging bridge in the other. It was perfect. Just what I needed after being in a car and plane for hours.

Finally made it to my friend’s house. So jealous of her, she wakes up to mountains every day now!

Day 2: Montana

First full day of fun! We explored the cute downtown area of Whitefish in the morning.

For the afternoon, we went to Glacier National Park. We rented a small boat and went out on Lake McDonald. Gorgeous!! Unfortunately, it down poured after that, so we headed back to her house.

We had Kobe Steak & Sushi for dinner, Hibachi style, very good!

Sweet Peaks ice cream for dessert. Huckleberry ice cream was hands down the best!!!

Day 3: Montana

My last day in the area, and it happened to be the first day the Going to the Sun road opened in Glacier National Park!!! I had been watching that website daily for the past couple weeks hoping the road would open.  It was so awesome, it has its own post .

After the park, I packed up the car and started back towards Spokane.

I stopped at Lake Coeur d’ Alene in Idaho to view the scenery and get out of the car.

Quick note, we decided on a Pacific Northwest road trip so we could visit my son who was playing for a drum corp in the Seattle area. He called while I was in route to Spokane and told me he had a few free hours the next morning to hang out. My plan was NOT to drive all night to be in La Conner, Washington the next morning, so I don’t recommend it!

The original plan included hanging out by Lake Coeur d’Alene longer. If the timing was right I would have loved to kayak around this beautiful lake. Dinner at Capone’s Pub, because I try and hit all the Triple D places I can while I travel (Diners, Drive Ins and Dives). Relaxing in a hotel in Spokane, getting up early and seeing a bit of this city and then driving towards La Conner going through the North Cascades National Park via the east entrance.

A few things to note about Montana:

*Try huckleberry everything!!! I had pie, ice cream and huckleberry lemonade! Seriously, you can’t go wrong!

*Cell reception sucks!!! Have a map, know where you’re going.

*Slow down and look for wildlife. On my way to Spokane, I saw a bear running in a field!! So cool!!

Day 4: Washington

I stopped at Snoqualmie Falls as soon as the sun was coming up….it was an ungodly hour. I don’t even remember the time. Unfortunately, it was very foggy, so I could not see the waterfall at all. I heard it, but the clouds would not lift. It’s supposed to be beautiful, maybe next time.

I arrived in La Conner with some time to kill, so I drove around the area. It’s super cute!! And very small! Nothing was open, because it was still freaking early, so I just headed to wait in the parking lot for my son to come out. I may or may not have fallen asleep….

Anyways, my son had a few free hours and we were going to make the most of it. We drove to Deception Pass and hiked down to the coast. Beautiful area!!! It was still kinda foggy, but it made for some cool pictures with the bridge.

North Cascades National Park was my main goal today after I dropped him back off.  It was AMAZING!! Enough to have its own post as well. This is a must do on a Pacific Northwest road trip!

As if the day couldn’t be longer, my hubby had a late flight coming to meet me. So, I drove to Seattle around midnight to pick him up and then drove back to the La Conner area. Needless to say, when my head hit that pillow, I was out!!

Day 5: Washington

Started the day early with breakfast at Frank’s Place on Whidbey Island. Good food and a patriotic theme, you could tell he was a veteran.

Watched Austin play for a bit before heading to the Anacortes ferry.

Took the ferry to Friday Harbor, very cool experience! I’ve been on a ferry before, but not with this kind of scenery. It took about an hour to get there. FYI, very cold and windy! Bring a warm jacket.

We met up with some friends and they took us on a tour of San Juan Island . Post is here . This is another must do in the Pacific Northwest!

Day 6: Washington

Left San Juan island and stopped at a roadside stand that sold huckleberry ice cream! YUM!

Mount Rainier was our top destination today.

After a few hours, we finally spotted the mountain. GORGEOUS!!! I think I stopped at almost every turnoff and took a million photos.

We went to the Paradise visitor center to get my passport stamped and a better look up the mountain. Hiking a couple easy trails was on our agenda, but Patrick’s ankle was hurting so we weren’t able. I’m honestly not sure we would have had the time anyways. It took a lot longer to get there and around the mountain than I thought. This is definitely a day trip in and of itself if you plan on doing any hiking. Mount Rainier must be added to every Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary!

We tried to make it to Mount St. Helens before the sunset, but we were about 30 minutes to late ☹ Not gonna lie, I was disappointed. I also knew that it would have been a miracle to fit everything in as well, so I got over it quickly. One more reason to go back to the area. We did see it from a distance and that was pretty cool.

Portland was our next stop. Powell’s Books and VooDoo Donuts were the must dos here. Powell’s claims to be the largest independent bookstore in America. It was HUGE! I love bookstores, so I just had to check it out and of course buy a couple books!

VOODOO Doughnuts had the weird theme going on. Definitely fit the whole Portland vibe! The donuts we got were huge and delish! I will be back. FYI, cash only!

We drove for a couple more hours to get a head start on our destination for tomorrow.

Day 7: Oregon & California

Crater Lake National Park!!!

I feel like I’ve said this all week, but this place was GORGEOUS!!! It had the bluest water I’ve ever seen. It took about an hour to drive around the lake. We learned so much about volcanos at the visitor center. This volcano explosion was like a 100x bigger than Mount St. Helens! Crazy!!

Apparently, you can drink the water out of this lake, because the lake is enclosed. The water is all from rain and snowmelt. This is also the deepest lake in America. Another must do that should be on every Pacific Northwest road trip!

When we were done, we made our way towards Cali! We stopped for lunch at the cutest quirkiest place in Shady Grove called Mac’s Diner. It’s in an older home by a river.

Redwood National Park was up next! I’ve wanted to come here forever!!! There’s a ton of different Redwood areas and we only saw a little bit, but it was INCREDIBLE!!! We did a couple small hikes, because how could we NOT!!

We headed back towards Oregon and tried to watch the sunset from the coast. Our pizza ended up taking to long and we missed it.

Day 8: Oregon

Most of the day was spent on the Oregon Coast . Click here for all the details. The Oregon coast is beautiful! I could have spent many more days here. It is a must do for every Pacific Northwest road trip!

In the evening we finally made it to Washington. Stopped at the Quinault Rain Forest for a quick hike.

We made our way to Ruby Beach for the sunset. Again the weather was not cooperating and it was very cloudy. However, the area was still beautiful. It was a small hike down to the beach and I was worried we’d be tripping over everything after it got dark, but we were fine. There was a good amount of light to see going back and we stayed down there at least 30 minutes after the sunset.

Day 9: Washington

Forks Washington- Home of the Twilight series! Yes, I was a Twilight fan and you can click here for more details on Forks.

Olympic National Park is huge! There are many different areas of the park with a lot of diversity. I only hit a tiny portion, but I plan on coming back to see the rest. This park should be on your Pacific Northwest road trip agenda!

I got up early to take a hike solo in Hoh Rain Forest. The hubby’s ankle was still bothering him. This place was amazing!

We drove through Olympic National park towards Port Angeles. There was a beautiful lake.

We were going to try and drive to the Hurricane Ridge visitor center, but it was raining, and we didn’t have much time. Port Angeles was such a cute town! I wanted to eat at Bella Italia, but they were only open for dinner and we decided to rush through everything to try and see Austin this evening.

Purple Haze was a must do! Even though I already went to a lavender farm on San Juan Island, I had to see another one!

This one was bigger and sold white chocolate lavender ice cream! Ugh, yes, please! It was good, not as good as the huckleberry but still good. I spent way too much money in that lavender gift shop.

Made it to Port Townsend for the ferry. We walked around town until the ferry was ready to leave.

The rest of the day was spent watching Austin and then driving to our hotel in downtown Seattle.

Day 10: Seattle

Seattle Day! A must see city in Pacific Northwest!

First stop, Biscuit Bi$%#! for breakfast. Yummy! I got there 15 minutes before it opened for the day. By the time it did open, the line was already 20 people long!

Hopped on the monorail and headed to the Seattle Center. Seriously people, Seattle has a monorail! I almost said the Disney phrase when I got on “ Please stand clear of the doors…” Finally got to see the iconic Space Needle. It was under construction, so people recommended not going until it was complete. Plus, it was of course, cloudy.

Chihuly Garden and Glass has been on my bucket list for a while, so I was thrilled to finally be here. Crazy beautiful and amazing. I probably stayed here less than an hour.

