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Epic Oregon Road Trip Travel Guide | Best Routes in 2024!

Going on a  road trip in Oregon  has to be one of the best ways to experience the state! With your own car and the freedom of the road, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and see whatever you like in this glorious state.

Oregon is a magical place full of beautiful landscapes, interesting people, and amazing food and drink. There are few other destinations in the world where you can surf and ski in the same day and, for that matter, drink some of the best beer of your life all the while.

There’s a lot to do in Oregon but, make no mistake, this is a big, wide-open state, one that requires plenty of time and patience to see.

Renting a car in a foreign state or country can be intimidating. Travelers may not know where to go or what to do. They may be worried about expenses or spending too much money pointlessly as well.

Don’t worry – we have the insider information you need for an EPIC Oregon road trip.

Written by a road-trip expert and local, this epic guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Oregon by car or campervan.

We’ll show you exactly how to stick to a budget, tell you about the best things in Oregon, and give you plenty of ideas and itineraries so you can easily plan out your entire trip!

So let’s start planning your dream Oregon road trip!

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Oregon Road Trips Costs

Best road trip in oregon.

• The Oregon Coast

The Cascades Itinerary

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Oregon is about average when it comes to the costs of living, though it is quickly becoming one of the more expensive states. A road trip in Oregon can be affordable or it could be expensive – it all depends on how you want to do it.

We at The Broke Backpacker always try to go on affordable adventures and are always looking for ways to travel cheap ! Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day, as we do in our favorite countries, we can at least help you reduce the prices of an Oregon road trip.

The average daily budget for an Oregon road trip is between $150-$200 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry into certain attractions. Make note of this number but please do not let it discourage you – we’re going to show how to reduce it to a more budget-friendly amount soon.

Gas will undoubtedly be your largest expense while on a road trip in Oregon. It’s sometimes hard to predict how much gas you will use but it is almost always is more than you expect. Do not take this expense lightly and do you everything you can to limit it.

Other than gas, the costs associated with a road trip in Oregon really come down to how you want to travel, eat, sleep, and drink. These run gamut from driving in a cheap economy car to a gas-guzzling SUV and eating out in expensive restaurants to cooking your own food at a campground.

If you are mostly cooking for yourself, camping, and exploring Oregon’s wild places, you can reduce that cost in half. Traveling with at least one other person will also keep costs much lower.

Think about what you want to do on your Oregon road trip route and then set a budget.

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a road trip in Oregon.

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Average Costs of an Oregon Road Trip

Rental car :  $30-$100

RV rental :  $100-$300

Gallon of gas:  $3.23

Private AirBnB home:  $80

Hotel room:  $120

Hostel:  $25-$30

Campground:  $5-$15 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar:  $5-$7

Coffee:  $2-$3

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $30-$50

• The Oregon Coast – 4 days
• The Cascades – 7 days
• Eastern Oregon  – 10 days
• The Grand Tour Oregon – 14 days

Below is a list of sample Oregon road trip routes. Varying from 5 to 14 days in length, they cover many of the top destinations in Oregon. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good Oregon road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

The Oregon Coast is probably the most beloved road trip in the entire state and is a popular area for a holiday stay with both locals and out-of-towners. People flock here to get away from the rat race for a little while and tend to just laze about on the beach or in a local diner.

The Oregon Coast itself is not well-known for its warm weather or clear days, but rather its rugged beauty. Dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and sea stacks are the most notable landmarks here – palm trees are markedly absent.

The best part about a road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is that you’ll never be far away from the coast. This route hugs the near entirety of the shoreline and only deviates when passing through an epic forest. For 90% of the way, it’ll just be you and the ocean.

• Bandon by the Sea
• Samuel H Boardman Park
• Ecola State Park
• Cape Perpetua
• Florence Sand Dunes
• Pacific City Camping Resort Yurts
• Windermere on the Beach  (Bandon)
• Ecola Creek Lodge  (Cannon Beach)
• Norblad Hotel  (Astoria)
• McMenamins Gearhart Hotel  (Gearhart)
• Shucking fresh oysters
• Bonfires on the beach
• Surfing at Oswald West
• Whale watching

The entire way.

• Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda)
• The Schooner (Netarts)
• Fort George Brewery (Astoria)
• Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport)
• Mattie’s (Brooking)
• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• Newport Seafood and Wine Fest (February)
• South Coast Clambake and Jazz Fest (March)
• Southern Oregon Kite Festival (July)

Oregon’s Cascade Range is not the highest nor the most epic in the USA – these mountains are fairly gentle and draw attention only when there is a volcano around. Hidden in the lush fur of these slopes though are, hands-down, the best waterfalls in the country, not to mention some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Better yet, some of Oregon’s best cabins and treehouses are found here, so book a stay amongst the forests for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Mt Hood and Crater Lake are the Cascade’s most famous landmarks and both are must see places in Oregon. In between these two are countless more treasures, including, but not limited to, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, Clear Lake, and the Three Sisters Wilderness. I’m barely scratching the surface as well.

Following a road trip in the Cascades, you will also have the chance to drive up the Willamette Valley, which has some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world. Nothing really beats a glass of wine or a B&B at a vineyard after spending a week in the mountains.

• Crater Lake
• Columbia River Gorge
• Willamette Valley vineyards
• Lots of waterfalls
• Maverick Inn  (Klamath Falls)
• Pacific Crest Trailhouse  (Cascade Locks)
• Eugene Whitaker House
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House  (Bend)
• Hiking/skiing at Mt Hood
• Rock climbing at Smith Rock
• Swimming at Crater Lake
• Willamette Valley wine tours
• Waterfall photography
• Crater Lake Rim Road
• Highway 138
• Crux Fermentation Science (Bend)
• Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene)
• Caspian Cafe (Eugene)
• The Painted Lady (McMinnville)
• Ritter’s Housemade Foods (Salem)
• Oregon Country Fair (July)
• International Pinot Noir Celebration (July)
• Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (April/March)
• Tigard Festival of Balloons (June)
• Bend Brew Festival (August)

If you need more recommendations on where to stay on your road trip, check out these cottages in Oregon .

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A visit to Eastern Oregon will be a wholly unique experience compared to the Western portion of the state. Deciduous rainforests and beaches are swapped for desert-scapes and hazy mountains. If you wanted to see a side of Oregon that few are even aware, this is the one.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Smith Rock offers some of the best climbing in the country while the Wallowas (AKA the Oregon Alps) offer some of the best skiing and hiking in Colorado . Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert are two of the greatest hidden gems on the West Coast and are known only to adventurous Oregonians.

The culture is also distinct from the rest of the state. Cowboys, whiskey guzzlers, social pariahs; all of these are the types of people you’ll see in Eastern Oregon.

• Painted Hills
• Steens Mountains
• Hell’s Canyon
• Dreamer’s Lodge  (John Day)
• Eagle Cap Chalets  (Joseph)
• Rory and Ryan Inn  (Burns)
• Brewery tours in Bend
• Snowboarding at Mt Bachelor
• Hiking in Wallowas
• Desert scenery
• Cowboys in Pendleton
• Steens Mountain Road
• Scenic Lakes Byway
• Deschutes Brewing (Bend)
• McKay Cottage (Bend)
• Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)
• Arrowhead Chocolates (Joseph)
• Sisters Folk Festival (September)
• Deschutes County Fair (August)
• Pendleton Whiskey Music Fest (July)

This the best road trip in Oregon – hands-down. Hell, this is one of the best drives in the USA ! You see everything and then some! The coast, the Cascades, the deserts of Eastern Oregon; all of these areas will be available to you with this itinerary.

In addition to the grand majority of the locations listed above, you will also have more time in Southern Oregon. This region is one of the most neglected parts of the state, which is unfair considering what it offers. The river rafting is epic, Ashland is one of the most charming cities you’ve never heard of, and the wine is arguably even better than that of the Willamette Valley.

So if you have time to kill and want to see the best of Oregon, look no further than this route. Oregon is beautiful and this is the best way to see it.

• Eastern Oregon
• Timberline Lodge
• Traveler’s House  (Portland)
• The Ashland Hostel
• Columbia Hotel  (Ashland)
• Everywhere else mentioned prior
• Skiing at Mt Hood
• Climbing at Smith Rock
• Rafting in Southern Oregon
• Chilling in Ashland
• Wine and beer tours
• Seafood on the coast
• Hiking in the Wallowas
• Growler’s Taproom (Portland)
• Shalom Y’all (Portland)
• Cartopia (Portland)
• Brother’s Restaurant (Ashland)
• Cafe Broder (Portland
• Everything else mentioned in this guide
• Ashland Shakespeare Festival (February)
• Portland Brewer’s Festival (July)
• Portland Rose Festival and Parade (May/June)
• Portland Waterfront Blue’s Festival (July)
• Pickathon (August)
• Portland MFNW (August)

Below is a list of the best road trip stops in Oregon. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

Road Trip to Portland

The City of Roses. Little Beirut. Rip City. Bridgetown. Stumptown. Call it what you will but few names can actually capture the intangible flavor and uniqueness that Portland excludes in abundance.

For years, Portland was a city of obscurity, full of eccentrics and abject people. For residents, this anonymity was an ideal situation that allowed them to cultivate their weirdness. Portland has only been “discovered” in recent years by the rest of the world and has since developed into a full-on tourist destination.

Portland is not a big city by American standards. There are no large attractions in Portland like a Hollywood Sign or Liberty Bell. Life is simpler (and better) in Portland because people care mostly about good food, good beer, and good health (both physically and spiritually). For these reasons, the best things to do in Portland are to just eat, drink, and go for a walk.

The best districts in Portland to walk around are definitely the Alphabet District , the Pearl, Alberta Arts , Hawthorne , and Laurelhurst . Other neighborhoods like Belmont, Mississippi, Division, and Chinatown are also worth visiting. On either side of the Willamette River are the Eastbank Esplanade and Tom McCall Waterfront , which are both great places to wander around.

A hike through the lush Forest Park makes for a lovely day. Inside and on the outskirts of the large park are some of Portland’s best attractions like Pittock Mansion , the Rose Gardens , and Japanese Gardens .

If there were must-see landmarks in Portland then they’d probably the bridges. Portlandians are in love with their bridges and take great pride in them. St. John’s Bridge is a crowd favorite as is the iron Hawthorne Bridge.

I’d go into more detail on the city, and talk about the many restaurants and bars, but, unfortunately, there is not enough time and space available in this guide. That’s what the our Portland Budget Travel guide is for – blessings!

  And the  coolest places in Portland to go .

  Craft a killer  Portland travel itinerary .

  Read about the  coolest hostels in Portland .

  And book a killer  Airbnb Portland apartment .

Road Trip through the Columbia River Gorge

With endless outdoor opportunities, the much loved Columbia River Gorge is like a playground for adults! Those looking for the best hikes near Portland should head directly to this scenic area. Also, there are some excellent breweries nearby offering crucial post-hike beers.

Starting in Troutdale and driving along the  Historic Columbia River Highway , you’ll first arrive at the Portland Women’s Forum , which has one of the most iconic views of the Gorge. You’ll see the Vista House perched on the walls of the gorge in the distance as well as the Columbia River .

From there you can continue on to picturesque Laurotell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (see if you can find the elusive Upper Bridal Veil Fall ). Nearby Angel’s Rest is a very popular sunset hike for locals as well.

The next stop is Multnomah Falls, which is arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Oregon. This near-perfect waterfall drops over 500 ft amidst verdant foliage and is one of the most photographed places in Oregon. In front of the falls is an equally photogenic bridge, which makes the scene look like Rivendell.

Beyond Multnomah Falls, you’ll pass by many other superlative portions of the Gorge, notably Oneonta Gorge and Eagle Creek . These are some of the most beautiful places in Oregon as well as the most crowded. Note that this part of the Gorge was damaged recently by a wildfire and that some trails may be closed.

Past Eagle Creek is Cascade Locks, home to the historical Bridge of the Gods, which is where the PCT crosses into Washington. Further along is the Hood River, which is one of the coolest towns in Oregon. Here are, hands-down, some of the best breweries in Oregon in addition to some killer windsurfing and gorgeous views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams.

Road Trip to Mt Hood

Oregon’s pride and joy, the image that most Oregonians can recall from their earliest memories, is Mt Hood. For outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers, Mt Hood will be the crowning achievement on their road trip in Oregon.

Getting to Mt Hood is very easy as one of the states main arteries ( Highway 26 ) runs literally right next to it. The drive is gorgeous and a little perilous if you’re visiting Mt Hood in the winter.

If your car is not able to drive in the snow, which is very common beyond December, you can still catch a local shuttle in Sandy to the main alpine settlements: Government Camp and Timberline , the latter of which is famous for appearing in Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining .

Along 26 are several stops that you should absolutely make time for. Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake are local favorites, however, it’s also one of the most famous hikes in the USA , so the trails can be quite crowded.

There are several awesome spots on the eastern and northern flanks of Mt Hood that can be accessed by several forest roads. Cloud Cap , Tamanawas Falls , and Lost Lake are great places to check out.

If you’re a skier, then Mt Hood is unquestionably one of the best places in Oregon to visit in the winter. The skiing here is world-class and runs come in many forms, from tended to the backcountry. If you’re visiting Oregon in the summer, no worries; Timberline Lodge has the longest ski season in the country and is open 365 days a year.

Mt Hood is one of the most climbed glaciated mountains on the planet, second only to Mt Fuji. It is a great introductory peak for beginners and requires only a long day to summit. You will still need the proper adventure equipment to climb in as well as current condition reports.

Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast is not the typical kind of beach getaway – it’s not warm, it’s not very comfortable, and it’s not at all like those tropical postcards.

oRainy, rugged, and utterly romantic, the Oregon Coast is a marvel in its own way. If you’re travelling the USA for the adventure and appreciate a harsher beauty(or possibly like to wear both sandals and sweaters at the same time), you will instantly fall in love with this place.

The Coast is long and nearly 100% accessible via the Oregon Coast Highway 101 . A road trip on this highway will give you tons of opportunities to experience the local attractions. The Oregon Coast can roughly be divided into three parts (North, Central, and South) and between the three, there are, honestly, too many things to see and do.

Starting north you have the top weekend getaways for Portlandians – Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Manzanita. Astoria is mostly famous for being the setting for Steven Spielberg’s The Goonies.

Seaside is a cute town popular with families and is a bit touristy. Cannon Beach is equally as touristy but hosts the stunning Haystack Rock.

Manzanita is the most laidback of the bunch and is aw great base for day trips to Oswald West State Park and Neahkahnie Mountain , both of which offer some of the best Oregon Coast hikes.

Moving south we head past Tillamook , the cheese capital of Oregon, and past Cape Kiwanda, one of my favorite places in Oregon, before arriving in Newport , famous for the highly-regarded Oregon Coast Aquarium . Beyond Newport is ultra-rugged Cape Perpetua , home to the Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and Sea Lion Caves.

After Perpetua, we drive to Florence and the epic Oregon Sand Dunes , which originally inspired Frank Herbert to write the sci-fi masterpiece, Dune . Quad biking on the dunes is one of the most popular things to do on the Oregon Coast, though there are plenty of other places to go for a nice walk.

Saving the best for last, we wrap our Oregon Coast road trip in the south. The stretch between Bandon and Brookings is superlative with state parks like Face Rock, Samuel H. Boardman, and Pistol River all providing amazing settings. Some of the best hikes on the Oregon Coast are also around Boardman.

Willamette Valley Road Trip

The Willamette Valley is the breadbasket of Oregon and the source of much of its delicious produce. It also hosts some of the most respected wineries in the USA, which produce some of the finest Pinots in the entire world, not to mention a number of interesting towns and natural attractions.

The Willamette Valley runs for about 150 miles from Portland south to Eugene . The largest highway in Oregon, Interstate 5 , runs through the Willamette Valley meaning you can travel by car to California .

I5 itself doesn’t really have a lot of great views and the drive itself is pretty boring. Deviate slightly from I5 and there’s lots more though.

There are over 500 wineries spread throughout the Willamette Valley. The greatest concentration of wineries is around Highway 18 near McMinnville, Salem, and Newberg . You could easily spend an entire day touring these vineyards and trying some of the best wine in the country but please remember to drive safely.

To the west of the Willamette Valley, you’ll the see the Cascade Range rising. The Cascades, running all the way from Washington to California, are like the geographic spine of the state and heavily influence the weather.

Hidden inside of the Cascades are some more great waterfalls, which make for great day hikes close to Portland.

Silver Falls State Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Oregon because it offers great scenery and easy trails. Nearby is the much more intimate albeit difficult Abiqua Falls , which has become a local favorite.

Penetrate even deeper into the Cascades and you’ll find hidden gems like Olallie Lake, Bagby Hot Springs, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, and Three Fingered Jack.

Eugene is worth dropping by if you have a moment. Eugene was once considered the “hippie capital” of Oregon though it’s more gentrified now. You can still get a taste of the counterculture in the bluesy Whitaker District.

Road Trip to Bend

Located on the other side of the Cascades in the High Oregon Desert, Bend is, in a lot of ways, like a foil to Portland. Bend is smaller, more rural, more politically conservative, and even more laid back than “big city” Portland.

Bend still has that quintessential Oregon charm though and ultimately makes for an awesome stop on any Oregon road trip route.

You’ll have to cross the Cascades in order to arrive in Bend. You can cross the Cascades via several passes and each offers their own set of attractions. I personally enjoy driving along Highway 20/126 because I have a chance to visit some of my favorite places in Oregon including Koosah Falls, Clear Lake, Tamolitch Falls, Proxy Falls, and Linton Falls . Note that only the larger highways like 26 may be open in winter.

Bend mostly gets attention for the surrounding landscape, which you’ll be introduced to on the drive in. The city itself is really cool though and actually a really fun place in Oregon to hang in, so it’s definitely worth staying in Bend for a couple nights. If you need ideas for places to stay in Bend, consider checking out one of the incredible vacation rentals . The local breweries, like Deschutes and Crux , are some of the finest in the state and the food ain’t bad either.

People usually head outdoors immediately upon arriving in Bend. Around the city are some of the best mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and hiking in Oregon, making the area a paradise for outdoors people.

Nearby Mt Bachelor is one of the best places to visit in Oregon in winter as the snow is legendary. North of Bend is the holy Smith Rock , which is often considered the birthplace of American rock climbing. East is endless sagebrush.

I definitely suggest driving on the Cascades Lakes Byway in the summer. You can visit local favorites like Tumalo Falls and Sparks Lake , all the while being afforded views of the Three Sisters . South Sister is a popular and relatively easy climb.

Road Trip to Crater Lake

Oregon only has one national park but it is easily one of the most stunning parks in the USA . Crater Lake is a marvel, an enormous body of water held high in the air on top of a collapsed volcano. The water is one of the deepest shades of blue that you will ever see and, officially, some of the clearest. There’s simply nothing else like it in the world.

Crater Lake is located a couple hours south of Bend in the Cascade Mountains. There are several entrances to the park but only one, Munson Valley via Highway 62 , is open (sometimes) in the winter. You’ll have to pay to enter the park though rates change depending on the time of year (summer: $25 winter: $15).

There is a lot to do at Crater Lake, though most people just stand there and stare in awe at it. You can hike, climb to one of the many surrounding peaks, descend down to the lake’s edge for a very cold swim, or simply drive around the rim in the summer on the Rim Road.

Several times in the year the road is closed to vehicular traffic so that bikers and pedestrians may enjoy the park without being disturbed, which is a really nice touch.

Though there is more to do in the summer, the best time of year to visit Crater Lake is in the winter. During this time, there are very few people, tons of snow, and just a powerful stillness to the place. The silence in the winter is almost total and you’ll be shocked, maybe even scared at how serene it is.

You can, of course, camp at Crater Lake though campgrounds can fill really quick. If you strike out camping, the nearest large town is Klamath Falls and it has plenty of lodging.

An Eastern Oregon road trip is a must for anyone who wants to get the full Oregonian experience. Some of the USA’s most beautiful places are found in this part of the state and anyone interested in a more rugged adventure will enjoy Eastern Oregon very much.

A lot of people often imagine Oregon covered in trees and being rained on 24/7; few realize that almost two-thirds of the state is actually a mix of desert terrain and stark mountains.

Lying on the other side of the Cascades, Eastern Oregon is, contrary to the common image, arid, hot, and sometimes bitterly cold. This austere landscape is gorgeous though and only solidifies Oregon as one of the most geographically diverse states in the USA.

The most popular place in Eastern Oregon is probably the kaleidoscopic Painted Hills , located in the John Day Fossil Beds . These hills are a geologic wonder and famous for their bright colors.

Surrounding the John Day area are the Ochoco, Malheur, and Umatilla forests as well as the Blue Mountains and Strawberry Mountains . Fun fact: the Blue Mountains are home to the world’s largest organism – a 2400-year-old fungus that covers over 2,000 acres.

In the far northeastern corner of the state are the Wallowa Mountains aka “The Alps of Oregon.” The Wallowas are an outdoor wonderland that offer great skiing opportunities and some of the best hikes in Oregon.

Most of the Wallowa Mountains fall within the Eagle Cap Wilderness though local townships like Joseph and Enterprise are worth visiting as well.

Nearby to the Wallowas is the historically significant Snake River and Hell’s Canyon , the deepest canyon in the entire United States.

There are many more hidden parts in Eastern Oregon that are really out in the middle of nowhere. To learn more about some of these remote locations among others, refer to the section below where we talk about secret Oregon.

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Off The Beaten Path Oregon Road Trip Ideas

Oregon has so many hidden treasures for you to discover! To see something different, start with these relatively unknown locations, which are among the most uniques places to visit in Oregon.

1. Steens Mountains

The epitome of off-the-beaten-path in Oregon; these mountains are located in the far southeastern corner of the state and it takes a real journey to get here. Drive to the top of the mountains via the astounding Steens Mountain Road .

Be on the lookout for wild horses and, in the autumn, the golden aspens. On the other side of the Steens is the Alvord Desert – a surreal playa that is popular among both artists and off-roaders who like to go for joy rides.

2. Owyhee Canyonlands

One of the last untouched desert frontiers in America, full of hoodoos, stone towers, and delicate ravines. The Owyhee Canyonlands are often compared to the national parks and landscapes of Utah  albeit not as extensive.

Popular among hikers, rock climbers, and river rafters though not many people actually make it out this far due to rough and remote roads. Definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Oregon.

3. Southern Oregon Road Trip

Though not exactly hidden, Southern Oregon often receives far less attention than the rest of the state. People usually visit to attend the famous Shakespeare Festival in charming Ashland or when passing through on a road trip from California, but there is a lot more happening than most are aware of.

The Rogue Valley has a burgeoning wine and beer scene that will soon rival the Willamette Valley. In terms of natural attractions, there is the Rogue River with its world-class rapids as well as the rugged Siskiyou Mountains and Oregon Caves , all of which make for great adventures.

Oregon Roadside Attractions

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions in Oregon have become so admired that many people go on a trip just see them!

Below is a list of some of the most interesting roadside attractions in Oregon. Did we mention that a lot of these stops are among the best cheap things to do in Oregon as well?

• Peace Candle of the World (Scappoose) – A former silo that was filled with wax and painted red to resemble a giant candle. Promotes world peace.
• Enchanted Forest (Salem) – An amusement park filled with fairytale-themed rides and attractions. Whimsical and a little creepy.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – Place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Short Bridge Ghost Town (Short Bridge) – A seemingly derelict town that is actually a very well designed prop.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• Prehistoric Gardens (Port Orford) – A series of lifesize dinosaur recreations in the coastal rainforest. Intended to look like a prehistoric zoo.
• Peterson Rock Garden (Redmond) – An estate full intricate statues and structures made from rocks and stones.
• Oregon Corndog (Rockaway Beach) – Home to the world’s largest (artificial) corn dog. There’s also a bucking mechanical corn dog ride complete with a saddle.
• Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (McMinnville) – Holy ground for anyone interest in aviation. Hosts a large collection of planes, most importantly the Spruce Goose, one of the largest planes ever designed.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.

Oregon Scenic Drives

Everywhere you look in Oregon, there’s beauty; much of it can be seen from the seat of your car! Those who want a glimpse of the state’s splendor from behind the wheel should definitely check out these scenic drives in Oregon.

• Highway 101 – A road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is a great way to experience the best of the Oregon Coast. Most of the Oregon coast’s top attractions are within a stone’s throw from the highway as well. Highlights include the views from the slope of Neahkahnie Mountain, driving past the Oregon Dunes , and seeing the sea stacks of Bandon and/or Cannon Beach . This highway also makes for a natural transition when road tripping from California as the 101 runs all the way up the West Coast to Washington .
• Interstate 84 – Drive through one of Oregon’s greatest points of pride: the Columbia River Gorge. With high walls and dense woods, the Gorge is like something out of Scandinavia. Aside from being gorgeous by itself, the Gorge has lots of hiking opportunities as well as some of the best waterfalls in Oregon.
• Highway 138 – One of my favorite scenic drives in Oregon. Depart from Crater Lake and head northwest through the Cascade Range. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the prettiest and most unique places in Oregon, including Mt. Thielsen (aka the Lightning Bolt) and Toketee Falls . 138 eventually enters the Umpqua River Valley, which is equally remarkable.
• Highway 26 – A great commute that affords road trippers glimpses of the tableau that is the Oregonian landscape. On this scenic drive through Oregon, you’ll have the chance to experience the state’s amazing geographic diversity. Start on the coast (Cannon Beach) and drive east through the city of Portland, the alpine forests at the base of Mt. Hood, and then down to the Oregon High Desert. 26 goes all the way to Boise, Idaho but the Painted Hills are a great place to stop.

Why Visit this Part of the World

Oregon is one of the brightest and quirkiest places in all of the USA. It is a spectacular state that provides everything that makes for an awesome road trip: great food, gorgeous natural attractions, engaging people, and best of all, an easygoing culture that loves to enjoy itself.

Due to its relative isolation, Oregon has always been a hideaway for the abject in society, which has shaped both its history and demographgics for better or worse .

In short, many people – the eccentric, unaccepted, burnt-out, adventurous sorts – who felt confined in conventional American life all fled to the farthest corner of the US, that is the Pacific Northwest . The result of this migration is now an established culture that champions the strange and alternative.

Oregonians are very proud of their eccentricities. You’ll often see people in the cities of Portland and Eugene doing, saying, and wearing whatever they want, sometimes to a bombastic level.

Libertarianism and separatism are very popular concepts in Oregon, both among urban and rural centers. Regardless of politics though, Oregonians are very outspoken people.

And why shouldn’t they be outspoken? Oregon has some of the most fantastic landscapes in the USA, a mostly forward-thinking society, and a people that really give a shit. Quality, ecologically-friendly products are of the utmost importance here and social progressivism is often at the forefront of people’s lives here.

There are very few places as interesting or as enthralling as Oregon. Between the hugely varied landscapes and the larger-than-life personalities, this is a state that grips you and doesn’t let go. It plants a seed and takes root in everyone’s mind and everyone has a hard time ending an Oregon road trip.

Getting Insured

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of Oregon road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal in Oregon, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, pack the car with your camping essentials . Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive in Oregon. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free things to do in Oregon! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. You can get started with this awesome guide to free activities in Portland from OregonLive. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in Oregon.
• Pack a travel water bottle: It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Sometimes you need a roof over your head and your own shower to clean all that grime away from camping. Luckily, there are a whole range of accommodation types in Oregon catered to all sorts of travelers.

It might be a good road trip idea in Oregon to stay at a lodge once or twice for a recharge. Sticking to a budget while not staying in a dump will still require a bit of research.

There are plenty of budget hotels and motels in Oregon but they suffer from a drab and uninspired design that is endemic to most cheap American lodging.

You can check into a cheap hotel in Oregon for a night, and will often have to, but don’t expect much. At more than $60/night minimum, staying in these cheap hotels can start to feel like a waste very quickly.

Although the USA’s hostel scene is lacking outside the major backpacking destinations, you can find hostels in Oregon that are affordable and fun.

AirBnBs in Oregon are often cheaper and far more intimate than generic hotels. There are some really crazy AirBnB rentals out there as well! I’ve seen yurts, teepees, tree houses, renovated barn houses, and much more listed for rent in Oregon.

These would certainly be among the best places to stay in Oregon when visiting.

To save the most money on your road trip through Oregon, consider sticking to hostels and campgrounds. Hostels in Oregon are quirky and full of character not to mention the most affordable form of accommodation.

If you’re feeling lucky, you could also try your hand at finding a host with Couchsurfing! Lots of people use this though so competition is quite high in Oregon.

Best Places to Stay in Oregon on a Budget

Camping in oregon.

Camping is absolutely one of the best ways to sleep on a road trip through Oregon because

• It’s cheap and…

There’s nothing better than a night outdoors with a car full of goodies, a roaring fire, and a good pint of camp whiskey. Americans love it, Oregonians especially love it, and so should you!

There are campgrounds everywhere in Oregon and in all sorts of varieties. There are standard sites, primitive sites, RV parks, glamping, something called “treetop camping” and many, many more types that just get more and more ridiculous. You can even stay the night in a fire lookout , which has to be one of the coolest places to stay in Oregon.

You can use this search engine to find a campground in Oregon . Be sure to keep your eye an AirBnB as well – there are lots of interesting private camps listed.

Campgrounds in Oregon offer a range of amenities and at a range of prices. Most facilities will require a small fee to be paid, which goes toward keeping the grounds tidy and clean.

You can sometimes pay online but most of the time there will be a form at the actual site that you need complete on your own. Even though registrations from these are not always checked, please be respectful and pay the nominal fee for your stay.

If you intend on staying at a campground near of the more famous attractions in Oregon, like the Painted Hills, Smith Rock or Crater Lake, then you definitely consider reserving a space ahead, especially in the summer months. Campsites can fill up very quickly in Oregon.

If there appears to be no space leftover at your prospective campsite, there may still be walk-up sites available. Get to the grounds as early as possible to snag these spaces.

Camping in Oregon – Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the USA, and Oregon has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while road tripping in Oregon, but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun.

Having a good-quality camping tent  will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list .

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free Camping in Oregon

Those on a road trip in Oregon should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Note that electricity, bathrooms, and running water are not guaranteed at any of these. Also be aware that many free campgrounds in Oregon may require a 4×4 vehicle to reach.

Refer below for a list of some of our favorite free campgrounds in Oregon or this website for a complete archive of free campgrounds.

Books to Read during your Oregon Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Oregon. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for Oregon…

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – One of Ken Kesey’s most famous novels, thanks in part to the film of the same name. Paints a picture of mental health and conformity through the lens of a man who’s just too full of life.
• Sometimes a Great Notion – Ken Kesey is a literary demigod in Oregon and this is arguably his greatest novel. A tale of a hardheaded logging family that goes on strike, leading the town to drama and tragedy.
• The River Why – A quintessential American coming-of-age tale, both for the protagonist and the nation the book represents. Set in Portland and the Oregon Coastal Range.
• Night Dogs – Vietnam War vet deals with violence in the streets and in himself. An excellent if not authentic crime novel.
• The Lathe of Heaven – A man wakes up one day to discover that his dreams can affect reality itself. A novel exploring human creation and destruction. Set in Portland, which was the ultimate home of the author, sci-fi legend Ursula K Guin.
• Dies the Fire – All electronics are rendered useless by a magnetic storm, resulting in humanity’s return to the Dark Ages. Brutality, desperation, and sword fights in Portland follow.
• Lonely Planet: Washington, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around Oregon. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan and travel by way of vanlife , which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various wascampete and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your rental vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in Oregon are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of Oregon’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the state and the Cascades, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

If you’re on a road trip in Oregon during the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

The best time to visit Oregon really depends on what you want to do. With lots of activities year round, you could go on a road trip in Oregon and always have something to do. Drinking beer is, of course, something that happens 365 days of the year.

There are several different climates in Oregon. Generally speaking, everything west of the Cascade Mountains is maritime e.g. there’s a lot more rain and mild temperatures. East of the Cascades is much drier and prone to extreme temperature shifts, which is a characteristic of the high desert.

Precipitation occurs almost always in the winter months regardless of location.

• Summer is a great time to visit Oregon because the skies are almost always clear and rainfall is sporadic. There are lots of festivals during this time of the year and most Oregonians spend their free time outdoors. What little rain does fall in the summer is usually the result of occasional storms, which sometimes come in the form of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms often cause forest fires, which have become more common in recent years due to increasing summer temperatures and decreasing rainfall.
• Spring and autumn are lovely seasons to visit Oregon but are somewhat brief. Summer usually goes into September and winter often feels very long (November-March).
• Winters in Western Oregon are notoriously dreary as rain falls almost every day and the skies are almost always overcast. Being the tortured souls that they are, Oregonians love to be homebodies and stay warm with a beer at this time.

Luckily, the Cascades and parts of Eastern Oregon receive plenty of snowfall in the winter, giving winter athletes plenty of opportunities. In fact, Oregon has some of the best slopes on the West Coast.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Food in Oregon

Oregon is often ranked as one of the top foodie states in the country by several major publications; more often than naught, it’s #1. Thanks to a thriving farm-to-table scene and a population with a real culinary passion, Oregon has, seriously, some of the best food that you’ll ever eat.

Nearly every part of Oregon offers some amazing local product. To the east is grade-A cattle; to the west are the sublime bounties of the sea; and in the middle is the Willamette Valley, a hugely prosperous agricultural area.

When on a road trip in Oregon, there are so many ways to satiate your appetite. You can visit one of the many authentic farmers’ markets, swing by a roadside diner, book a table at a eclectic restaurant or eat at a food cart.

For those on a budget road trip in Oregon, I highly recommend eating at the small hole-in-the-wall joints and food trucks to save to money.

Hands down, the best food is found at the many food carts , for which Oregon is famous for. The food here is affordable, inventive, sometimes revolutionary, and always delicious.

Food carts are often labors of love, which means the food is extraordinarily cared for. If given the choice, I will always choose a food cart over a restaurant.

Like the anonymous food carts, the mom-and-pop restaurants found in bumfuck nowhere are also among the best things in Oregon. Simple as they may be in offerings, the ambiance and loving meals they provide are one of a kind.

I can think of many places that are so good they warrant road trips themselves. The gigantic burgers of Helvetia Tavern or the soothing ice cream of K & R Drive In are certainly worthy, if not sweet memories for me.

Get your Buzz On

Whether it’s because of the demand for alcohol during those depressing winter months or because the region produces some of the finest hops, grapes, and other botanicals for making beverages, makes no difference; Oregon loves to produce and consume booze in all of its forms.

Oregon makes some of the best wine, beer, and spirits in the USA and that is a fact that locals will defend with a fiery passion. (Go Pinot Noir, not California Cab.)

Agricultural epicenters like Hood River, the Willamette Valley, McMinnville, and Medford consistently produce the best booze in the state. Amongst these regions are dozens if not hundreds of wineries, distilleries, and breweries that offer countless alcoholic varieties.

Throw in the fact that many of these sites are located in gorgeous, bucolic settings and you have some of the most fun places to stay in Oregon.

If you had to choose one place to sample local wares or go party for that matter, it’d definitely be Portland. You cannot throw a rock in this city and not hit a bar; they’re simply everywhere.

Nearly every type of bar as well: dives, speakeasies, country haunts, beer halls, urban wineries, clubs, and many more. Strip clubs are particularly well represented in Portland, so much so that the city actually has the highest concentration per capita in the country beating out both Orlando and Las Vegas.

No piece about getting buzzed in Oregon would be complete without talking about the marijuana, which is 100% legal in the state. Like alcohol consumption, you must simply be over a certain age (21) and only smoke it in certain places like on your property or away from businesses. You can buy weed a local dispensary , which only requires you to bring an ID and cash.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Oregon

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your Oregon road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles, and be very, very aware of fire bans. Forest fires are an enormous problem in Oregon and are often caused by reckless campers.

Oregonians are also very conscious of the environment and like to take care of it, as should you.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a  tough and cool travel water bottle . You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here.

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Make Money Online Whilst Traveling in Oregon

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer Oregon road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

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I came upon this site searching for travel points,budgeting, anything Oregon and you hit it right on the button. This is the best well written and organized site I’ve read. I bookmarked it. Thank you so much.

Stumbled upon your awesome Oregon site while looking for things to see here in the great state of Oregon when the COVID-19 quarantine is lifted. I’ve only lived here for four years, but have been coming here all my life to visit family, so I’m familiar with a lot of the state. Thank you for such a comprehensive and thorough site about travel in Oregon.

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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!

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The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – 7 or 10 days

Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:38 pm

Oregon (pronounced “Ore-gun”, not “Ore-gone”!) is often overshadowed by its extremely popular neighboring state of California in the US. But if you are looking for a road less traveled then you have to take an Oregon road trip. In this blog post, we will share our detailed itinerary including what to see, do, and where to stay.

Below is a map of the route we took on this trip, click here to go to Google Maps. We drove across the state in a clockwise direction but you can do the same in an anti-clockwise direction as well. If you remember we did a similar 7-day road trip in Iceland and trust me when I say that our Oregon road trip was just as adventurous. Don’t forget to check out our post on waterfalls near Portland for more incredible inspiration.

FUN FACT: Oregon is the only other state in the US after New Jersey to have assistants at gas stations to fill gas in your car.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Oregon Road Trip?

We were able to make this a total of the 10-day trip including travel time. If you follow our Oregon itinerary you will have plenty of time to go on hikes, take wine tours, and relax on this road trip.

You can easily make this a 7-day road trip and we’ll tell you how in the modified itinerary below. However, if you have less than 7-days then I suggest visiting only Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood region, & Cannon Beach from the itinerary below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Related Read: SF to LA – An ultimate west coast road trip guide

Starting point 

We flew into Portland and spend 2 days in the city before starting our road trip. TIP: You do not need a car in Portland city so save yourselves some cash by renting a car the day you hit the road.

Portland would be our recommendation as a starting point for all those who are flying into Oregon. For those who are driving from the South i.e. California, the best starting point for you would be either the coast or Crater lake in this loop.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Below is our detailed itinerary is broken out by each day. If you want to do a 7-day road trip then we have listed where it makes the most sense to skip things.

Day 1 & 2 – Portland

After you land in Portland spend 2 days in this funky city. We not only explored the city landmarks but in reality spend the entire weekend food binging in Portland. TIP: If you want to make this a 7-day road trip then spend just 1 day in Portland.

We will be writing a separate post on what to do on a weekend in Portland. But to highlight a few things –

• Eat your heart out in the food capital on the west coast. From food trucks to delicious worldwide cuisines all around town you’re going to return with some additional baggage on your body.
• Check out the largest bookstore in the world – Powell’s Bookstore
• Must eat doughnuts (try both Bluestar & Vodoo doughnuts to give your own verdict no matter what the locals say)
• Take a walking city tour or a Segway tour to learn more about the city
• Check out the Japanese Garden

ACCOMMODATION: It usually nice if you stay in either downtown or the pearl district so you’re walking distance away from all the things –

• Hilton Portland Downtown or the Hampton Inn Pearl District
• The Bidwell Marriott Portland or the Courtyard Marriott City Center

More Places to Stay in Portland, Oregon

Harlow Hotel

Inn at Northrup Station

Day 3 – Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & wineries

Fasten your seatbelts and drive to the Columbia River Gorge which is only 30 minutes away from Portland. If you start driving early in the morning, you’ll easily be able to cover all the stopovers mentioned below in that order. For more details, read our in-depth blog post on Columbia Gorge road trip .

• Portland Women’s Forum vista point (has the best sunrise view if there are no wildfire smoke)
• Latourell Falls (add a short 2.4 mile hike here)
• Multnomah Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls (add a short 1.2 mile hike here)
• Starvation Creek Falls
• Wineries tour in Mt. Hood/Gorge

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in White Salmon, WA or Hood River, OR

Find fun things to do in Oregon during your road trip!

Day 4 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

We spent 2 nights in Mt. Hood region which gave us the time to not only explore but also relax in the most gorgeous setting. There are a ton of outdoor activities to do here so spending only 1 day would be an injustice to this region. We have broken down the activities by each day for you –

• Explore Hood River town which is known as the world’s kite surfing capital, perhaps indulge in some water activity or grab lunch here
• The Gorge White House makes for a great stop for Apple cider tasting and fresh fruit & flower farm
• If you happen to visit in spring don’t forget to check out the “ fruit loop ” trails for spring blossoming trees .
• Drive to the historic Timberline Lodge and either take the chair lift to get to the summit or if you are up for an adventure there are tons of hiking trails behind the lodge. We did a section of the zigzag overlook trail which starts at the lodge parking area. Ask the lodge visitor center for more info on trails. Enjoy a nice early dinner or a cup of coffee with a view.
• If you are not up for visiting the lodge then consider hiking the Mirror Lake loop trail that afternoon. We skipped the mirror lake loop.
• Return to Government Camp for dinner unless you are staying back at Timberline Lodge.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Mt. Hood region. We stayed in a gorgeous farmhouse surrounded by apple & pear orchards booked through Airbnb . Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 5 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

Here’s what to do on your second day in Mt. Hood region –

• Hit the Tamanawas Falls hiking trail in the morning (alternatively, you can do the Mirror Lake loop). Tamanawas trail is amazing, take our word for it.
• Have your lunch at Tamanawas Falls. Pack your lunch with you so you can eat with the waterfall views at the end of the hike.
• After lunch head to Trillium Lake in the afternoon. Walk along the lake trail or rent a kayak and enjoy the serene Mt Hood view from the water. TIP: Book your kayak rental in Govt Camp as there are no rental facilities at Trillium lake. The rental company will bring your kayak to the lake area. Don’t miss the sunset at Lake Trillium!  TIP: Bring mosquito spray, there are like a thousand of them here. You can also rent campgrounds at Trillium lake if you want to camp in this area.

ACCOMMODATION: We stayed back at the same farmhouse Airbnb with the perfect view of Mt. Hood. Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 6 – Smith Rock State Park, Painted Hills & 3 Sisters

As you drive south from Mt. Hood, take a day to explore the desert region of Oregon. You’d be surprised to know that a big part of Oregon is, in fact, desert land. What was really fascinating to us was that our families in India instantly knew about Oregon out of all the places. They were the ones to tell us about Rajneeshpuram.  FACT: Rajneeshpuram (from ‘Wild Wild Country’ series on Netflix) was not too far from this part of Oregon.

TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this section and head straight to Crater Lake from Mt. Hood.

• Stop at Smith Rock State Park as you drive south from Mt. Hood region. and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
• Drive about 2 hours east to see the Painted Hills which are in the deep end of the Oregonian desert.
• Reach Bend and head to Summit Park for a great view of the 3 Sisters volcano peaks .
• If you want to get a better view of 3 sisters then drive 30 mins from Bend to Dutchman Flat Sno Park in Deschutes National Forest.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Bend, OR .

Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon

Element Bend

Campfire Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Day 7 – Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is about 2 hours away from Bend or about 4 hours from Govt Camp. If you leave early in the morning, you can reach Crater Lake just in time to drive around the rim and see the following viewpoints & sneak in one easy hike.

Pick and choose your favorite spots to see in Crater Lake National Park , below are a few that we recommend –

• Sinnott Memorial Outlook at Rim Visitor Center
• Sun Notch (0.8 miles easy hike with views of Phantom Ship)
• Phantom ship overlook
• Discovery Point (2 miles)
• Watchman Peak (1.6 miles moderate steep hike)
• Pumice castle overlook,
• Cloudcap overlook,
• Vidae Falls
• Pinnacles Overlook.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Crater Lake Lodge or campgrounds in the park . If you don’t get a reservation in either of these then consider staying in Fort Klamath or Chemult or Chiloquin which are small towns near Crater Lake. TIP: If you stay at Crater Lake Lodge, then don’t miss the splendid sunset from the lobby’s back patio.

PLEASE NOTE:   The Crater Lake itinerary was a part of our original plan until west coast wildfires & smoke completely ruined the experience. When we arrived at Crater Lake National Park, it became really difficult to breathe without inhaling the fumes. Not to mention, the visibility of the Lake was near zero. We had booked a campground for the night but for good reasons we decided to turn around. As a backup plan, we headed to spend more time on the Oregon coast. PRO   TIP: Watch out for wildfire and smoke reports in Oregon before you head here!

Day 8 – Umpqua National Forest & drive to Eugene

Next morning stop by the Crater Lake vista points that you might’ve missed on the previous day. On your way to the coast of Oregon, you must take a pitstop at Umpqua National Forest for a bonus waterfall & hidden hot springs.

• Drive around Crater Lake in the morning to cover any missed vista points from the previous day.
• Hike the  Toketee Waterfall trail in Umpqua National Forest as you exit Crater Lake. It’s an easy 0.8 miles round trip hike to the gorgeous waterfalls as you can see in our photos.
• If you enjoy natural hot springs , then as you exit from Toketee waterfalls take a left and head to Umpqua Hot Springs . There is a $5/vehicle charge to park at the hot springs. Clothing is not enforced here so consider yourself forewarned. In full disclosure, we did not visit the hot springs due to a lack of time.
• Drive to Eugene from Toketee Falls should take around 2.30 hrs.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Eugene, OR .

Where to Stay in Eugene, Oregon

Comfort Suites Eugene

Maverick Hotel

Graduate Eugene

Day 9:  Oregon Coast road trip

The next morning we headed to Florence from Eugene where we started our Oregon coast drive. The coastal drive takes you on Highway 101 which, in fact, is a continuation of California’s coast to Oregon’s.

Given that we just had one day set aside for this Oregon coast road trip, we only stopped at the vista points mentioned below in bold. We’ve listed some additional awesome pit stops along the way if you have more time.

• Drive past Florence 
• Heceta Head Lighthouse  Scenic Viewpoint (There is a B&B at this lighthouse now) or stop at Sea Lion vista point to see the lighthouse from a distance.
• Cape Perpetua Overlook (Thor’s Well is another stop before turning right to Cape Perpetua overlook)
• Yachats (stop by for a drink or early lunch)
• Newport (If you skip Yachats then stop here for lunch)
• Devil’s punchbowl and Otter Rock
• Tillamook (stop by at the cheese factory or the Tillamook ice-creamery)
• Cannon Beach, get here before sunset to watch the magic unfold

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Cannon Beach, OR .

Day 10: Lewis & Clark National Park OR Evergreen Aviation Museum

We took a red-eye back to the east coast since we wanted to squeeze every second of our last day. TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this part and fly out on your last day.

• We visited the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in the morning but you can choose to visit the Lewis & Clark National Park near Cannon Beach to get an insight into expeditions that were an integral part of US history.
• Head back to Portland to grab an early dinner before heading out to the airport for an evening flight.

Phew, another long guide, isn’t it? But there is so much to see & do here that you have to plan it right and we’ve to give all the right info to do so. And by the way, if Oregon wasn’t on your list, we sure hope it is now!

If you liked this extensive Oregon road trip planning guide then don’t forget to share it along with family & friends.

More on Travel in the United States:

• America’s favorite road trip – the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Bucket List Arizona Road Trip – The perfect long weekend 4-day itinerary
• Best places to see fall colors in New Hampshire – A Roadtrip through New England
• Ultimate SF to LA Road trip – Best stops along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Happy Traveling!

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23 comments on “ the perfect oregon road trip itinerary – 7 or 10 days ”.

Such a detailed guide. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps this fall my family and I will go to the Oregon. Awesome photos!

Thanks Michael. Hopefully the fires will be in control by then and the smoke out of OR skies. This year the wildfires have been terrible for Oregon.

Wow you really packed a lot in to tour trip. As someone who lives in Oregon, this is a great post. Come back soon!

We would love to!!! 😀

Wow! Mind blowing and eye catching photography. All places are just awesome. Hope to trip to those places in the near future. Stunning! You must (please) take me there when I visit. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place.

You are most welcome and hope you visit Oregon someday 🙂

We did a Northern California road trip in June last year and did a tiny bit of Oregon so that we could try some of the wineries up there. I wish we’d done more of Oregon because it looks amazing and I’m filing your post for our next trip!

There’s always a next time 🙂

I’ve never visited the northwest USA but I really have to get there asap, this road trip looks amazing! 🙂

Yeah the Pacific Northwest is truly magical 🙂

Wow, great itinerary! I hope to come back to USA next year and was just looking into California and neighboring states for potential road trip ideas. Oregon looks an idea place to visit! Love the nature and national parks

Oh yes definitely visit OR if you are coming to CA, you will love it! 🙂

Oregon is such a beautiful state, I can’t wait to spend more time there. This looks like a really good way to see a lot of the state in one well, a great itinerary. I live in Vancouver Canada so this is such a doable trip for me

Oh yeah, definitely easily doable from Vancouver. I believe there is an easy train ride from Seattle to Portland, wonder if there is a train from Vancouver to Portland as well?!

I love a good road trip! Thanks for sharing these great places in Oregon 🙂

Most welcome! There’s nothing like sharing cool places to do a great road trip. 😀

We did a similar trip a few years ago, but looks like we missed the Umpqua National Forest. Oh well! Looks like we just need to head back.☺️ Thanks for the post!

You’ve got to leave something out to return back to such amazing places right?! 😉

I had no idea Oregon was this beautiful! I love the suggestion of seeing the state through a road trip, definitely saving for later 🙂

Yeah, this is one of the perfect States to visit in one road trip 🙂

There is obviously plenty to do in Oregon. My personal goals for almost any trip is to do lots of hiking and visit lots of breweries and wineries. I didn’t know that you could have your gas filled by station attendants there. I think I might plan a trip there for that alone. It would be so cool!

It’s great to learn that you should stay downtown when going on a trip to Portland. My wife and I are looking to travel to Oregon soon and we were wondering where we should stay at in the state. I’ll be sure to let my wife know that we can stay in downtown Portland.

Oh yes, Portland is so close to a lot of nature in Oregon. However, if you want to do a road trip around the entire State then as mentioned above you might have to pick other cities for overnight stay esp when going down south or east.

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Hello from Gaurav & Richa! An adventurous couple who did NOT quit their corporate jobs to travel the world. On the contrary, we're all about balancing that work-travel life. Our goal is to explore as much as we can in our short vacations and yes, we do go to great lengths to find unique experiences and great food to share with you all. Learn more About Us .

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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

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Ready to elevate your car camping game? Snag our essential checklist to ensure you’ve got everything you need for a stress-free, fun-filled adventure! Perfect for beginners and seasoned campers alike. Download now and hit the road prepared! 🌟🎒

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

Claim your FREE Hiking Checklist

Ready to start hiking? Grab my free hiking checklist and never forget anything at home!

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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Bucket-List Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

March 15, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   45 Comments

Planning the perfect Oregon road trip itinerary doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming!

Oregon has so much to offer including lively cities, great wineries, a gorgeous coastline, amazing waterfalls, and stunning mountains.

I love to road trip Oregon and have explored the state from top to bottom. I have yet to be disappointed by a single place! If you are planning a trip to Oregon, I am here to help!

Highlights of this road trip planner for Oregon include:

• Multnomah Falls
• Willamette Valley Wineries
• Oregon Caves National Monument
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Cannon Beach

My Oregon example itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the state, beginning and ending in the Portland area. Feel free to modify it for your interests and do it on your own schedule.

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Get ready to plan the best Oregon vacation itinerary!

Oregon Road Trip Map

To save you some time, I created this Oregon road trip map. Click the link below and plug the map into your GPS.

Sometimes having a visual of where you are going is very helpful when planning a road trip!

This Oregon road trip map will help you plan your stops and get an idea of where they are located.

Click Here For Oregon Road Trip Map

Start Your Oregon Road Trip By Flying Into Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and also the most accessible to fly into to begin your Oregon road trip.

Both affordable international and domestic flights fly into Portland. I recommend  checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights. You can easily compare rates.

Alternatively, if you have a shorter amount of time, I recommend flying into Eugene, Oregon.

Eugene is centrally located so you can do either the top or bottom half of the state more easily, depending on your schedule and desires. Flying into Eugene can be more expensive than Portland, however.

After landing in whichever airport you choose, you can pick up your rental vehicle and hit the road!

Stop 1: Portland And The Columbia River Gorge

In case you didn’t know, the motto of the city is “Keep Portland Weird” so you really want to stop in Portland for at least a day to check it out before you begin your Oregon road trip.

I stayed in Portland for 4 days and used it as a base to explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge but you can choose to fly in, see the city, and then head out to nature if you prefer.

There is so much to see and do in Portland !

I recommend visiting the world-famous Japanese Garden which will transport you to another culture. Washington Park is another great stop as well if you love the outdoors.

Where Portland really shines is the food scene. During your time in the city, check out some of the food carts! They have drawn international acclaim and once you take a bite, it is easy to see why!

From sweets and crepes to pho and comfort food, the food carts in Portland will not let you down!

If you have never checked out Voodoo Doughnut, it is a bit touristy but a classic! I promise you it is delicious and worth the wait.

Book Here: City of Portland Tour: Historic and Iconic Sights

Book Here: Portland: All-Inclusive Walking Food Tour

The Columbia River Gorge is a magical stretch of land about 45 minutes away from Portland! To explore it, you can either camp nearby, stay in Portland, or stay in the nearby town of Cascade Locks.

The Columbia River Gorge is filled with beautiful waterfalls and hikes, making it one of the top Oregon travel destinations!

Best Columbia River Gorge Road Trip Stops

Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is an Oregon itinerary classic! You’ve probably seen at least one photo of this popular waterfall!

Multnomah Falls is the most popular stop in the Columbia River Gorge area and it is easily accessible from the road. Walk to the base of the falls or take a short hike and cross over the iconic bridge.

I recommend taking the short hike as the view from the bridge is beautiful!

Latourell Falls. I love Latourell Falls because you can see basalt columns up close and personal.

This is the closest waterfall to Portland and makes a great first stop on your Oregon road trip.

There is a Latourell Falls hike that is 2 miles, but you only have to walk a few feet from the parking lot to see the actual waterfall so don’t let the hiking distance put you off!

Wachella Falls. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful waterfall!

Wachella Falls is an easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike. It is perfect for families or people who don’t want to hike super far for a great payoff!

Wachella Falls is a great afternoon hike and the shade from the gorge protects you from the sun if it is a hot day. Pack a picnic lunch!

Book Here: From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Recommended Time To Spend

Set aside at least one day to explore Portland if you are looking for a city atmosphere.

Depending on what you want to do in the Columbia River Gorge, I recommend spending 1-2 days exploring the area especially if you want to do a lot of hiking.

If you are on a limited schedule, you can do the Columbia River Gorge area in one day on your out of Portland. Start your day early so you have enough time to see everything.

Best Hotels In Portland :

• The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Bluebird Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Mount Hood

Mount Hood is the most famous mountain in Oregon and is actually a volcano! This is such a unique stop on a road trip in Oregon.

Mount Hood is located a little over 2 hours away from Portland and you will pass through the Columbia River Gorge on your way there.

One of my favorite views of Mount Hood is from Trillium Lake. This lake is very easily accessible and a great spot to watch the sunset or to shoot astrophotography.

If you want to do more hiking, Lost Lake provides a similar view to Trillium Lake but takes more effort to get to.

Mount Hood is the perfect stop on your eastern Oregon itinerary if you love adventure and the outdoors!

You can drive up Mount Hood itself and there is a lodge at the top. If you are planning the best trip to Oregon during the winter or fall, Mount Hood may have snow and the peak is open for skiing!

In the summer, many of the best hikes in Oregon start from the lodge on top of the mountain.

Book Here: Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour

We recommend spending at least one night exploring the Mount Hood area. Mount Hood is centrally located between the Columbia River Gorge and Bend, your next stop, so if you just have to catch it as you pass by, that is okay too!

At a minimum, you should try and visit Trillium Lake for some wonderful mountain views as it is one of the nicest places to see in Oregon!

Best Hotels Near Mount Hood:

• Located On Mount Hood: Timberline Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Beautiful, Modern Lodge: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Painted Hills And Smith Rock

Did you think you would see the desert during your Oregon road trip? The Oregon Desert takes up most of the state. It just doesn’t get much love when people are looking for places to visit in Oregon.

I recommend getting an early start as the Painted Hills are a bit out of the way and it takes about three hours to reach them from the Mount Hood area.

The Painted Hills are unique and in a very rural area of Oregon, so I highly recommend ensuring your gas tank is completely full before venturing out.

When visiting the Painted Hills in Oregon, I suggest doing the Painted Cove Trail and the Painted Hills Overlook. The Painted Hills are nice just to drive around if you don’t want to do any of the walks.

This is the desert so if you visit Oregon during the summer, bring extra sun protection and lots of water!

Finally, don’t ever step off the approved trail as these locations are very fragile and even one set of footprints will ruin the landscape.

If you need to save time on your Oregon itinerary you can skip the Painted Hills and head straight to Smith Rock.

If you have never heard of Smith Rock State Park , you are in for a real treat! This is the true desert on your eastern Oregon road trip. It is a hiker and rock climber’s paradise!

I recommend visiting either during sunrise or sunset if you want to beat the heat. Smith Rock is one of the best places to see in the state. Make sure it tops your road trip to Oregon!

Smith Rock State Park is located just 40 minutes from the adorable city of Bend, Oregon, and about 1 hour from the Painted Hills so it is easy to do both in one day.

That said, many serious hikers and climbers choose to spend multiple days exploring Smith Rock State Park during their Oregon trips.

If you aren’t a big hiker, simply visiting Smith Rock and walking around will be enough. Believe it or not, “the view” is accessible right from the parking lot so you don’t have to go on a long hike.

I was honestly surprised that the more famous view could be seen right from the parking lot and pleased about it too!

If you are looking for a hike, the Misery Ridge Hike is a popular choice. It is quite steep and strenuous so wear proper hiking gear.

This hike will take you to the top of Smith Rock for memorable views as far as the eye can see.

When you are done exploring the area, I recommend spending the night in Bend, Oregon! You will love the brewpub culture, delicious food, and cute downtown!

I recommend at least one full day exploring the Painted Hills and Smith Rock State Park. They can both be completed in a day if you leave early.

If you have more time or want to do more hiking and climbing, then you can stay two days in the area.

Best Hotels Near Bend, Oregon:

• Classic: DoubleTree By Hilton Bend . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Budget: Cascade Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Oregon Waterfalls And Hot Springs Near Eugene

After Bend, you will head through a stunningly rugged mountain pass that is now a lava field as far as the eye can see. This is a great photo opportunity as lava fields aren’t common in the United States!

Once you cross through the lava field, you will pass from the desert into a beautiful lush forest. This is one of my favorite parts of this Oregon itinerary and you are going to love it!

Proxy Falls

As you descend the mountain pass, you will enter the forest that is home to the stunning Proxy Falls! This is my favorite waterfall on this itinerary for Oregon!

This waterfall is breathtaking in person and you really can’t tell how large it is until you get up close!

Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a well-trafficked, 1.6-mile trail. It is well-marked and I consider it easy. It winds through a beautiful forest and down along a mossy lava field before you arrive at Proxy Falls.

I recommend taking the trail to Lower Proxy Falls which will bring you to the base. Be warned: the final hike down to Lower Proxy Falls is quite steep and may not be accessible for everyone.

If you can’t hike all the way to the base, there are a few lovely viewpoints where you can see the entire falls without the steep downhill hike.

Sahalie And Koosah Falls

After Proxy Falls, continue to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. These waterfalls are located along the crystal-blue McKenzie River and are some of the best waterfalls in Oregon !

Both Sahalie and Koosah Falls are very easily accessible from the parking lot and there is virtually no hike at all to see these stunning waterfalls!

Sahalie Falls thunders down over a ledge and Koosah Falls ends in a perfectly blue pool of water.

Don’t skip these waterfalls because you can see them quickly and be on your way. Both of these waterfalls make noteworthy stops on an Oregon road trip!

Make sure to check road closures before heading out to these waterfalls.

Tamolitch Blue Pool

Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of the best places to visit in Oregon if you are looking for something unique during your trip!

This fascinating water feature is located along the McKenzie River Trail! This pool is crystal clear to the point that it appears to only be a few feet deep. In reality, it is closer to 30-40 feet deep!

Tamolitch Blue Pool is marked as one of the best swimming holes in the world, but this is false and you should beware! The water here, although beautiful, is extremely cold, in the 30s, and is not meant for swimming.

The forest service regularly has to save people who have jumped in and been shocked by the cold water.

Plus, swimming in Tamolitch Blue Pool will ruin it because of the oils on your clothes and skin as well as your makeup or sunscreen.

When visiting, I urge you to look with your eyes and not jump in the water for both your sake and the environment.

Terwilliger Hot Springs

Since I am on a “blue” theme, Terwilliger Hot Springs is an interesting addition to your itinerary.

These Oregon hot springs are tucked away in the mountains in the McKenzie River area and look like something out of a storybook.

They are clear, blue pools heated by the lava underneath the volcanic mountain, and you have a view of the forest while you soak. There are also multiple pools with varying temperatures.

Keep in mind that nudity is allowed at Terwilliger Hot Springs and if you decide to make this a stop, you need to be prepared.

You can wear swimsuits as I did, but other bathers may not so you need to make sure to be respectful.

There are even families with kids at Terwilliger Hot Springs, despite it being a nude hot spring .

Visit Eugene For Brew And Foodie Culture

You will spend the night in Eugene, Oregon, which is the hub of central Oregon.

There are so many delicious places to eat in Eugene, and I particularly love the 5th Street Public Market. It is a unique little area with shops and dining.

Eugene is a college town so there may be a college football game during your stay. This is a very busy time for Eugene so be sure to plan ahead as lodging options can fill up quickly.

I highly recommend spending at least 1 night in Eugene and giving the entire McKenzie River area 2 full days to explore.

You may want to use Eugene as a “base” to explore the next two stops or continue and stay in the heart of each future stop. Since the next two stops are nearby, Eugene may have affordable lodging options.

Best Hotels Near Eugene: 

• Mid-Range: Downtown Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury in Downtown: Graduate Eugene . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Wine In The Willamette Valley

If you love wine, you are going to  love the  Willamette Valley ! It is home to over 500 wineries and is second only to Napa Valley in the United States for the production of wine.

Sounds crazy, right? I thought so too until I saw what a Willamette Valley winery looked like!

The Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and you can either stay in a local bed and breakfast in the valley or use Eugene as your base.

I visited King Estate Winery and was majorly impressed! King Estate Winery is like being in Tuscany, Italy! The landscaping, the vineyards, and the huge manor house all come together to transport you to Italy!

If you are into wine, you can spend a good portion of your Oregon road trip sipping wine and eating cheese and crackers.

Book Here: Willamette Valley Wine Tour

If you want to experience the Willamette Valley on your Oregon road trip and aren’t hugely into wine, you can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the wineries.

If you are a big wine fan, you could easily spend 1-2 full days in the Willamette Valley wine region because there is so much to see and do!

You may even want to skip this stop altogether if wine isn’t your thing.

Where To Stay In The Willamette Valley:

• Beautiful B&B: LANZAROTTA Bed and Breakfast . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Covered Bridges In Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is a hidden gem along your Oregon trip, and I highly recommend visiting the little town. It is located less than 45 minutes from Eugene. If you want to pop over for a day trip, it is easily accessible.

If you think covered bridges are boring, you are mistaken! They are super fun and a unique piece of history. Plus, Oregon is home to the most covered bridges west of the Mississippi!

Cottage Grove is home to a covered bridge trail. You can choose to either drive or take a bike along the road and visit them all. I recommend driving and getting out at each covered bridge.

There are covered bridges located right in the heart of Cottage Grove and others that you need to see by driving a bit outside of town. You will love all these covered bridges in Oregon !

While in the Cottage Grove area, you can get off the beaten path and visit some lesser-known waterfalls once you are done hunting covered bridges.

Pinard Falls, Spirit Falls, and Moon Falls are all located within 45 minutes of Cottage Grove.

Each waterfall is located down a small dirt road high in the Umpqua Forest and requires a short and steep moderate downhill hike to get to. Find more info about waterfall wandering in Cottage Grove !

Cottage Grove is definetly a great hidden gem for the best Oregon road trips!

I suggest spending at least 1 day exploring Cottage Grove during your trip to Oregon!

If hidden waterfalls and covered bridges don’t sound interesting, you can skip Cottage Grove. But if you want to explore the area, you are going to need at least one full day to do it justice!

Where To Stay In Cottage Grove Oregon:

• Mid-Range with a Pool: Best Western Cottage Grove Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Cottage Grove Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: Oregon Caves National Monument

Did you know there are caves in Oregon? The Oregon Caves are the most detailed cave system west of the Mississippi and something you shouldn’t miss.

The caves can be accessed from the small town of Cave Junction along highway 199. Once you turn off the road, it is quite a long and winding drive up to the Oregon Caves.

Keep in mind that the caves are cold and damp so dress appropriately. If you don’t have warm clothes, the Ranger Center has free jackets you can wear when exploring the caves. 

This is a great stop if you are traveling with kids as they love the caves and there are lots of programs including Junior Ranger programs and Ranger-led walks.

I suggest spending between 1-3 hours exploring the Oregon Caves! That should be enough time to visit the caves and enjoy the Visitor Center. 

Where To Stay In Grant’s Pass [Closest City To Oregon Caves]:

• Mid-Range: The Lodge At Riverside . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Beautifu Hotel with Pool: Redwood Hyperion Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor  

The  Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is my absolute favorite part of this Oregon road trip guide! I love this little slice of the Oregon coast and it is essentially a mini-road trip in itself.

There are over eleven awesome stops here and each one has something unique to offer.

My favorite part is Natural Bridges and Secret Beach. I have been back to each of these places multiple times and each time I am stunned at the beauty and scale of each.

If you want to find the top viewpoints at Natural Bridges, check out my article on the best photography locations in Oregon .

If you want to focus more on the Oregon coastline, I also have a detailed Oregon coast road trip itinerary .

Best Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor Stops :

• Arch Rock (Mile 344.8) 
• Secret Beach (Between Mile Marker 344-345)
• Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
• Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
• Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
• North Island (Mile 347.4)
• Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
• Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
• Whaleshead Overlook (Mile 349.3)
• House Rock (Mile 351.2)
• Cape Ferrelo (Mile 351.9)
• Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)

Some people head through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in a single day. I personally think that is way too fast but if you are pressed for time, it is still 100% worth the stop.

If you want a more detailed experience, I recommend between 2-3 days here because there are so many hikes and stops.

I have even spent as long as 4-5 days here so you know that it is just a really fantastic stop when taking a trip along the Oregon coast.

Hotels Near Samuel H. Boardman:

• Affordable: Brookings Inn Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Rental Home with Views: Whaleshead Ridge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Bandon And Florence Beaches

After you leave Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor located on the southern Oregon coast, you are going to visit some wonderful stops on the mid-southern coast.

This is a stunning part of the Oregon road trip itinerary and Bandon is my second favorite stop along the Oregon coast.

Bandon is such an underrated stop and the beach is everything you would hope for in a Pacific Northwest beach.

Bandon Beach is home to towering sea stacks, sea caves, tide pools, and walking trails. It offers so much to see and do!

If you can, make sure to go at low tide so you can walk into the sea caves. Just be sure to not stay out there too long because you don’t want to be stuck in rising water!

Seeing the sunset on the beach in Bandon is a must-do and I highly recommend it!

Where To Stay In Bandon:

• Mid-Range: La Kris Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Once you are done in Bandon, head to Florence which marks the middle point of the Oregon Coast. Florence is one of the quaint towns on the Oregon coast and really evokes a vintage flair.

Another unique location? The Oregon Sand Dunes is located just to the south of Florence! The Oregon Sand Dunes are so much fun landscape to explore.

Finally, make sure to stop at Thor’s Well , about 30 minutes north of Florence, either while you are staying in the town or while you proceed along to the northern Oregon coast. 

I recommend spending one day in Bandon and one day in Florence.

If you don’t have two days, then spend one night in Bandon and drive through Florence with stops at the Oregon Sand Dunes and Thor’s Well.

Where To Stay In Florence:

• On the Beach: Driftwood Shores Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 10: Cape Kiwanda And Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach are a few hours away from each other and offer similar yet unique experiences.

Cape Kiwanda is famous for a huge sea stack that sits out in the water. Here, you can drive straight onto the beach when allowed and then walk along the sand dunes to explore and hike.