Next stop, Museum of Pop Culture . I stayed a little over an hour here, but I did rush to meet back up with Patrick. Favorite exhibits: Marvel, Nirvana and the Fantasy area. You can read more about it here .

Pike Place is overwhelmingly amazing!!! So much to see and eat! And it’s super crowded!! We ended up staying here a couple hours longer than planned since it was cold and rainy.

The rest of the day was spent looking for a Walmart or Target. I bought way too many souvenirs, so we had to buy another suitcase to get everything back home….whoops.

Looking back over the whole trip, it was a LOT of driving! Like between 40-50 hours…the Pacific Northwest is huge! But I’m so glad I got to see all that I did!  Obviously, this itinerary isn’t for everyone, but hopefully it’ll help some who are on a time budget or some who have a couple weeks and can spend their time enjoying the different areas. The Pacific Northwest is such a beautiful area with so much to do! There’s something for everyone!

Bonus that I got some girl time and hubby time. We haven’t had a vacay with out kids in over 10 years, so this was much needed!

You might also enjoy:

New England Winter Road Trip

Best Stops Along the Oregon Coast

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Your Ultimate Oregon Road Trip—1 Week to 1 Month Oregon Itinerary

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We can’t lie, writing up this ultimate itinerary for an Oregon road trip was HARD.

We couldn’t stop, we kept writing and writing, and next thing you know, we came out with this monster Oregon itinerary that could last you around a MONTH. Yes, an entire month around Oregon.

As epic as that would be, we know that not everyone has 30 days to traverse our massive, stunning, and truly adventurous state .

With that said, we weren’t going to deprive you of choices! So, welcome, this just may one of the longest and craziest posts on road-tripping Oregon out there.

Don’t get intimidated; we laid everything out very easily for you to pick and choose and personally curate your own legendary Oregon road trip.

Fill up your gas, grab your supplies, and head on out!

Table of Contents

Your Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Ecola state park – 1 day, arch cape – 1 day, cape meares – 1 day, sand lake recreational area – 1 day, lincoln city –  1 day, depoe bay – 1 day, yaquina head – 1 day, cape perpetua – 1 day, sea lion caves – 1 day, shore acres state park – 1 day, samuel h. boardman state scenic corridor – 1 day, where to stay on the oregon coast, mount hood – 2 days, silver falls state park – 1 day, columbia river gorge – 1 day, where to stay near portland, deschutes river – 1 day, umpqua national forest – 1 day, smith rock state park – 1 day, cascade lakes scenic byway – 1 day, three sisters wilderness – 1-2 days, newberry crater national volcanic monument – 1 day, crater lake – 1 day, where to stay in central oregon, wallowa mountains – 2 days, sumpter – 1 day, mitchell – 1-2 days, strawberry mountains – 1 day, umatilla national forest – 1 day, owyhee canyonlands – 1-2 days, steens mountain – 1-2 days, hart mountain – 1 day, summer lake – 1 day, where to stay in eastern oregon, an oregon road trip itinerary, tips for your oregon road trip, a legendary oregon coast road trip—35 stops & 3 itineraries, 29 awesome things to do on an eastern oregon road trip, 19+ adventurous things to do on a washington road trip, 21+ adventurous things to do on a northern california road trip, 25 day trips from portland, oregon + road trip ideas.

For the sake of ease, we’ve sliced up Oregon into four sections. The Coast , Central , Near Portland , and then East Oregon .

We know this split isn’t an accurate representation of how Oregon is divided, but we think a good chunk of people reading this may not be from Oregon and, therefore, can digest the vastness of the state a bit easier this way.

Of course, as per usual, we also offer you a handy little map because visuals are ALWAYS better when planning out a road trip, always.

Below you’re going to read about some of our favorite highlights from each section of Oregon, and each section will need at least a week to ride through and experience. You may not be able to hit up every highlight we have here, but we had to give you some choices.

We’ve also included the number of days next to each spot. Do note, this is the absolutely MINIMUM amount of time you’d need. Most will state one or two days, and we mean an entire day or two.

This will just give you a taste of the area, or if it’s small enough, a single day may really be all you need.

Also note this is not included driving. Again, it’s a full day of exploring, hiking, rock climbing, out on the lake with your sport of choice, etc… Please add in driving days as needed.

As we like to mention here often, particularly from visitors to the USA, our country is freakin huge, dudes! Like, mega massive. So please plan accordingly.

Driving around the USA, and yes, that means Oregon too, requires more time than you think. Always add on an hour or so to the estimation Google Maps gives you to be safe.

We’ve also added in tons of additional links through this post which give you a deeper dive into a lot of the places and areas mentioned here so click those for more info.

Anyway, get your travel pants on, snacks stocked, and let’s get this Oregon road trip rolling! Right?

✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…

You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…

🚗 Rent a car

If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!

👉 Find Deals on Cars and SUVs

🚐 Rent a home on wheels

For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.

👉 Find The Best Van For Your Trip

Don’t Forget This!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a Northwest Pass. You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Grab it now before you leave !

Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

The rugged Oregon coastline is one of those places that feels like you’re living in a dream. Stretching for over 360-miles against the wild Pacific Ocean, the Oregon Coast is loaded with awe-inspiring natural scenery and vibrant communities.

From its serene beaches to towering sea stacks, each section of the coast will keep you on the edge of your seat during your Oregon road trip.

Sandy beaches, craggy cliffs, scenic viewpoints, lush forests, alluring tide pools, shipwrecks, rolling sand dunes, and monstrous waves are all accessible just off the highway. What more could you want for a life-changing Oregon itinerary?

Have your camera ready and explore the picturesque coastline that has captured the hearts of Oregon lovers everywhere!

• Explore the never-ending hiking trails through its tranquil forests like the Clatsop Loop and Crescent trails.
• Capture a breathtaking panorama at one of Oregon’s most famous viewpoints. From atop the cliffside, you have the perfect angle of towering rock formations rising out of the ocean.
• Head to Indian Beach to spot tide pools and have a relaxing picnic while you listen to the waves crash against the shore.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Ecola State Park on the Oregon Coast

• Experience blissful solitude while feeling the sand between your toes on this pristine shoreline.
• Explore the enchanting caves, gorgeous waterfall and shallow tide pools of Hug Point State Park .
• Get a brilliant bird’s eye view of the Pacific Ocean, long stretches of the coastline and the coastal town of Manzanita at the Neahkahnie Viewpoint.

• Add a detour along the Three Capes Scenic Route to your Oregon itinerary for a sensational drive down the Tillamook coastline. The journey takes you to Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda for miraculous views of verdant forests and sand dunes.
• Go bird watching to see colonies of nesting murres and other beautiful avian species.
• Wander inside the Cape Meares Lighthouse for a thrilling view on the cliffside roughly 200-feet above the ocean.

RELATED: Three Capes Scenic Route on the Oregon Coast

• Go off-roading through sand dunes in between the crashing waves of the Pacific and a coniferous forest.
• Spend the night camping at this enormous lake of sand and witness a dreamy sunrise against the ocean.
• Spend the night at one of the most scenic Oregon coast towns by camping at Devil’s Lake near downtown Lincoln City . The lake offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking.
• Enjoy a day on the water at Siletz Bay by kayaking, boating or fishing on its tranquil shores.
• Hike the God’s Thumb via the Knoll, one of the most breathtaking Oregon Coast hikes . The end of the trail features a peculiar basalt formation shaped like a thumb offering sensational views of the coastline.
• Check out the interesting statue of Abraham Lincoln and waltz through the town’s Historical Museum.

READ MORE: Your Guide to the God’s Thumb Hike Near Lincoln City

• Stop by the Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast during this Oregon road trip to search for majestic gray whales.
• Just south of the whale hotspot, you’ll find the roaring power of the Devil’s Punchbowl. This enormous bowl was created by collapsed sea caves and gives you a glimpse of the ocean’s power with its ferocious waves.

• Tour the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest and most historic lighthouse in Oregon. Tickets to the lighthouse are on a limited basis but the panoramic views of the structure perched along the scenic bluffs are some of the best on the entire Oregon coast.
• Hike the rocky shoreline beneath the lighthouse to spot whales, seals, eagles and beguiling tide pools.
• Drive to the highest Oregon coast viewpoint accessible by car and stand in awe of the hair-raising vista overlooking the horizon. You’ll be standing 800-feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean and this stop on your Oregon itinerary will make your heart skip a beat.
• Marvel at the geologic formations of Thor’s Well and Devil’s Churn. Thor’s Well is a seemingly bottomless pit sucking waves into its grasp and Devil’s Churn will overwhelm you with the force of tenacious waves pounding a rocky inlet.