When you visit Cape Kiwanda, I suggest taking your shoes off and walking around in bare feet. If you hike in shoes, they will fill with sand and get bogged down making it uncomfortable and hard to walk.

Where To Stay In Cape Kiwanda:

• Mid-Range: Inn At Cape Kiwanda . Check Rates: Booking.com

Cannon Beach is 1.5 hours north of Cape Kiwanda and is the furthest north you will visit on this Oregon road trip.

Like Cape Kiwanda, Cannon Beach is home to a massive sea stack that sits right off the beach. Unlike Cape Kiwanda, the sea stack here is much closer to the beach so you can really feel the presence of the towering rock.

Almost all Oregon road trip itineraries include Cannon Beach because it is so famous!

I highly recommend adding both of these stops to Oregon driving routes as both beaches are so pretty!

Book Here: From Portland: Oregon Coast Day Trip Cannon Beach Area

I suggest spending a few hours in Cape Kiwanda and then spending the night at Cannon Beach. If you want to do serious hiking at Cape Kiwanda, then schedule more time here.

If you start early, you should have enough time to hit both Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach all in one day.

Cannon Beach is a very popular seaside town so it is a great way to end your Oregon road trip with a walk along the beach and some relaxation before flying home.

Where To Stay At Cannon Beach:

• Great Views: Inn At Haystack Rock . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Affordable: Ocean Front Motel . Check Rates: Booking.com

End Your Oregon Road Trip In Portland 

Once you finish exploring Cannon Beach, you have less than a two-hour drive to get back to Portland. This drive is very easy and quite scenic.

I love how you can see the progression as you leave the beachy coast of Oregon and head up through the mountains before coming through a tunnel and arriving back in Portland.

If you didn’t have enough time to explore Portland at the beginning of your Oregon road trip itinerary, now is a great time to have a day or two in the city.

If you are flying out the same day you leave Cannon Beach, the drive from Cannon Beach to Portland is very easy with little traffic so as long as you leave enough time.

Now you know how to plan a trip to Oregon and see all the best towns, slices of coastline, waterfalls, and hidden gems!

I hope you have a great time exploring Oregon by car! Next, check out my tips for traveling to Oregon !

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Reader Interactions

May 4, 2019 at 4:15 pm

this is so helpful! would you be able to share places to stay or where you stayed along the way?

May 5, 2019 at 1:53 pm

We stayed in a variety of Aribnbs and also hotels. If you have a place you are looking at [a city for example] we can try and remember where we stayed! We should update this post with all that information! Sorry we haven’t!

May 6, 2019 at 1:36 pm

planning a july trip. DO you know if we could route this to include Crater lake but keep around the same time frame if we were to skip Eugene, Willamette and Cottage Grove?

May 6, 2019 at 10:04 pm

Yes that is totally doable!!! And keeping it around the same time!

October 8, 2020 at 2:27 pm

Hi. I want to thank you for your great road trip guide. We did this trip in summer 2019 in an Rv in 3 weeks. A beautiful state, very friendly people. Our kids loved it. We liked Omsi science museum in Portland for kids. Kings wine estate was an experience for us and kids to. Did spent lots of time in Powel book store. Thanks again. Warm greetings from Aruba, Joost

October 8, 2020 at 2:39 pm

Enjoy!!!!! It is so much fun! Thanks for commenting!

May 23, 2021 at 2:25 pm

We would like to do this in 10 or 11 days, but thinking of eliminating Eugene for Crater lake as well. We really love Hiking and the animals, photography. With that being said should we eliminate Eugene and replace with crater? Also want to dig for a day for Sunstone so what area would require 2 nts to do so?? . Thanks, Lisa

May 24, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Cannon beach is gorgeous. Stop at Tillamook for some ice cream. Drift Creek Falls is a nice hike to a suspension bridge. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Hobbit trail to the beach. Sisters, Oregon is a cute little town. Trillion Lake. We did so much more in a week. I planned it all thru Pinterest but due to wildfires, Gorge was closed. Can be reached for more info and pics

May 24, 2019 at 1:42 pm

YES! Pinterest is such a great resource!

May 24, 2019 at 8:44 pm

This is an awesome itinerary. Planning to go July mid. Is it a good time to do Oregon? Can I know how many days trip is this? from the day you guys land to when you flew back? What places did you guys spend the nights? We will plan the similar way.

May 24, 2019 at 11:18 pm

You can do it as long or short as you want. We flew in and out of Portland and took two weeks to do it. Another time we flew into Eugene and did the bottom half of this itinerary and just looped back around in 2 weeks too but we like to spend a long time at each destination. You can do it shorter if you don’t want to spend multiple days seeing each thing!

May 24, 2019 at 10:43 pm

Nancy Can you share your itinerary? We are going for a week and wanted to cover everything in Oregon.

May 27, 2019 at 6:12 pm

Planning a week in June/July, want to see as much as possible, probably skip the eastern Oregon things, can you share itinerary you did? Where should we make sure and see?

May 28, 2019 at 12:42 pm

Great reviews and tips! So many of these places are on my list!

I’m heading to Oregon/CA for 2 weeks this summer with my husband and son and am planning the following… Columbia River Gorge 2 nights, Mt Hood 1 night, Bend 2 nights, Crater Lake 2 nights, Redwoods/Klamath 4 nights, Yachats 2 nights. Then we have a final day to head back to Portland for the flight out… so, question for all… would it be better to continue up the coast from Yachats toward Seaside and spend the last night in the state on the beach or head inland and spend our final day touring wineries in the valley?

June 18, 2019 at 1:45 am

I live in Oregon. I vote go inland.

June 22, 2019 at 4:51 pm

Definitely go inland and explore the Willamette Valley! It’s beautiful during the summer and McMinnville has beautiful wineries and tasting rooms. Go to Durant Farms, the view is stunning!!!

September 20, 2020 at 2:48 am

This is crap. You claim it to be an “Oregon” road TRIP but it is nothing more than a northwest Oregon trip. There is no central Oregon, and there is definitely not anything closely related to eastern Oregon. Stop claiming something

June 8, 2019 at 10:25 pm

This was the perfect itinerary for my trip to oregon – barely did any planning other than reading up on here and a little more for each place! We did a 6 day trip, cutting out a few things but loved every minute of this trip! Thanks for sharing!!

June 8, 2019 at 10:33 pm

That is SO AWESOME to hear! And exactly why we designed it this way! Cut out what you want or don’t have time for and do the rest!

June 21, 2019 at 5:50 pm

You COMPLETELY missed Eastern Oregon!!! And, in my opinion, you missed some of the best gems of the state! i.e. The Steens Mountains! Owyhee Canyon Country! Joseph, Oregon and the Imnaha’s. To bad! More for the rest of us! 🙂

June 22, 2019 at 12:35 pm

We can only write on what we have seen and been to or else it wouldn’t be fair 🙂

December 19, 2019 at 5:23 pm

Agree 100%! There are so many things to see in Eastern Oregon: Jon Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Painted Hills are part of), Pendleton Underground Tours, stunning views along Hwy 395, Wallowa Lake and Mt. Howard, Hells Canyon, Baker City and Sumpter, Rome Pinnacles, Owyhee River Gorge, Steens Mountain (breathtaking!), Alvord Desert, Crack-in-the-ground, Hole-in-the-ground, Newberry Crater National Monument (obsidian flow, lava tube cave, lava cast forest) and so many more! And a side note: we here in Eastern Oregon really don’t consider Bend to be a part of EO; Bend is Central Oregon! 🙂

June 22, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Love this! I will return and print out maps. Thanks so much

June 22, 2019 at 4:49 pm

You should also come and visit McMinnville, Oregon if you’re into wine tastings they have some beautiful vineyards and amazing views if you know where to look! (I don’t live there I just think it’s beautiful.)

October 23, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hello This is awesome. Just reading about motivated for me to do this road trip. We are planning to do this during the thanks giving time. I know it is not the best time but just want to do it as much as we can. We waited so long to go to Oregon so now we thought we will start off. Do you have any suggestions or recomendations. Thank you

June 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm

We are heading to Eugene in July and will have 5 days do day trips. Eugene will be our hub each night. What do you suggest as must see locations? Thanks. We have seen Florence and Cottage Crove on a prievous trip. I love wine!

June 24, 2019 at 9:47 pm

Oh gosh so many! Def Proxy Falls, Terwilliger Hot springs, Koosah and Salahie. If you can, make it up to Salem and silver falls state park. You can also go to Smith Rock its far but amazing!

July 4, 2019 at 2:28 am

Man, if you ever edit or add to this Ashland has to be on that list. Best small town in Oregon, the food, the hikes, the Shakespeare festival!

July 30, 2019 at 8:26 am

Planning a week in December, want to see the beautiful scenes, probably skip the west part of Oregon . What should be the best place to stay there ?

July 30, 2019 at 2:11 pm

Hello! We recommend hotels for each and every stop on this list! Please let us know if there is a specific area you don’t see! If it isn’t on this list it is probably something we aren’t super familiar with! Thanks1

September 10, 2019 at 2:44 pm

Great information! Planning an anniversary trip in September and want to see the Coast, Columbia River Gorge, and Willamette Valley and whatever else we can fit in to our schedule. Arriving early to Portland on a Thursday morning. Do you suggest we head to the coast right away and head south to avoid crowds there and work our way back to Portland from Bandon to fly home on Tuesday evening? Not sure how to plan our itinerary to dodge weekend traveler crowds. Of course, I am sure we will need to plan another trip to see more of this beautiful state.

October 18, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Can anyone help? We are visiting Portland for only 3 full days. Any ideas for a condensed road trip? We are flying in on a Thursday afternoon. We have Fri-Sun for full travel days and then need to be in Portland to fly out very early in the AM on Monday. This is taking place next week so October. We have already been to Astoria, Cannon Beach and the surrounding areas a few years ago. So we don’t need to hit up those areas. Oregon is so beautiful that we want to go back. And I’m the type of person that usually wants something new and don’t visit a place twice. Love this state!

October 18, 2019 at 4:07 pm

I recommend the Columbia River Groge and Mount Hood. OR Head down to Salem and the amazing waterfalls in that area like Silver Falls State Park! Have fun!

October 22, 2019 at 7:56 pm

It’s November a good month to do this trip?

October 24, 2019 at 2:07 pm

Yes! It will be cooler out but should be a lovely time and very moody and misty!

January 20, 2020 at 1:56 am

Um hello? You forgot Crater Lake! One of the most important bucket list locations in Oregon! I would suggest driving to Grants Pass and the Oregon Caves from Bend via the Crater Lake route/Medford. Much better than cutting through Eugene. From a lifelong Oregonian.

January 20, 2020 at 2:15 pm

Thanks for sharing!! I’ve actually NEVER BEEN to Crater Lake despite all of our trips so I would feel weird suggesting a place in Oregon we had not been!!!

May 23, 2021 at 2:26 pm

May 23, 2021 at 11:04 pm

Totally suggest the eugene area for hiking! So many epic waterfalls nearby! I would eliminate crater lake and go for Eugene region for hiking! lots of good stuff!

May 24, 2021 at 5:33 pm

Thanks! Do you know if we can add the day or half day of digging for sunstone on this itinerary? The one mine is located near Plush Oregon. Lisa

May 24, 2021 at 11:46 pm

I am not familiar with this activity but Plush is VERY far away from anything on this itinerary. It is in the southeast corner of the state. I would suggest skipping it and choosing something else fun!

July 8, 2022 at 11:58 am

Does it make sense to start in Portland, drive to Eugene while doing all the things listed in between Portland and Eugene and then driving back up to Cannon Beach and flying out of Portland all in 6 days? Would that be a good trip or should I add/subtract some?

July 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

I think it is fine to do all of these things! I would cut off samuel H boardman in 6 days as it is too far south, but the rest is very doable and I have done that exact same trip before!!!! Thank you!

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The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip – 10 Day Itinerary

By Author Emily Junda

Posted on Last updated: May 3, 2023

Categories Oregon , Road Trips , Travel Guides

Oregon is such a big state, and it can be hard to fit all the best attractions in one epic road trip. But sometimes that’s all the time you have. Jake and I were lucky enough to explore the state of Oregon for a month in our self-converted camper van. Therefore, we put together a 10 day itinerary. This guide will bring you around the state to all the very best attractions that you must-add to your Oregon Bucket List. 

This road trip will be very action-packed, because we don’t want you to miss any epic adventures while you travel this beautiful state. We will include the best accommodation for each location, so that all you have to do is jump into your car (or plane) and be on our way to exploring the beautiful state of Oregon.

Don’t worry, we will add an honorable mention section below, in case something we add isn’t quite your cup of tea. Therefore, you can interchange some of the activities to your liking! 

Let’s dive into this ultimate guide for an Oregon Road Trip 10 day itinerary.  

This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure policy .

Accommodation along this Oregon road trip:

We will suggest places to camp every night if you are traveling in a camper van. Although camping along the coast can strike more of a challenge. Therefore, I will suggest some campgrounds that will require an advanced reservation. Or places where a Harvest Host Membership will be required. 

You can always use the apps iOverlander, sekr, or freecampsites.net to help find free overnight parking or camping. But some of the spots are not always official, so I don’t want to lead you somewhere that might no longer be available as you make your way around Oregon. 

But if camping is not your style of accommodation, consider looking up great deals on Kayak or VRBO . There are tons of great hotel accommodations and awesome vacation home rentals. 

Where to fly in and rent a car On An Oregon Road Trip?

If you are not traveling here by car, campervan or RV, we suggest flying into Portland, and starting the road trip here. You can either travel inland first or travel the coast North to South. But you will want to skip ahead to Day 5.

If you need to rent a car, check out our money saving tips for renting a car . Or consider renting a campervan or RV with RVezy or Outdoorsy . We think this would be the funnest option for visiting the beautiful state of Oregon.

Oregon Road Trip – 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1: travel up the coast.

From day one of this ultimate Oregon Road Trip 10 day itinerary, you are in for a real treat.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Cooridor

A famous scenic route along the southern Oregon Coast is the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor. There are tons of beautiful stops, where you could easily spend the whole day. But if you don’t have a ton of extra time, then you should at least stop at these 3 spots: Indian Sands, Natural Bridges and Secret Beach.

Indian Sands

Indian Sands is a moderate, but short hike along the cliffs of the Oregon Coast. The hike is a 1-mile loop. There’s rocky islands, dramatic cliffs, pine-covered mountains, colorful wildflowers, sandy bluffs, and endless Pacific Ocean vistas.  And Indian Sands Trail offers another one of the natural rock arches that this coast is famous for.

Natural Bridges

Natural Bridges can be done a few different ways. There is a very easy viewpoint, just a short walk from the parking lot. Or you can hike down to the bridges and actually walk over them. Although, use extreme caution, this terrain is not the easiest to hike. And the fall is treacherous. Or one of the best routes is to see it by kayak. We did an awesome kayaking adventure with South Coast Tours and it was definitely a highlight along the coast.

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is not so much a secret anymore. This beach is probably one of the most breathtaking beach views you will ever see. The hike down to the beach is rather short, but has a decent decent.

You can also climb the ridge on your right to look down into the adjacent cove.  This can also be a great place to watch sunset because the sun comes down right between the rocks, but bring your sunglasses the because the reflection off the ocean is blinding!

Jake and I visited during low tide, so we walked out onto the beach and set up a picnic as we watched the sunset. But the most picturesque spot is up on the ledge above the beach. You will most likely spot some photographers with their tripods capturing the beauty.

If you have extra time and want to check out some of the other great stops, check out our guide: 5 Best Stops Along The Samuel H. Boardmen Scenic Drive .

Tony’s Crab Shack:

Depending on the time you venture up the coast, we suggest stopping at Tony’s Crab Shack for a famous crab roll. And now would also be a good time to grab a cup of clam chowder. Tony’s Crab Shack was one of our favorite stops along the coast to get some fresh seafood. Do note, they are only open from 10:30am-6pm. We witnessed a few people show up right around 6pm and super bummed to miss this famous spot.

Camp on Day 1: 

There is some free camping around this area, using the iOverlander app. But like mentioned above, not 100% sure how “official” some of the spots are.

But camping at Bullards Beach State Park is a great option. Camping at Bullards Beach State Park is located near the ocean and is protected from the ocean breeze. You can book a reservation here up to 6 months in advance. Cost is $30/night. 

Day 2: Visit Our 2 Favorite Coastal Towns: Yachats/Newport

On day 2 of this Oregon Road Trip, you will be visiting 2 of our favorite Oregon Coastal Towns. Yachats has some unique natural attractions that you won’t want to miss when traveling up the coast. Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn are two natural attractions that need to be viewed at high tide. 

Thor’s Well is known as the drainpipe of the pacific. During high tide, water forces its way through the large hole, exploding, and then all the water being sucked back down the hole to make a mesmerizing sight. Be sure to stand far back from this unique attraction, because the water is powerful and the rocks are slippery. 

Next, head over to the spouting horn, which has a similar style of the ocean forcing water out a small hole. Which in return, makes the water spout out the top. The tube was formed by lava flow. Sometimes the spumes from the water can span up to 60 feet high. 

Lunch @ Luna Sea Fish House

Next, head over to Luna Sea Fish house for a fresh fish fry lunch. We got fried scallops and halibut. Both were absolutely divine. If you sit on the side of the building, you can snag a view of the ocean while you eat your fish. 

If you are looking for more things to do in Yachats, check out our guide, Top Things To Do In Yachats .

Spend The Afternoon in Newport:

Next, head up the coast to Newport. Newport was one of our favorite coastal towns when visiting Oregon. There is tons to do here, where you could easily spend the whole day. But since we only have 10 days on this Oregon Road Trip, we will list some of our favorite activities while here. 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area:

First, you should definitely check out the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. This is where you can enjoy some of the West Coast’s largest nesting colonies for seabirds. So be on the lookout for birds flying over the area. You can often spot: Murres, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants, Peregrine Falcons, Pigeon Guillemots, Western Gulls, Black Oystercatchers and Bald Eagles.

And of course the stunning view of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse is still active to aid in navigation. This is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse standing 93 ft tall. You can tour the lighthouse, but will need an advanced reservation . 

Cobble Beach right below the Lighthouse is a great spot for tide pooling and spotting seals and sea lions. There is usually a ranger down here to help aid in questions and safety tips at the beach.

Dinner at Mo’s or Local Oceans Seafood:

Dinner will either be more casual or at one of the finest restaurants in town. Mo’s offers one of the famous Clam Chowder Bowls which is insanely good. But Jake and I also splurged while we were visiting Newport and were so happy we did! We stopped into Local Oceans Seafood for an early dinner and it was super some tasty and fresh seafood. 

You will need a reservation during peak summer and prime dinner time. Unless you are okay with an early dinner, they might be able to squeeze you in. We got the Brazilian Stew and the Tuna Mignon. Both were absolutely amazing and we highly suggest them both. 

Like I said, you could easily spend the whole day in Newport, so check out our guide, Top Things To Do In Newport, OR , if you have extra time on this Oregon Road Trip.

Accommodation Near Newport: 

There aren’t a ton of free camping options near Newport, OR, but if you are planning in advance you could make a reservation at South Beach State Park which is nearby. Or use the app iOverlander or Sekr to find peer reviewed, free campsites nearby. Check out our post: 3 Great Websites For Finding Free Camping

Day 3: Pacific City/ Tillamook:

Today is going to be a bit cheesy! Well, that is because you will be heading to the Tillamook Creamery. But first, we are going to head to Pacific City and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches. And maybe have a tasty beer at the brewery. 

During peak summer, this place gets busy, especially on a nice summer day. There is a parking lot near the beach that costs $10. And if it is a hot summer day, then this parking lot will be full by 9am and you will have to park along the street and walk a ways to the beach. 

If the day is nice when visiting then we suggest having a nice morning hanging out at the beach. You can enjoy the view and if it is high tide, you can also watch a unique experience of the Dory Boat’s coming in. The Dory boats send it into shore at full speed, and right before hitting shore, lift their motor and coast in. A trailer quickly comes to pick them up and take them ashore before another large wave comes crashing in. It was such a cool experience to see! 

If the day is not as nice, then you can hike Cape Kiwanda. The hike to Cape Kiwanda is 1 mile with 187 feet elevation change. And it is a rather easy hike out to the point. The hike consists of climbing up a giant sand dune to get to the top, so it can be tough, but rather short. 

Lunch At Pacific City Brewing

One of the coolest breweries Jake and I have been to is Pacific City Brewing. The views from this brewery are absolutely breathtaking, and they have soooo many delicious beers to choose from! Plus their lunch is pretty tasty too, but since it is in a prime location, the prices are a bit high. So Jake and I just split a flatbread, which honestly was more than enough for 2 people!

And if you find a couple beers that you really like, you can pick some up in their gift shop! Or take some to the beach because there is no open-container law in Pacific City. 

Visit The Tillamook Creamery

The Tillamook Creamery was a priority of mine when we went on this Oregon Road Trip. But I’m from Wisconsin, so cheese is near and dear to my heart. And I wanted to taste some of our competition.

Tillamook Creamery offers free self-guided tours 7 days a week from 10am-6pm. The tour brings you upstairs where you can watch over the employees making and perfecting the cheese. It is fascinating to see how much and fast they produce cheese.

Once you are finished with your tour, then head down to the cafe to get some fresh cheese products. But save some room for ice cream too! And if you want to take home some souvenirs, there is the market gift shop where you can purchase many different kinds of cheese, clothing, knick knacks and other local goods.

Camping & Accommodation Near Pacific City & Tillamook:

This is a good time to have a Harvest Hosts Membership when camping near Tillamook. If you have no idea what a Harvest Hosts Membership is, check out our review for everything you need to know! If you camp in a self-reliant campervan or RV more than 3 times a year and enjoy either wineries, breweries, local farms, museums, golf courses, etc. Then a Harvest Hosts membership will be worth it! If you are still questioning if you should get one or not, check out our Harvest Hosts Review Here .

There is an awesome place to camp with a Harvest Hosts Membership at Blue Heron French Cheese Co. They have a large open field where they allow campers to stay for the night. All you have to do is check in inside, and purchase a small souvenir/gift from their shop. They have local wines, cheeses, a restaurant and more. So it is very easy to support the business while getting a nice place to stay for the night. 

Day 4: Cannon Beach / McMenamins

If you’ve ever seen a picture of Oregon’s Coast, then you probably came across a photo of Cannon Beach. It is known for the Haystack Rock and beach front area, which is very popular for photography and just strolling along the beach. The beach is also dog friendly, so you will often find people walking their dogs. 

I’ve visited this area twice both in Fall and Summer, and well it’s not necessarily a beach that gets tons of sun and you are hanging out in your bathing suit. But you might be able to grab a hoodie and enjoy the coastal fog from the beach. 

We’d highly suggest trying to catch a sunrise or sunset at Cannon Beach if possible.

Lunch @ Public Coast Brewing Co.:

Since you already visited Pacific Beach Brewing Company yesterday, stop by Public Coast Brewing Co for lunch today. It is located in Cannon Beach. They are known to have delicious pretzels and fresh fish tacos! And if you are still hungry, you might want to consider a Tillamook Ice Cream Sandwich!

Then, head your way toward Portland.

Accomm odation Near Portland/ Afternoon @ McMenamins:

While you are in Portland, you should check out Mcmenamins or consider staying for the night.

Plus, camping in cities is much harder, so this could be a good day to re-fresh in a hotel. But if you prefer camping, you can probably get away with sleeping on a side street for one night. 

Mnmenamins has a very interesting vibe. We had the pleasure of staying at the Edgefield location . Their soaking pool is absolutely worth the stay. Plus there are 11 different restaurants and bars on the property too. So we suggest spending the afternoon here checking out the unique vibe of McMenamins.

And if you are looking to save a little bit of money, then you might still be able to take advantage of their soaking pool and check out a few different bars without staying on the premises. But I will note, finding a place to camp near the city can strike more of a challenge.

Also, tomorrows itinerary is VERY action packed, so you could visit some of the places we suggest for tomorrow, this evening, instead.

Day 5: Portland/Mt. Hood

Let’s be real, you can probably spend a whole week or so exploring Portland. But this is an Oregon Road Trip, so we are going to make our stop through Portland, short and sweet. 

Voodoo Doughnuts:

A must-do activity when in Portland is visit Voodoo Doughnuts for a famous tasty treat. These doughnuts aren’t just your ordinary doughnut, they are extreme. They are topped with breakfast cereal, cookies, bacon, etc. They even have vegan options too! And we say start with this in the morning, A . because it is a breakfast food, and B. You will want to work out after having one of these doughnuts. And let’s be real, you will probably get more than one, because they all look sooooo good! 

But Voodoo Doughnuts is famous in Portland, so it is something you can’t pass up when you are in Portland. 

Powell’s City Of Books:

Another famous stop in Portland is Powell’s City of Books which is the largest used and new bookstore in the world. There are 10 different rooms and over 3500 different sections. So if you are in need of a book, you will DEFINITELY find something to peak your interest here.

Cartlandia:

When in Portland, you gotta visit one of the food truck pods. There are a few different food truck pods you can visit, but we suggest the Cartlandia Truck Pod. There are 30 different carts offering all different cuisines. So no matter what mood you are in, there will definitely be the food you want here! 

Cartlandia is open from 7am to 9pm. Although, each cart keeps their own hours , so be sure to check out their homepage, so you can visit when the food truck you want is open. 

Visit a Brewery:

Well, of course when you’re in Portland, you have to visit at least one of the 70 different breweries. So I am going to suggest checking out Beervana’s write up about the best breweries in Portland, so you can decide which one is best for you to visit. 

Hike To Multnomah Falls:

A must-visit waterfall while you are on this Oregon Road Trip is Multnomah Falls. So after you are done visiting Portland head over to Multnomah Falls. This parking lot can fill up quickly during peak summer. And since you are spending the morning in Portland, we suggest heading here late afternoon. Multnomah Falls stands 620 feet tall and has a picturesque bridge separating the 2 falls. 

There is a hike to the top, but we suggest just hiking up to the bridge and back which is rather easy, but a bit of an incline.

The Gorge White House:

Next, head over to Mt. Hood Area. A super unique experience in Mt. Hood is the Gorge White House. It is a winery, cider house and brewery all in one. This is where you can also snag a nice beverage and dinner. 

If you have more time on this Oregon Road Trip, or you are looking for more things to do in the Mt. Hood Area, check out our day trip guide from Portland to Mt. Hood . 

Sunset At Trillium Lake:

Lastly, head over to Trillium Lake. Since the summer night are long, you can catch a nice sunset over here. Cost to park over here is $10 unless you have a Northwest Forest Service Day Pass . 

The view of Trillium Lake with Mt. Hood in the distance and the reflection portrayed on the lake is a legendary view in Oregon. And especially if you can snag the stunning sunset colors, you are in for a real treat! 

Camp Near Trillium Lake:

There is Free National Forest Land where you can camp near Trillium Lake. Campsites tend to be a but close together, but there was still space for us during peak summer.  Please respect this area, as the National Forest has been considering closing it down because of garbage, human waste, cutting of trees, etc. This is an especially important area to try and erase a trace along with leaving no trace. If we all collectively pick up some extra trash, we can make this a better place than it started.

Day 6: Smith Rock State Park

Ready to hit up a super cool state park on this Oregon Road Trip? Well, Smith Rock State Park is on the agenda for Day 6. If you are a climber, then this will be your haven and I’m sure you will want to spend most of your time here.

But it is also a great place to hike as well, which is what Jake and I did and on the agenda for today. We feel you really only need a day here, unless you are a climber, then you could probably spend a week here climbing a new pitch each day. 

So on the hiking agenda, we suggest Misery Ridge and River Trail. The hike is 3.5 miles with 948 ft elevation. Most of the elevation comes at one time as you will be hiking up the ridge. But the views from the top are worth the extra effort. Along this hike you will get to witness a panoramic view of the surrounding area of Terrebonne. As well as walking by a large rock that looks like a monkey’s face. You then finish the hike along the river. So if it is hot out, you might want to cool down in the river. 

Plan For A Picnic Lunch Along The Smith Rock State Park Rim

We suggest packing along a picnic lunch for today. There are many different benches to enjoy the views as you replenish after your morning hike.

Evening Stroll On Rim Trail

Then, for an evening stroll, we suggest hiking rim trail which stretches about a mile long with only 22ft elevation change. This is where you can witness the famous photo of Smith Rock State Park of the beautiful rock cliffs, the stunning river and the mountains in the distance. This walk is super peaceful and a bonus if you walk during sunset. 

Check out our Ultimate Hiker’s Guide to Smith Rock State Park , for everything you need to know!

Camping Near Smith Rock State Park:

There is a campground at Smith Rock State Park: Bivouac Camp . which we suggest staying at if there is availability. The cost is $9 per person and only tent camping is allowed. 

If you have a camper van or RV and want to sleep in your vehicle,  there is camping at Skull Hollow Campground just 8 miles from the park. The cost is $10 per site & $20 for a double site. Campsites are also on a first come- first serve basis. 

If you are looking for a free place to stay for the night, then you can head over to Crooked River National Grasslands where you will find a handful of designated campsites. During peak summer, we did have to travel pretty far down the road to find a spot. But nonetheless, you should be able to snag a campsite around this area. 

Day 7: Tamolitch Blue Pool, Proxy Falls

Day 7 on this Oregon road trip is definitely filled with some epic adventures. Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of the most interesting aqua blue swimming holes you will ever witness. The water here is constantly 32 degrees no matter the time of year. So it might be enticing to go for a swim on a hot summer day, but it will surely be a quick one. 

The hike out to Tamolitch Blue Pool is 3.6 miles (roundtrip) with 285 ft elevation change. You will be hiking along the Mckenzie River through lush forest. Once you reach the pool, you will be up on the cliff. If you want to get down to the water, follow the trail around to the backside of the pool. There will be a dirt path down to the water. Take this path at your own risk as it is not well-maintained. 

Afternoon Hike To Proxy Falls

Next, hop back in your car and head over toward the Proxy Falls Trailhead. This was probably our favorite hike of the summer! This is a loop hike, that stretches 1.6 miles with 147 ft elevation. If you start the hike counter-clockwise, then you will be hiking along lava flow first. But shortly reaching into lush forest. You will spot the waterfall from a distance, but there is a path leading down to the waterfall. We absolutely suggest getting closer!

Do be careful and watch your step as this area can be very slippery. But this waterfall absolutely took our breath away. Maybe pack a little afternoon snack to enjoy as you watch the majestic waterfall down the mossy background. 

There is another waterfall along this hike that is not quite as epic, but still totally worth checking out. Just follow along on the loop and there is a sign that will guide you to the second falls. Or you can always use the GPS map setting in the Alltrails app to help guide you here. 

Accommodation In The Deschutes National Forest:

Camping for tonight is in the Deschutes National Forest right outside Bend, Oregon where it is free to camp. To get to the dispersed campsites requires traveling down a bumpy dirt road, but it’s a great midway point to get to your next destination tomorrow! There are a few different dispersed campsites in the area. So you might have to travel further down the road to find an available spot.

Day 8: Explore Bend, Oregon

Bend was one of my favorite cities in Oregon. It’s not overwhelmingly big, but just big enough to still give you that city feel. Which means there are a ton of activities to do while you are here. So on Day 8 of this Oregon Road Trip, we are going to take the day to explore Bend, Oregon.

Float The Deschutes River:

If you are visiting Bend during peak summer, then floating down the Deschutes River is an absolute must! It was definitely one of the funnest activities while we visited Bend. You can either use a company or do a self-guided float.

Obviously if you are just visiting and don’t have a raft, then you might as well rent from the company. Especially because you get a shuttle ride back to your vehicle. 

But if you do have a raft and want to save a few bucks. Then, you can put your raft in at Riverbend Park and take out at Drake Park. If you are traveling with friends and have more than one vehicle, someone can shuttle the other back to the start. 

Or you can simply walk back to your car, as it is only about a 1.5 mile float. And it will take you less than a half hour to walk back to your car. 

For all the details about floating the Deschutes River, check out our ultimate guide to floating the Deschutes River . 

Hike To Tumalo Falls:

One hike outside the city, is Tumalo Falls, which we highly consider checking out! You can see the waterfall from the parking lot, but if you want to get a closer look, it’s a short .2 mile hike to the upper viewpoint. 

There is a $5 fee to park in the parking lot, unless you have a Northwest Forest Pass or other local passes. 

If you want to get a little more exercise since you drove out this way, there is a short hike up to two other falls. The hike is called double falls which is 2 miles (roundtrip) with 321 ft elevation. The path is well maintained and you continue along the dirt path past the upper Tumalo Falls viewpoint. Don’t forget insect repellent though, because the mosquitos were out to play the evening we went.

There is also a secret path behind Tumalo Falls. The “secret” path is pretty easy to find between the lower falls viewpoint and the upper falls viewpoint as it is moderately trafficked out. But definitely be extra cautious if you take the path behind the waterfall as it can be super slippery and these falls are definitely flowing strongly. I would not advise taking children back here. Or anyone without proper hiking footwear . 

Walk Downtown Bend/ Brewery Tour

Bend is such a charming little city. So before you head out of town, we suggest touring the city. There are tons of things to do and see. 

One of Jakes and my favorite breweries is in Bend, OR. We love Silver Moon Brewing Co. The vibe at the brewery was one of our favorites too. But there are tons of great breweries in Bend. So be sure to check out our Self-Guided Brewery Tour In Bend , to find out the best places to go!

If you want to spend more time in Bend, then check out our 1-week Itinerary guide for the best things to do in Bend, Oregon . 

Camping Near Bend, OR

Camping for this evening can either be the same spot listed as last night. Or there is also National Forest land West of the city if you head toward Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. Please be respectful of these National Forest areas and Leave No Trace (or what we like to say ‘Erase A Trace’ by picking up leftover trash). 

There are two campgrounds in Bend, OR but they aren’t exactly budget-friendly. The Camp is located just a short walk from downtown. They offer a unique experience, as you can rent a tiny cottage, vintage trailer, or a place to park your own RV or campervan. The price starts around $80+/night.

A little south of town, you will find Crown Villa RV Resort which has plenty of amenities (hot tub, steam room, indoor gym, etc) and a place to park for the night. But as mentioned above, the price starts around $100+/night.