RELATED: 9 Things to Do in Cape Perpetua, Oregon

• Ride the elevator to the depths of the largest sea caves in the United States. Keep in mind that this includes a fee of $14.
• Spot adorable sea lions lounging inside the massive cave system. If your Oregon road trip is during the winter, then there is a great chance you’ll see hundreds of these amazing creatures.
• Head to the nearby Heceta Head Lighthouse for a remarkable view standing atop a rocky cliff.
• Stand at the park’s scenic viewpoint and witness thunderous waves pounding the jagged rock formations on the coastline.
• Wander the grounds of a former mansion to smell the radiant flora of rose gardens and a Japanese-style garden.
• Walk along the shores of Simpson Beach and relax at its isolated cove.

• Explore the miles of beautiful coastal trails the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor has to offer. The Lone Ranch South Trail is an easy trek offering breathtaking seaside vistas and the Whales Head Beach Trail meanders to one of the most peaceful beaches in the corridor.
• Hike to the Natural Bridges for spectacular views of geologic structures and spruce-tree forests.
• Enjoy the serenity of Secret Beach and gaze at the towering rock formations nestled along the shore.
• Before continuing your Oregon road trip, peek through the forest and watch a gorgeous sunset at Arch Rock.

Southern Oregon Coast: 13 Epic Stops—Bandon to Brookings!

17 Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes

11 Most Scenic Oregon Coast Towns (And What to Do There!)

17 Cool Oregon Coast Camping Spots To Stay At

→ If you don’t have a lot of time, do this Oregon Coast day trip from Portland to see the best of the coast with a local.

Recommended Places:

• Adorable Seaside Cottage
• Happy Camp Beachfront Cabin
• Captain’s Quarters

Campgrounds: Wright’s for Camping | Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area | Harris Beach State Recreation Area Campground

Near Portland, Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

We love Portland , naturally. But we love the places on the outside of Portland way more.

Cascading waterfalls galore, a cornucopia of excellent hikes, and the majestic Mount Hood just on the outskirts of the city make Portland a playground for Oregon adventurers.

After you’re done stuffing your face with Voodoo donuts and taking the iconic “Portland is weird” sign selfie, then get out and do something in nature!

The furthest you’ll drive from Portland to anything in this section is only about two hours one way. You’ll be gobsmacked by the things to do just outside the concrete jungle of Portland.

• Enjoy spectacular views of Oregon’s tallest mountain from all angles by embarking on many awesome Mount Hood hikes . Some of the best hikes include the Tom Dick and Harry Trail and Mirror Lake Loop , Lost Lake, Tamanawas Falls , and the Trillium Lake Loop and they all give you glorious vistas of Oregon’s most famous peak.
• Summit the craggy pinnacle and have the exhilarating feeling of standing on the roof of Oregon.
• If you have a snow-filled Oregon itinerary, experience Mount Hood in winter by skiing or snowboarding down its slopes. Just be aware of possible road closures in the area around the mountain during winter.

→ If you don’t have a lot of time, do this Mount Hood Day Trip from Portland to see the best of the area.

• Hike the Trail of Ten Falls to experience one of the most beautiful hikes near Portland. The 7.6-mile loop passes ten alluring waterfalls and is considered one of Oregon’s natural wonders.
• Hit the park’s backcountry trails for mountain biking and horseback riding adventures.
• Spend the night at the campground and listen to the soothing sounds of the waterfalls before continuing your Oregon road trip.
• Capture the perfect snapshot of Oregon’s most famous waterfall in all her glory—Multnomah Falls
• Discover more cascading waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge by hiking the Wahkeena-Multnomah Loop. This invigorating trek takes you through lush vegetation, volcanic cliffs and far away from the crowds.

17 of the Best Places for Camping Near Portland

19+ Awesome Hikes Near Portland to Escape the Bustle

What to Do At Mount Hood in Winter

A Guide to The Columbia River Gorge

→ If you don’t have a lot of time, do this highly rated half-day tour from Portland to see the best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.

• Tiny House With Lofted Views of the Forest
• Peaceful Garden Cottage
• Tiny Forest Cabin

Campgrounds: Beaver Campground | The Vintages Trailer Resort | Oxbow Regional Park 

Central Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

When it comes to jaw-dropping natural scenery, it’s impossible to replicate the magic that central Oregon presents. There’s a reason why many of the state’s most iconic sights are in this dynamic region.

From the majestic Cascade peaks to the tumbling waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge , Central Oregon has it all.

This portion of your Oregon road trip transports you to several of the state’s tallest mountains, evergreen forests, crystalline lakes, and mysterious craters. The biggest challenge will be narrowing down your Oregon itinerary to fit your schedule.

Central Oregon’s diversity is simply unmatched and traveling down its scenic byways will show off its splendor at every turn.

If you’re looking to experience Oregon at its absolute finest, central Oregon has got you covered!

• Climb into a raft and float down the Deschutes River for an afternoon of total relaxation.
• Enjoy more exciting activities by the river like kayaking, fishing or even take a crack at surfing .
• Hike the Deschutes River South Canyon Trail or the Deschutes River Trail Loop for a delightful stroll by the river.

• Camp in the tranquil forest and hike through pine trees, wildflowers and dense vegetation to reach many mesmerizing waterfalls. The Toketee Falls Trail, Watson Falls Trail and Lemolo Falls Trail are among the scenic paths in Umpqua National Forest .
• Venture down the Twin Lakes Trail for sensational views of dazzling lakes and find the perfect spot for a picnic.
• Soak in the terraced pools of the Umpqua Hot Springs and watch the peaceful flow of the Umpqua River.
• Kayak on the shimmering waters of Diamond Lake as the ‘lightning rod’ Mount Thielsen towers above you. For an action-packed expedition to include on your Oregon road trip, get your adrenaline pumping on the Mount Thielsen hike to reach the summit of the jagged peak.

• Hike along the Crooked River and gaze at the craggy pinnacles rising high into the sky.
• Test your endurance by climbing Misery Ridge and watch rock climbers test their wits at the oddly shaped Monkey Face.
• Learn how to rock climb yourself since this stop on your Oregon itinerary is the premier location in the state for the sport.
• Marvel at golden eagles, rattlesnakes, otters and other beautiful wildlife that call these sharp canyons home.

• Visit the sparkling lakes decorating this famous driving route such as Todd Lake, Sparks Lake and Elk Lake . This 66-mile highway takes you from the vibrant city of Bend to some of the most popular getaways in central Oregon.
• Stand in awe of the snow-capped Cascade peaks overlooking the alpine lakes lining the byway. Mount Bachelor , Broken Top Mountain and South Sister are a few of the iconic mountaintops in perfect sight.
• Enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities by the lakes such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking and paddling.
• You have countless camping options to include in your Oregon road trip for an extended stay near the byway.

• Gear up for one of the ultimate challenges on this Oregon road trip by tackling the South Sister Trail . This 12.2-mile trek takes you to the peak of Oregon’s third-highest mountain and rewards you with jaw-dropping vistas of the nearby peaks.
• Take on another daring expedition by trekking the Broken Top Trail to No Name Lake and Bend Glacier. This thrilling hike will take you through subalpine forest and provide a close encounter with Broken Top’s serrated pinnacles.
• If you have time, hike part of the Three Sisters Loop to marvel at the area’s volcanic landscapes.

RELATED: Your Guide to Hiking South Sister in Bend, Oregon

• Admire the otherworldly geologic landscapes and the remnants of powerful volcanic blasts from thousands of years ago at Newberry National Volcanic Monument .
• Hop on your mountain bike and ride around the Newberry caldera using the rim trail.
• Hike the Paulina Peak Trail to experience one of the best Oregon hikes and possibly the most awe-inspiring vista in central Oregon. The views here give you 360-degree views of Paulina Lake, the Big Obsidian Flow and other peaks of the Oregon Cascades.

READ MORE: Your Guide to Newberry National Volcanic Monument

• Include the Rim Drive on your Oregon road trip to conquer the 33-mile loop that circles the caldera rim.
• Hike the Garfield Peak Trail for incredible scenery overlooking the deep-blue hues of the lake and the surrounding Cascade peaks. You’ll have a spectacular view of Phantom Ship, Wizard Island, and other beautiful landmarks.
• Head to Cleetwood Cove for an interesting vantage of the lake from inside the caldera.