There are also two campgrounds in Newberry National Volcanic Monument that are a bit more budget-friendly, but a longer drive to town. Crater Lake Campground is one option that has 49 campsites that either border the lake or are just a short walk. Paulina Lake Campground is the other option nearby which also has great access to the lake and shoreline trail.

There is also camping at the Tumalo State Park , which can be a great option if you plan to hike Tumalo Falls. There is a variety of tent sites, full hookup sites, yurts, and group sites.

Day 9: Toketee Falls / Watson Falls: 

Two epic waterfall hikes right next to each other are Toketee Falls and Watson Falls. We visited these falls when we first entered the state of Oregon and we were completely blown away. You can tend to get waterfall fatigue in Oregon. But these 2 falls are surely not the ones to miss. 

The hike to Toketee Falls is .9 miles with 167 ft elevation. There are quite a few stairs involved in this hike, but it leads you to a nice viewing platform where you can view the falls. You sadly aren’t supposed to go all the way down the hill to the bottom where you can get the best view. But ultimately the viewing platform provides a stunning view of the unique rock formations and flowing water. 

Watson Falls is a 1 mile hike with 524 ft elevation change. It is a bit of a climb but along a well-maintained trail. You can get a good view from below, but you can also continue the climb up to the falls and feel the mist of the water. Which we personally recommend if you have good hiking shoes with good traction . 

Camping Near Toketee Falls & Watson Falls

Tomorrow on this Oregon Road trip you are headed toward Crater Lake National Park. There is great free camping in the Winema National Forest , which is right outside Crater Lake. So we suggest heading over this way, maybe make yourself dinner over the campfire and enjoy nature. If you are like us, then we wanted to head into Crater National Park early to catch a sunset. It was cold, but stunning as we watched the sun rise over the rim.

Day 10: Crater Lake National Park:

Lastly, we head to Crater Lake National Park along this Oregon Road Trip. And just like any other National Park, be prepared to have your breath taken away! The vibrant blue lake is contained in the now-collapsed Mount Manzama Volcano.  The dramatic steep crater rim provides incredible unobstructed views of the lake from nearly any angle.

There are a handful of great hikes in the area. But most of the hikes are either along the rim of Crater Lake offering stunning views. Or to peaks where you can get a bird’s eye view of the crater. So you can tackle this day as hard or easily as you like. 

Bonus, if you head here early, you can catch an amazing sunrise. Jake and I headed to Watchmen Peak Viewpoint and it was absolutely stunning! Check out our post of the best sunrise spots at Crater Lake National Park .

Hike To Watchmen Peak Overlook or Garfield Peak

A couple hikes we would suggest is Watchmen Peak Overlook or Garfield Peak. Honestly, right from the parking lots, the views are simply breathtaking. But if you want to get higher, and avoid some of the crowds, you can climb up to the peaks. 

The hike up to the Watchmen Tower is 1.7 miles with 400 ft elevation. And the Garfield Peak is 3.4 miles with 1069 ft elevation. Both offer different views. 

Find A Swimming Hole At Crater Lake National Park

Unfortunately when Jake and I visited, it was a bit chillier, but there are a few awesome swimming spots in Crater Lake. But neither are that easy to get to. Cleetwood Cove Trail is 2 miles with 620 ft elevation. This is near where the boat tours take off. Which is how you get to the other swimming spot. 

The other swimming spot is over on Wizard Island. Which requires a boat tour to get here. The cost is $55 per person, or $37 for children under the age of 12. Once you get the boat tour over to the island, you can either hike to the summit which is 2.3 miles and 751 ft elevation. Or you can hike Fumarole Bay which is 1.5 miles and 141 ft elevation. So if you are looking for a nice place to swim, I’d suggest hiking the Fumarole Bay. 

I wanted to leave the last day as a choose your own adventure. During peak summer, the weather can be nice, but during spring and fall, the temperatures can be a bit chilly. So you might choose a hiking adventure over a swimming adventure or vice versa depending on the weather. Also, this is the last adventure of the trip, so if you are exhausted, there are so many great and easy spots to take in the majestic view. And if you are still up for a full on adventure, there are many great spots to venture too. 

Takeaway | Ultimate Oregon Road Trip – 10 Day Itinerary

This Oregon Road Trip will seriously be a trip of a lifetime. We take you along to some of the best spots Oregon has to offer. From the scenic coastal drive to many inland adventures, there are sure to be many spots that will blow your mind. Like we mentioned above, Jake and I got to spend a whole month exploring this entire state. And we still wish we had more time to see more of what this state has to offer. But without a doubt these are some of the best spots. 

If you have less time on your tour of Oregon, you can leave some of the adventures for a different time. Or if you have more time to explore this beautiful state, then check out some of our other Oregon Guides . There are sooooo many more awesome attractions around Oregon that are so worth checking out. We hope this Oregon Road Trip guide provides you with everything you need to know, so all you have to do is hop in your car and be on your way. 

Honorable Mention Ideas For An Oregon Road Trip

Visit the old port town of astoria:.

After you visit Cannon Beach, we head inland. But if you have more time on your road trip. Or simply a big fan of the Goonies, then Astoria might be worth the visit. Astoria is the Most North City along the Oregon Coast. It’s is a port city and the oldest town West of the Rocky Mountains. There is surprsingly alot to do in this little town.

First off, there is tons to do, eat and drink around the area. Many of the shops and restaurants sit over the water adding a unique ambiance. You can also check out the Goonies Movie set. Or hike up the Astoria Column to get an awesome birdseye view of the town.

Simply just driving around the town of Astoria is cool. Jake and I just drove up and down the roads to check out the old houses.

And of course there are a few great breweries to check out while you are here. We really enjoyed our time at Fort Gorge Brewery. There are a few different rooms where you can enjoy a cold one. There is the downstairs pub, pizza upstairs and the Lovell Tasting Room.

Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area:

Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area is like a natures jungle gym in the Ocean. Definitely plan to get here early or you might not find a spot and have to walk quite a bit to get down to the beach. This area is also very popular amongst the surfing community.

Once you get to the parking lot, definitely go check out the Devil’s Punchbowl from above. But it will only make you want to go down to explore the area. Do note, you can only walk into the punchbowl at low tide. 

To get down to the ocean floor, you will have to walk down a path carved out between the dirt. It is paved, but the ocean being the ocean, it took out the paved path at about half way to the ocean floor. So you will have to climb down a dirt section, so be careful and watch your footing. Then, head left toward the punch bowl. This area can be very slippery, so we highly suggest having shoes with good traction. 

You can explore the devil’s punchbowl from within and see how the water has carved out this unique wonder. Outside of the punchbowl you can also go tide pooling. Which offers a HUGE area to explore.

Broken Top Hike In Bend, OR

Broken Top is an epic hike near Bend, Oregon. If you are visiting during summer and can drive up the road, the hike is only 6.3 miles with 1614 ft elevation change. But you will need a high-clearance 4×4. As of late summer 2022, apparently the road is VERY BAD.

So if you don’t have the right vehicle to make it up here, then the hike becomes 14 miles 3848 ft elevation change. The good news is if you are planning in advance, you can get a permit to backpack here. If backpacking is of interest, check out  recreation.gov  to snag a backpacking permit. Don’t forget to  pack the backpacking essentials.  

If you are looking for anything else to do along the Oregon Coast, check out our guide for the best stops along an Oregon Coast Road Trip .

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The Best Oregon Road Trip: complete loop itinerary

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Summary: Best Oregon road trip, complete road trip itinerary, sunrise and sunset locations. *I use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Thanks for your support!

Oregon was my first taste of the Pacific Northwest, and I’ve been smitten ever since. Most of these places I’ve learned about over the years or from passing through. I wish I would have done all of these in one epic Oregon road trip, so here ya go!

I recommend this road trip in the Summer time or the Fall, but it is possible to do during the Winter and Spring. Just be sure to check road closures and park closures when snow is a possibility!

The Route to the Best Oregon Road Trip!

I recommend Portland, Oregon as your starting and stopping point. This also makes it very convenient to fly into the Portland airport and start your adventure! I will link more information about where to stay in detailed blog posts about each spot.

Need to condense your trip? A lot of these spots are close enough where you can cover multiple locations in one day. As a photographer, I typically go to a new spot for sunrise and sunset!

Let’s Hit the Road!

1. multnomah falls.

Oregon has 238 waterfalls, and this is the tallest at 620 feet. Pretty mind blowing. View the Forest Service website HERE for latest updates. This spot does require reservations during the busy season! Check out more information on that and 15 other waterfalls on my Oregon Waterfall Guide!

2. Rowena Crest

This drive-up spot is pretty breathtaking. To the left of this horse-shoe road view is a view of the Columbia River Gorge. We went just before sunset as we were running from the rain!

3. Painted Hills

The drive in to the Painted Hills is, in my opinion, more beautiful than this little walkway. The striations of colors in the hills is stunning around golden hour and I imagine the same at sunrise!

This photo was taken at the Painted Cove Trail , maybe 30 seconds away from the parking lot. The entire trail is only .3 miles. See more details on AllTrails.

4. Smith Rock

Smith Rock State Park makes me believe dinosaurs once existed. This place feels very random, jutting out of the land with nothing else like it around. This is a climber and hikers haven! Check out my full blog post on what hikes to do and nearby camping: SMITH ROCK: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VIEWING THIS OREGON WONDER

5. Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool

Tamolitch Falls, or more famously known as Blue Pool, is a short hike through a douglas fir forest and old lava flows. The end reveals an incredibly blue basin of frigid water. Read all about how it was formed, nearby camping and cabins, and photo tips for this spot in my blog: FAMOUS TAMOLITCH BLUE POOL IN OREGON: AN ANCIENT TURQUOISE GEM

6. Sparks Lake

This is a favorite of mine! There is something incredibly special about sunrise here, and I recommend sunrise because of the crowds. This is a drive up spot and is just outside of Bend, Oregon. Read all of my photo tips, camping advice and more on blog: SPARKS LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY GUIDE: FREE CAMPING & SUNRISE

7. Umpqua Hot Springs

I mean, who doesn’t love a hot springs trip! This is a very crowded and fragile spot, so I STRONGLY recommend you read my entire blog post about it have the best visit possible. Blog: UMPQUA HOT SPRINGS IN OREGON: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

8. Toketee Falls

On the same road as Umpqua hot springs, this is a stunning waterfall featuring Basalt cliffs and blue water. The trail is .9 miles round trip. Get more details at AllTrails .

9. Crater Lake National Park

My visit to Crater Lake was brief, but this view was worth the stop. Did you know Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA at 1,943 ft ?! Drive up to the Crater Lake Lodge and hang out near the fire. Just down the parking lot is this view!

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10. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

There are so many incredible places to see along this scenic stretch. Natural Bridges, Secret Beach and Whaleshead beach are among my favorites. Check out my full blog for all the details: 6 BEST PHOTO SPOTS ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST

11. Sharkfin Rock at Gold Beach

This place was a happy accident for me. It was sunset, so I pulled off to the nearest beach access to watch the sun go down, and this spot was stunning. I love the rock formations on the Oregon Coast. This location is linked in the blog post 6 BEST PHOTO SPOTS ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST

12. Face Rock State Scenic Beach

Speaking of weird rock formations, this place wins in my opinion. Get a view from up top, or take the stairs down to the beach to see all of the wild rock formations. Detailed information in my blog 6 BEST PHOTO SPOTS ON THE SOUTHERN OREGON COAST

13. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Running down dunes takes me back to my childhood. The Oregon dunes are one of the largest areas of coastal sand dunes in the world! Get more details on my Blog post: 5 THINGS TO DO IN BANDON, OREGON FOR A WEEKEND

14. Oswald West State Park

I LOVE the dramatic cliffs on this coastal spot. Use AllTrails to find some incredible places to explore for the day.

15. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is classic, and an awesome way to end your epic Oregon Road trip. I definitely recommend viewing Haystack rock as seen in the picture and relaxing with a picnic on the beach.

More Nearby Destinations!

If you’re looking for more Pacific Northwest Adventures check out these other guides:

Conclusion:

I hope this gives you some road trip inspiration! There are endless places to explore in Oregon. This road trip itinerary requires a decent amount of time, but really allows you to see the most of Oregon. If you’re looking for shorter trips, check out some of my guides linked above or in the Oregon section of the Destinations Tab!

What’s on your Oregon Bucketlist?

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Join the conversation, 21 comments.

I love a good road trip article, especially a USA one. After reading your post, I really want to go to Oregon and see some of that beautiful scenery. i’ve pinned this for some future travel planning.

Thanks so much! Oregon is one of my favorite states to explore in the USA!

I use to live in PDX…. and let me just say that I hope anyone who’s looking for the ultimate Oregon road trip find your blog! I was so happy to see Umpqua on the list, the place is just magical.

Ahh that means so much!! There are endless things to explore in Oregon!

Wowza! My husband has been trying to sell a trip to Oregon to me for the longest time and I never took it seriously BUT I will now! The waterfalls and seaside cliffs look like something I have to see in real life! Thank you! My husband will be very happy, you converted me with your stunning photos

I love that!!! Well I hope if you go, you have the best time!

OMG! This is the perfect itinerary for Oregon! I only managed to visit Eugene and Portland during a quick 2 day trip there. I’ve always been meaning to go back.

I hope you get the chance to!! There’s an absurd amount of places to explore in Oregon!

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Hi, how many days would you recommend to complete this loop?

Hello! If you did sunrise and sunset per spot it would be about a week minimum. That’s what I did with this loop. But it could easily be expanded to 2 weeks!

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How many days did this take you? Sorry if it was mentioned, I did not see it. Thanks in advance!

Hello! Great question. I did this at a VERY fast pace of sunrise at one location and sunset at the next. I’d say a week is a great place to start at a faster pace. But you could absolutely trim down some of the spots that are a bit more out of the way. I think 2 weeks would be the most ideal to really get to enjoy everything for longer periods of time

Would you recommend this trip to do as female solo trip?

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How to Plan an Incredible Oregon Road Trip (14 Days)

Looking to plan an amazing road trip in Oregon? You’re in the right place. We live in Portland, and spend a big chunk of our summers on the road exploring our adopted home state of Oregon. We’re here to use our experiences around Oregon to help you plan your own amazing Oregon adventure. 

We’re going to go over a perfect road trip itinerary that takes you to many of our favorite places in Oregon over 14 days, which is based on our own experiences exploring the state. 

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. 

We were lucky enough to spend two whole months on a road trip around Oregon a few summers ago after we had to scrap our international travel plans, and it taught us an important lesson: you don’t need to fly halfway around the world to find wild and beautiful places – sometimes they’re right in your backyard the whole time . 

It also cemented our belief that Oregon was the place we wanted to put down roots and create a home base after years of living on the road. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and we decided to make our forever home in Portland, Oregon, and that initial time exploring Oregon was a huge part of why we ultimately ended up making that decision.

Oregon has it all – the coast, the mountains, the desert, a truly unbelievable number of amazing waterfalls, and more. 

In this complete guide to planning your Oregon 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 Oregon – 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 Oregon, 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 Oregon!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel and vacation rental 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 absolutely never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

A Quick (and Oversimplified) Oregon Geography Lesson

Before we get into the road trip itinerary, let’s quickly talk about Oregon’s geography, and what it means for your trip. 

First of all, Oregon is a lot bigger than you probably think. It’s the 9th largest state in the country by square mileage, which is a fact that blew my mind. Driving between places can take several hours, if not more. 

Why do we bring this up? Because it has one major implication for your trip.

Unless you want to spend full days of your trip driving without stopping to see the scenery, you’re not going to be able to see the entire state .  

Fear not – we have a strong perspective on where you should focus your time if it’s your first trip to Oregon. Which means we need to talk about Oregon’s geography. 

Oregon is a very diverse state when it comes to landscapes, which is part of why we love it. It’s home to rocky coastline, wide sandy beaches, rolling hills and lush valleys, moist rainforests, towering snowy peaks, and even the high desert. 

When you think about Oregon’s geography, we’d cut the state roughly into quadrants, with Eugene as the center point in the state.

If it’s your first time in Oregon, you’re going to want to focus on the northwest quadrant, almost exclusively . The exception might be Crater Lake National Park, which we have a whole section on below to help you figure out where to fit it in. 

If you start to try fitting in places all over the state, you’re going to spend entire days driving long distances, which we don’t really think is the best experience.

For reference, it takes three and a half hours to go from Newport on the Oregon Coast over to Bend (without traffic). Then, it’s another two hours to the Painted Hills from Bend. And a full four hours back to Portland from there. 

In this itinerary, Bend is the furthest east you’ll go. It’s just not feasible to get to every corner of the state, especially with limited time. 

If you happen to have an extra week (lucky you!), that’s when we’d add the Painted Hills and Wallowa Mountains, and some of the other spots in eastern Oregon. Or the southern Oregon coast, which is much more rugged and wild than the northern coast that you’ll cover in this itinerary. 

How Many Days Do You Need for this Road Trip?

We really, really think that to do a full road trip around Oregon that includes both the northern coast and Bend, you need a full two weeks (14 days) . Otherwise, you’ll spend way too much time driving, and not enough time out exploring. 

Which is exactly how we’ve written the road trip below. 

If you have 7-10 days , we’d do a more focused road trip that follows a figure-8 with Portland at the center. Head east to the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, and Mount Hood, then come back through Portland and head out to the Oregon Coast for a few nights, focusing on the stretch from Astoria to Tillamook. Here’s a map .

If you do have less time, we have example itineraries for 7 and 10 day road trips below the main itinerary to help you organize your time. 

The Best Time to Plan Your Trip to Oregon

This is a very, very important section in this guide, which is why it’s the first thing we’re talking about. 

If you are interested in hiking in the Cascades – specifically near Mount Hood or Bend – your trip will need to be sometime between July and mid-October . 

Otherwise, high elevation hiking trails will be covered in snow, and some roads and sections of the parks will be closed. 

The exact timing depends on the year, precipitation, and spring temperatures (among other factors), but you will be most safe with a trip in August or September . 

The best time to plan this road trip is going to be July, August, and September . That’s when roads are open, trails are largely snow-free, and you’ll be able to see everything you want to see.

During the summer and early fall, mountain passes and hiking trails are clear of snow, days are warm and sunny, the sun rises before 6:00 am and sets after 9:30 pm, and it’s an all around spectacular time to be in Oregon. 

The downside is that, in recent years, Oregon has been ravaged by forest fires during the summer, bringing a thick smoke that makes it really unhealthy and unpleasant to be outside. It’s hard to predict, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re planning a trip in the summer. 

Early fall is another great time to visit Oregon. The weather is, for the most part, still great (though it’s a little more unpredictable than summer). 

As you get into October, things start to cool off and snow can begin to show up in some of the passes through the Cascades (the McKenzie River Scenic Byway, for example), which can make travel a bit more difficult. 

Spring is gray and wet, though late spring (think Memorial Day into June) is a cool time to visit Oregon because of the blooming rhododendrons and roses. The weather isn’t going to be the best, but you’ll probably get a few nice, clear days over the course of your trip. 

In the spring, hiking trails at elevation – like around Mount Hood and Bend – are still going to be closed. If you’re into hiking, we’d definitely recommend waiting until later in the summer .  

Winter isn’t a great time to do this road trip, if we’re being totally honest. The Cascades are blanketed in snow, which means you won’t get much of a taste of the mountains in Oregon (though you can get some skiing in at Mount Bachelor!) and the mountain passes are harder to navigate, often closing for days at a time due to winter storms. 

The upside of visiting in the winter is that the waterfalls in Oregon are WILD when it’s raining.

If you’re visiting in the winter, we’d stick to the areas west of the mountains and do the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, Silver Falls State Park, and the Oregon Coast . For what it’s worth, we’ve done the Oregon Coast multiple times in the winter, and it’s very moody (and wet). 

Here’s a map of what a winter road trip in Oregon might look like. 

Where to Start and End Your Road Trip

This one is easy – Portland! 

Portland is not really central in terms of the state – it’s up in the northwest corner – but it is central to some of Oregon’s best sights (the coast, Mount Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, etc etc) AND it’s the best airport in the state (dare we say country?). 

Unless you live somewhere in Oregon or you’re driving up from California, the answer is Portland . 

The exception is if you have 10 days in Oregon and follow our road trip itinerary below. In that scenario, we’d recommend flying into Portland, and out of Bend (Redmond Municipal Airport, RDM) to save time on driving back to Portland just to catch a flight. 

Flights out of Bend will be more expensive and involve connecting through Portland or Seattle, but it’ll save you four hours of driving. 

Where to Fly in and Out of?

The best option, with the most flights coming in and going out, is going to be our home airport – Portland International Airport (PDX) . 

Having lived in both Seattle and San Francisco, PDX is amazing when you compare it to those airports. 

It’s relatively well organized (as well organized as an airport can really be), and it’s clean, has good local food and drink options, and the security lines are never “oh no am I going to miss my flight?” long. 

There are a couple of smaller airports in Oregon that could work, but will likely be more expensive and have fewer flight options. Those would be places like Eugene (EUG) and Bend / Redmond (RDM) .

Chances are, PDX is going to be the best choice for about 99% of people. Plus, there are more rental car options! 

Do You Need to Rent a Car?

It probably goes without saying that you will need a car to do this road trip. If you’re coming from out of state, that probably means renting a car when you arrive. 

One thing we’d recommend is that you avoid having your rental car when you’re in the city of Portland .

We’ve organized the itinerary below to have Portland at the end, and we’d strongly recommend that you drop your car off at the airport when you roll into Portland, and spend your day or two in town carless. 

Another cool option would be renting a campervan for this road trip! On our six week road trip around Oregon in 2020 – the one that made us fall in love with the state and eventually move here – we lived out of our converted Honda Odyssey. 

We love the flexibility of van living, though it certainly isn’t nearly as sexy as it looks in all of those pictures on Instagram.

We have a few favorite campgrounds in Oregon that we’ll give you in the itinerary below that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience (looking at you, Trillium). 

One thing we’ve been DYING to do is rent an Escape Campervan . If you’re looking to experience the whole camping thing, but don’t want to sleep in a tent (to be clear, we’re all for tent camping), then a campervan might be for you!

Escape’s vans are all hand-painted, have full kitchens, and would be a lovely way to experience Oregon.

Escape has an office in Portland , which is where you’d pick up and drop off your van. 

The Route for This Road Trip

With that in mind, here’s a summary of the 14 day road trip we’ll cover in detail below. 

Day 1: Astoria

Day 2: cannon beach, days 3-4: tillamook & the three capes scenic route, day 5: newport, cape perpetua, & heceta head lighthouse, day 6: drive the mckenzie river scenic byway to bend, days 7-8: bend (and the cascade lakes scenic byway).

• Day 9: Smith Rock State Park

Days 10-11: Mount Hood (Government Camp) 

Days 12-13: hood river and the columbia river gorge.

• Day 14: Explore Portland

Here’s a map of that route. 

We think this itinerary is a good blend of scenic drives (the Oregon Coast and the McKenzie River Scenic Byway are two of our favorites), cool towns (Astoria, Hood River, and Bend), and great outdoor adventures.

Which is basically everything we love about Oregon, packed into two weeks (minus some of the further out spots that don’t make sense here). 

Like we said, you can’t fit it all into one road trip. But we’ve done our best to include the highlights in hopes that you’ll fall in love with Oregon and come back a second (and third) time to explore more. 

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. 

We’ll do our best to give you all the information you need to plan YOUR road trip in Oregon, 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.

Exactly How to Plan an Amazing Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered the logistics you need to know to really plan your trip, let’s get into the itinerary itself!

There are a couple of principles that we’re going to follow as we take you through our perfect version of a road trip in Oregon. 

• We think you should see the mountains and the coast . Both are spectacular, and part of the reason we love Oregon is that you can go from the mountains to the coast in about two hours, give or take. It’s magical.
• Oregon is big, and you don’t want to spend the entire time driving . We’re going to try and make sure you’re only driving a maximum of four hours between destinations, which means more time exploring, less time driving.
• There are too many places to see in one trip . Instead of trying to fit every single place into one road trip, we think you should focus so that you aren’t just rolling into a place in the late afternoon, and leaving the next morning. This, of course, means that you’re probably not going to be able to fit every single place into your itinerary. And that’s okay! You can always come back. In this itinerary, we’re focusing on the western half of the state, which is NOT to say there aren’t amazing things to see east of the Cascades. 

With those principles in mind, we’ve created this 14 day Oregon itinerary so that you can almost literally copy and paste it for your trip if that’s what you want. 

Or, you can use bits and pieces of it to cobble together your own version of the road trip. Whatever works best for you!

Drive Time / Distance from Portland International Airport to Astoria: 2 hours / 95 miles

Where to Stay in Astoria: You want to stay centrally so you can walk to the attractions downtown. We stayed at Norblad on our last trip, and liked it (nice location, stylish rooms, comfy beds). 

Astoria is a fitting first stop on this itinerary, because in many ways, it’s where the state of Oregon as we know it today began. Lewis and Clark Historical Park, which is just south of the city center, is near the location where Lewis and Clark made camp for three months, having completed their mission to find the Pacific Ocean. 

Now, you might be thinking that Lewis and Clark, who had completed their ultimate goal after a significant chunk of time spent struggling west from St. Louis, might have been celebrating with their feet up. 

But their arrival and stay happened to be smack dab in the middle of winter – from December through February – so rather than celebrating with the long, warm days of an Oregon summer, they were treated to constant drizzle and less than eight hours of sunlight. FUN. 

Anyway, Astoria is meaningful in many ways, from the early 19th Century and Lewis and Clark’s antics, to the time when John Jacob Astor tried to make Astoria the New York City of the west (he almost had it!). 

Today, it sits at the northwestern corner of Oregon, and is home to what has to be the highest number of breweries per capita in the country (there’s four or five, and Astoria is tiny), and filming locations for some of the iconic films of the 90’s (the Goonies and Kindergarten Cop, among others). 

What to Do in Astoria

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Astoria. 

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park : Like we mentioned, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is near the site of Fort Clatsop, which is where they set up camp for three miserable months before heading home to report back to Jefferson. There’s a model of Fort Clatsop here, a bunch of fun information on what life was like on that expedition (and some very charismatic rangers eager to share anecdotes like the one above), and a hike that connects the fort with the coast, a route that they covered many times. However, the hike isn’t really worth too much of your time – it’s 6.5 miles one way out to the coast – we’d do the first mile or so, enjoying the ferny forests of sitka spruce trees before heading back. 

The Astoria Column : The Astoria Column is perched up on the hill above town with a commanding view out over the Columbia River and the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge – that’s the green bridge crossing the river to the Washington side. The Column is an interesting piece of art, because it is wrapped in the story of Astoria. It’s hard to see the artwork when you’re standing at the base looking up at it, but there’s a digital re-creation with labels that is helpful to understand exactly what you’re viewing. You can climb to the top of the column for an even more impressive view of the river. It costs $5 to park in the lot at the Column, or you can park at the base of the hill in town (roughly here ) and hike the Cathedral Tree Trail up for free. 

Fort Stevens State Park : This is the northwest corner of Oregon, and also – fun fact – the site of the only attack on a military base in the contiguous United States since the War of 1812 (the Japanese shelled it a few times in 1942). It’s a State Park, though it was a military base through the early 20th Century. Today, the bunkers are one of the main draws here, and are particularly interesting when there are rangers and volunteers out there to tell you stories about the local history (which is usually on weekends in the summer). It’s worth driving out to the coast and hitting the wreck of the Peter Iredale , a shipwreck on a wide sandy beach, and Clatsop Spit at Lot C ( here on Google Maps) where you can walk out along the rocks on the Pacific. 

The Breweries: Two of Oregon’s best breweries are up in Astoria – Buoy Beer Co and Fort George Brewing – and are basically a must-stop for any beer aficionados who find themselves in the state’s northwest corner. They each have a taproom within walking distance of the main drag, and both have food menus and extensive taplists, with many beers you’re not going to find outside of the taproom. In addition, there are a few smaller breweries (like Fortune and Glory Cider Company – technically not a brewery, I guess). Across the street from them is Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop & Taproom , the best beer bar in Astoria (and a good place to try multiple beers from different breweries). 

Drive Time / Distance from Astoria to Cannon Beach: 40 minutes / 25 miles

Where to Stay in Cannon Beach: For Cannon Beach, you have two choices – on the beach (more expensive, nice experience) or a few blocks away from the beach (cheaper, less romantic). We’ve stayed at the Inn at Haystack Rock twice , which falls in the latter category and is nice enough (but probably needs a bit of a facelift in the next couple of years). 

Cannon Beach is one of the most popular day trips from Portland , because it’s a mere 90 minutes from downtown Portland. As a result, the area can feel unbearably overcrowded on summer weekends, as Portlanders (us included) flock to the coast to escape the inland heat. 

However, on a weekday or early in the morning and later in the evening, Cannon Beach is a lovely place to spend some time.

We recently went out to Cannon Beach – our first beach foray with our dog, Lupine – midweek in January, and we were basically the only people on the hiking trail in Ecola State Park. It was wet and muddy, yes, but it was so peaceful. 

The highlights in Cannon Beach are actually the state parks that border the town on the north and south end, Ecola State Park and Oswald West State Park .

Sure, Cannon Beach – the town AND the beach – is nice, and you should definitely do a sunset walk on the beach. But definitely don’t miss the nearby state parks.  

What to Do in Cannon Beach

Here are some Cannon Beach highlights that you really shouldn’t miss. 

Haystack Rock: It’s cliche, but Haystack Rock really is an impressive sight, especially if you’re not used to the towering sea stacks that you find up and down the Oregon and Washington coast. In fact, we’d argue that Haystack Rock is up near the top of the list of tourist attractions in Oregon, somewhere below Multnomah Falls and above Powell’s Books in Portland. It’s a huge sea stack, rising 235 feet out of the surf to tower over the beach and surrounding community. It’s particularly spectacular at low tide, when you get some cool reflections in the wet sand. On our first trip to Cannon Beach, we witnessed a pair of Bald Eagles raiding the resident puffin colony for their eggs! It was quite the drama, and there are rangers on the beach in the summer who talk about the puffins and the attempts to keep them alive. 

Ecola State Park: Ecola State Park was closed for years and years until very recently, when it was reopened to the public. As you drive in on the windy, tree-lined road, it’s easy to see why a couple of bad storms put the park out of commission for a couple of years. This park is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon Coast, so it’s likely to be busy if you’re here in the summer or on a weekend. Get there early to get a parking spot in the relatively small lots! There are two things not to miss in Ecola State Park, we think. 

• The first is Crescent Beach , which is a short hike accessed either from the main parking lot, or by walking into the park from Cannon Beach. From the main lot, which you should visit whether you do the hike or not for the views, it’s a short downhill hike that winds through the ferny forest before an aggressive descent down to the beach. The beach is best at low tide, when it’s wide and sandy and littered with driftwood and sea stacks. Basically, everything you could possibly want in a Pacific Northwest beach.
• The second is Indian Beach . There’s a parking lot right at Indian Beach that fills up early because it’s a popular surfing destination. You can also hike out to Indian Beach from the main parking lot in the park, which is worth doing for the coastal views along the way. 

Hiking in Oswald West State Park: This is the other Oregon state park we referenced above, and it’s equally worthwhile. There are three hikes here to focus your time on. First is the hike to the top of Neahkahnie Mountain , which is an aggressive ascent up switchbacks to a viewpoint where you can see miles and miles of coastline to the south. Second is the hike out to Cape Falcon , which navigates out to the cape on the north side of Short Sand Beach, where you’ll have excellent views back towards the beach. Be aware that this hike is almost always extremely muddy. Seriously, do not underestimate the mud, even in the early summer. Third is the hike – though it’s more of a leisurely walk – out to Short Sand Beach , which is a wide sandy beach (at low tide, anyway) that is very popular with surfers. 

Drive Time / Distance from Cannon Beach to Tillamook: 55 minutes / 40 miles

Where to Stay in Tillamook: Tillamook itself isn’t really the nicest city, but there are some nice places to stay up and down the coast from town. We stayed in one of the tiny homes at Sheltered Nook , which is just north of the city, and really liked it (full kitchens, nice outdoor seating). 

Everyone who has spent any significant amount of time in the Pacific Northwest knows Tillamook because of the cheese, ice cream, sour cream, or some other dairy product that every supermarket carries. 

And while you’re in Tillamook, you should definitely visit their factory for a tasty, educational experience. 

However, Tillamook is also home to the Three Capes Scenic Route, which is well worth a half day of your time to explore as well. 

What to Do Around Tillamook

Here are three things not to miss when you’re in Tillamook. 

The Three Capes Scenic Route: Like we mentioned above, this is probably the premier thing to do near Tillamook. The Three Capes Scenic Route covers a 30 mile stretch of the Oregon Coast from Cape Meares to Cape Kiwanda (Cape Lookout is between them, and rounds out the “Three Capes”) where you’ll have great coastal views around every bend in the road. If you’re following this itinerary as we’ve laid it out, you’ll be heading north to south.

• Cape Meares is your first stop, and there are two things to check out. First is the Cape Meares Lighthouse, which is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. However, it has an impressive lens that was installed in 1890. The second thing not to miss is the Octopus Tree (it’s a weird looking tree with eight branches, hence the name) and the viewpoint right past it that looks out over the beaches to the south, including Short Beach. It’s a short walk from the main parking lot.
• Cape Lookout is your next stop, and is our personal favorite of the three. The highlight, by far, is the hike out to Cape Lookout . It’s a relatively easy hike that hugs the cape, which narrows as you get further and further out onto it before the trail ends at its western tip, where the views are amazing and you can hear the seals frolicking on the rocks below. It’s also a good place for whale watching in spring, because it’s about as close to the migrating mammals as you can get.
• Cape Kiwanda is the last of the three capes, and it’s a little different. It’s very popular with surfers, and you can drive out onto the beach, which means it’s a slightly different crowd that includes fishermen and boaters. From the parking lot, the main attraction is up and to the right of the beach, where you can hike up onto the cape for some great views in both directions. You’ll be hiking up in deep sand, so it’s harder than it looks. Make sure to catch the hang gliders, if they’re out, who use the northern end of the cape as a jumping off point. 

Tillamook Cheese Factory: The Tillamook Cheese Factory is legendary. Not only is there a cool educational experience where you can see how they make the cheese, but there are some truly great food options, including a huge ice cream scoop shop. If you’ve never had their ice cream before, it’s incredibly creamy. That’s their whole thing. The chocolate peanut butter swirl is Alysha’s favorite, with thick, creamy swirls of peanut butter tucked into their chocolate ice cream.They also have a retail store here, where you can buy all of their cheeses, including some of their hard-to-find reserve varieties, along with a selection of other local products. If they have them, do not miss their cheese curds, which are only available at the factory and are incredible (we’d never had them before we bought them a few years ago and fried them up post-hike over our camp stove – incredible). 

More Cheese: There’s actually a second cheese destination down the road – Blue Heron French Cheese Co – though we weren’t nearly as impressed with the presentation. The cheese – which leans towards French style – is really good, though. 

Hiking in Lincoln City: Technically this isn’t Tillamook – it’s 30-45 minutes south – but we’re including it here because two of our favorite hikes on the Oregon Coast are in and around the sleepy coastal community of Lincoln City. The first is Cascade Head , which is maintained by the Nature Conservancy (no dogs allowed). It’s a great hike that climbs through the forest and emerges onto a (very windy) bluff over the ocean, which you can climb up for some great coastal views. It’s windy as you get out onto the coast, so be prepared. The second is God’s Thumb , which is a short hike from the north end of Lincoln City that takes you out to a point, which looks out over the Oregon Coast both north and south. Along the loop, you’ll pass the Knoll, where you’ll have a great view of the neverending sandy beach that stretches out to the south. 

Drive Time / Distance from Tillamook to Newport: 1 hour 30 minutes / 70 miles

Where to Stay in Newport: We haven’t stayed there ourselves yet, but the Inn at Nye Beach has been on our list for years now. 

Newport is the biggest city on the central Oregon Coast, and has the best selection of places to stay, restaurants, and other amenities like grocery stores before you get into the more rural southern Oregon Coast. 

The structure for today is essentially using Newport as a home base to continue your road trip south along the coast past Newport (which is one of our favorite stretches of the Oregon Coast) and then returning to Newport for the night to set yourself up for a long drive the next day. 

Just south of Newport, the coast starts its transformation from the very developed, very tourist-friendly northern Oregon Coast to the more rugged southern Oregon Coast, which is rockier, less-traveled, and offers a little more peace and quiet than places like Cannon Beach and Seaside. 

From Newport, you can hit one of the most scenic drives on the coast – the area around Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head – before returning to Newport for the night to eat some fresh seafood and check out one of the many beaches in town. 

What to Do Around Newport

Here are our favorite things to do in and around Newport. 

Devil’s Churn: A short stop where you’ll hike down to an overlook with a view of an inlet that is partially covered at the end. Which means at high tide, if you’re lucky, the waves coming in will meet the waves going out and create an explosion of water.  

Cape Perpetua: The view from the top of Cape Perpetua is one of our favorite views on the coast, and it reminds us a lot of Big Sur down on the California Coast (at least on a sunny day). You can hike from the lower road up to the top , which is a nice workout, but you can also just drive to the top (which we didn’t know until we got up there, sweaty and huffing and puffing). There really isn’t a reason to do the hike other than a workout – there aren’t really any additional views you get by hiking. 

Heceta Head Lighthouse: This is one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the coast, and it’s easily accessible from the parking lot. It sits on a 1,000 foot headland that towers over the Pacific, and they have tours of the lighthouse, a charming B&B in the old light keeper’s home, and tidepools and trails to explore. You can hike out to Hobbit Beach from the lighthouse, which is a nice little trail that follows the coast to a sandy beach. 

Sea Lion Caves: We drove past this place on our first trip, saw a line out the door of a tiny little touristy-looking hut, and said “look at those suckers!” Then we learned what it actually was later on from some Oregonians, and were at least a little bit disappointed that we didn’t stop in. If you want to see sea lions, this is the place to do it. That hut sits over an elevator that takes you down hundreds of feet to the water level, where there’s a sea cave – America’s largest, in fact – filled to the brim with barking sea lions. Skeptical? Here’s the webcam where you can see for yourself. They’re open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 363 days a year, and it costs $16 for adults, $10 for kids (under 4 are free!), making it a little bit pricey. 

Exploring Newport: Newport is probably best known for its world-class aquarium – the Oregon Coast Aquarium – which we stopped at and immediately turned around when we saw the flood of small children (it would be a good family activity, though!). There are two lighthouses in town, and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is at the northern end of town, and is well worth a stop (the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is less impressive). Definitely head down to the charming Historic Bayfront for dinner and the shops there ( here on Google Maps) and head out to Agate Beach ( here on Google Maps) for a good view of the lighthouse. 

Drive Time / Distance from Newport to the McKenzie River: 3 hours / 130 miles

Full disclosure here: this part of the itinerary requires a long drive, but we think it’s worth it because this part of Oregon might just be our favorite in the entire state. 

The McKenzie River Scenic Byway follows the path of, you guessed it, the McKenzie River, which is one of Oregon’s many important rivers. For your purposes, we’d recommend driving it from the I-5 corridor (you’ll take Highway 126 from Eugene, which connects you to Highway 242) all the way to the eastern end in Sisters. 

It’s a gorgeous drive, littered with waterfalls, tight switchbacks, alpine lakes, and lava flows. 

There are a few things you need to know about this stretch. First, it’s closed outside of summer and early fall (usually open between July and October).

Second, it’s a narrow one way road, so it might not be best for RVs or trailers . 

This is going to be a long day of driving, but ultimately we think it’s worth the journey. At some point, you have to cross over the state from the coast over to the Cascades, and it’s going to take 2-3 hours, depending on how you do it. 

We went back and forth on whether or not to add a night here in Eugene, which would cut down on the drive time, but ultimately we think your time is better spent on a long drive today to give yourself some extra time in other places (which we think are more worthy of your limited time than Eugene).  

Note: You’ll spend the night in Bend tonight, so we’re skipping the “where to stay” section here. 

What to Do Along the McKenzie River Scenic Byway

Also, if you follow this itinerary as we’ve written it, you’ll be approaching from the west (coming from the Eugene area). We’ve organized the stops from west to east for that reason. 

Proxy Falls: Over the course of this trip, you’re going to see a bunch of incredible waterfalls, especially as you get into the Columbia River Gorge later in the itinerary. Proxy Falls will likely be in your top three. It’s a short hike – roughly 1.5 miles – that takes you to a massive waterfall that cascades down the mossy rocks into Proxy Creek. You can do a loop that takes you to both Lower Proxy Falls and Upper Proxy Falls. The lower falls is the more impressive of the two, and the view from the base is incredible. 

Scott Lake: This pristine lake is one of the spots we’re hoping to return to this summer. It’s a gorgeous lake with a perfect reflection of the Three Sisters (really two of the three sisters), one of the most distinctive natural features of central Oregon, and a bunch of first come, first served campsites along the lakeshore. However, the tradeoff here is the mosquitoes, which are intense in the early summer. For your purposes, we’d park along the lake and walk out to the western shore to get that reflection picture. It’s best in the afternoon, when the sun is behind you. 

Dee Wright Observatory : As you ascend the tight switchbacks along the road as you pass Scott Lake, you’ll notice an abrupt change in the landscape. In what seems like a few minutes, you’ll go from dense evergreen forests to an open, rocky landscape. That shift is a result of a massive eruption of the Belknap Crater two millennia ago, and that dark rock stretching out as far as the eye can see is the resulting lava flow. The Dee Wright Observatory is an excellent stop not only to admire the lava flows, but because it gives you a great overview of the numerous rocky peaks surrounding you. This, my friends, is the heart of the Cascades in Oregon, and you’ll see the Sisters, Broken Top, Mount Washington, and Mount Jefferson, along with a handy key atop the Observatory to help you identify which is which. 

Sisters: Sisters represents the end of the McKenzie River Scenic Byway, and the beginning of central Oregon and the high desert, which stretches for hundreds of miles to the east until you get into the Wallowas in eastern Oregon. 

Sisters itself is a cute little town that’s a great base for adventures into the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness. 

It’s a vaguely western-themed town, with some great spots to eat and drink ( Sisters Coffee and Sisters Meat and Smokehouse are good stops) and a cute little downtown area where you can do some window shopping. 

Drive Time / Distance from the McKenzie River to Bend: 1 hour 30 minutes

Where to Stay in Bend: This choice basically comes down to whether you want to be downtown in the heart of all the action, or in a quieter locale. Stay at the Oxford Hotel in Downtown Bend for the best location in the middle of the action. Stay at LOGE Bend – we’ve stayed at other properties they own before – if you want to be right near the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.

Over the past decade or so (though it seems like it happened overnight), Bend has gone from being somewhat on the map, to being one of the most famous outdoor destinations in the western United States. 

As you drive through the Cascade Mountains into the heart of Central Oregon, you’ll notice that the landscape starts to change.

First you hit the eastern foothills, which are notably more dry than the western foothills, and as you continue to Bend and beyond, you’ll be right in the heart of the high desert that stretches across Central Oregon. 

Bend is perfectly placed between the mountains and the high desert. Within 45 minutes or so, you can be in the heart of the alpine paradise in the Cascades, or hiking through the desert dodging rattlesnakes in Smith Rock State Park (more on that in a second). 

Within 45 minutes or so, you’ve got great hiking, cycling, skiing, watersports, and more. Plus, Bend itself has a pretty good food scene, the Deschutes River and all the watersports it has to offer, and perhaps the best selection of breweries in the country. 

What to Do in Bend

Here are some things to do in Bend, including some of the things to do just outside of town along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. 

Hikes Around Bend: Within the Bend city limits, there are a few good hikes (we’re not counting the hikes in the mountains or at Smith Rock, which we have separate sections for below). Pilot Butte is right in the middle of town, and after a quick ascent you have a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape that serves as a nice introduction to Central Oregon’s geography. To the west, you’ll be able to see the snow capped peaks of the Cascades (there’s a topographic map to help you identify which peak is which). To the east, it’s a lot of flat land. We also have hiked pieces of the Deschutes River Trail , which heads south out of town along the river. You could follow the trail for miles and miles, but there’s a nice 2.7 mile loop that focuses on the part of the trail near the Old Mill District that would be a lovely way to spend a morning. It would look something like this . If you want something a little longer, continue south from Farewell Bend Park, which is where the trail gets a little less developed. For more information, read our guide to hiking in Bend .

Explore Downtown Bend: Downtown Bend is centered around Drake Park along the Deschutes River (there are several areas that could be confused as “downtown” so we wanted to clarify). There’s also the Old Mill District, which is a little bit south (and has more chain retailers and Red Robin vibes, if you know what we mean), and the Box Factory, which is between them. In downtown Bend, go to Lone Pine for coffee, The Lemon Tree for brunch (it’s popular so go early), and Bontà for gelato. Then, poke your head into the many shops and boutiques along NW Wall and NW Bond. 

Brewery Hopping: Bend, like Portland, is known for its breweries. And like Portland, there are way, way too many breweries to visit in just a couple days. Here are a couple that we like for one reason or another.

• Deschutes Brewing : In many ways, the OG Craft Brewery in Bend that set off the craft beer craze in Oregon. It’s still owned by the original owners (rather than Anheuser-Busch), which is cool. They do tours (which we’ve done and enjoyed), and they have an onsite taproom with beers that you can’t find elsewhere.
• Silver Moon Brewing : A cozy taproom outside of town – we like them for their Thursday trivia nights! They have a cool space that has both indoor and outdoor seating with a lineup of live music in the summer. They also have a couple of food trucks onsite.
• Crux Fermentation Project : Our friends who are beer nerds think this is the best beer in Bend (though they also note that there’s too many and they’re too different to really choose). What we like about them is their HUGE outdoor terrace, which is a perfect place for some cold beer after a morning of hiking.  

Cider in Bend: If you’re more into cider (we are!), the small town of Tumalo just north of Bend has a couple of our favorite cideries in Oregon, and they’re just around the corner from each other. The first is Tumalo Cider , which has a nice taproom and great, dry ciders. The second is Bend Cider Company , which has a new-ish taproom a couple of blocks away. They do fun flavor combinations featuring fruits and botanicals (but not too sweet!) – we liked the Blackberry Ancho we tried recently. There’s a food cart pod across the street from Tumalo Cider which would make a good stop for lunch between cider tastings.

Tumalo Falls: Honestly, the hike to Tumalo Falls kind of sucks. But the waterfall is cool, so there’s that! It’s a 97 foot high plunge into Tumalo Creek, and if you do the six mile hike, you’ll reach the viewing platform and realize that it’s a five minute walk from the upper parking lot. We’d drive to the parking lot and check out the falls, saving your energy for a more interesting hike (there are many!) later. 

Explore the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: This scenic drive (also known as Highway 372) leaves Bend, heading southwest out into the alpine paradise that is Deschutes National Forest. Skiers and snowboarders familiar with Oregon will know this stretch because it takes you out to Mount Bachelor, one of the state’s premier skiing destinations. Which, if we think about our other favorite hiking spots in the Pacific Northwest, is a great indicator of a good summer hiking destination. It’s worth spending a day driving the byway, starting in Bend and working your way down to Elk Lake before returning the way you came. You could also do a loop, taking NF-40 back towards Bend, but we’d prefer driving the more scenic byway both ways. This is a very popular stretch, and there is a permit you’ll need to enter during the peak summer season. 

Hiking Along the Byway: The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is full of great hikes, particularly as you get out past Mount Bachelor. Here are a few good ones. 

• Green Lakes Trail : Potentially our favorite hike in central Oregon (technically it’s in the Cascades, so does that count as central Oregon?), this hike has everything we love about hiking in Oregon . Following a babbling creek the entire way, which is the perfect white noise for a hike? Check. Pristine alpine lake (really, lakes)? Check. All sorts of peaks to admire? Check. It’s 9 miles, but it’s an easy 9 miles, we think.
• Tumalo Mountain Trail : A tough ascent, but the views from atop Tumalo Mountain are worth the sweat. You’ll have Mount Bachelor, the South Sister, and Broken Top right in your face, with various other peaks peeking out behind them. It’s basically straight up, straight down.
• If you’re really up for a challenge, there are two excellent but difficult hikes here: Broken Top & No Name Lake and the South Sister . Both are very difficult, and should not be underestimated. The South Sister is going to be better if you can backcountry camp the night before at Moraine Lake or Green Lakes, which cuts down your ascent (but requires an extra night of backpacking, and all the associated gear). 

Sparks Lake: We love Sparks Lake. The main photo on the homepage of this site (at the time of writing) was taken there on an early summer morning just after sunrise. Head to the day use area, park, and walk along the southeastern shore of the lake, where you’ll be treated to an absurdly good view of the South Sister and Broken Top, with a reflection in the still water of the lake if you’re lucky. 

Day 9: Smith Rock State Park (and Drive to Government Camp)

Drive Time / Distance from Bend to Smith Rock State Park: 36 minutes / 23 miles

I will never forget the first time that I laid eyes on Smith Rock State Park during a spring trip to Bend with friends. I had only really ever been to Bend to go skiing in the winter at that point, which had us out in the forest to the city’s west at Mount Bachelor. 

Smith Rock, with its winding river snaking its way between orange-hued rock formations, looks like it belongs somewhere in Utah or Arizona, not in Oregon. At least in my mind, having never explored Oregon east of the Cascades at that particular point in my life. 

Bend is perched in the eastern foothills of the Cascades, and it is situated between the lush evergreen forests that cover the western part of the state, and the high desert that covers most of central and eastern Oregon. 

Remember at the beginning of this guide, when we said that Oregon is the ninth biggest state in the country? Bend is about 25% of the way from the western border (the coast) to the eastern border with Idaho. Which means the high desert stretches for a LONG time from Bend to the east. 

Smith Rock State Park is a destination that is definitely worth stopping at, but it’s not worth an entire section with separate things to do and places to stay. Instead, we’d recommend a stop on the way from Bend up to Mount Hood. It’s a perfect location for that. 

There’s really only one hike in Smith Rock State Park – though you can do it two ways – and that’s the Misery Ridge Trail . It’s accurately named, because the initial ascent up to Misery Ridge is brutal, especially on a hot summer day with full exposure to the sun. 

The views from the top of the ascent, though, are worth the price of admission. You’ll have a panoramic view of central Oregon, with the snowy peaks of the Cascades to the west, and the high desert stretching out as far as the eye can see to the east. 

On the descent, you’ll pass Monkey Face, a very popular destination with rock climbers. It is also accurately named, because from a certain angle, it looks exactly like the face of a monkey. 

The trail descends back down to the river, where you can either head left to return on the River Trail (shorter and flatter) or right to continue on the Summit Trail (longer with better views and more climbing) to finish the loop.

Note: This is another place where you’ll stop along the way to another destination – in this case Mount Hood – so you’ll spend the night in and around Government Camp after your exploration of Smith Rock. 

Drive Time / Distance from Smith Rock to Mount Hood: 1 hour 40 minutes / 86 miles

Where to Stay at Mount Hood: There aren’t that many places to stay here, but you do want to be in or around Government Camp on the south slopes of the mountain. There’s a Best Western , a campground at Trillium Lake that we like, and a bunch of nice cabins in the woods to choose from. 

Mount Hood is our favorite hiking destination within a couple of hours of Portland. We fell in love with it on that first road trip that eventually led us to move here, and we go back there as often as we can. 

Matt is from Seattle, where the towering peak of Mount Rainier is a near constant reminder of the natural beauty that lives just outside of the sprawling city (and also a constant barometer of the weather – “is the mountain out?” is a common question to evaluate whether it’s a nice day in Seattle). 

Mount Hood plays a similar role for Portland, and we often have a similar conversation around Portland around whether Hood is out. 

During the winter, Mount Hood is home to some of Oregon’s best skiing. Then, when the snow melts in the late summer, it turns into a veritable alpine wonderland, with wildflowers blooming, roaring waterfalls, and stunning vistas of Mount Hood around every bend in the trail. 

The part you’re going to want to focus on here is the area in and around Government Camp , on Mount Hood’s southern side. 

That’s where all the action is, though that’s not to say there aren’t worthwhile places to visit on other sides of the mountain. 

By focusing there, you’re also nicely positioned for the next stop on your itinerary, Hood River, where you’ll just hop back on Highway 26 and continue north to Oregon’s northern border. 

What to Do at Mount Hood

Here are some of our favorite things to do and see near Mount Hood.

McNeil Point (or Bald Mountain via Lolo Pass): For some of the best views in Oregon, you should hike one of these two trails. However, be warned, the hike up to McNeil Point is no joke. Not even a little bit. We did it at the peak of our hiking powers, during a summer where we were hiking 7-8 miles almost every day, and it kicked our butts. With that warning out of the way, it’s a fantastic hike. It takes you up to an alpine wonderland on Hood’s northwestern slope where you’ll have unobstructed views of the mountain, and you’ll feel like you’re close enough to reach out and touch it. The full hike to McNeil Point is a 10 mile lollipop – you should do the lollipop section counterclockwise because it involves a scramble that is easier to do uphill (you can also go around and make it an out and back, but it’s about 2 miles longer). 

Our favorite view in Oregon is the view from Bald Mountain: You’ll find it plastered all over this website – which you can access either on the way up to McNeil Point, or as a different, much easier hike from the Lolo Pass Trailhead. That’s a good shorter option that is more accessible for more hikers. 

Ramona Falls : If you want a waterfall hike, this is it. Don’t let the 7 miles scare you off – it’s a pretty easy hike with the exception of the crossing of the Sandy River, which used to have a bridge, but has since been relegated to “I don’t know, find your own way across.” It’s not an easy one, though it is worth noting that hundreds of hikers do it every day in the peak of the summer. There are various logs, and some narrower sections of the river a bit upstream from the trail where you can make the crossing. We wouldn’t take our dog, though. Ramona Falls, unlike some of the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, is a wide cascading falls that dribbles down a rock wall rather than plunging down into a pool. Still, it’s very impressive, and it’s 120 feet tall – tall enough that it’s hard to get the whole thing in frame on a photo without a wide angle lens. 

Timberline Lodge and the hike to ZigZag Canyon: The iconic Timberline Lodge is an uber-rustic lodge that is reminiscent of the various national park lodges in the American West. It was built in 1937, and has since been declared a National Historic Landmark. If you’re up for a splurge, their rustic rooms would be a fun place to stay. However, even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth coming up to do some exploring on the trails around the lodge (in the summer, anyway, it’s a ski resort during the winter months). Our favorite of the bunch is a piece of the Timberline Trail, which circumnavigates Mount Hood, and it’s the stretch between the lodge and Zigzag Canyon . It’s a beautiful, somewhat easy hike that ends with a view of the peak up a canyon. 

Trillium Lake: This is our favorite campground in Oregon, although it’s also one of the most competitive. We’ve camped here a few times, and we’ll do it again. The draw here is the excellent views of Mount Hood, often reflected in the surface of the lake, which you can find from the southern end of the lake near the day use parking. It’s also a great place to bring watercraft like kayaks and stand up paddleboards in the summer. 

Drive Time / Distance from Government Camp to Hood River: 50 minutes / 43 miles

Where to Stay in Hood River: Hood River is a very nice little downtown area, and there aren’t that many places to stay downtown. We actually like staying across the river in Washington, either at the Society Hotel in Bingen or at the lovely RubyJune Inn (a very charming B&B in a tranquil setting run by lovely people). 

The Columbia River Gorge runs along the northern border of Oregon (it separates Oregon from Washington State), and has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the state. 

Depending on how good your memory is (and how long ago high school was for you), you may remember the Columbia River from your days learning about Lewis and Clark, because it’s the river that they came up as they made their way out to their final destination just south of Astoria. 

Living in Portland, the Columbia River Gorge is essentially our backyard. It takes 30-40 minutes for us to get out there, and when we’re looking for an easily accessible hike for a random Thursday morning, this is generally where we’re heading. 

It’s also on our itinerary for every single first-time visitor who comes to Portland to visit us. 

There is a nice mix of different hikes in the Columbia River Gorge , from easy waterfall hikes to hikes that climb to the rim of the Gorge, where you’ll find dramatic vistas out over the Columbia River and the gorge beyond. 

Hood River is a town in the Columbia River Gorge, and it is perched at a crossroads of sorts. It sits at the point where the wet, temperate climate of western Oregon transitions to the dry, more extreme climate of the high desert in eastern Oregon. 

To the west, you’ll find some of the best waterfalls in Oregon. To the east, the high desert. And both north and south are the Cascade Range, and places like Mount Hood and Mount Adams. 

There are a bunch of great things to do in Hood River, and that list grows longer when you include the fertile Hood River Valley and its fruit trees as far as the eye can see and the wineries along the Columbia River. 

Hood River is a great home base to use to explore the Gorge and the fertile Hood River Valley, which is what you’ll be doing for this stretch of the itinerary. 

Note that we’ve split the “what to do” sections below into Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge to make it easier for you to plan and group things together.

What to Do in Hood River

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in and around Hood River.

Tamanawas Falls: This hike is on the eastern slopes of Mount Hood, and would be an excellent stop between Government Camp and Hood River. It’s right on Highway 26, and it’s a nice, easy hike up to a spectacular waterfall. Parking is limited, so you’ll want to get there early, or be prepared to wait for a spot in the tiny lot – parking along the highway is illegal, and we’ve seen many people get tickets here. 

Read More: Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Spectacular Tamanawas Falls Trail

Drive the Fruit Loop: The Hood River Fruit Loop is a perfect half-day activity near Hood River that takes you through the fertile Hood River Valley, with apple and pear trees as far as the eye can see (with backdrops of Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood). There are a bunch of worthwhile stops here, but our favorite is Draper Girls Country Farm , which does u-pick cherries for a short window in the summer, and has all around excellent produce more or less from spring to fall. They have a lovely back patio area with great views of Hood, and a lush collection of various fruit trees. Plus, a great selection of locally made jams, honeys, and other stuff inside the shop. 

Wine Tasting near Hood River: The area around Hood River, both on the Oregon side of the Gorge, and on the Washington side, is a great place to grow grapes and make wine. There are a bunch of wineries in Hood River itself ( Hood River Common House is a good spot), but the real way to do it is to hop in the car and drive out to one of the wineries dotting the landscape around Hood River. We like the Gorge White House (not the best wine and cider, but the setting is amazing) and Loop de Loop (the friendliest wine makers and the best dog, plus an amazing view), and have also heard good things about AniChe Cellars , Le Doubblé Troubblé , and Analemma Wines (this one came highly recommended from the folks at the Ruby June Inn, where we stayed on our recent trip). 

What to Do in the Columbia River Gorge

Here are our favorite stops in the Columbia River Gorge.

Wahclella Falls: This is the best bang-for-your-buck waterfall adventure in the Columbia River Gorge, we think. Multnomah Falls is great, yes, but it’s an absolute zoo at all hours. The short and easy hike out through a canyon with steep rocky walls here weeds out most of the visitors, and you end up at a beautiful waterfall that tumbles off of a ledge into a pool 65 feet below. 

Read More: Everything You Need to Know to Hike the Wahclella Falls Trail

Drive The Historic Columbia River Highway: The Historic Columbia River Highway runs from the town of Dodson, just west of Bonneville (and the dam of the same name), all the way to the town of Troutdale, which is just east of Portland. It’s a windy two lane road that parallels I-84, and is the original road that was used to traverse the Gorge on the Oregon side. Our recommendation would be to drive it from Multnomah Falls to its western terminus, because there are routinely huge traffic jams along the road at the base of Multnomah, and it’s better to park in the big lot along I-84. 

Multnomah Falls: Multnomah Falls is the queen of the waterfalls in Oregon. It’s by far the most impressive waterfall in the state, we think, and it’s actually the biggest tourist attraction in Oregon thanks to its location about 40 minutes away from downtown Portland. It’s a two-tiered waterfall that, all-in, falls 620 feet down from the top of the rocky ledge high above the viewing platform. The only issue we have with Multnomah Falls is the fact that, at any given moment, you’re likely to be sharing the experience with around 1,000 of your closest friends. It’s worth seeing, but there are so many other waterfalls in the Gorge to get to with a fraction of the visitors (especially if you’re willing to hike a little bit). Oh, definitely park at the bigger parking lot along the freeway ( here on Google Maps) – the smaller lots at the base of the falls are an absolute nightmare, and we’ve seen massive backups along the Historic Columbia River Highway of people just waiting to get a spot. The bigger lot has more parking, and you just have to walk a few hundred feet to get to the falls. 

Latourell Falls : Lower Latourell Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the Gorge after Multnomah, particularly in the winter when the water level is high AND there’s a bright greenish-yellow moss covering the rocks on either side of the falls. The lower falls is the more impressive, we think, as it falls 225 feet off of a ledge in one single drop. There’s a nice wooden bridge at the base of the falls, which is a short hike from the trailhead that is a must-do, that is a good spot for pictures. There’s a nice, relatively easy two mile loop hike that takes you up to the Upper Falls and down around to the base of the lower falls that is a worthy excursion if you have the time and energy. 

The Vista House & Portland Women’s Forum Scenic Viewpoint: These are two excellent viewpoints at the western end of the Historic Columbia River Highway to cap off a day full of great views. Pictures are worth 1,000 words here, we think, so here’s a few we’ve gotten from up here. 

Day 14: Explore Portland 

Drive Time / Distance from Hood River to Portland: 1 hour / 63 miles

Where to Stay in Portland: Portland is – by far – the biggest city in this guide, so we’d recommend reading our in-depth guide to choosing a place to stay in Portland for the information you need to make the best choice for you (which takes more than a couple of sentences).

What can we say about Portland? We have fallen head-over-heels in love with our new home. Everyone always talks about the “weirdness,” which we have come to understand as an implicit permission to be whoever you want to be. 

That idea flows through to the unique small business culture that exists in Portland, where you can find all sorts of locally made foods, crafts, and home goods.

The funny part about Portland is that there aren’t really any big name tourist attractions. Seattle has the Space Needle, San Francisco has the Golden Gate Bridge, and Portland has… a donut shop and an independent bookstore? But, honestly, that’s kind of why we love it. It’s not that there isn’t a lot to do – there’s plenty of amazing things to do in Portland. 

The food scene? The best on the west coast (except for maybe L.A.). There’s a culture of innovation – which we think is at least partially driven by the food cart scene that allows for low-cost experimentation (versus opening a brick and mortar location). 

The access to the outdoors? Between the excellent parks in Portland and the access to the mountains, Gorge, and coast, it’s hard to beat.

We’re in love with our home, and think you’ll like it too. 

Unfortunately for you, your time here is limited, and we’ve intentionally chosen to weight this road trip towards Oregon’s natural beauty, which means you’re left with about a day, maybe a day and a half to explore the biggest city in the state.

If you have an extra day or two, it’s absolutely worth adding time here.  

What to Do in Portland

Now, there are way too many things to list here, so we’re going to focus on our top five here.

Powell’s City of Books : The fact that we’re starting with an independent bookstore – the largest in the world, no less – tells you just about everything you need to know about Portland. It’s right in the heart of downtown Portland, and is an astounding collection of books from all genres. This place is amazing, and even since we’ve lived here I can’t walk out of here with at least one book. I bought a light blue Powell’s Books t-shirt on clearance almost a decade ago that I wear often, and every time I wear it outside of Portland (usually in Seattle) at least one person stops me to chat about how much they love Powell’s. They have an extensive collection of books, including big sections dedicated to fantasy/sci-fi, Pacific Northwest history, and graphic novels. We especially like the staff picks section in the entryway, which is a nice way to see what the staff are reading and recommending at the moment. 

The International Rose Test Garden : Washington Park – which is the park where this rose garden is located – is the best park in Portland, and is home to a bunch of different attractions including the Oregon Zoo and the Portland Japanese Garden. But the Rose Garden, which is both free and spectacular, is the best of the bunch, we think. There are 10,000 roses here, and when they’re in full bloom between roughly May and September (sometimes longer), it’s quite a sight to behold. 

Breakfast / Brunch in Portland: Portland is an excellent food city in general, especially when you consider prices are going to be about 25% lower than other cities on the west coast. However, it really shines in the morning, when you’ll find some world-class breakfast and brunch options. 

Now, you might expect to see Voodoo Donuts on this list. 

The novelty donuts are fun, yes, but it’s far from undiscovered, and there are honestly much better doughnuts to be had in Portland. Like, a lot of them. Go to Blue Star , Doe Donuts , Coco Donuts , or Petunia’s Pies and Pastries (for gluten free and vegan donuts) if you’re in and around Downtown Portland. 

Here are some of our favorites, in no particular order. 

• Fried Egg I’m in Love : Award-winning breakfast sandwiches! They have a food cart in downtown Portland, along with a brick & mortar shop on Hawthorne Blvd in Southeast Portland and up on Mississippi Avenue.
• Ken’s Bakery : The best bakery in Portland, probably. It’s in northwest Portland, and is a local favorite with a rotating selection of pastries that you can see them making right behind the register. Good sandwiches for lunch, too, but the hero is the pastries in the morning.
• Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai : Go for the mini donuts (they are NOT donut holes, Matt!) with innovative flavors, stay for the incredible chai. There’s a perpetual line, especially on weekends, so go when they open if you can. Alysha LOVES their chai (get a chai flight!). 

Explore The Eastside: While most of the tourist attractions like Powell’s and the Rose Garden (though Powell’s has a location on Hawthorne) are on the west side of the river, we actually like the east side of the river more. We’d divide this large and sprawling area into three distinct areas. If you’re staying downtown and don’t have a car, your best bets are going to be:

• The Central Eastside: Just over the river from downtown, this area is an old industrial district that has become a great place to spend an afternoon, with all sorts of places to eat and drink. We like Schilling Cider House (for 50 taps of different ciders), Cascade Barrel House (for beer), and the Revolution Hall Rooftop for drinks with panoramic views of Portland and Mount Hood).
• Southeast Portland: Our neighborhood! Centered on Hawthorne Blvd and Division St, this stretch runs straight through a residential neighborhood and is full of places to eat and drink. Fried Egg I’m in Love (breakfast sandwiches), Cibo (pizza), Lauretta Jean’s (pies), Pinolo Gelato (gelato), Magna Kusina (Filipino), and Oma’s Hideaway (Malaysian / Singaporean food) are the spots we’d hit.
• Mississippi Avenue: Where we used to live! The stretch along Mississippi Avenue might be the most bang-for-your-buck in terms of the amount of bars and restaurants packed into a relatively short stretch. For food, Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty (of Chef’s Table fame), Kate’s Ice Cream (plant-based ice cream), and the food cart pod at Prost . For drinks, go to Interurban . For shopping, don’t miss the Meadow , a store that we go to far too often with salt, chocolate, and bitters.
• The Alberta Arts District: The furthest from downtown Portland, Alberta Street is one of the main corridors in northeast Portland. Similar to the other places on this list, it’s packed with great food, drinks, and coffee. For coffee, don’t miss Proud Mary (our top coffee shop in Portland for fun single-origin coffees) and Barista . For food, go to Tin Shed Cafe for brunch, Zilla Sake for excellent sushi and sake, and Matt’s BBQ Tacos for…tacos. For drinks, Bye and Bye for good drinks and vegan food, and Great Notion Brewing for beer (and the aforementioned Matt’s BBQ Tacos, which operates on their patio). 

For more, we’d encourage you to head over and read our other Portland guides.

What to Add with More Time in Oregon

Like we’ve said time and time again, two weeks is not really enough time to see everything there is to see in Oregon. Here are a few more things to consider adding if you happen to have more time. 

More Time in Portland (+1-2 Days)

As we mentioned above, we intentionally decided to weight this itinerary towards Oregon’s natural beauty and have you spend the vast, vast majority of your time outside of cities. 

Which, unfortunately, leaves you with just over a day to explore Portland. 

Ideally, you’d spend two or three days in Portland, which is one of the most underrated food cities (quickly transitioning to “appropriately rated”) cities in the country. 

There’s a strong culture of experimentation and innovation in Portland’s food and drink scene that puts it on the leading edge of food trends that make it a great place for people who love to eat to explore.  