A Guide to Smith Rock State Park’s Hikes, Misery Ridge Trail & More

• An Adventurer’s Guide to Things to Do in Bend, Oregon

The Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike + Sahalie and Koosah Falls

• Cozy Sunriver Cabin
• Hummingbird Cottage
• Tall Pines A-Frame

Campgrounds: Elk Lake Campground | Jasper Point Campground | Redmond/Central Oregon KOA

Eastern Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Very few people are in the loop of the majestic scenery decorating the eastern half of Oregon. And it’s a shame that this section of the state doesn’t receive the same hype as its coast and Cascade brethren.

Sparkling lakes, snow-capped mountaintops, mesmerizing deserts, craggy gorges, verdant forests, striking canyons, rejuvenating hot springs and some of the best stargazing on the planet.

With this much jaw-dropping natural beauty, it’s hard to fathom that this is the least discovered region of Oregon. Maybe it’s best to keep it that way to preserve this wild canvas of untouched terrain.

It may sound cliché to wander off the beaten path, but that is exactly the type of adventure eastern Oregon provides on your Oregon road trip.

• Explore the rugged terrain of the Wallowa Lake State Park by trekking the Hurricane Creek Trail or para-glide above the park for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Swim in the pristine waters of Wallowa Lake surrounded by dense forests and rugged peaks. Its crystalline waters are a beautiful spot for snorkeling, or you can sunbathe on the sandy shores for a tan.
• Ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway for unbelievable mountain vistas.
• Trek the Mirror Lake to Eagle Cap Trail to reach the summit of Eagle Cap. Enjoy the sensational views of alpine lakes, beautiful forests and glaciated valleys.
• Grab your paddle and steer around jagged boulders in the exhilarating class III and IV rapids of Eagle Creek.

• Dress up like Wild West characters at the charming Sumpter Stockade Motel.
• Learn about Oregon’s rich gold mining history with a visit to the Sumpter Valley Dredge .
• Spend an exhilarating day riding around on an ATV before hopping back on the highway.

→ While in Sumpter, head to nearby Baker City to do some stargazing and wine tasting on this fantastic tour .

• Hike through the Ochoco National Forest for remarkable images of lush forests, bewildering geologic formations and vibrant wildlife. Its tranquil waterways are the perfect outlet for a fishing or boating excursion.
• Discover the otherworldly beauty of the Painted Hills , one of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. The layered bands of yellow, red, orange and gold make the perfect stop on your Oregon itinerary to marvel at the state’s alien-like landscapes.
• Explore the hiking trails less-visited around the John Day Fossil Beds area to study Oregon’s ancient history. Sheep Rock and the Clarno Unit are both a must for geology lovers.

• Unleash your adventurous spirit by hiking through the less-traveled Strawberry Mountain Wilderness. This nature lover’s playground is teeming with alpine lakes, sharp peaks, blooming wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.
• Reach the peak of Strawberry Mountain for one of the most liberating summits on your Oregon road trip. The heart-racing vistas hear make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
• Unwind in the great outdoors at the crystal clear waters of Strawberry Lake. This is an ideal camping spot for your Oregon itinerary with its lush forests, rugged mountains and quality fishing.

• Spend the night at Jubilee Lake Campground for another beautiful night underneath the stars during your Oregon road trip. Jubilee Lake is a peaceful hideout deep in the forest and a wonderful spot to escape the scorching temperatures of summer.
• Enjoy a tranquil ride down the class II rapids of the Grande Ronde River and gaze at the steep canyons rising above you.
• Watch for deer, bighorn sheep, eagles and other wildlife (including rattlers) on the roughly 30-mile Wenaha River Trail. The meandering river, towering cliffs and tranquil forests make this a fantastic backcountry adventure to add to your Oregon itinerary.
• Experience one of Oregon’s most exciting whitewater rafting excursions on the Owyhee River. The class III and IV rapids snake between basalt columns and red-rock cliffs creating an unbelievable ride.
• Explore some of Oregon’s most isolated hiking trails through the Owyhee Canyons and marvel at the sheer-canyon walls soaring above you.
• Make the Owyhee Canyonlands another one of your camping sites on your Oregon itinerary for a stellar night of stargazing.

• Push your adrenaline to the max by driving the 60-mile Steens Mountain Loop, one of the most thrilling routes to add on your Oregon road trip. This scenic route will leave you speechless with its contrasting landscapes of glacial gorges and barren deserts while taking you to elevations of nearly 10,000-feet.
• Capture a breathtaking panorama on the Wildhorse Lake Trail. The views of the glaciated valley and steep canyons offer one of the top vistas you’ll see on this Oregon road trip.
• Camp in the Alvord Desert to experience complete solitude in the Oregon wilderness. Make sure to visit Alvord Hot Springs to soak any aching muscles before hitting the road again.

• Wash off the dust from Oregon’s extensive desert by soaking in the relaxing Hart Mountain Hot Springs . Camping is free at the hot springs so make sure to arrive early if this is an overnight stay on your Oregon itinerary.
• Wander the hiking trails of the National Antelope Refuge and spot a plethora of wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Jump on your dirt bike or motorcycle to ride the desolate dirt trails cutting through the landscape.

• Go bird watching in the wetlands of the lake and marvel at the area’s geothermal wonders.
• Gaze at the sensational mountain scenery while you soak in the soothing pools at the Summer Lake Hot Springs.
• Drive the car out to Fort Rock for an enchanting sunset at this puzzling volcanic landmark.

RELATED: 

Exploring the Owyhee Canyonlands: Hiking, Rafting, & Camping

A Guide to Hart Mountain Hot Springs & What to Do in the Area

A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Wallowa Lake State Park—Adventures and Camping

7 Awesome Things To Do in Sumpter, Oregon

• Rich’s Camp Cabin
• Eagle Cap Chalets
• Dreamers Lodge

Campgrounds: Wallowa Lake State Park | Strawberry Campground | Jubilee Lake Campground

RECOMMENDED OREGON ADVENTURE GEAR:

Tried and tested gear that we use around Oregon and the PNW!

Hiking and Camping

• Water Bottle Filter  
• Camping Stove
• Camping Cook Set
• Light 2-Person Tent
• Car Trash Bin
• Car Power Inverter
• Road Trip Duffel Bag
• Northwest Pass

Clothing Gear

• Hiking Socks – Men’s / Women’s
• Rain Jacket – Men’s / Women’s
• Hiking Backpack – Men’s / Women’s

Car Rental:

• Car Rental – Check here for deals
• Outdoorsy – For Vans, RV, etc

It’s safe to say all the above is just scratching the surface of what you can see on an Oregon road trip! With that said, everything mentioned above would take about a month to actually experience. Yep, a whole goddamn month!

Oregon is not a small state and it takes a long time to traverse.

I’d encourage you to check out our more specific Oregon road trips depending on the region you’re most interested in.

• 37 of the Best Oregon Hikes You’ve Got to Check Out

Each area mentioned above deserves at least a week of exploring. And when we say a week, we mean a week of actual exploring!

The driving can take up a really large chunk of the day so we’d advise you to tack on an extra few days on top of the week to account for driving or rest days.

Extending your road trip to our neighbors? Check these posts out!

• 19 Adventurous Things to Do on a Washington Road Trip
• 21 Adventurous Things to Do on a Northern California Road Trip
• If you’re looking to save a buck, download Gas Buddy App. As a rule of thumb, always fill up at the bigger towns when you can. The smaller towns often cost more, and if you pay by card, you may have a transaction fee on top of it.
• I’ll say it once more just in case, Oregon is not small! It will take you longer than you think to get places. I know my fellow Americans will get it but if you’re a visitor, our country and our states are insanely big. I can’t stress it enough, it will take you longer than you think.
• If you plan on visiting many of the places on this list, just get a parks pass instead of paying $5 randomly here and there for parking. The pass is $30 and you can display it and forget it.
• Bring food! Having to find food, particularly for breakfast and lunch, will eat up a considerable chunk of your day. Don’t waste hours on eating. Have snacks, sandwiches, and other quick things to munch on throughout the day and then save eating out for dinner.
• As far as budgeting goes, you can do this Oregon road trip on a modest budget. Many state parks have campgrounds that range from $15 to $25 per night. Check out these Oregon campgrounds .
• If you’re here in the peak season (summer months) campsites and hotels get booked out so make sure to book sooner rather than later.
• Be careful driving at night, particularly on the lonely roads. Animals like to come out and play. It’s best to keep your driving during daylight hours.
• If you’re coming to Oregon in winter , or even just before/after, be aware of road closures .
• For car rentals, we always check here .

More Road Trips

We hope this helped you plan some fun road trips in Oregon! Be sure to check out our other posts on road trips .

I've been perpetually traveling and living around the world for years but it's hard to beat Oregon and the PNW. After years of road-tripping the area, I guess you can say I know it pretty well! When I'm not writing guides for you, you can catch me somewhere petting a dog, attempting to surf, hiking a volcano, or stuffing my face with bread and cheese.

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The Perfect 10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Years ago, when I lived in Texas, I decided to visit the beautiful state of Oregon. Since I love exploring mountains and beaches, I decided to make the most of it and do an ultimate Oregon road trip! I fell in love with this state and all that it has to offer, and it was one of the many reasons I moved to the Pacific Northwest. Now I visit this excellent state at least twice a year. I mean, it is so dang close to me now! So I wanted to make it easy for you and highlight my favorite things to do there! Hikes, restaurants, viewpoints, etc. I hope you love Oregon as much as I do after your trip.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. 

Download my free Outdoor Photography Guide

Oregon road trip map.

Below is a screenshot of the route and a Google map you can download and use throughout your trip.

Oregon Road Trip

Day 1 – portland.

What I loved most about Portland was the food! OMG, everywhere that I ate, I was mesmerized. We even found one of the spiciest dishes of our life, and we love spicy food. Some popular things include:

• Drinking a beer at Deschutes Brewery
• Visiting Powell’s Bookstore
• Eat At Voodoo Doughnut for breakfast
• Checking out the International Rose Test Garden
• Check out the Portland Japenese Garden

>>> Book A Portland Tour Here

Where To Stay In Portland

• The Mark Spencer Hotel : An excellent hotel a few minutes away from Powell’s Bookstore and the Japenese Garden. >>>Book Here

Day 2 – Columbia River Gorge

Hikes and viewpoints.

I am in LOVE with the Columbia River Gorge. I go to this area at least once a year now. I am captivated by all the waterfalls, the views of Mount Hood, the wineries, restaurants, and farms. It is such a fun area, and it is the number one thing to do in Oregon. If someone told me there was only one area I had to pick to explore, it would be this one.

The number one thing to do in the Columbia River Gorge is to chase waterfalls. There is a road called the Historic Columbia River Highway, and there are many waterfalls here! Some popular ones include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Dry Creek Falls.

Read More: The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip

You can also hike around the gorge to get a better viewpoint of the Columbia River. I loved wandering the Mosier Plateau Trail during the spring, as the flowers are all out.

Food And Drinks

Unwinding after some waterfall chasing around the Hood River Waterfront Park is a must. This place is so stunning and relaxing! We grabbed some pizza at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza – Cafe & Bar and took it to the park. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we watched people kayak the Columbia river.

I also loved eating at the Riverside restaurant for brunch and loved Garnier Vineyards as well as the Mt. Hood Winery .

If you want to go kayaking or windsurfing, you can rent it at Big Winds. This is a popular thing to do in the summer in Oregon .

Where To Stay In Hood River (Stay Here For Two Nights)

Hood River Hotel:  Hood River Hotel is the oldest hotel in Hood River, Oregon, and has been updated with a cute modern style. There is a restaurant on-site, and it is pet-friendly. >>>Book Here

Day 3 – Mt. Hood

Mount Hood is such a perfect place to visit in the summer. The mountain is stunning, and there are so many fun things to do outdoors!

I am such a sucker for good fruit! I love visiting local farms, and Mt. Hood has a ton of them. My favorite farm was Kiyokawa Family Orchards, as you can pick your fruit, and it has such a fantastic view of Mount Hood. If you want a map of all the farms in the area, click here .

Great Hikes

• Tom Dick and Harry Trail: Great views of Mirror Lake and Mount Hood and labeled as hard.
• Trillium Lake Loop: Easy trail and great if you want an epic photo of Mount Hood with a lake.
• Tamanawas Falls: Moderate waterfall hike on the east side of the mountain.
• Ramona Falls : Another excellent waterfall hike.

Day 4 – Silver Falls State Park

Trail Of Ten Falls

Silver Falls State Park is one of the most underrated state parks I have ever seen. This park is outstanding, and there are so many waterfalls here! Around 10 of them, and they are all epic. When I heard about this place, I thought one or two waterfalls would be beautiful and the rest would be mediocre, but nope! They were all fantastic and stunning.

The main trail is called the “ Trail of Ten Falls ,”. It is 7.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 ft and is rated moderate. When I did the hike, it was closer to 8 miles. This is pretty much an all-day adventure, so pack your hiking equipment and drive to this lovely park. Parking at Silver Falls is $5 per vehicle.

Where To Stay In Salem

• Hotel Hampton Inn and Suites Salem: >>>Book Here Now

Day 5 – Bend

Take a hike.

Some popular hikes in the area include South Sister Summit , and Green Lakes Trail . I will tell you about my all-time favorite waterfall hike, which is a little out of the way from Bend (an hour and a half). It is Proxy Falls, and it is shown below. It is only 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 147 ft. and I highly recommend it! Get up early in the morning and hike this trail, then drive to Bend, relax and enjoy the rest of your evening :-).

Visit A Brewery

I have been to Oregon many times, and something I have regretted in the past was not spending enough time in Bend. This town is so much fun! It is hip and filled with food trucks, breweries, and wineries.

Read More: Amazing Things to Do in Bend, Oregon | 20 Top Activities & Attractions

Bend is known for its breweries, so you have to visit at least one of them! Most have food, so it is still fun to visit even if you aren’t a beer person. Some of the popular ones include:

Where To Stay In Bend (Stay Here For Two Nights)

• Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bend: We stayed at this hotel, and I loved it. It was clean, close to many restaurants, breweries, and had a nice bar. >>>Book Here

Read More: Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon | 7 Top Hotels & Hidden Lodgings

Grab Your Free Car Camping Checklist! 🚗🌲

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Day 6 – Smith Rock State Park And Painted Hills

Painted hills.

When I explored Oregon for the first time, I was surprised at how much the landscape changed after driving only a few hours. You can go from lush green forests to a desert in a mere few hours. An entertaining and different area to explore is Painted Hills . It is located in Eastern Oregon and is a combination of many hills with red, yellow colors swirling around. You can’t get too close to the red-yellow area, but the Painted Cove Trail features close-up views of the red formations.

Out of everything I experienced in Oregon, this is probably my least favorite thing on this list. So if you are limited on time and don’t want to make the drive here, you can skip it and do an activity much closer.

Pro Tip: Fill up on gas before heading out to Painted Hills as there is not much around there.

After exploring Painted hills in the morning, head out to Smith Rock for sunset. You can hike around this stunning place and do trails like Painted Cove Trail, Misery Ridge, and River Trail , or the Rim Rock trail. You can also rock climb Smith Rock which is what we did and it was a blast!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Smith Rock Hiking Trails

Day 7 – Umpqua National Forest

Toketee falls.

If you want something that is more bang for your buck, then check out Toketee Falls ! This waterfall hike is only 0.9 miles with a 167 ft elevation gain. I loved this trail! It was so easy to do, and the trees are lush and green.

Umpqua Hot Springs

One of the most popular hot springs in Oregon is the beautiful Umpqua Hot Springs . There are around eight pools that can fit about 2-4 people. The trail is approximately 0.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 305 ft. The hot springs are only open from sunrise to sunset, so you cannot camp there overnight. Also, the parking lot only holds ten cars, so get there early!

I also want to say that this area is known to be constantly trashed. Please pick up after yourself and don’t leave any items behind. That includes food (seeds and banana peels), and beer cans.

Watson Falls

Watson Falls is another easy trail that has a magnificent waterfall viewpoint. The trail is only 1 mile long with an elevation gain of 524 ft. It is relatively close to Toketee Falls, so make sure you check this waterfall out!

Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a great place to stop if you want a great mountain view with a lake. Here you can have a perfect view of Mt Bailey with Diamond lake in the foreground.

Where To Stay Near Crater Lake (Stay Here Two Nights)

• Crater Lake Lodge: One of the few hotels located in the National Park. >>>Book Here

Read More: Where to Stay Near Crater Lake National Park | Lodging & More

Day 8 – Crater Lake National Park

I dream of revisiting Crater Lake National Park! This place is a gem. I almost took this out of our itinerary years ago, and I am so thankful my husband told me to include it. My jaw dropped when I saw it. I had never seen such a dark, sapphire-blue lake in my life. It is known to be the deepest lake in the United States!