With an extra day or two, you can experience the things that we love about Portland at a more comfortable pace – the amazing green spaces inside the city, and the thriving food and drink scene to name a couple. 

If you have the extra time, we have guides to 2 days in Portland and 3 days in Portland (which includes a half day trip to the Gorge, which you could replace with the trip to Silver Falls just below this) which will give you a play-by-play of exactly how we’d spend your time. 

Day Trip to Silver Falls State Park (+1 Day)

Silver Falls State Park is a hair over an hour south of Portland, and it’s home to one of our favorite hikes in the state – the incredible Trail of Ten Falls . Which, as you might imagine, features 10 waterfalls over the course of a relatively easy eight mile trail. 

If you want waterfalls – and especially if you’re here in the spring and early summer when the water is high – this is as close to a must-do as it gets. 

After your hike, you can meander through the eastern end of the Willamette Valley on your way back to Portland, stopping at Bauman’s and E.Z. Orchards for farms and cider (and apple cider donuts!). 

The tiny town of Silverton is a nice place to stop for lunch after the hike (or just wait until you get back to Portland and check off some other places there!).

If you do want to stay overnight, the campground at Silver Falls is really nice. However, other than that, there’s really not a whole lot of places to stay nearby, and you’re probably better off making it a day trip and staying in Portland for another night. 

Crater Lake National Park (+1-3 Days)

So you want to add Crater Lake National Park to your Oregon trip?

Well, we have good news and bad news. 

The good news is that it’s totally doable as long as you have a little extra time. 

The bad news is that it’s only really accessible for a few short months a year, and it’s not really convenient even when it’s at its most accessible. It’s at the southern edge of the state, and it’s fairly far from just about everything else on this itinerary.  

To add Crater Lake to the itinerary, you’re going to want to do it after Bend. It’s about 90 minutes from Bend to the north rim of Crater Lake, which doesn’t seem so bad, right?

However, there is one major caveat here, and that’s the fact that the rim road that circles around to the north end of the rim is closed during the winter and early spring due to snow. 

It will start to open in early spring, but when exactly that happens totally depends on the year. 

That’s an issue to keep in mind because Bend is north of Crater Lake. The only way to access the small slice of the park that’s open between November and April (roughly), which is on the south rim, is to enter the park through the south entrance. Which is about three hours from Bend. 

We would only really recommend adding Crater Lake during the summer and early fall (call it June through October) when roads will be mostly open, and hiking trails will be mostly snow-free.

Add it as an overnight trip from Bend, and continue along on the McKenzie River Scenic Byway as written. 

What to Do with Less Time in Oregon

With less time – 7 or 10 days in Oregon – we’d make some adjustments and be more focused with your time. With 5 days in Oregon, we’d go ahead and spend the entire time in Portland, doing day trips out to the Gorge, the Coast, and Silver Falls to fill your time (you’d want to rent a car for that trip).

With 7 days , we think you have time for a nice little loop that encompasses Portland and the mountains OR the coast, but probably not both.

If you absolutely have to see both, you could add a day on to do a day trip out to the coast (Cannon Beach or Astoria) or the Columbia River Gorge (Hood River).

With 10 days , you have enough time to comfortably do a figure-8 that includes the mountains (Hood River and Mount Hood) and the coast (Cannon Beach and Astoria). 

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of what those itineraries might look like. 

7 Days in Oregon: The Mountains

Here’s what a perfect 7 days in Oregon might look like, focused on the northwest corner of the state around Portland. 

Add a day if you want to do a day trip out to the coast (and read our guide to the best day trips from Portland ).

• Day 1: Arrive in Portland, drive to Hood River
• Day 2: The Columbia River Gorge
• Day 3: Hood River & Around
• Day 4: Mount Hood
• Day 5: Mount Hood
• Day 6: Portland
• Day 7: Portland & Fly Home

7 Days in Oregon: The Coast

Add a day if you want to do a day trip out to the mountains, and focus on Hood River or Mount Hood. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Portland, drive to Astoria
• Day 2: Astoria
• Day 3: Cannon Beach & Around
• Day 4: Tillamook & Three Capes Scenic Loop
• Day 5: Drive to Portland

10 Days in Oregon

With 10 days, do a loop starting and ending in Portland that takes you first out to the mountains (and the Gorge), then head west out to the coast for a couple of nights before returning to Portland. 

• Day 6: Drive to Cannon Beach
• Day 7: Cannon Beach & Around
• Day 8: Tillamook & Three Capes Scenic Loop
• Day 9: Drive to Portland
• Day 10: Portland & Fly Home

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Omg.. I cannot tell you how well written and amazing guide this is. Everything is broken down so well and easy to understand. Loved your blog and have already fallen in love with all the pictures of the falls and mountains you have on this blog. Thank you for writing this up.. Will surely use this guide when we plan to travel.

Thanks for the kind words, Kina!

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The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip: Itinerary Inspiration and Must-See Stops

last Updated: May 17, 2021 bend cannon beach crater lake mt hood oregon portland road trip

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Are you ready to be blown away by shimmering lakes, snowy mountain tops, and enough craft beer to last a lifetime? Get ready for an Oregon road trip, my Pacific-Northwest-craving friends. Sharing tons of details below to get you started planning your trip to the Oregon coast and beyond!

Just last year I had never visited Oregon before. Yeah, yeah, shame on me (I kiiinda recently moved to the west coast so you’ll cut me some slack, yea?) ;p I visited for the first time last year, and let’s just say I’m a tad obsessed. I had heard Portland was kinda cool, and after one look at Crater Lake I knew I had to make it there sooner than later. Alas, my first few trips to Oregon were planned, and I’ve now found myself in the state 3 times within a ~6 month period (something that just NEVER happens).

So without further ado, I’m sharing my ideal Oregon road trip, from the quirkiness that is Portland south to the dazzling still water of Crater Lake and west to the allure that is the stunning Oregon coast.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Overview

• Stop 1: Portland (2-3 days)
• Stop 2: Columbia River Gorge/Multnomah Falls (1 day)
• Stop 3: Mt. Hood (1 day)
• Stop 4:  Silver Falls State Park (1 day)
• Stop 5: Smith Rock State Park (½-1 day) 
• Stop 6:  Painted Hills (½ day)
• Stop 7: Bend (1-2 days)
• Stop 8: Crater Lake (1-2 days)
• Stop 9: Ashland (1 day)
• Stop 10: Coos Bay / Southern Oregon Coast (1 day)
• Stop 11: Newport, Tillamook, and Cannon Beach (1-2 days)
• END: Portland

Over the course of the road trip, expect to drive approximately 24 hours (round trip) and around 1000 miles. You’ll notice on the map below that I haven’t included the drive from Portland to Silver Falls State Park (that’ll add another 2 hours or so to the time listed on the map), as well as the 1.5 hour drive back to Portland from Cannon Beach (limits of technology). In order to complete this Oregon road trip in a timely manner (a week to 10 days or so), you’ll be driving almost every day, with some being longer driving days than others. Plan accordingly and bring snacks! The time in the car doesn’t have to be absolutely horrible. :p

→ Read next: Top Tips for Long Car Trips // Long Road Trip Essentials

When to Visit Oregon

Like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon experiences four seasons. To be completely transparent (and as noted above), I visited these different spots in the state on a few different occasions. I visited Portland in early June, Crater Lake in early September, and Bend in the snowy winter months. Oregon is spectacular year round, but if you’re on the hunt for some sunshine and minimal precipitation, I’d recommend planning your Oregon road trip between the months of April and September.

The best month for visiting the Oregon Coast is typically September, as the summer months are usually pretty foggy. It’ll be the wettest throughout the state between November and March, and the warmest between June and September. The roads around Crater Lake typically don’t fully open to cars until July, so keep this in mind if you’re visiting prior!

If you have the luxury of picking exactly when to take your Oregon road trip, choose September! The weather is glorious – little to no rain, clear coastlines, and warm weather. Just like my home state of California, Oregon typically experiences an Indian Summer, which lasts until early-mid October.

Getting to Oregon (and Portland in particular)

First things first, if you’re not a resident of Oregon, you’ll of course need to get yourself there! Since PDX is a major international airport, it’s wise to start your Oregon road trip in Portland, as you’ll be able to find decently priced tickets from throughout the US, highly dependent on the airport you’re departing from. For reference, from SFO (San Francisco), I commonly see round trip tickets to PDX (Portland) for under $200, and many times under $150.

New Yorkers can fly to Portland for roughly $300 if bought far enough in advance. I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights whenever searching for tickets, and more often times than not, find the cheapest prices on one of them. The ability to track prices (and get email notifications when the price drops) is top notch and one of my favorite features. Take advantage of Skyscanner , you guys, they’re seriously the best.

quirky coffee shops everywhere you go in Portland – this one’s in a converted school bus!

If you’ll be following this complete Oregon road trip itinerary you’ll be doing a full loop from Portland, hence the need for round trip tickets from PDX. If you’re coming from Northern California and don’t mind doing a bit of extra driving, you can start this road trip from wherever you see fit (Crater Lake is roughly 7-8 hours from San Francisco, and the southern Oregon Coast – Coos Bay – is about 9 hours). Just remember that you’ll need to head back to your original destination. 🙂

Since this is in fact a road trip , you’ll need a vehicle to get you from place to place! Worth mentioning so you don’t forget to account for the cost of a rental car when following this Oregon road trip! And since you’ll be returning the car in the same place you picked it up, no need for pesky extra drop-off fees. I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner , frequently find great deals on there!

I like to search  via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

How Long Should This Oregon Road Trip Take?

In all honesty, that’s a kinda hard question to answer, as the duration of the trip highly depends on your interests and how long you wanna stay in each place. I’d say a week if you’re picking and choosing a few stops to 2 and a half weeks if you wanna see and do mostly everything on this Oregon itinerary at a leisurely pace.

Now let’s get this Oregon road trip under way!

The Complete Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Stop #1: start in portland (2-3 days).

Portland, Oregon is best known for its delectable donuts, snobby coffee culture, orgasmic food, and, of course, for being weird. It is in their slogan after all! Two to three days in the city will give you enough time to see all the highlights, as well as eat to your heart’s content. It’s the best place to start your Oregon road trip since renting a car will be easy peasy if you’re flying into PDX.

With two days in Portland, you can easily fit in these activities:

• Pittock Mansion: Looking for spectacular views of the entire city? You’ll find those here at Pittock Mansion. Note that while the view is free to admire, a ticket is required to tour the mansion grounds.

• International Rose Test Garden (located within Washington Park): What’s better than rows and rows of sweet-smelling roses? Hint: not much. The garden boasts over 10,000 of the pretty things, in every color combination imaginable (over 650 varieties)! Wander around for a half hour or so, and be sure to actually stop and smell the roses (yes, pun intended). Make sure you visit when the roses are in bloom (April through October, although June is the peak season). FYI – Entrance to the garden is free, but you’ll need to pay a few bucks for parking.

• Powell’s City of Books: Book lovers, rejoice! You can easily spend hours (and hours) exploring Powell’s flagship store – you’ll even need a map (which they happily supply). Be warned: this place is HUGE huge (like, multiple floors with rooms opening into rooms opening into rooms, etc etc). It actually takes up an entire city block and then some. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you’re just not looking hard enough – they have EVERYTHING imaginable and then some (new, used, rare, and even out-of-print books). I was like a kid in a candy store…

• Keep Portland Weird Sign: Right across from Voodoo Donuts you’ll find this quick photo spot → don’t miss this iconic mural! The sign itself is just a wall in a parking lot, but just go, be weird, and take your picture. The actual address is 350 W Burnside St in case you can’t find it (it’s right behind Dante’s).

• Tilikum Crossing: Have more time and looking for a scenic leisurely walk over the river? Head to Tilikum Crossing, also known as the “bridge of the people”, a .35 mile pedestrian, bike, and light rail bridge with unparalleled views of the Willamette River. Smart, right? Why don’t more cities have this (bridges that ban cars that is)? You can easily do this walk back and forth in under an hour. I reckon it’d be even more dramatic and scenic at night with all the city lights shining down on the river! Be sure to look out for the submarine near OSMI!

→ Read Next: 3 Perfect Days in Portland

Where (and what) to eat in Portland (my favorites):

• Pok Pok: order the Vietnamese fish sauce wings
• Blue Star Donuts: just do it, more than once (calories don’t count on vacation)
• Coffee at Stumptown: grab some at the airport if you don’t have time
• Salt and Straw ice cream: try some of their wacky flavors, changing all the time!
• Abyssinian Kitchen: some of the tastiest Ethiopian food around
• Katchka (Russian): try the herring under a fur coat, Siberian dumplings, lamb with rice, and cauliflower schnitzel (all super tasty)
• Pine State Biscuits: I’m drooling just thinking about my breakfast
• Fried Egg, I’m in Love: the best egg sandwiches in Portland, in my opinion
• Tov Coffee: located in a converted school bus; get “the mint thing”, it’s orgasmic
• Voodoo Donut: a Portland must-stop, even if everyone says Blue Star is better

Sleep: Portland (I’ve been lucky enough to stay with friends/family when visiting the area, but I’ve heard fantastic things about Ace Hotel Portland , Jupiter Hotel , Kimpton Hotel Monaco , and Stay Pineapple at Hotel Rose . Browse all hotels in Portland here .

Stop #2: Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge (1 day)

Distance: 30 miles to Multnomah Falls | Driving time: 45 minutes + driving through the Gorge

It’s time to grab those wheels (hint: car rental) and make our way towards our first official stop on this Oregon road trip, Multnomah Falls!

Being the tallest waterfall in all of Oregon state, a stop at Multnomah Falls really should be on any Oregon road trip itinerary, no matter how long or short. Looking up at the 600+ foot tall roaring cascade of icy water is awe-inspiring to say the least! It’s actually the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest (whoaaa Nelly), so be prepared to share the views with 34,534 of your closest Portland-loving friends if you come after 10am. Visit before 9am and you’ll have the place almost to yourselves, season dependent.

Once Multnomah Falls is outta the way (and as noted earlier, head here early due to the crowds that arrive by 9/10am), continue on your waterfall-finding journey – there’s dozens upon dozens (!!!) of them in the Columbia River Gorge. The Gorge is essentially a canyon of the Columbia River, stretching more than 80 miles and up to 4,000 feet deep, and is kinda a divide between Washington and Oregon. With stunning vistas and enough waterfalls to last a lifetime, you’ll want to carve out at least half a day to explore.

Note that trails close on occasion due to wildfires, so you’ll want to make sure access is available before you set off on any hike. I’ve heard Horsetail Falls, Latourell Falls (it’s a few minutes before Multnomah, but go afterwards to beat the rush at Multnomah), and Wahkeena Falls are spectacular – but all were closed during my June 2018 visit due to the horrific fire in 2017.   Check for possible trail closures here .

Note that it’s about 45 minutes from Multnomah Falls to the town of Hood River, which is a good place to base yourself for the night. If you’re exploring other waterfalls in the Gorge, you’ll be even closer to Hood River.

Sleep: Hood River (Check out the Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River and the Best Western Plus Hood River – both great options). Browse all hotels near Hood River here.

Stop #3: Hood River and Mt. Hood (1 day)

Psst – if you’re really pressed for time you can combine stop #2 and #3 into one long day. It’s definitely doable, it’ll just be a little rushed. Do note that if you plan on doing some hiking, you’ll probably wanna split up the days, but your call! I visited everything in one day, but wasn’t able to do all the hiking I wanted due to the trail closures as mentioned above.

Distance: 47 miles to Timberline Lodge | Driving time: 1hr

Next up, Hood River, but first, a short pit stop at Rowena Crest . Sure, it’s about 25 minutes outta the way, but most definitely worth it for that instashot (I’m sure you’ve seen it somewhere – haha)! So what is it about this place that makes it rather popular?! Yes, it’s technically just a bend in the road but the surrounding scenery makes it a worthwhile stop.

This iconic horseshoe curve is actually one of the most photographed roads in all of Oregon! It does get pretty windy up here, so if you’re planning on taking that insta-photo, please be extra extra careful! Note that you’ll need to hoist yourself up and over the railing if you want more than just shoes in your shot (I was too much of a chicken to do so).

On your way to Mt. Hood, you’ll most likely wanna stop in Hood River for some lunch. My suggestion – Solstice Wood Fire Cafe for, you guessed it, some wood-fired pizza. Stretch those legs and go for a walk along the Hood River Waterfront for some great views of the area as well!

Additional pit stop: Hood River Lavender Farm ! An absolute must-stop for anyone who’s even a little bit lavender obsessed. Not only can you wander around the whole place smelling the sweet smells, but for $5, you can pick your own lavender to tie up and bring home! The place was smaller than I had expected, but there’s tons and tons of lavender bushes so it doesn’t even matter. Be extra careful when picking, as there’s lots of bees!

Be sure to look inside the gift shop for lavender jams/jellies, soaps, etc. If you come on a clear day you can even see Mt. Hood in the distance! FYI: Lavender picking season is from April/May to November, with peak bloom being July-August.

Wanna brag to your friends about finding the best views of Mt. Hood? Head to Trillium Lake , where the mountain literally reflects in the water and creates the most peaceful setting. What’s better than a mountain reflection in a jazzy blue lake? Not much! On a clear day, you’ll find Mt. Hood perfectly reflected in the water. Worth the short photo stop for sure! You can also walk around the lake for additional views as well, but we wanted to make it back by dinner so skipped the almost-2-mile loop trail. I want to visit during sunrise or sunset next time!

End this long day at Timberline , a mountain lodge right at the base of Mt. Hood, where you can watch the skiers summer ski and grab a bite to eat (if you’re so inclined). You of course can spend the night here if you’re planning on actually using the mountain for skiing or snowboarding (be sure to make reservations in advance), but we were just observers for the day.

Sleep in Mt Hood : Timberline Lodge if you’re feelin’ fancy, or check out Best Western Mt. Hood Inn or Collins Lake Resort for budget options in the area.

Stop #4 ( optional ): Silver Falls State Park (1 day)

(adds an extra 2-3 hours of driving time)

Distance : 94 miles to Silver Falls State Park | Driving time : 2hr plus traffic

→ Note that it’s more than possible to visit Silver Falls State Park as a day trip from Portland, so if you wanna do that and tack on a day to your Portland stop, feel free! → That’s what I did! It’s actually only about 1 hour, 15 minutes south of Portland, so if you prefer staying in the city and switching hotels one less time, a day trip to Silver Falls from Portland may be your best bet!

If the waterfall at Multnomah wasn’t enough for you, or you’re just a waterfall fanatic like myself, make the 2-3 hour detour to Silver Falls State Park. (Psst – I actually found the waterfall at Silver Falls State Park even more spectacular than those on the Columbia River Gorge). There are numerous trails available, with the easiest of them leading to the most impressive waterfall in the park – South Falls. You can even go behind some of them! Definitely reminded me of the some of the waterfalls I saw in Iceland!

If you’re looking for a longer hike, trek the entire 9 miles and you’ll be rewarded with 10 waterfalls (yes, 10!). Where else can you see 10 waterfalls on one hike?! We hiked about 3 miles or so and saw two waterfalls.

People actually call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system – you’ll quickly understand why after your first visit! I mean, who doesn’t appreciate a leisurely walk the rainforest (Oregon’s only one actually!)

Sleep : Browse all hotels near Silver Falls State Park here.

Stop #5: Smith Rock State Park (½ – 1 day)

Drive: 3 hours to Smith Rock State Park from Silver Falls State Park -or- 2 hours from Timberline

Located roughly 30 minutes north of Bend (next up on this Oregon road trip itinerary) in central Oregon’s High Desert (riiiight off the highway I might add), this is a spot you’d be absolutely mistaken to miss, no matter the weather. With scenic views of deep river canyons and ample hiking opportunities, Smith Rock is any outdoor-lovers dream. If you’re up for a workout on tons of switchbacks, head up to Misery Ridge for dramatic views of the entire canyon and nearby rock formations. This spot is a mecca for rock climbers, and even if you don’t subject yourself to Misery Ridge (it is called Misery Ridge for a reason), you can still spot them from the canyon floor.

we visited in winter, hence the reason we’re bundling up (obv)

Psst: if you’re an alpaca fanatic like I am (guilty!), be sure to check out Crescent Moon Ranch located in Terrebonne (right near Smith Rock State Park). make sure to head into the visitor’s lounge to pick up some alpaca food to feed the little guys and check out all the goods made from their soft, luxurious fleece. Wool sweaters, wool socks, wool stuffed animals, and oh so much more – it’s all there.

Sleep: near Smith Rock ( Sleep Inn & Suites Redmond and Best Western Plus Rama Inn are viable options) or in the areas of Mitchell / Prineville near the Painted Hills (depends if you wanna do more driving today)

Stop #6 ( optional ): Painted Hills and surrounding areas (1 day)

This minor detour to Painted Hills will take you roughly an hour and 45 minutes outta the way, but hey, you might as well see a lot of the state on this Oregon road trip. And plus, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, so you kinda gotta see it.

The Painted Hills are just that – full of hills of a whole myriad of different colored soils, including yellows, golds, blacks, and reds. Top Tip: these different colors are best viewed in the late afternoon (the claystones appear different dependent on light and moisture).

But don’t leave just yet – the Painted Hills are just one of three units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds. You’ll find mars-like landscapes at the Clarno Unit, and fossils of plants and animals at the Sheep Rock Unit (which make up 55 million years of evolution with a giant collection of 40,000 fossils). And no, I didn’t exaggerate those numbers. It’s the real deal over in these parts! All of these three units have short trails to dramatic viewpoints of colorful rock formations – you could easily spend all day here. Note that the three units are roughly 1 hour away from each other, so you’ll need to account for some extra driving should you want to visit two or all three.

→ Important: If you’re staying after dark to watch the sunset (highly recommended), be extra careful when driving to your accommodations at night. There’s lots of wildlife out and about near the roads (deer, elk, etc).

Note that today’s kinda a lot of driving if you decide to see Smith Rock and the Painted Hills in one day, so you may want to consider sleeping in Mitchell near the Painted Hills (30 min drive) and driving to Bend the next morning. If you wanna get a head start the drive to Bend, sleep in Prineville (roughly 1 hr, 15 minutes from the Painted Hills and on the way to Bend).

Sleep : Bend at LOGE Entrada Bend (where I stayed and brand spankin-new) or The Oxford Hotel (another top-notch option recommended by a couple we met on our Craft Beverage Tour).   Browse all hotels in Bend here . (or Mitchell / Prineville near the Painted Hills)

Stop #7: Bend (2-3 days)

Drive: 2 hours to Bend from the Painted Hills

Located between the snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the high desert plateaus of Central Oregon, Bend really has it all, and then some. Because of its prime location for outdoor activities (think hiking, biking, river sports, etc), you’ll find a ton of sporty enthusiasts living the rugged lifestyle.

Bend is basically an adults playground. And the town is super cute, too, with a whole slew of mouthwatering restaurants and cafes to indulge in!

As noted above, we visited Bend in it’s snowy winter months , and have yet to experience the area in all it’s warm-weather summer-glory. We fully enjoyed our time in Bend covered in snow, and went snowshoeing, took a craft beverage tour, and ate everything in sight (for real).

However, since I have a feeling you’ll be planning this Oregon road trip for a warmer month, I’ve compiled some of the best things to do in Bend sans piles and piles of snow. I have a few friends and cousins who frequent the area quite often (they’re Bend-obsessed), so I got some recommendations from them for you to enjoy.

Since Bend is sooo well known for its craft beers, you can’t leave town without taking part in the fun for at least a little while. The city is actually known as Beer Town USA, and has more breweries per capita than any other city in Oregon. Craft beverage tours like the Bend Ale Trail or the Local Pour Tour with Wanderlust Tours are especially popular to sample local sips.

We loved the mixture of the Local Pour Tour, visiting a local cidery, kombucha tap room, a whisky distillery, and of course a brewery. There’s even a non-alcoholic beer brewed for pups! Crazy, right?! They do love their beer over in Bend! If you’re a beer fanatic as well, you may want to schedule your trip to Bend during one of it’s many annual beer celebrations, including Central Oregon Beer Week, Bend BrewFest, or Bend Oktoberfest (among many, many more).

Alternatively, simply wander around the Old Mill District and Downtown Bend, which have tons of places to eat, stroll, or shop.

Outdoor lovers will also find tons to do here. During the summer, book a kayaking or canoeing expedition on the Cascade Lakes or the Deschutes River with Wanderlust Tours, who we actually went snowshoeing with in the winter and LOVED!

You can also enjoy the outdoors on foot or by bike, and you’ll see tons of people out on the trails on warm, sunny days. The Pilot Butte Trail is a popular hiking trail in Bend that takes you to the top of an extinct volcano (yup, I said volcano alright), with thrilling views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains nearby. It’s a beautiful, scenic trail for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. For bikers, you can’t beat the Deschutes River Trail, which extends over 12 miles and borders the Deschutes River, winding through canyons and beautiful green forests along the way.

what you can expect Bend to look like in the winter (that snow, swoon)

And if you’re looking to amp up your photography skills, book yourself a private lesson with Toni from Bend Photo Tours. She was oh so patient with me and answered all my silly (and quite embarrassing) questions without batting an eye. Next time I’m there I’m hoping the weather conditions are sufficient for some night-sky photography!

→ Read Next: A Snowy Weekend Trip to Bend, Oregon

Sleep: Bend at LOGE Entrada Bend (where I stayed and brand spankin-new) or The Oxford Hotel (another top-notch option recommended by a couple we met on our Craft Beverage Tour).   Browse all hotels in Bend here .

Stop #8: Crater Lake National Park (2 days)

Drive: 2 hours, 30 minutes to Crater Lake National Park from Bend

Crater Lake National Park has got to be one of the most mesmerizing places I’ve been to date, and thankfully, it’s up next on this Oregon road trip. With its calm dazzling blue waters, scenic highways, and super starry night skies, you can be sure you’ll never forget your visit to Crater Lake. And that’s a promise!

Some quick facts:

• Crater Lake is currently the 10th-deepest lake in the world, with a maximum depth of almost 600 meters (1,949 feet). It’s also the deepest lake in the USA!
• The magnificent intense blue color of Crater Lake is primarily due to it’s great, great depth, and remarkable clarity. The waters stay so clear since the lake has no other bodies of water flowing into it, meaning little-to-no pollution!  

We spent most of our time hiking, but there’s lot more to do at the National Park if hiking isn’t your jam. Revel in the views from Rim Drive’s multitude of lookout points, get some fancy drinks and/or a dessert at Crater Lake Lodge, take a boat cruise to Wizard Island, and even go for a swim (if you dare to step foot in the chilly waters)!

Although the park is open every single day of the year, many of the park’s roads, trails, and facilities are closed seasonally due to snow, which usually do not reopen until summer (June/July). If you want to ensure you’ll be able to drive around the perimeter of the lake (Rim Drive), schedule your trip for late July, August, or September. These also happen to be the most popular times to visit Crater Lake, but don’t fret – the park is rather large so you’ll still be able to find your own spots of peace and solitude.  

Sleep : Melita’s Crater Lake Lodge nearby Crater Lake (or you can head right to Ashland if you prefer). Browse all hotels near Crater Lake National Park here.

Stop #9: Ashland (1 day) – OPTIONAL

Drive: 2 hours to Ashland from Crater Lake National Park

Get one last look at Crater Lake, then hit the road; it’s time to make our way to Ashland, one of southern Oregon’s hot spots and loved by all.

Ashland is a classic Pacific Northwest hippie town with a love for nature, beer, and admittedly, all things weird. Here, you can find a very alternative vibe, with tons of green, vegan health shops, locally-brewed beers, and tons of places where you can get in touch with the quirky and downright strange personality of the place.

It’s not everywhere that you can watch Shakespeare, drink Sriracha flavored beer, and go to a paranormal activity hotspot in just one day. But in Ashland, you can do all this and more! Told you it was weird.

Speaking of Shakespeare, The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is a must-see here, with regular shows at the Green Show, a performance venue and courtyard that’s frequented by visitors and locals alike. But if you’re not a fan of Shakespeare himself (say what?!), you can see other productions the group puts on, like Hairspray and Alice in Wonderland. The OSF shows usually happen during the summer, and if you choose to go to a classic Shakespeare show, don’t miss the ones at the Allen Elizabethan Theatre.

Aside from Shakespeare, there are tons of other weird and wacky things to do in Ashland. Beer lovers can find the strangest and most unique beers at the Caldera Brewing Tap House, a local favorite that made waves with its Sriracha Stout beer. You can also visit the Oregon Vortex, which is a weirdly spiritual spot known for paranormal activity and other strange happenings located about 30 minutes from town. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful nature in the area, especially in the fall, when the leaves turn all kinds of beautiful colors.

Technically , if you wanna save a bit of driving and don’t have all the time in the world, you may choose to cut Ashland out of your Oregon itinerary. Your call, but I think it’s worth at least a day or so.

Sleep: Bard’s Inn Ashland . Browse all hotels in Ashland here.

Stop #10: Coos Bay // Southern Oregon Coast (1-2 days)

Drive: 3 hours, 15 minutes from Ashland to Coos Bay

It’s finally time to get this Oregon coast road trip itinerary underway! The drive from Ashland and Crater Lake will essentially take the same amount of time, so there’s no absolute NEED to visit Ashland if you’re pressed on time.  If you’re coming from either one, you have two options – the long way (~5 hour drive with more exploration of the southern Oregon coast), or the shorter way (3 and a half hours cutting straight to Coos Bay from Ashland/Crater Lake). I suggest opting for the short route as in my opinion, you won’t be missing out on too much by skipping the southern coast below (as Coos Bay is one of most scenic areas on the Oregon Coast)– but obviously, your choice!

Coos Bay is home to the Cape Arago Beach Loop, which is where I’d spend the rest of the day.

On this driving/exploring/sightseeing loop, you’ll venture into three Oregon State Parks, watch a ton of seals and sea lions play, as well as stop at numerous breathtaking vantage points. The drive is not super long, but you’ll definitely want the better portion of the day to stop and soak it all in!

A few must-see stops: 1) Bastendorff Beach (say goodbye to crowds and hello to oh so much natural beauty), 2) Sunset Bay State Park (those towering sea cliffs sure are something, especially with the beautiful sandy beaches and amazing tide pool explorations), 3) Cape Arago Lighthouse Viewpoint (you unfortunately can’t view the inside but you can get fantastic views from here), 4) Shore Acres State Park and Botanical Gardens (tons and tons of blooms), 5) Simpson Beach (look out for the migrating whales and hundreds of seals and sea lions), 6) Shell Island (breeding and rest areas for seabirds and Marine mammals), and finally 7) Cape Arago State Park.

Sleep in Coos Bay : Browse all hotels near Coos Bay here.

Stop #11: Newport, Tillamook, and Cannon Beach (2 days)

Next up on this Oregon coast road trip → making the way back up north to Cannon Beach!

Prepare yourself as today’s primarily a driving day, but don’t worry, there’s tons of scenic stops along the way. Think scenic seaside towns, sand dunes, spectacular lighthouses, and cheese! Yes, cheese! Because who isn’t fascinated by cheese?

Sure, California’s Highway One surely steals the show when it comes to coastal road trips, but Oregon’s coast is one for the bucket list as well! With quiet seaside coves, bustling beach towns, and secluded hideaways, you won’t want to miss the beauty that is Oregon.

A few recommended stops between Coos Bay and Cannon Beach, where we’ll be ending the drive today. If you’re not pressed on time you can easily spread these activities/stops out over two days.

• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area: Wind-sculpted sand dunes for days (literally, miles and miles and miles). This NRA is actually one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, so yea, I wasn’t kidding when I said Oregon’s coastline is on par with California’s .  You can even take a buggy or ATV tour of the dunes!
• Haceta Head Lighthouse : The first of numerous lighthouses on our list, and this one just happens to be the brightest light on the Oregon coast and most photographed in the whole state. To say it’s simply stunning is a huge understatement.
• Cape Perpetua: Don’t miss the Spouting Horn, an exploding salt water geyser, and Thor’s Well, a gaping pit with violent waves crashing in every direction that ultimately fall into a hole, just as weird and wonderful as it sounds.
• Nye Beach: The perfect stop for a late lunch, depending on how much exploring/sand-duning you did earlier. This is also a great place to spend the night if you’ll be splitting the drive from Coos Bay to Cannon Beach into two days.
• Yaquina Head Light: Being the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, you can’t miss this towering beauty
• Devils Punchbowl State Reserve: This is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology. Also, as the name suggests, there’s a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. Better yet, go at sunset if you want to see something spectacular.
• Tillamook Cheese Factory: Who could resist some fine, fine creamy cheese samples? Not I, that’s for sure! If you’re not familiar with the brand, Tillamook is a leading cheese provider in the area, who aims to connect farmers with everyday food lovers (hi!) with cheese and ice cream. Don’t miss the tour.
• Cannon Beach: Phew, made it (finally)! HAYSTACK ROCK, enough said.

Finally, the last official stop on this Oregon coast road trip, the one and only Cannon Beach. Here at Cannon Beach, you’ll find the famous and ever-so-popular Haystack Rock (it’s a sight to be seen).

No matter where you stand, you’ll see it (I promise), as it towers 235 feet over the beach. If you can, plan your visit during low tide so you’re able to walk right up to Haystack Rock to search for sea creatures (crabs, sea anemone, mussels, and snails). Check here to see when the tide is at its lowest. Check out Pelican Brewing Company should you get hungry (the fish tacos were absolutely bomb).

Sleep: Hallmark Resort and Spa Cannon Beach or Surfsand Resort if you’re feeling fancy, or Hidden Villa Cottages for a less expensive room. Note that many of the hotels are quite expensive in Cannon Beach, so expect to pay at least $250 a night or so.

Thankfully, you’ve only got about an hour and a half drive west back to the city of Portland to complete this full Oregon road trip. Choose to drive back after your first night in Cannon Beach, or the morning after your second.

End: Portland → Phew, you made it back! Grab some Stumptown Coffee on your way home!

Are you visiting the state soon? What are you most excited about on this Oregon road trip itinerary!?

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April 5, 2024 at 8:41 am

Sharp photos! Bend is definitely vibrant in the summer. You should make the trip. Be sure to check out Galveston and the oldmill district =)

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The Epic Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

This Oregon Road Trip Itinerary will help you live an epic and fabulous adventure through this glorious Pacific Northwest state. Mountains, waterfalls, river gorges, dense forests, a fairy-tale coast, wineries, hot springs, wonderful cities, ghost towns, and the USA’s deepest lake. Oregon impresses with its attractiveness and variety of landscapes. We show you must-see stops and things to do. Oregon is also a picture-perfect state, so we tell you the best photo spots to catch its wild natural beauty. We give you also hints on where to stay and what to pack. So, check our Epic Oregon Road Trip Itinerary with lots of tips and photos to prepare for an adventure.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – Introduction

We fell in love with Oregon on our first visit and have been to it several times. We admire this state because of its incredible beauty and variety. Moreover, we love to photograph waterfalls, mountains, covered bridges, and original architecture in Oregon.

My partner Chris and I developed this itinerary based on our experiences and insights. We show you the places you should not miss during the Oregon Road Trip. All photos presented in this article we took during our several Oregon road trips.

How many days do I need for the Oregon Road Trip?

Oregon is beautiful, so the longer the road trip you plan, the better. Our itinerary includes a 10-day Oregon road trip that begins and ends in Portland . A 10-day Oregon road trip will allow you to enjoy this state, see its greatest attractions, and take great photos.

But at the end of this article, you will find tips on what to add to your itinerary if you have 14 days . We also tell you how to shorten this plan if you only have 7 days to travel and want to see as many places in Oregon as possible.

Below, you will find our plan at a glance. Later, each day is described in detail with the itineraries, road suggestions, driving time, the most interesting stops, and attractions. We assure you that you fall in love with this state after seeing these places and want to return to Oregon.

The Epic Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Day 1. Arriving at Portland and exploring Portland. Day 2 . Driving to Mount Hood and hiking in the Mount Hood area. Day 3. Sightseeing of Shaniko Ghost Town and driving to Sisters. Day 4. Exploring Sisters and Bend – Willamette National Forest area. Day 5. Driving to Crater Lake National Park and Umpqua National Forest. Day 6. Exploring Crater Lake National Park. Day 7. Driving to Oregon Coast and Oregon Coast Road Trip. Day 8. Oregon Coast Rod Trip – exploring Oregon Coast. Day 9. Exploring Oregon Coast and return to Portland. Day 10. Exploring Portland and Columbia River Gorge/Multnomah Falls.

What Should You Know About Oregon Before You Go On A Road Trip?

• Oregon is a state where you  refuel your car without leaving it . At the gas station, you are served by a gas station employee . Refueling by yourself in Oregon carries a fine of up to $500. It’s similar only in New Jersey. It is worth remembering this when planning your Oregon road trip. This rule does not only apply to motorcyclists.
• There is  no sales tax in Oregon . Therefore, it is a state worth visiting, if only for shopping. Oregon is one of only five states (alongside New Hampshire, Montana, Delaware, and Alaska) where the price you see on the product is what you pay at the checkout. So, it’s worth shopping in Oregon. The best shopping in Portland.

What is the best time for Oregon Road Trip?

Oregon is attractive all year round. It all depends on your favorite outdoor activities and the way you travel. But this Oregon road trip itinerary is fully usable during the summer and fall months from May to the end of October.

Some of the recommended places to visit are inaccessible in winter due to closed roads. However, we tell you which roads are closed in winter so that you can also adapt your itinerary to the winter months.

Summer and Fall are also the best months for all our suggested activities. Pleasant weather enables longer hikes in the fresh air. The days are also long, so you will see more places and drive longer distances.

However, most tourists will certainly be in the high season in July and August. Therefore, if you are going during these months, we suggest that you start your sightseeing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Oregon Road Trip Map

Please, take a paper map for your Oregon road trip. You will need it. Believe us, very often, there is no phone coverage, and you must use the traditional map. We love modern apps, but they have become useless in places like mountains, deep forests, and challenging hikes. So, a paper map is best when no cell service exists.

We use Benchmark Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas . It is very informative and detailed. Thanks to this atlas, our trips were more interesting, as we could quickly learn what was nearby and plan our route. It’s also a useful alternative to GPS maps when traveling.

Where to stay during the Oregon Road Trip?

It all depends on your needs, travel style, and budget. We traveled both by car and slept in lodges/hotels and by an RV, and stayed at campsites. Therefore,  we recommend specific lodging options for each day of the trip—only those we checked and were satisfied with—hotels and RV campgrounds for each location .

But no matter what you decide,  book your accommodation well in advance .

If you plan camping in Oregon, check our Car Camping Checklist.

What to pack for the Oregon Road Trip?

Our journey leads through the mountains, dense forests, waterfalls, hot springs, and heavenly beaches, so you should pack properly. Oregon’s climate is temperate but fairly humid, with frequent rainfall. The humidity is felt in the mountains and forests, so always be ready for rain.

Please check our detailed  Day Hiking Packing List  to see what to pack for hiking trails.

Furthermore, check our  Road Trip Packing List Essentials  to make your Oregon Road Trip safe and comfortable.

Day 1 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Arriving in Portland and exploring Portland

Arriving in portland.

Our Oregon road trip begins in the capital of the state – Portland. The city has an international airport, so it’s the most convenient way to get there. You can rent a car from the rental located at the airport.

Lodging in Portland

For this Oregon road trip itinerary, we recommend you book 2 nights in Portland – the first and the last . Of course, you can modify the plan to your needs.

During our few trips, we stayed in the  Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center . We really enjoyed staying here. Our room was clean, and it had a lot of space, the service was great.

We also stayed in the  Mark Spencer Hotel , which is fabulous, in the city’s heart. But check below on the Deals finder the best offers.

During the last trip with the motorhome, we stopped at Portland Fairview RV Park .

Sightseeing Portland

Portland is a delightful city, so we’ve put together a detailed Portland Itinerary . What do we suggest you see during the day after your arrival? Start from Downtown Portland and the river waterfront loop. It’s a 2.6-mile loop that runs right along the Willamette.

There are 12 fabulous bridges over the Willamette River. If you have time, visit Portland Japanese Garden and go to the Pittock Mansion situated 1,000 feet above the city.

Day 2 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Driving to Mount Hood and hiking in the Mount Hood area

Drive to timberline lodge & mount hood.

Take US-26 W and drive to the Mount Hood area. The drive will take you about 2 hours, and it is a scenic route.

Lodging in the Mt Hood area

We suggest 1 night in the Mount Hood area in this Oregon Road Trip Itinerary.

Timberline Lodge is a historic beauty hotel near the magnificent Mount Hood. Moreover, the psychological horror “The Shining” from 1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick, was shot at the Timberline Lodge. You can check our photos from this fabulous and thrilling filming location here. If you can, stay overnight at Timberline Lodge. If the place is busy, choose one of the nearby accommodations. Nearby are Best Western Mt. Hood Inn , The Mt. Hood Oregon Resort .

Hiking in the Mount Hood area

No matter where you stay for the night, head to Timberline Lodge and see this fabulous scenery. Moreover, they have great restaurants where you can have lunch or dinner. Finally, the Timberline Lodge parking lot provides access to many trails on the flanks of Mount Hood. So, you can choose one or two hikes in Mount Hood National Forest.

• Mountaineer Trail Loop Hike is a great hike because there is such an easy road that goes so high on the mountain. The distance is 2.7 miles. The easiest hiking opportunity is to stroll in any direction you feel like.
• Zigzag Overlook Hike is also easy to hike. The distance is 4.4 miles. You will see the alpine areas of Mount Hood’s south side. You’ll pass alpine and subalpine meadows to reach an overlook over the deeply gouged Zigzag River Canyon, with the craggy ramparts of Mount Hood above.
• Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge Hike is a longer but fabulous hike. The distance is 12.1 miles, and it isn’t easy. Is a classic mountain trek. In addition to the mountain vistas and wildflowers, the route passes several waterfalls and offers unique views of the high country south and west of Mount Hood.

Day 3 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Sightseeing of Shaniko Ghost Town and driving to Sisters

Drive to shaniko ghost town and explore it.

From Mt Hood, take OR-216 and in Maupin, take Bakeoven Road. It’s about 77 miles and 1 hour 45 minutes driving to Shaniko. You need about 2-3 hours to explore Shaniko. From 1903 Shaniko gained the nickname “Wool Capital of the World.” 

You will find an old railway station, antique items, and wooden architecture from over 100 years ago. The town has an amazing history. You can read more about it and check more our photos in our post- Shaniko Ghost Town .

Drive to Sisters

From Shaniko, take US-97 S and OR-126 W to Sisters. It’s 84 miles and about 1 hour and 40 minutes driving.

Sisters is a fabulous town, surrounded by mountains and forests. We detailed described its attractions in post Things to do in Sisters .

We also described interesting routes in the area there. Situated in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Range, Sisters and Bend are perfect for holidays. Moreover, it’s a great idea to spend here also winter vacation if you like skiing.

Lodging in Sisters or Bend

We suggest 2 nights at Sisters during your Oregon Road Trip. The area is fabulous. However, it might be difficult to stay overnight in the summer. Therefore it is also worth considering the nearby Bend. It’s about 25 minutes from Sisters. It is a larger city and has a well-developed accommodation and catering base. It’s worth visiting Bend for sure.

Best Western   Sisters Oregon is our favorite one. It is a small, charming Ponderosa Lodge with 48 oversized guest rooms renovated in a country theme. Tasty breakfasts and friendly service. 

If you need RV camping, the best RV park in the area is  Bend / Sisters Garden RV Resort . But you have to  book it well in advance . It’s closest to the Sisters, located in a beautiful setting, and it’s hard to get a spot, especially in high season.

Hotel rates in Bend are much more affordable than in Sisters, so consider this place for optimizing your holiday budget.

Day 4 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Sisters and Bend – Willamette National Forest area

We suggest you actively explore the Willamette National Forest area on this day. Below are three of our favorite hikes. They are not long, so it is possible to make them in one day. Or you can choose the ones that suit you best. Prepare some more snacks and lunch.

Sunrise or early morning hike at Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake is 49 miles and an hour’s drive from Sisters. You have to drive through Bend. So, take US-20 E to Bend and turn onto Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. The scenery is breathtaking. If you like sunrises – they look fabulous in this place. But you can also go there during the day for a walk. This road may be closed in winter.

Proxy Falls Hike & McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway

Proxy Falls, AKA Lower Proxy Falls, is a dazzling cascade waterfall hidden in the Three Sisters Wilderness. It’s near McKenzie Pass and McKenzie River in the Willamette National Forest. From Sisters, it is only 28 miles and approximately 50 minutes drive via OR-242 W. For more photos and tips, see our Proxy Falls Hike post . The best idea is to combine this hike with The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. Oregon Route 242, known as a portion of the McKenzie Highway, takes you on a journey through a land of contrasts. You’ll encounter lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, and lava fields on the west side of the Cascades. Stop at the  Dee Wright Observatory . In our opinion, Route 242 is one of the most scenics, so it’s a must in Oregon Road Trip Itinerary. This road is closed in winter.

Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike

Tamolitch Falls, also known as Blue Pool due to its amazing blue color of the water, is a popular hiking spot in  Willamette National Forest , Oregon. The deep turquoise and stunning clarity of the Blue Pool make this place unforgettable. The approximate hike time is 1 hour and 30 minutes one way. From Sisters stay on US-20 West. Then turn onto OR-126 E for 10.8 miles. Turn right at a sign for Trailbridge Campground/Blue Pool. You must cross a bridge and turn right onto gravel road NF-730. After about a third of a mile, park along the right side of the road.

Day 5 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Driving to Crater Lake National Park via Umpqua Hot Springs

Saok in umpqua hot springs.

From Sisters is 115 miles and 2 hours 15 minutes driving via US-97 N to Crater Lake National Park . But we suggest you take a bit off course and soak into one of Oregon’s best hot springs – Umpqua Hot Springs.

So if you like hot springs, take from Sisters US-97 S and OR-138 W to get to Umpqua Hot Springs. It’s 2 hours 45 min driving (143 miles). They are located in Umpqua National Forest. This set of 7 geothermal pools sits right on the edge of a rock face, spilling 108-degree water into the North Umpqua River below. The view is breathtaking. There is a short hike to get to the hot springs. It should take you 20 minutes to get to the pools. For more photos, hike & trailhead descriptions, hot springs etiquette, you can check in our Ultimate Guide to Umpqua Hot Springs in Oregon .

Driving to Crater Lake National Park and Lodging option in the area

The Oregon road trip itinerary would not be complete without a visit to a fairy-tale volcanic Crater Lake. You are less than an hour’s drive to Crater Lake National Park from the hot springs, depending on where you are staying. Try to reach the sunset because they are spectacular above Crater Lake. It is the only national park in Oregon. Moreover, it is the deepest lake in the USA with the clearest and bluest water in America. We prepared a detailed guide to this place with tips, so read Top Things To Do in Crater Lake National Park .

If you plan your Oregon road trip in May or the beginning of June, check the weather on the NPS website . Sometimes in May, there is still a lot of snow. You can visit the park, but some roads might be closed.

Lodging option

We suggest 2 nights at the Crater Lake NP area. Crater Lake Lodge   is a historical lodge inside the Park. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to book it. It’s pretty expensive. Moreover, it’s open only from May – September, filling up guests quickly.

But Chiloquin is only 8.5 miles from Crater Lake National Park, so check accommodation there. 

If you are looking for a campground Diamond Lake Resort & RV Park  is a great place to relax. It’s only 4 miles to Crater Lake park entrance, so the location is perfect. Book in advance.

But if you plan a winter trip, 1 night in Crater Lake should be enough because some roads and trails are closed. So, 1 day for sightseeing in winter will be optimal.

Sunset at Crater Lake and Crater Lake Rim Scenic Drive

Crater Lake looks great before and just after sunset. The light is the warmest then. The water surface is flickering. The historic  Crater Lake Rim Drive is a 33-mile (53-km) long road , which offers breathtaking and panoramic vistas of the lake, forests, and meadows. Along the way, there are 30 overlooks with ample car parking, which provide opportunities to stop for views, admire it, relax, taking photos.

Day 6 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Crater Lake National Park

On this day of the Oregon Road Trip Itinerary, we focus on exploring Crater Lake National Park’s beauty. If you can do it, get up for the sunrise. The view is worth your effort. Have a picnic at one of the viewpoints. Take one or two trails. We describe 7 Best Day Hikes in Crater Lake National Park  from easy to strenuous here . It’s worth visiting Rim Village Visitor Center and Crater Lake Lodge.

Day 7 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Driving to Oregon Coast and Exploring Oregon Coast

From this day, we start the Oregon coast road trip itinerary. The coast of Oregon is very varied. Rocky, sandy, covered with dense forests, often shrouded in fog. Look carefully and you will see seals or sea lions basking on the rocks. Moreover, you can encounter coyotes, roe deer, and deer on the slopes of rocks and in coastal forests. As well as gulls, hawks and other birds.

Drive to Oregon Coast

Start driving early in the morning. You have almost a 4 1/2 hours drive to the Oregon coast.

Stop at the Girardet Vineyards

If you have more time and are a wine lover, you can change the route a bit and make a short stop on the way to the coast. You can stop at Tenmile in Girardet Winery and Wine Cellar . The place is unique. You will not only taste and buy excellent wines here, but you will also meet wonderful people who create this winery with a passion.

Moreover, if you have more time for your Oregon Road Trip, consider staying in their fabulous Chardonnay Chalet at the Vineyard . The address of Girardet Winery is 895 Reston Road, Roseburg, OR 97471. From Crater Lake, drive via OR-62 W to get there. It’s 119 miles and 2 hours 30 minutes driving. They are open Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., year-round. Moreover, they are RV friendly and Family & Pet Friendly.

Stop at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the first fabulous stop at the coast in this Oregon Road Trip itinerary. To get there directly from the Crater Lake NP, take OR-42 E and OR-138 E. It’s 205 miles and 4 hours 20 minutes driving. If you are going from Girardet Winery, take OR-42 W and US-101 S. It’s 90 miles and 2 hours of driving.

Drive to Cape Arago Lighthouse and lodging

The next stop is at Cape Arago Lighthouse. It’s 53 miles and a 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Cape Blanco. Take the US – 101 N. Cape Arago is stunning to get there. Therefore, we suggest accommodation in this area. So, Book 1 night here.

If you are traveling by RV, book an advance spot in Sunset Bay State Park .

Exploring Cape Arago

We like this place because, in a small area, you have as many as three great state parks offering stunning views of the Oregon Coast.

• Cape Arago State Park
• Shore Acres State Park
• Sunset Bay State Park

So, start this afternoon and evening by visiting each of these parks and taking at least a short walk along the coast. Wait for the sunset.

Day 8 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Oregon Coast Rod Trip – exploring Oregon Coast

It’s another intense day exploring the Oregon coast and a lot of driving. Therefore, start your day early. Pack some snacks for the road.

Drive and stop at Umpqua River Lighthouse

The next interesting stop we suggest doing in our Oregon road trip itinerary is Umpqua River Lighthouse. It’s 45 minutes (32 miles) from Cape Arago via Cape Arago Hwy and US-101 N.

Stop at Heceta Head Lighthouse Scenic Viewpoints

From Umpqua River, take US-101 N and drive about 40 miles (55 minutes) to the next scenic viewpoint: Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Stop at Rockaway Beach

Next stop during this Oregon Coast road trip plan at Rockaway Beach. It’s 122 miles and about 2 hours and 45 minutes driving via Oregon Coast Hwy.

Sunset at Cannon Beach and lodging

Rockaway Beach is just a 40-minute drive and 26 miles from Oregon’s famous Cannon Beach. Try to get there at sunset.

We suggest booking 1 night in this beautiful area. If you are looking for something special, you can choose one of the exclusive beachfront hotels as Surfsand Resort or Hallmark Resort .

If you’re traveling in a motorhome, a great place to spend the night is Cannon Beach RV Resort . Book it in advance. A great choice is also Seaside RV Resort .

Day 9 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Oregon Coast and returning to Portland

This is the penultimate day of our Oregon Road Trip Itinerary. We suggest you focus on the rest of the Oregon coast. You can stay in Cannon Beach and relax on the beach. Except for Cannon Beach is worth visiting Ecola State Park and taking Clatsop Loop Trail to see Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

Or you can continue to go north. You can drive to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park and Astoria (it’s about 40 minutes from Cannon Beach). If you decide to go through Astoria, visit Astoria Pier and Marina, Cathedral Tree Trail, and Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Moreover, you can check Goonies’ film locations. And then, from Astoria, drive via US-30 E and I-5 S and return to Portland. It’s 105 miles and 2 hours of driving.

If you have more time, you can go shopping in Portland. Remember that there is no sales tax in the state of Oregon, so it’s worth shopping here. It is much cheaper. For more things to do, you can check in our detailed 3 days in Portland Itinerary .

Day 10 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Exploring Portland and Columbia River Gorge/Multnomah Falls

We don’t know how much time you have on the last day of your Oregon road trip, so modify it according to your needs. If you do not have too much time on day 10, transfer your visit to Multnomah Falls and Columbia River George to day 9 or 1 of the Oregon Road Trip Itinerary.

Multnomah Falls is an icon of the Pacific Northwest. So, it’s worth your visit. It’s only 40 minute drive from Portland. More photos, tips, and directions we described in a separate article about Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge .

How to shorten this Oregon Road Trip Itinerary to 7 days?

If you only have 7 days for your Oregon road trip and you would like to see all the places we write about, we suggest the following solution. Book 1 instead of 2 nights in Sisters / Bend. Remove Tamolitch Blue Pool Hike from the plan. Book 1 instead of 2 nights at Crater Lake NP. Make only a scenic drive loop and stop at the park’s best viewpoints. Finally, shorten your stay on the Oregon coast.

How to extend this Oregon Road Trip Itinerary to 14 days?

If you have 14 days for your Oregon Road Trip, you can, of course, spend more time in each place we describe. Depending on your preferences, you can spend more time in the mountains or at the seaside.

Add to your Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Alvord Desert and Hot Springs

But you can also visit other interesting places . One of our favorites we suggest adding to your Oregon road trip itinerary is Alvord Desert with Alvord Desert Hot Springs and Crystal Crane Hot Springs .

If you want to see the desert and desert hot springs, adding them to your Oregon road trip itinerary is best after visiting Sisters and Bend. So, take US-20 E and OR-78 E to get there. It’s about 260 miles and 4,5 hours of driving.

Add to your Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Covered Bridges of Oregon

Another option is adding some covered bridges to your Oregon road trip itinerary. We have described the most beautiful Oregon-covered bridges . It’s best to add them to your Oregon Road Trip Itinerary on your way to Crater Lake NP. Detailed GPS coordinates you will in our post.

We hope this article helped you plan your Oregon Road Trip. If you like our Oregon Road Trip Itinerary, please share it! We wish you a fabulous Oregon adventure!

Do you like it? Pin it!

Agnes Stabinska is a writer, photographer, and co-founder of The Van Escape. She loves wildlife, landscape photography, and outdoor adventures, especially hiking, camping, and exploring U.S. national parks. Although she has traveled to many countries for almost 20 years, her favorite places are Alaska, the American Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest, which she often visits and explore with her partner, Chris. Their travel tips, itineraries, and recommendations will help you get away from it all and plan a wonderful vacation.

15 Comments

The only place I have done in the Pacific North West is Cape Flattery and Seattle and as an outdoor person, I got a lot to do in Washington, Montana and also Oregon. I have always dreamt of going to Oregon and try and hit up as much as I can including the Pacific Crest trail. You have giving me more ideas on your list here including those waterfalls! I might wait until my daughters have got a bit older so we can do outdoorsy stuff together. (living in the UK sucks sometimes when all the amazing nature stuff in the US is on the west coast!) 😛 

Well I guess I would have been $500 without reading this article. I’m not used to states where they fill up your gas tank for you! Ten days still doesn’t seem like long enough to see all of these sites. My gosh, the state is so beautiful especially Multnomah Falls, Crater Lake and the Hot Springs. I just want to see it all! Maybe I should move, lol.

You sure take some really good photographs. The waterfall  has given me new goals. And I would love to see Shaniko. In India, we don’t fill our own fuel, so that part is easy to handle. But the drive looks super in Oregon. 

So glad I came across this Oregon road trip itinerary! I am planning a road trip from Minnesota to the west coast for this upcoming summer and didn’t know where I should go…. Now I know, Oregon! I have been to Seattle and many spots in California, but haven’t been to any of these beautiful spots in Oregon.

I would like to visit Oregon, especially the coast and the hot springs. As of now, I prefer to stay away from Portland area. I think I read about Sister from your post before. Interesting town. So, by cross out Portland from the itinerary, 7 days will be enough for us.  

I have been wanting to visit Oregon for a while so this is a great comprehensive list of things you must see. I love all the nature and scenic views, so I’m sure a road trip is a great way to embrace that! Thank you for all the information!

I haven’t been able to do too many road trips till now except few when in Europe. This Oregon road trip certainly looks one I must do. Thanks for all the comprehensive information which would certainly help when we plan a trip there. Seeing the bridges of Oregon would be exciting too.

PNW has long been in my bucketlist! I can imagine doing it on a roadtrip with a campervan. The trails, nature and mountains that can be witnessed seem so amazing. I love your waterfall additions. This road trip will def be on our dream destinations one day.

Wow that’s interesting that in Oregon there are people to fill the fuel and doing on our own attracts a fine. Coming from India this is common but in Australia we have to do it on our own. Anyway I have never been to Oregon and this road trip definitely seems epic and the pictures look awesome. I will keep this itinerary in mind when I plan a trip in future.

Wow, what a great comprehensive guide to visiting Oregon! I’ve always wanted to visit Crater Lake and now I have even more places to add to my list. There really is something special about the Pacific Northwest, it’s such a gorgeous area.

Ooh saving this. What a fab looking itinerary. I have travelled extensively around the US but not been around Portland and Oregon yet. Keep hearing good things. May have to wait a while before returning to the States, but this trip will be high on my list!

What a great Oregon road trip itinerary! Yes, I would add more time at the vineyards, but that’s just me! I would also love to just sit out and watch the seal & sea lions! I think I would also really enjoy visiting the Crane Hot Springs Resort! 

Truly Oregon is such a pretty state. We’ve done all those you mentioned here. Perhaps more days for Bend, Painted Hills, and caves of Oregon!

Love the ghost town you mentioned and the wineries you included! so cool!

This was one very detailed itinerary for a road trip in Oregon. I don’t think I’ve seen anything that comes close to offering this level of information for a holiday idea. The photos you used are amazing as well. If I live in the US, I would definitely try this road trip out

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The Best 10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: Ultimate Guide

10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary for Adventurous Souls

If you’re an adventurous soul like me, you  must  visit this breathtaking state! Here is a 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary I’ve put together to help you plan your trip!

Oregon is a beautiful state located in the Western USA, just South of Washington State and above California. In my opinion, Oregon is very underrated.

Before going to Oregon, my family and friends asked me, “why Oregon? What’s even there?” and I just gave them a weird look and said, “why not? It’s freaking beautiful!”

It is an incredibly diverse place for its small size being only 255km². From waterfalls and mountains to badlands and deserts, this has been one of my favourite road trips to date.

We spent about 11 days here just driving around and exploring Oregon’s beautiful sights. Keep reading to plan your 10 day Oregon road trip! This is one of the best Oregon road trip itineraries for adventurous souls like you and me!

In this guide, you will mostly find adventures, hikes, waterfalls and anything that leads to a fantastic view. I haven’t added many other activities here, but feel free to add and remove them as you please!

Now, it’s time to plan a road trip to Oregon!

Let’s go!

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10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Overview

Oregon, 10 day itinerary overview coming your way!

I wanted to give a quick rundown of the next 10 days before we get into full detail.

Some of these days on your Oregon 10 day itinerary are jam-packed with activities. As I mentioned, feel free to remove and add as you please!

Multnomah Falls

Wahclella falls, trillium lake, painted hills, smith rock state park.

• Crater Lake
• Umpqua National Forest

Watson Falls

Toketee falls, umpqua hot springs, day 5 – oregon coast.

• Southern Oregon Coast exploring begins!
• Harris Beach
• Whaleshead Beach

Indian Sands

Secret beach, natural bridges, pistol river state park, meyers creek beach, kissing rock, battle rock.

• Sister’s Rock

Oregon Dunes

• Rent a dune buggy
• Enjoy the beach
• Northern Oregon Coast exploring begins!

Heceta Head Lighthouse

• Devil’s Churn

Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn

• Chubby Lil Mermaid Baker

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Yaquina head lighthouse.

• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Whale watching in Depoe Bay
• God’s Thumb via the Knoll

Cape Kiwanda

Tunnel beach, cannon beach, related posts:, why do people travel, best oregon coast road trip spots, oregon’s painted hills guide, the best 10 day oregon road trip itinerary.

You’ll want to get up fairly early to get to Multnomah Falls in order to beat the crowds. Good thing it’s only about a 30-minute drive from Portland, Oregon. 

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you can cross through the tunnel to get to the falls. Here you will find the main lookout point.

We stopped to take some photos and take in the beauty of the falls before we hiked up the trail just past the stairs going up so we could get to the bridge.

There is a trail that goes higher, and you can get a lookout from the top, but me and my friend didn’t go all the way up, and we just went to the bridge and back down because that’s where the view was that we were really there to see.

After leaving Multnomah Falls, we drove off to Wahclella Falls. The hike to the falls is about 3km and relatively easy.

There are inclines and declines throughout the hike, and the path is mainly dirt with a few bridges to cross along the way, and it takes roughly an hour to complete.

It’s a nice short hike, considering the incredible waterfall you get to see at the end. This one is a must for your 10-day Oregon road trip itinerary!

We only stopped here for a minute and kept going because the parking lot was full and the area was packed. But here you can stop and spend the afternoon paddleboarding and swimming.

It’s a beautiful lake with a picturesque view of Mount Hood in the back. It’s only just over an hour from Wahclella Falls, making it a great stop to relax for a bit. 

Your Oregon 10 day itinerary must include Mount Hood!

Okay, so this is a busy day, but next, you can head to Mount Hood and try one of the hikes there.

We did  Bald Mountain from Lolo Pass Trail . It’s a 10.8km out-and-back trail rated as moderate with a 454m elevation gain.

It’s a challenging hike for the first portion, but it becomes relatively easy once you get up the steep slopes. If you decide to do this trail, download the map on AllTrails before you go. It takes roughly 3.5-4 hours to complete, depending on your hiking skill.

We hiked up to watch the sunset and get some beautiful golden hour photos, which meant we were hiking down in the dark. If you do this, make sure to bring some headlamps or flashlights.

There are some shorter trails around the area, so feel free to switch it up if you’re not down to do something for so long. But we wanted to get the most beautiful view possible.

Mount Hood is a bucket list destination and is a must to have the best Oregon road trip.

Where to Stay

There are several campgrounds nearby, including Trillium Lake Campground, Barlow Tail Campground and Camp Creek Campground. Or you can opt to stay in a hotel or a lodge nearby in places like Mount Hood Village. 

Another option is to drive towards Painted Hills and find a place to stay to shorten the duration of your dive for the following day.

You can head to Painted Hills first thing in the morning. If you’re travelling there in the Summer, try to get there as early as you can so you can beat the heat.

It is a badlands area, and yes, it is usually significantly hot here than in other places in Oregon. While we were there, it was over 34℃, and the next day, when we got to the coast, it was only 14℃. That is an insanely huge difference!

You can pretty much see all of Painted Hills within 2.5 hours, which is pretty great. All of the trails are super short. My favourites are Painted Cove and Painted Hills Overlook. You can read my complete guide on Oregon’s beautiful Painted Hills here !

The Painted Hills is famous for the red hills that are super Instagram-worthy, so this is a must for your Oregon 10 day itinerary!

Next, you can drive over to Smith Rock State Park, where are numerous different hikes you can do. Smith Rock has mountains which is why I loved it so much.

We decided to hike Misery Ridge, which is a 3.6km trail up a 3300-foot summit. It was tough – or maybe we were just super weak – haha!

The elevation gain is a whopping 1,100 feet up a steep incline!

The views along the way are well worth the pain the hike put us through, and you can see Monkey Face. At the very top, you can see the breathtaking landscape below with the stunning Crooked River.

As we hiked, we ended up on River Trail, which made the hike a little longer, being 6.5km, but the views were so worth it!

We even saw a rattlesnake in the middle of the path digesting its dinner!

We probably spent 6 hours here, but keep in mind we take  a lot  of photos, so extra time is needed! (and by a lot, we can spend like 30 mins in one spot just taking a gazillion photos)

If you want the best Oregon road trip, be sure to stop at Smith Rock State Park!

After you leave Smith Rock State Park, it’s time to head to your next destination on your 10 day Oregon road trip: Umpqua National Forest. The drive is about 3.5 hours and get’s pretty scenic!

Or you can stay somewhere in between so you are doing a little less driving that day.

There are plenty of options for places to stay in Bend, Oregon. This is a great midway point because you will be driving to Crater Lake tomorrow!

Explore Crater Lake

One thing I didn’t make time for on my trip that I would do differently is adding Crater Lake to my exploration list!

Crater Lake is absolutely breathtaking, and I will be adding it to my itinerary next time I head down to Oregon!

Here  you can find all the trails at Crater Lake and pick the ones you think you’d like to do the most!

Crater Lake is about a 2-hour drive from Bend, Oregon.

Head to Umpqua Forest

After you’re done exploring around Crater Lake, head to your next destination: Umpqua National Forest.

In Umpqua National Forest, we stayed in a small a-frame cabin at Umpqua’s Last Resort – Wilderness Cabins, RV Park and Glamping. It was such a cute little place, and I recommend it!

Okay, so the reason you should get to Umpqua National Forest the night before is so you can get to Umpqua Hot Springs during sunrise. If you do this, you will beat most of the crowds, and there will be much fewer people.

Parts of the trail here are steep, and there are several trails that veer off, so make sure to download the map off AllTrails before you go.

Spend a few hours here just relaxing after your previous day of hard hiking! This is a perfect stop to make sure you have the best Oregon road trip.

Now we have a couple of really short hikes to add to your adventure list. Watson Falls is a short 1.3km loop trail that takes you to an incredible waterfall. It takes roughly 40 minutes to complete, so it won’t take up too much of your day!

Watson Falls is a 272-foot waterfall, making it the 3rd highest in Oregon, that falls over basalt lava cliffs.

You absolutely cannot miss Toketee Falls during your 10 day Oregon road trip, and it is a must for your Oregon bucket list!

The hike to Toketee Falls is also very short, being only 1.4km and takes only 30 minutes to complete.

There is a path down to the bottom of the falls, but it is super treacherous and rigid. There are ropes to help you get down. If you decide to go down, be very careful.

You can also jump into the water to take a dip, but the water is  freezing . I refuse to ever jump in that water again!

I froze my poor little butt off!

Toketee Falls is definitely one of the best Oregon road trip stops!

As I mentioned and highly recommend: Umpqua’s Last Resort – Wilderness Cabins, RV Park and Glamping.   The staff were super kind, and it was such a cute little place.

You can stay in this area for two nights if you’d like, or you can head over to Brookings, where you will continue for the best Oregon Coast itinerary!

10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: The Coast

These next few days will be your road trip along the Oregon Coast, starting in the Southern Oregon Coast and moving up to the North. I won’t go into full detail on each location during these next few days, but you can check out my complete Oregon Coast guide for all the information on each stop!

Keep on reading to start planning your Oregon Coast 101 road trip!

Harris Beach State Park

The first Oregon Coast 101 road trip spot is Harris Beach State Park!

This was a really stunning spot on the Southern Oregon Coast!

There are several parking areas to get down to the beach, but each one gives you some really scenic views,

The beach is massive, and there is so much to explore. I also spotted a bunch of little hermit crabs and purple and orange starfish all over the beach!

This is a great beach to stop and picnic on, or you can choose a different beach on this day to enjoy a picnic!

There are some short hiking trails along the beach that bring you up to have a higher viewpoint of the gorgeous views.

It’s a great spot to add to your itinerary when you road trip Oregon!