Read More: 14 Best Things To Do at Crater Lake National Park

Things to Do At Crater Lake

• Go to some of the viewpoints: The best ones are Watchman Overlook, Phantom Ship Overlook, and Cloudcap Overlook.
• Drive Around: You can drive around the whole lake to take in its beauty.
• Hike and Swim: There is only one way to swim in the lake and that is by hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail . We did this, and it was so fun but freezing! Even on the hottest day, the water was chilling.

Day 9 – Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is located on the southern coast of Oregon. It has become one of the most popular Instagram spots in Oregon, and for a good reason. The area is filled with cliffs and waves crashing into them and sea stacks filled with evergreen trees. It is breathtaking!

Most viewpoints are pretty easy to get to, making it a perfect spot to relax or take pictures. No extensive crazy hiking is needed to get these views. Popular viewpoints include the Whaleshead Beach, Cape Ferrelo viewpoint, House Rock Viewpoint, and Indian Sands Viewpoint.

The most popular area is the Natural Bridges which is best to see for sunrise. This area can be a bit difficult to get to. At the parking lot take a right (if you are facing the beach). Then take two lefts when you get to the junctions. The trail is very steep so bring good hiking shoes.

Want To Learn More On Samuel H. Boardman : Check Out My Post On The Best Oregon Coast Road Trip

Where To Stay Near Samuel H. Boardman

Tu Tu’ Tun   Lodge (Gold Beach):  This place is fantastic and nestled in a beautiful forest area. >>>Check It Out Here

Day 10 – North And Central Coast

Exploring the Oregon Coast is a must on your Oregon road trip! There are many cute coastal towns like Cannon Beach (my fav)! If you want to extend your trip to be a bit longer than ten days, then stay a few days on the coast. There is so much to see and to do here.

Some of my favorite stops on the coast include:

There is so much more to do than what I listed above. Those are just a couple of my favorite areas. I do feel like you need more than one day to explore the central and northern coast. But if you are limited on time, I would only stop at Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is the cutest town and has many hotels and yummy restaurants.

Want To Learn More On The North And Central Coast : Check Out My Post On The Oregon Coast

Where To Stay In Cannon Beach

Surfsand Resort(Cannon Beach):  This is where we stayed the first time we came to Cannon Beach. They have oceanfront rooms and a heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub. I enjoyed our stay here, and I loved that we could walk easily to the beach.   >>>Check It Out Here

Day 11 – Go Home

Such a sad day! Going home is hard. Oregon has some of the most epic sceneries in the country. When I first came to Oregon, I vowed to come back, and what do you know, I moved to the state right next to it. I now visit Oregon at least twice a year, and every time I am still amazed by its beauty.

What To Pack When You Travel In Oregon

• Sunscreen:  Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!   >Buy Sunscreen
• Chapstick:  This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned!  >Check Out This Chapstick
• Hiking Boots/Shoes:  If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before).  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks:  Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there.   >Buy Hiking Socks
• Water Reservoir:  Water reservoirs help prevent me from getting dehydrated while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste.  >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water:  Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses:  It can get sunny, so make sure to pack some sunglasses.  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks:  The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars.  >>>Love These Snacks Here
• Camera:  The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.    >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit:  This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable.  >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack to carry all your things:  To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market.  >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Headlamp:  A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight.  >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Leggings or Hiking Pants:  I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with!  >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts : Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable.  >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
• Mid Base Layer:  It can get chilly in Oregon even in the summer.  >Check Out My Sweater Here
• Sports Bra:  For women.  >Check This One Here
• Jacket:  I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.   >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Rain Jacket:  The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Oregon.  >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
• Tripod:  This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures.  >Check out this tripod
• Knife:  I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case.  >Check Out My Knife Here

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7 Day Oregon Itinerary

If 10 days is too long, then I have made a smaller 7 day Oregon road trip. I have only listed my seven favorite spots.

4 Day Oregon Road Trip

Final thoughts on best oregon road trips.

Thanks for reading about road trips in Oregon! If you need other PNW inspiration, make sure to check out my other blog posts:

• The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Hikes In Washington State
• 25 Amazing Oregon Waterfalls You Need To See Today
• The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip
• The Best Things To Do On The Oregon Coast
• 16 Fun Things To Do In Astoria Oregon

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The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Must See Stops and Things to Do

Oregon is a picture-perfect coastal state in the Pacific Northwest known for its astounding views, outdoor lifestyle, and wild natural beauty. It is home to one of the largest river gorges and to the deepest lake in the United States. Discover the best it has to offer with this ultimate two week Oregon road trip itinerary.

Oregon Road Trip Summary

How many days does it take to road trip Oregon? You can spend months exploring the country’s ninth-largest state, but if you don’t have that kind of time, you can cut it down anywhere from a 5 day Oregon road trip to two weeks. 

Ideally, you should plan at least a week to two weeks to truly appreciate its beauty.

Plan your road trip along this loop starting and ending in Portland, it will take you to many of the highlights.

• Astoria, 1 night
• Cannon Beach, 1 night
• Newport,1 night
• Florence, 1 night 
• Brookings, 1 night 
• Crater Lake National Park, 3 nights
• Bend, 2 nights
• The Dalles, 2 nights
• Portland, 2 nights

Oregon Road Trip Map

Best Time of Year 

The best time of year to plan an Oregon road trip depends on the activities you are interested in and your budget. 

Summer is the most popular season, from wine tasting to biking in pleasant temps. But, it comes with occupied rooms and a hefty price tag. No road-tripping on the fly during peak season.

Fall is met with sunny skies, crisp air, and an array of orange, yellow, and red leaves. Even though you can expect a few sprinkles, it’s a popular time for hiking, pumpkin patches, and festivals. 

The rainy and winter season between October and May triggers lower hotel costs and fewer tourists with moderate temperatures. Winter activities include skiing, tubing, sledding, hot springs, and snowmobiling. Just make sure to pack layers!

Then spring arrives with new growth and invigorating temps; it’s a good time to see wildlife and the many waterfalls throughout the state. 

When it comes to outdoor adventure, Oregon has something to offer in any month.

HOT TIP: If you want to spot migrating gray whales on the coast, plan your visit from March through May or mid-December through mid-January.

Car Rental Tip – How to Avoid High Prices

Car rentals in Oregon – on the entire West Coast actually – are significantly higher than those in other areas of the country. When we first started researching prices, the search engines came up with $80 – $85 per day!

A tip we learned is to book offsite away from the airport and take public transportation or a Lyft to the rental company. 

Ultimately, we ended up with a Budget Rent a Car fifteen minutes from the airport and paid $29 per day with taxes and fees during peak season.

RELATED: CROSS COUNTRY ROAD TRIP

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, if you book through our link we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the blog!*

Day 1: Astoria

Once you pick up your rental car, kick off this ultimate Oregon road trip in Astoria, the oldest settlement west of the Rockies. Sitting on the banks of the Columbia River and only a few miles away from the Pacific Ocean, the small city is more like a historic fishing village with a Victorian flair.

If you’ve ever seen the 80’s coming-of-age film, The Goonies , then Astoria might look a little familiar to you. Hop on a pilgrimage around town and try to find all the locations. 

What to See & Do: Goonies Film Locations, Astoria Pier and Marina, Astoria Column, Cathedral Tree Trail, and Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Where to Eat & Drink: Coffee Girl, Buoy Beer Company, Bowpicker Fish & Chips, or Fort George Brewery.

Where to Stay: Waterfront Hotel with Indoor Pool & Free Breakfast, walking distance to all attractions

Day 2: Cannon Beach

It’s time to hop on Highway 101, the 347-mile scenic road to discover Oregon’s beautiful and wild coastline. Cannon Beach is a short drive from Astoria so you can technically pick one or the other destination if you need to shorten your trip, but I think it deserves an overnight.

Once listed as “one of the world’s 100 most beautiful places” by National Geographic, Cannon Beach has a lot to see and do including exploring the quaint town itself.

On the Way: Fort Stevens State Park, Wreck of the Peter Iredale, Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, walk the Seaside promenade, and eat at Bell Buoy of Seaside.

What to See & Do: Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, Clatsop Loop Trail to see Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (bring binoculars), and Haystack Rock. 

Where to Eat & Drink:  Public Coast Brewing Company, Lazy Susan Cafe, Castaways, or Pelican Brewing Company.

Where to Stay: Beachfront Lodge with Continental Breakfast or Inn with Breakfast & Garden

HOT TIP: You can see all kinds of diverse marine life on Oregon’s beaches, it’s one of the top things to do when exploring the coast. The best time to go tidepooling is one to two hours before the low tide. Check the tide times here.

READ NEXT: AN EASTERN OREGON ROAD TRIP

Day 3: Newport

There are a lot of stops along the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Newport, one of the biggest cities on the coast. From the aquarium to the glassblowing studio, there’s a lot to choose from once you get there. 

If you want to do something unique, reserve a pedal-powered quadricycle at Oregon Coast Railriders in Wheeler and go for an 11-mile jaunt through the countryside on an unused railroad track.

On the Way: Haystack Rock, Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie Mountain Trail Viewpoint, Silver Point Interpretive Overlook, Tillamook Creamery, Cape Meares Lighthouse, Octopus Tree, Cape Lookout, Beverly Beach State Park, Cape Foulweather, Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, and Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

What to See & Do: The Oregon Coast Aquarium, Historic Bayfront, Oregon Coast Glassworks, Hatfield Marine Science Center (it’s free with a suggested donation so you can stop in for as long as you’d like), sunset on Nye Beach, and the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

Where to Eat & Drink: Georgie’s Beachside Grill, Carl’s Coffee, Local Ocean Seafoods, Chowder Bowl, Rogue Ales and Spirits, or Panini Bakery.

Where to Stay: Adorable and Highly-Rated Motel with balconies and fireplaces

Day 4: Florence

Discover one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, go underground in a large sea cave to find grunting sea lions, and explore a quiet gem on the coast. 

Around mile marker 164 you’ll find Yachats, pronounced Yah-hots, a welcoming small village at the mouth of the Yachats River. If you have time stop in Yachats Brewing for quality beer and farm-to-table cuisine. 

You’ll spend the night situated on the banks of the Siuslaw River in the charming riverfront district of Florence. 

On the Way: South Beach State Park, Seal Rock State Recreation Site, hike the one-mile loop at Yachats Ocean Road State Park, Devil’s Churn Scenic Overlook, Cape Perpetua Lookout,  Thor’s Well, and Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint.

What to See & Do: Eat on the river, Take a Dune Buggy Tour, Florence Old Town, Hobbit Trail with the China Creek Trail, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and Sea Lion Caves. 

Where to Eat & Drink: River Roasters, Homegrown, BJ’s Ice Cream Parlor, or Waterfront Depot Restaurant.

Where to Stay: Charming Motel with a Cabin-Vibe walking distance to Old Town

RELATED: NORTHEAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Day 5: Brookings

After leaving Florence, you’ll travel from sandy dunes to the untamed wild section of the drive. With mountains and forest on one side and the tumultuous ocean on the other, the scenery is spectacularly dramatic. 

More than likely, the road will be uncrowded with a quiet fishing port or artsy town popping up here and there. Four of the eleven lighthouses on Oregon’s waterfront line the southern stretch and it feels like every few miles you’re running into a state park. 

Stop just six miles short of the California state line for your overnight in Brookings, the southernmost city on the coast. 

On the Way: Simpson Reef Overlook, Face Rock State Viewpoint, Sunset Bay State Park, Shore Acres State Park, Cape Arago Lighthouse, Coquille River Lighthouse, Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, Sisters Rock State Park, Pelican Bay Lighthouse, and Cape Blanco Lighthouse.

What to See & Do: Samuel H. Boardman State Park, Azalea Park if visiting in the spring, Port of Brookings-Harbor Marina Boardwalk, Harris Beach State Park, and Chetco Point Park

Where to Eat & Drink: The Crazy Norwegians Fish and Chips, Tasty Kate’s, Khun Thai.

Where to Stay: Comfy Beachfront Hotel with Water Views

*If you wake up early enough the next morning, drive the extra 23 miles south to Redwood National and State Park for a detour if you’re like us and love to see all the national parks.”

Days 6 – 8: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is one of the most magical landscapes in the United States. Many people asked if our pictures were filtered and if the lake really is that blue. And I’m here to tell you yes, it really is that blue. 

Formed in the remains of an ancient volcano, at 1,943 feet deep, it is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the top ten on earth. Excellent visibility, measured at 144 feet, along with the depth and purity contributes to the brilliant blue color.

Any southern Oregon road trip should include this stop! Plan for at least three days so you can hike, take the scenic drive, and a boat tour of the lake. 

What to See & Do: Rim Village Visitor Center, Crater Lake Rim Scenic Drive, Watchman Trail, Standard Boat Lake Cruise which includes the Cleetwood Cove Trail, Garfield Peak Trail, Crater Lake Lodge, and the Discovery Point Trail. Read about our favorite hikes here at The Best Crater Lake Hiking Trails.

Where to Eat & Drink: Pack in your own lunches, Prospect Cafe, Crater Lake Lodge, and Prospect Pizza.

Where to Sta y:   Hotel & Suites near the Park or Mountain Cabin with Balcony

NEARBY: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Days 9 – 10: Bend

If looking up real estate the first day of a visit is any indication of how impressive an area is then Bend is uber awesome. You’ll only be able to scratch the surface of all this mountain town has to offer within a few days so you’ll definitely be planning another trip back.

Situated in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Range, the upscale community is at the core of an outdoor playground with countless activities throughout the entire year. The attractive downtown area has a wide range of hip coffee shops, local eateries, and innovative art galleries.

On the Way: Take the Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway and pull over at a few of the lakes with lunch or drinks at Elk Lake Restaurant. 

What to See & Do: Try a local craft brewery, Todd Lake Loop Trail, Walk around Downtown, Tumalo Falls, Old Mill District, and Smith Rock State Park.

Where to Eat & Drink: The Cafe, Crux Fermentation Project, Spork, Bangers & Brews, and Wild Rose Northern Thai Eats.

Where to Stay: Welcoming Hotel with Free Breakfast, Beautiful Views in a Great Location near the Old Mill District.

Days 11 – 12: Columbia River Gorge 

Let’s adventure into America’s largest National Scenic Area, the Columbia River Gorge. Separating Washington and Oregon, this vast meandering canyon delivers breathtaking views, gorgeous waterfalls, and endless outdoor activities.

From the historic Crown Point Vista House to the horseshoe-shaped Rowena Crest viewpoint, it is a drive that you will never forget.

On the Way: Detour to Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest mountain, and hop on the Scenic Sky Chairs for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountain ranges. 

What to See & Do: Elowah Falls, Bridge of the Gods, Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, Crown Point, Bonneville Lock and Dam, Bridal Veil Falls, Rowena Crest, Horsetail Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Hood River, and the Vista House.

Where to Eat & Drink: Thunder Island Brewing Co, The Gorge White House, Full Sail Brewing Company, Tad’s Chicken N’ Dumplins, and Columbia Gorge Hotel.

Where to Stay: Hidden Gem of a hotel with Fantastic River Views

HOT TIP: Include the 35-mile Hood River County Fruit Loop to your itinerary for a scenic drive with charming orchards, bountiful vineyards, fruit stands, and even an alpaca ranch. 

Days 13 – 14 Portland

The City of Roses pounds to an eclectic beat, and with its prime location in the Pacific Northwest there are a ton of things to do outdoors including gardens and parks. Read here for other Outdoorsy Day Trips from Portland. 

Bearded hipsters, emerging artists, and skilled brewmasters converge amid two mountain ranges to form Portland. With that in mind, there’s no shortage of breweries, galleries, coffee shops, donuts, or food trucks within the metropolis.

What to See & Do: Portland Japanese Garden, Washington Park, Best Rooftop Bars in Portland , International Rose Test Garden, Pioneer Courthouse Square, Powell’s City of Books, and Pittock Mansion. 

Where to Eat & Drink: Rogue Ales, Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart Pod, Radio Room, Culmination Brewing, Homegrown, Voodoo Doughnut Old Town, and Prost!

Where to Stay: Boutique Hotel with Bike Rental and Wine Reception

HOT TIP: If you don’t want to spend the money for the Japanese Garden, you can link from the MAC trail to a series of switchbacks on the Wildwood Trail for a glimpse overhead. 

Have you taken an Oregon road trip? What do you recommend?

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• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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5 Responses

Dan coleman.

I enjoyed reading about your trip all over Oregon. By any chance do you remember the exact Budget Rental car location address you picked up your car?

Dang Travelers

Hey Dan! It was the Budget at 5856 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97218

Were the hikes you mentioned fairly easy? What about ticks, Is that something to prepare for? And last, do you think this could be done in a week? I know we wouldn’t be able to spend several nights in each place and wouldn’t be able to do or see everything but the highlights.

A week is pretty short for the entire loop, but you might be able to swing it. There are some great hikes in Crater Lake, but you could also just spend a day there (take the boat ride and see the views from the overlooks) and drive the coast.

And we had no issues with ticks at all.

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Home / Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

• Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
• Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
• “Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
• Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
• Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
• San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
• San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
• San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
• Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
• San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

Related Travel Guides

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

• Road trippers can choose between two main routes from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.
• The more direct route follows I-5 and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving.
• The coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway is more scenic but takes longer, with a total trip time of approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes.

The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Road-tripping individuals will have the chance to behold the unique views on the Pacific Coast Highway in California . With several stops on their way, allowing them to see the beautiful nature, relaxed beach towns, busy cities, and unique attractions, commuters will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that they have never gone through before.

However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive . That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty.

UPDATE: 2023/08/06 02:46 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More To Know When Planning A Roadtrip From Boston To San Francisco

There's always more to add to create the perfect road trip itinerary. This article has been updated with additional route details, including maps, stop suggestions, and highlights in California, Oregon, and Washington. Have fun, and be safe!

Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche

Best Routes From San Francisco To Seattle

There are two main routes for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.

The more direct route follows I-5, stopping through Redding, California, Portland, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington on its way to Seattle. When venturing along the I-5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving, much of which is through the granite Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5–7 days.

San Francisco to Seattle Via I-5

• Distance: 819 miles
• Time to Drive: ~12 hours 45 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 5–7 days
• I-5 Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Mt. Shasta, California → Ashland, Oregon → Eugene, Oregon → Portland, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

For a more meandering drive from San Francisco to Seattle, The famous Pacific Coast Highway, the most well-known California road trip, turns into Highway 101 and extends into Oregon and Washington before connecting with Highway 30. Travelers follow Highway 30 until they reach I-5, which returns them to the north-south route until Seattle.

This coastal route from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably the most scenic but does take longer to complete. The entire trip takes approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes non-stop. A coastal road trip from San Francisco to Seattle also demands a slightly longer time frame, taking 7–10 days to fully enjoy.

San Francisco to Seattle Via The Pacific Coast Highway

• Distance: 901 miles
• Time to Drive: ~17 hours 10 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 7–10 days
• Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Fort Bragg, California → Crescent City, California → Gold Beach, Oregon → Astoria, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

Related: 10 Best Routes To Take On The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Planning For A Drive From San Francisco To Seattle

A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for 800 or more miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com , which offers rentals from various car brands. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents.

• Cost of a Campervan: depending on its size, a Campervan costs an average of $130 per night to rent.

Top Road Trip Stops In California

The first stop on the San Francisco to Seattle drive is the Town of Sausalito, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxing atmosphere. People can go on hiking trips in Sausalito and learn about the natural habitat and the preserved seashore, among other activities.

Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument, which boasts 600-year-old, 246-foot-long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip.

Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste the US's best sparkling wines. People on a high budget go to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry or Auberge Du Soleil, to eat in Napa Valley. The Coast of California offers even more unique stops, perfect for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg, famous for its Glass Beach in the Noyo Headlands Park, which boasts mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. It is also worth stopping at Crescent City to visit Redwood National and State Parks.

Related: Need A Day Trip from Las Vegas? Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert

Unique Stops In Oregon And Washington

Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and was formed by a super-volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls.

Eugene City, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Additionally, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, is fun during the road trip.

Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and cheese tasting. They can also visit The Tillamook Creamery for free. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. For those taking the coastal route through Oregon, the port city of Astoria is arguably the best road trip stop in the Pacific Northwest , offering ocean views, hiking trails, and a unique downtown vibe consistent with traveler's favorite Oregon cities.

Next comes Washington in the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, where most commuters stop at the iconic Mount Rainier National Park and the Gig Harbor for a couple of calming and relaxing days. Washington also has a number of short detours for those looking to get outdoors on their road trip adventure, including nearby Olympic National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the US .

Next: Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards

6 great hikes on WA’s Highway 20 for this summer

Highway 20 is the state’s longest highway, spanning 436 miles from Discovery Bay on the Olympic Peninsula all the way to the Idaho border. Also known as the North Cascades Highway, most folks think about Highway 20 as the main route to reach the North Cascades National Park Complex and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. On Highway 20, you’ll find countless hikes, viewpoints and car campgrounds . Grab a buddy, pack your gear and head out this summer — here are six hikes for all different levels.

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Trail of the Cedars

Main Street and Ladder Creek Lane, Newhalem

Round-trip distance: 0.3 miles 

Elevation gain: none

Pass required: none

This wheelchair-friendly nature trail makes for a great leg stretcher after a long day of driving — or the perfect starter hike for kids. The trail is accessed via the Newhalem town center, where you can also find restrooms and a general store. Before even getting to the trail, cross over the Skagit River on a suspension bridge, which is fun for kids and adults alike. You’ll have a lot to take in in a short time — the loop trail will take you by a number of interpretive signs and also by the Gorge Powerhouse , all while passing by towering old growth.

Thunder Knob

Colonial Creek Campground, Highway 20

Round-trip distance: 3.6 miles 

Elevation gain: 635 feet 

This trail starts on the north side of Colonial Creek Campground, making this an ideal hike if you are camping there . Start by crossing the creek on a series of bridges; be sure to watch your footing. You’ll then enter into a wet, mossy forest before a drier forest as you climb upward. Pause to take in the views before continuing on. At the end of the hike you’ll be rewarded with a bench to take in the panorama, which includes Colonial and Pyramid peaks, Jack Mountain and an alternative view of the iconic Diablo Lake.

Pyramid Lake

Highway 20 at Pyramid Creek, outside Diablo

Round-trip distance: 4.2 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,500 feet

This hike is more about the journey than the destination. The forested trail is unremarkable to start, except for its steepness. After about a mile, the trail becomes lush and green and flattens for a bit. Try to pay attention to all the little details along the way, from moss and ferns to unassuming wildflowers. Continue the climb upward before a short drop takes you down to the lake. The lake itself is nice enough, but the star is really the views of nearby Pyramid Peak — and the quiet solitude.

Highway 20 near the Washington Pass Overlook

Round-trip distance: 4.4 miles 

Elevation gain: 1,050 feet

Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass

Blue Lake is simply a stunning hike. This, combined with its relative shortness, make it extremely popular, so keep that in mind. At the edge of the North Cascades, you can see the landscape start to shift toward the drier, eastern side of the mountains. The hike begins on boardwalks through the forest before picking up some steam. You’ll climb steadily on a dusty and rocky trail, but the mountain views will propel you forward. Before long, you’ll find yourself at the lake, a crystalline turquoise body of water set against a backdrop of towering granite peaks. 

5879 Highway 20, between Diablo and Mazama

Round-trip distance: 7 miles 

Elevation gain: 2,800 feet

Despite its name, the hike up to Easy Pass isn’t all that easy. In fact, it packs quite the punch, with about 800 feet of elevation gain per mile. You’ll begin your hike crossing over creeks and through the shady forest, but soon, you’ll be hiking through meadows and valleys. While this provides for beautiful views, it can get quite hot, so be sure to have sunscreen and extra water. After several series of switchbacks, a boulder field and more meadows, you’ll reach the pass. Every direction has something to look at; take it all in.

Cutthroat Pass

Rainy Pass Trailhead Road, between Diablo and Mazama

Round-trip distance: 10 miles 

Elevation gain: 2,000 feet

Washingtonians are lucky to be able to access the Pacific Crest Trail for a day hike. The comfortably graded trail up to Cutthroat Pass, combined with the views at the top, are enough to make a day hiker consider a longer stretch on the PCT. The first 3 miles are mainly in the trees, surrounded by the soothing sounds of water from various creeks. Breaking out of the tree cover is where the real magic begins, though. You will find yourself hiking on both sides of a valley, each side providing equally stunning views. The steepest part of the trail comes just before your destination, with some switchbacks and a steady grade. Crest over the hill and suddenly there are sweeping mountain views in every direction. Have a snack before heading back; the views on the way down are equally lovely.

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