Whaleshead Viewpoint

This is a must for your 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary!

Whaleshead beach is just a short walk down an incline path down to the beach. You can spend a couple of hours walking down the beach and enjoying the views.

The view right at the “whale’s head” is by far the best spot along the beach, but it’s worth spending some time here just enjoying the view.

Indian Sands is a really gorgeous trail on the Southern Oregon Coast drive. It’s a 1.8km loop trail close to Brookings, Oregon.

The trail is rated as moderate and has incredible views. Here you will get a mixture of stunning scenery like ocean views, sandy areas, forested areas and more! The views at the coast are the most gorgeous of all!

You will want to plan to go during low tide for this beach. This stunning beach is along Secret Beach Trail and is a 2.6-mile long out-and-back trail.

It’s rated as moderate due to the steep sections of the trail.

It’s the perfect beach to pack a picnic on, so as I said, make sure to plan to go during low tide so you can actually explore this stunning beach!

I made the mistake of going as the tide was coming in, so I didn’t get the chance to explore the beach much, but I’ve heard there are some really cool sea caves that are worth checking out!

Secret Beach is a stunning spot for a picnic during your Southern Oregon Coast road trip!

Okay – you abso-fricken-lutely can not miss this epic view during your Oregon Coast 101 road trip part of your adventure!

Natural Bridges is one of my favourite locations on this 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary for obvious reasons.

As you can see from the photo, this place is incredible!

You can stop just off the highway, take a short walk to the viewpoint, and take a picturesque view of the natural bridges.

Or, if you are feeling brave, you can hike down the trail to get to the really incredible views. More about this is on my Oregon Coast guide .

If you decide to go down, be very careful, as I’ve heard that people have died there. So go at your own risk!

Natural Bridges is definitely one of the best Oregon road trip stops!

You’ll stay in Brookings for this night. There are many places to stay in this area, so just find something that fits into your budget!

Today you will be driving North and stopping at some beautiful viewpoints along the way! We stayed in Coos Bay after making all of these stops but had we planned our trip in advance, we would have stayed in Bandon this night and on day 7.

We only stopped here quickly and took some photos at the viewpoint, but if you want and have the time, you can take a walk down the beach for some stunning views or even book horseback riding.

We saw people off in the distance, which looked like a beautiful experience!

At Pistol River, you can find hiking trails, windsurfing, beach access, fishing and some really gorgeous views.

This is another quick stop you can make and is part of the Pistol River State Scenic viewpoint and is a short couple hundred meters away from your previous stop on the Oregon Coast road trip itinerary.

This is another quick stop you can make during your trip along the Oregon Coast! We didn’t stop here for long, and I didn’t happen to take any photos, but it’s still worth checking out, even if it’s only for a few minutes!

This gorgeous view is so perfect on a moody day like we got during our Oregon Coast road trip!

There is a short trail down to the beach, and it is perfect for exploring during low tide.

I didn’t take any photos here, and we didn’t stay for long. This stop would probably only take you about 10 minutes before you depart for Sister’s Rock.

Sisters Rock

Okay – this place is incredible!

It literally feels like you are in Scotland and has those highlands / Isle of Skye type of vibes.

This is an absolute must for your 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary. Trust me; you will love it just as much as I did!

The views here are just spectacular!

You’ll see amazing coastal beaches, and it also features a cool sea cave that is worth checking out! Just whatever you do, don’t go inside. You’ll see why when you get there.

Now that we are halfway through the trip, you deserve a little break before spending a good portion of your day hiking the Sahara Desert!

Okay – I’m only kidding.

When you road trip Oregon you must add this incredible place to your itinerary! It sure does make you feel like you are in some desert in another country!

I have a lot more information about the Oregon Dunes here that you can check out to get all the information you need.

You can hike up to the dunes on John Dellenback trail, or you can do the full trial all the way to the beach and spend some time on the beach.

One thing I wish I had done was rent a dune buggy and drove around on the dunes! Now that would have made for an extra fun experience. Add that to your itinerary if you love that kind of thing!

Make sure to add the Oregon Dunes to your Oregon bucket list because it is truly so diverse. It is different from the rest of this US State, making it one of the best Oregon road trip stops !

This is a really gorgeous Lighthouse to add to your 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary!

It’s roughly 1.5 hours north of Bandon, so you’ll have a little bit of a drive in the morning.

Many people actually say that Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most stunning lighthouses in the world!

There is a viewpoint a few miles south of the Lighthouse parking lot where you can see the stunning lighthouse from afar.

Devils Churn

Devil’s Churn is known as one of Oregon’s natural wonders.

You won’t need too much time here, but going during high tide, if you can, will give you a better experience since that’s when the Devil’s Churn puts on the best show!

You can’t do the Oregon Coast road trip without stopping at Thor’s Well! Anything with Thor’s name in it is worth stopping at. (I just rolled my eyes at myself)

This is another stop that is best to do during the high tide if you can since, like Devil’s Churn, that’s when Thor puts on his best show for you.

It’s a relatively short and easy hike down, and the trail features some stairs to get down to the coast.

Read about Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn on my Oregon Coast guide for more information.

Stop in Yachats and spend a few hours exploring this cute, enchanting coastal town.

I wish I had made more time to explore this cute little place!

It’s the perfect little town to explore when you road trip Oregon!

Visit the Chubby Lil Mermaid Bakery

If you’re doing the Oregon Coast 101 road trip, you must stop at this little bakery!

The Chubby Lil Mermaid Bakery has to be the cutest bakery I have ever been to!

The theme is mermaids (duh, Krista), and they have such tasty treats there, from baked goods to small meals to go.

They also have some adorable souvenirs there. It’s definitely worth a quick stop to grab a snack on your Oregon road trip adventure!

So I didn’t actually do this, but I really wanted to!

The only reason I didn’t is that we only heard it existed after we passed by, and we had our whole day planned out!

So  you’re welcome !

Now you know, and you should definitely add it to your list of activities for your road trip to Oregon!

You can read more about it in my Oregon Coast blog post !

This incredible lighthouse is another stunning spot to add to your Oregon Coast road trip!

It is about 45 minutes north of Yachats.

There are a few areas you can park to see the lighthouse, but the easiest is right at the Visitor’s Center parking lot.

There is also a super cool interpretive exhibit and a souvenir shop you can check out.

Below the lighthouse, you can find Cobble Beach, which is also a really popular spot among tourists.

Devils Punchbowl

This is a really cool spot that I didn’t get to make it to since the parking area was packed full for the long weekend.

It’s a location popular with surfers, tourists, and whale watching.

Here you can explore tidepools on the northern part of Devil’s Punchbowl and check out the Devil’s Punchbowl itself.

Drive just 30 minutes north to Lincoln City and spend the next 3 nights here. There are great hotel and AirBnB options at all price ranges.

Whale Watching in Depoe Bay

If you are into this sort of thing, this is a great activity to add to your Oregon road trip itinerary!

I went whale watching in Nova Scotia years back, and it was an incredible experience. I got to see a ton of dolphins.

I didn’t book it in the plans for my trip to Oregon, though, but I know it would have been an enjoyable activity to do in Oregon!

I’ve heard that Depoe Bay is one of the best spots on the Oregon Coast to go whale watching!

If I hadn’t gone whale watching before, I definitely would have added it to my itinerary! It’s an excellent option for an activity when you road trip Oregon.

God’s Thumb via The Knoll

The Knoll is a stunning hike that takes you to the absolutely stunning God’s Thumb.

It’s a longer hike being, about 7km long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It’s a tough trail, but the view at the end is worth the hike.

I’ll judge you hard if you don’t add this hike to your 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary! (only kidding – but seriously, you should do it!)

Read more about it in my Oregon Coast blog post here !

Each of the destinations for this day are super close to Lincoln City, making it the perfect home base for these last few days.

This is a stunning, expansive sandy beach with beautiful views.

Here you can picnic, explore caves, see a little waterfall and more.

Be sure to go here during the low tide to get the most out of your experience!

Cape Kiwanda features a 1.6km loop trail that takes you for an adventure to some really stunning viewpoints!

It says it only takes about 30 minutes to complete the trail, but as always, give yourself some extra time!

It’s another short stop to add to your Oregon itinerary!

This beach is super cool as it features a dark, manmade tunnel that leads you to Tunnel Beach.

You have to park at Oceanside Beach to get to this area, and you will find a path down to the beach.

To get to the tunnel, hang a right on the beach, and you will see a tunnel that passes through the coastal rock.

Be careful walking through the tunnel, as there are a ton of branches and rocks.

This will likely be your final stop during your Oregon Coast 101 road trip! 

Cannon Beach is an iconic tourist destination and probably the most beautiful beach on the Oregon Coast. So you  must  add this to your Oregon road trip itinerary!

The most important tip I can tell you is to go for sunrise! There won’t be as many people there, although sunset is a whole other vibe, but hundreds, if not thousands, are on the beach during that time.

People are drawn to this beach to view the iconic Haystack Rock, which is such an incredible sight!

Even though there are a gazillion people here, it’s still worth stopping.

It’s a definite Oregon bucket list destination, and you must add it to your itinerary for when you road trip Oregon!

10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Map

I’ve put together a map of the 10 day Oregon road trip itinerary so you can visualize where everything is and how far apart it all is!

This map will help you plan the best Oregon road trip!

How many days do you need to visit Oregon?

I personally needed more than 10 days on my road trip to Oregon. There is surprisingly so much to do and see for such a small US state!

A 10 day Oregon road trip will give you plenty of time to see many of the most beautiful places in Oregon, plus do a few activities.

If you have less than 10 days, you’ll miss out on many beautiful places, but there is no necessary amount of time you need to explore Oregon.

I could have easily spent 3 weeks just driving around and exploring. I would have loved to do more of the hikes in Smith Rock State Park, Mount Hood, do some hikes around Crater Lake, and see more of the stunning waterfalls.

Even with 10 days, there will be so much of Oregon left untouched, but either way, it’ll be worth it, and you’ll love it.

How many days do you need for the Oregon Coast?

3-5 days along the Oregon coast is plenty of time. There are a ton of stops, but many of the stops are quick viewpoints that you stop at for a short amount of time before moving on to the next.

You can get so much done within these 3-5 days on the Oregon Coast, but it also depends on if you plan any activities like horseback riding, whale watching, the Oregon Coast Aquarium, renting Dune Buggies, chilling by the beach or whatever you choose to do.

What is the best time of year to go to the Oregon Coast?

So now you’re wondering, “What is the best month to visit Oregon? “

The Summer months are definitely the most popular to visit Oregon. You’ll get the best weather, but many tourists flock to the most popular sights.

Summer is perfect for visiting the beaches, hiking, camping and boating.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, although it tends to rain a bit more. On the bright side, there will be fewer tourists than during the Summer, and you’ll get some really gorgeous fall colours!

Autumn is also an excellent time for hiking and camping.

Of course, it gets colder during the winter, but there are fewer tourists during this time, and it’s often described as being wet and chilly.

I went right at the end of August, with most of my trip being at the start of September, and it was an amazing time.

Places like Smith Rock State Park and Painted Hills were scorching, being around 35℃. The next day when we got to the coast, it was a whole 20 degrees colder, only 15!

So if you go, make sure you pack clothing for cooler weather and extremely hot weather.

What is the best road trip in Oregon?

There is no specific “best” road trip in Oregon, but if you start in Portland and make a loop down, east, up the Oregon Coast, and back to Portland, you will hit many of the highlights that Oregon has to offer.

You can also go the other way if you prefer, starting in Portland, heading down the Oregon Coast, west and back up in a loop as well.

Either way, this loop is perfect for making the best Oregon road trip itinerary!

You will love it even if you only have time to do the Oregon Coast road trip!

But if you only do the coast, you’ll miss out on the many beautiful waterfalls and mountains, which, in my opinion, are breathtaking!

What is the prettiest part of the Oregon Coast?

Seriously! You gotta just do it all!

Okay, but in all seriousness, I would choose to do the Southern Oregon Coast over the Northern Oregon Coast since more of my favourite places are in the South.

The North does have Cannon Beach, though, which is a must for your Oregon Coast road trip!

In the South, you’ve got places like Sister’s Rock, Natural Bridges, the Oregon Sand Dunes on John Dellenback Trail, Whaleshead Beach, and Indian Sands!

We flew through the Northern Oregon Coast, not because we didn’t enjoy it, but because the stops were much shorter. I must also admit that I found the stops in the South a lot more breathtaking.

Conclusion: 10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

And that’s my 10 day Oregon road trip Itinerary that I’ve put together to help you plan the best Oregon road trip!

I wanted to make this guide as in-depth as possible for you because I know how hard it can be to plan a trip sometimes, especially when there is so much to see!

Which place are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comment section below!

Thank you for stopping by, and happy adventuring ♡

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Wow! Such a beautiful place! We’ll have to go someday! ♥️

A Local’s Guide to Oregon Road Trip Destinations and Itineraries

There are so many great destinations to visit on an Oregon road trip. This is our list of top road trip destinations in Oregon, including the most popular destinations as well as a few off-the-beaten-path places with less crowds.

If you want to plan the perfect Oregon road trip itinerary, we hope our list of destinations, travel tips, and free road trip route itinerary guide will help.

* Click to get our free “5 Best Oregon Road Trip Routes” PDF Guide here * Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our links, we may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.

Table of Contents

The Best Time to Road Trip Oregon

I always say Oregon is the best place to be in Summer . Oregon’s Willamette Valley is lush, dry and warm from mid-June through September. Typically, it doesn’t get too hot. The weather is excellent, the land is green, and the sun sets late in the evening, making Summer an ideal time for exploring.

Spring and Fall can also be pleasant in Oregon, though the chance of rain increases . Be sure to pack a rain coat, just in case. And make a back-up plan for activities that may be hampered by inclement weather. Crowds in tourist areas also go down while school is in session.

November through February can be pretty dreary and wet on the West side of Oregon. Fortunately, temperatures rarely drop below freezing in the Valley, but outdoor activities can be pretty miserable in cold rain nonetheless. Oregon is great for outdoor snow sports in places like the Cascade Mountain Range and Central Oregon, where the skies remain clear more often.

Deals & Tips for your Oregon Road Trip

– For socially distanced travel, don’t forget these packing essentials to ensure a safe, responsible, “no contact” trip.

– Save money by purchasing a Parks Pass if you plan to visit multiple National Parks or National Forests in the next year. 

– Save $50 road tripping in the comfort of a self-contained RV with coupon code, intentional , on Outdoorsy.com (it’s like Airbnb for RVs and travel trailers).

– Learn about new precautions to take with Airbnb bookings to stay safe and healthy.

– Use the Roadtrippers app to build your Oregon road trip itinerary and get offline, turn-by-turn directions.

Oregon Road Trip Destination Map

* Click to get our free “5 Best Oregon Road Trip Routes” PDF Guide here *

Top Oregon Road Trip Destinations

1. the oregon coast.

The Oregon Coast has countless destinations to visit from North to South. Oregon’s coastal towns are known for great seafood, sandy beaches and vibrant tidepools, plenty of scenic viewpoints, and shops full of special treats like fudge and salt-water taffy.

Fair warning: Oregon’s sea water is cold year-round, but some people do surf (usually with wet suits) in places like Pacific City . While the Northern Oregon Coast, like  Lincoln City , tends to have more long stretches of beach, the Southern Coast boasts striking cliffs and unique rock formations that are out of this world.

You can easily get to the Oregon Coast on a day trip from Portland or other cities off of Interstate 5. Driving down the whole coast via Highway 101 can also be done in a day (7.5 hours without stops). 

Good for: Scenery, hikes, seafood, beaches, scenic drives Time to spend: 1 day to 2 weeks Where to stay: Neskowin or Lincoln City vacation rentals , Looking Glass Inn (Lincoln City), Florence rentals , Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor vacation rentals , Beachfront Inn (Brookings)

2. Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is Oregon’s one and only National Park. (To be honest, we find Oregon’s State Parks to be just as remarkable, if not more.) It’s a bit “in the middle of nowhere”, located just South of what we call Central Oregon.

Crater Lake has formed within a collapsed volcano. There are trails with great viewpoints surrounding the lake as well as leading down to its deep, cerulean waters. 

Good for: Scenery, hikes Time to spend: 1 or 2 days Where to stay: Fort Klamath guest house , Crater Lake Lodge or cabins , Sleep Inn & Suites (Chiloquin)

3. The Columbia River Gorge and Multnomah Falls

The Columbia River is a massive waterway on the border of Oregon and Washington. The Columbia River Gorge is a National Scenic Area with incredible vistas from the historic highway. Waterfalls and hikes are abundant in this area.

Perhaps Oregon’s most visited, photogenic destination is Multnomah Falls. It can be seen from Highway 84 or you can get up close and personal on a one mile out-and-back hike to the top. This Oregon landmark can become quite crowded. Don’t miss the other waterfalls along the historic highway, too.

Note that some areas of the Gorge have been impacted by forest fires in recent years, so be sure to check what is open before visiting.

Good for: Scenery, hikes, waterfalls, windsurfing and water sports, scenic drives Time to spend: 2 days – 1 week Where to stay:  Hood River vacation rentals , Best Western Plus Hood River , Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa

4. Mt. Hood and the Cascades

Mt. Hood is Oregon’s highest mountain and an Oregon icon, often visible from Portland. It is home to six ski areas and the Historic Timberline Lodge, which was constructed as part of the WPA during the Great Depression.

The epic Pacific Crest Trail passes by Mount Hood and continues down the Cascade Range by Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson. 

Note that the mountain passes do get more snow than other parts of the State, so be prepared with snow tires or chains when driving in Winter.

Good for: Scenery, hiking, snow sports, fishing Time to spend: 1 day to 1 week Where to stay: Historic Timberline Lodge ,   Mt. Hood Vacation rentals

5. Willamette Valley: Oregon Wine Country

Oregon’s green and gorgeous Willamette Valley is home to a blossoming wine country as well as historic hops farms. You can visit cute, small towns like Independence, McMinnville, and Amity. Or stay rural, driving through bountiful landscapes full of vineyards and farmland on the rolling hills.

While Oregon wine country is a popular destination, it is by no means over-run. This area is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike, especially June through September.

Good for: Scenery, beer and wine tasting, cycling, farm-to-table food Time to spend: 1 day to 1 week Where to stay: Independence Hotel , Yamhill County vacation rentals , Bella Collina Bed & Breakfast (Amity)

Read next: Monmouth & Independence Oregon Visitors Guide | Top Day Trips from Salem | Hidden Gems in the Mid-Willamette Valley  

6. Portland, Oregon

The city of Portland has become a booming Oregon travel destination in the past decade. Known for its quirky, creative, environmentally-friendly culture, there’s plenty to do for every interest. Personally, we prefer exploring Portland’s neighborhood districts over the downtown. But you’ll find excellent restaurants and food carts no matter where you go.

Portland’s parks, International Rose Garden, urban hikes, and Springwater Corridor trail are also worth mentioning. If you’re flying into PDX airport, Portland makes an easy starting point for just about any Oregon road trip itinerary.

Good for: Parks, restaurants, shopping, events Time to spend: 2 – 4 days Where to stay:  Portland rentals , McMenamin’s Kennedy School , Hotel Monaco or The Duniway Hotel (downtown)

Read next: A Local’s Guide to Portland

* Access our free Portland packing checklist here *

7. Central Oregon

East of the Cascade Mountains is the wide open high desert known as Central Oregon. Its dry, sunny climate makes Central Oregon a paradise for outdoor adventure all year round. You can float the Deschutes River in an inner tube on a hot day or shred the nearby ski slopes in winter. This is why many visitors take vacations here, whether at a guest house rental or self-catering resort. 

In addition to outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and more, the city of Bend offers plenty of shopping and dining. Smaller towns like Sisters, Redmond, and Tumalo also have cute shops and cafes to try.

Good for: Scenery, hiking, snow sports, water sports, resorts Time to spend: 2 days to 1 week Where to stay: Sisters, OR vacation rentals , SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Bend), Sunriver Resort , Brasada Ranch

Read next: How to Choose the Best Central Oregon Resort for Your Vacation

8. Silver Falls State Park

While Silver Falls gets its fair share of visitors, I’m often surprised how few Oregonians have heard of this epic State Park. Located an hour East of Oregon’s capital city, Salem, the park boasts 9 majestic waterfalls on a single day hike. What’s more, hikers can walk behind two of those falls!

If you only visit one natural wonder on your Oregon road trip, let this be it. You can stay on site at the campground or find lodging in the quaint town of Silverton nearby. Abiqua Falls is another nice hike not too far away.

Good for: Hiking, waterfalls Time to spend: 1 or 2 days Where to stay:   Oregon Garden Resort (Silverton), Salem hotels and vacation rentals

Read next: Oregon’s Best Kept Secret: Silver Falls State Park | Best Breakfast in Salem Oregon: Guide to Salem Breakfast Restaurants

Off the Beaten Path Oregon Road Trip Destinations

9. klamath falls.

Good for: Resorts, golfing Time to spend: 2 days to 1 week Where to stay: Running Y Ranch Resort , Klamath Falls vacation rentals

10. John Day Fossil Beds & Painted Hills

Good for: Scenery, cycling, geology, paleontology Time to spend: 2 – 4 days Where to stay: John Day vacation rentals , Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site

11. Umpqua National Forest and Waterfalls

In Southwest Oregon, not far from Crater Lake, is the Rogue-Umpqua National Scenic Byway (Highway 138). The area has over 50 campgrounds, countless trails through fir forests, and stunning waterfalls. Toketee and Watson Falls are two of Oregon’s hidden gems. Diamond Lake provides boating as well as fishing opportunities (even in winter).

Good for: Scenery, hikes, waterfalls, fishing, camping Time to spend: 1 – 4 days Where to stay: Toketee Lake campground

12. Steens Mountain Wilderness

Good for: Scenery, backpacking Time to spend: 2 – 4 days Where to stay: Burns, OR vacation rentals , Steens Mountain Wilderness Resort

13. The Wallowas

The main town of Joseph, Oregon has cute shops, art, and museums. Further afield, take a self-guided tour to view the area’s beautiful barns. 

Good for: Scenery, outdoor adventures, nature, history Time to spend: 2 days to 1 week Where to stay: Wallowa Lake vacation rentals , Eagle Cap Chalets (Joseph)

Outdoorsy is like Airbnb for RVs. It’s where RV owners rent out their RVs when they’re not using them.

If you’ve always wanted to try out a motorhome, or want to upgrade your epic camping road trip with a cute Airstream, consider renting through Outdoorsy. Their customer service and reviews have outranked the other top RV rental companies. You can search listings by vehicle type and location. Some owners will even deliver the motorhome to your door! *Take $50 off your Outdoorsy rental with coupon code: intentional

Browse and book RVs, motorhomes, trailers, and campervans on Outdoorsy here

What travel restrictions and rules are in place in Oregon? Find post-pandemic travel updates for Oregon here: What you need to know about Oregon travel right now

Our Top 5 Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

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The Globe Wanderers

Oregon , USA · May 4, 2020

Our 7 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Part of our heart with forever belong to the state of Oregon. Oregon is by far one of the perfect places to road trip. It is home to some of the most amazing mountains, hot springs, lakes, coastline, and waterfalls in the United States.

To help you explore this incredible state, we have put together a comprehensive 7 day Oregon road trip itinerary that includes must see places and camping tips!

Things to Know before you go!

Best Time to Visit Oregon: Summer and Early Fall is the best time to visit Oregon and is considered peak season. Spring, late Fall and Winter may hinder your ability to visit some areas due to snow!

Let’s get started!

Need accommodation ideas for your PNW Road Trip? Check out our blog post on the most amazing Airbnbs in the Pacific North West!

• Day 1: Arrive in Portland/ Cannon Beach/ South Beach State Park
• Day 2: Bandon Beach/ Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor/ Brookings
• Day 3: Crater Lake/ Toketee Falls
• Day 4: Umpqua Hot Springs/ Bend
• Day 5: Abiqua Falls/ Silver Falls State Park
• Day 6: Trillium Lake/ Mount Hood/ Lavender Field
• Day 7: Lost Lake/ Rowena Crest Viewpoint/ Multnomah Falls/ Portland

Oregon Road Trip Day 1

First stop: cannon beach..

Cannon Beach is 90 minutes North West of Portland on the Coast of Oregon. This beach is famous for the Haystack Rock formation. The little town is filled with tons of quaint shops and family owned restaurants to explore! This is the perfect way to start your epic road trip!

This is a popular beach for Hollywood films. You might recognize it from Twilight and The Goonies.

Second Stop: Devil’s Punch Bowl.

During low tide in the summer you can follow the coastal trail and actually walk inside of it. However during the fall and winter months the water level rises and this isn’t possible. It was still incredible to see from an aerial view!

Day 1 Accommodation Options:

• South Beach State Park: This incredible state park offers a range of camping options with clean washroom and shower facilities.
• Rent a local Airbnb: We love staying in Airbnb’s when we travel! If you have never rented an Airbnb before, use our code to get $$ of your stay!

Oregon Road Trip Day Two

First stop: bandon beach ..

This is an incredible spot with some of the most unique rock formations that we have ever seen! We

Second Stop: Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corrido r

This is a 12 mile stretch along the coastline and was one of our favorite parts of our entire trip. You could honestly spend a few days here and still have so much to explore.

Below we put together a list of the most popular stops in this corridor and the approximate mile markers associated with them!

Make sure to write these down before you head here. Some of the stops we listed aren’t mentioned on roadside signs!

Mile Markers for the Samuel H Boardman Corridor

• Arch Rock (Mile 344.8)
• Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
• Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
• Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
• North Island (Mile 347.4)
• Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
• Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
• Whaleshead Viewpoint (Mile 349.3)
• House Rock Viewpoint (Mile 351.2)
• Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint (Mile 352)
• Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)

Third Stop: Brookings

Brooking’s is a small town with a lot of mom and pop style shops and local restaurants. It was also a great place to stock up on some essential items at the Fred Myer (grocery store)!

We ate dinner at Oxenfre Public House in Brookings. Its currently rated the #2 restaurant in this little town and was the Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2020.

Day 2 Accommodation Options :

Harris State Beach Park: This campground was one of our favorites during our entire trip in Oregon. We watched once of the most incredible sunsets on the beach that this campground sits on. They have a wide variety of camping options and clean washrooms with showers. For more information on booking here, check out this link!

Oregon Road Trip Day 3

This day was the most action packed day of our entire trip!

Start by taking Highway 199 Scenic Byway which leads you through one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

This highway passes through the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park . This is an incredible opportunity to see some of the most beautiful trees in the world.

First Stop: Crater Lake

Crater Lake National Park is a bucket list place for many. The water of the lake is an incredible color of blue. There are so many things to do here, we have listed some of our favorites below!

Things to do at Crater Lake:

• This hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It leads to a fire lookout. This trail takes about 1 hour round-trip and is the best place to catch the Sunset.
• This trail is 2 miles in length and traces the rim of Crater Lake. This trail is relatively easy to do and offers some incredible perspectives on the lake.
• A hike down to Cleetwood Cove with lead you to the only spot at the lake that you can swim! The water temperature ranges from ranges from 0°C to 19°C so on a hot day it will be refreshing!

Stop Two: Toketee Falls .

There is a small parking lot at the trailhead. The 0.8 mile hike to the main lookout point was very easy and incredibly rewarding. To get to the viewpoint in our photo below, you have to climb down from the main path to the

Day 3 Accommodation Options:

• Toketee Lake Campground : This is a rustic campground with very basic amenities. This campground does not have running drinking water, so make sure to bring plenty with you! They also only have outhouses and they do not have showers.
• Luxury Glamping Tent: This Airbnb is a glamping resort located just a short drive away from Toketee Falls and Crater Lake. There are fire rings, washrooms and showers available here! Check out their link here!

Oregon Road Trip Day 4

F irst stop: umpqua hot springs.

Located only a few minute drive from Toketee Campground, this is the perfect way to start the morning.

Tips for visiting Umpqua Hot Springs:

• Arrive early in the morning to avoid any crowds. We got there at 7:30 and we had to all to ourselves for over an hour!
• It is a 0.8 mile hike to the Hot Springs from the parking lot. Make sure to wear running shoes as it is a moderately difficult trail.
• There are bathrooms at the trailhead but there are none once you reach The Hot Springs themselves.
• Nudity is acceptable at Umpqua so be prepared and be respectful when taking photos.

Second Stop: Bend

The city of Bend is an outdoor lover’s paradise and a craft brewery mecca. There are over 22 breweries in Bend! Bend has a beautiful downtown filled with local shops and restaurants right along the river.

Some of our favorite places in Bend were:

• Get here early as it fills up fast. This is possibly the best breakfast you will ever have.
• Located along the river, they have indoor and outdoor seating as well as lawn games!
• Cascade Lakes Brewery
• Dudley’s Bookstore and Cafe
• The Bend River Wave
• People from around the world travel here for skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer!

Accommodation Options Bend:

• Stay at the Loge: This hotel was completely renovated and is one of the most popular spots in Bend. All rooms come equipped with hiking and camping gear that is free to use during your stay! They also have free city bikes that we used to explore Bend, as well as fire tables and a cafe!
• Dome Airbnb: This Airbnb is seriously so unique and is in a great location! Check out their link here!

Oregon Road Trip Day 5

First stop: abiqua falls.

We left Bend very early in the morning as it is approximately a 3 hour drive to the Abiqua Falls Trailhead. This trail is a 5.3 mile out and back from the trailhead itself.

Reaching the trailhead can be tricky as the road can be washed out at times, leaving large potholes that are difficult to navigate around. We drove as far as we could down the road (considering we were in a rented campervan) and then decided to walk the rest of the way.

This trail is rated as difficult as it is very muddy and requires the use of ropes to navigate in some sections. This hike was incredible and Abiqua Falls is unlike anything we have ever seen before. You HAVE to hike this.

Second Stop: Silver Falls State Park

We hiked the Trail of 10 Falls, which is a 7.6 mile loop trail that features 10 incredible waterfalls and is the most famous trail in the park.

Day 5 Accommodation:

Silver Falls State Park: The campground here is beautiful and the facilities are well kept. This was the perfect place to spend the night! It is also close to all of the hiking trails which makes exploring this State Park very easy.

Oregon Road Trip Day 6

First stop: mount hood area.

Things to Do in the Mount Hood area:

• A beautiful lake with the stunning backdrop of Mount Hood
• If you are visiting Mount Hood in the winter time, this is an incredible and bustling Alpine Village.
• This is the famous hotel featured in the movie The Shinning
• This Lavender Farm offers some of the most picturesque views of Mount Hood
• Make sure to check their Facebook Page for their hours and operating months.

We then attempted to visit the Lavender Valley close by but unfortunately it was closed… so we took this photo across the street from the Lavender Field!

Day 6 Accommodations

Lost Lake Campground: This campground is set on the shores of Lost Lake, and offers some incredible adventures and beautiful views of Mount Hood. They have Yurts, Lodge Rooms and campsites available making this an experience for everyone! Check out their website here.

Oregon Road Trip Day 7

Stop one: lost lake campground.

We decided to rent a paddle boat right after sunrise and we took in some incredible views of Mount Hood from the lake.

After our morning on the lake, we decided to head back towards Portland where we stayed the night before flying back home!

Second Stop: Rowena Crest Viewpoint

This is one of the most photographed roads in the state of Oregon and offers incredible views of Columbia River and the State of Washington.

Third Stop: Multonomah Falls

This is one of the most photographed places in the State of Oregon. We recommend getting here early in the morning prior to the tour buses as this place can get busy quick.

Fourth Stop: Mississipi Ave, Portland

This street was SO MUCH FUN! Tons of local restaurants, outdoor and indoor bars and little locally owned shops. We spent the entire afternoon and evening exploring this street and all it had to offer. We highly recommend this spot if you are looking to stay out of downtown Portland.

Things To Add To Your Oregon Road Trip

As we said earlier, we only had 7 days to pack in as much activity as we possibly could. That being said, there are so many things left that we didn’t get to see. When we return we want to visit the Painted Hills, Smith Rock State Park, more amazing hot springs, more waterfalls and explore more of the Columbia River Gorge.

Final Thoughts

We love Oregon. We will be returning to continue exploring all of its incredible magic someday. If Oregon is not on your bucketlist, it needs to placed on there immediately. This state is unlike any place you will ever visit in your life. It has such a unique set of landscapes. From gorgeous coast lines, hundreds of powerful waterfalls, vast desert and tall mountains, this place really has it all!

We hope that you found this blog post helpful! Let us know in the comments below if you have been to Oregon and what your favorite places were!

Happy Travels 🙂

Jake and Kaylee

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May 6, 2020 at 3:43 pm

We love this! We have been planning a road trip through here and we’re making a list. This was super helpful! Thank you for sharing

The Lovers Passport

May 6, 2020 at 9:31 pm

Thank you so much for the comment! We love hearing that what we write is helpful. We hope you guys have an epic adventure through Oregon! Keep in touch and let us know where you went!

– Jake + Kaylee xo

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Ultimate Highway 101 Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Welcome to our Oregon Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip planner!

Oregon has one of the most stunning stretches of the Pacific Coast, USA. Here you will find stunning natural attractions including sea stacks and sea arches, a rocky coastline often covered in fog, sand dunes that rise high into the air, pretty coastal towns, and historic lighthouses.

The coast is divided into three parts: northern Oregon coast, central Oregon, and southern Oregon. The drive the total length of the coastline from Astoria to Brookings along the Highway 101 takes 8 hours without stopping. Add in the many attractions and scenic spots, and we recommend devoting 5 to 7 days for this road trip.   

Fun fact: it’s time to hit the Oregon coast! Did you know that Oregon has nearly 362 miles of coastline? 

Or you can also split this road trip into small trips and see a section of the coast over a long weekend. It is really hard to pick the best area of the Oregon Coast, rest assured, whichever part you visit you are certain to fall in love with the amazing scenery here. 

If you plan to visit other Oregon attractions including Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge area, Mount Hood, and the Cascades, then read our Best of Oregon Road Trip Planner which takes you through central and southern Oregon.

To explore all the attractions in the Beaver State, read Best Places to Visit in Oregon . 

Ultimate Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Oregon Coast means endless adventure. Whether you want to go sea kayaking or horseback riding on the beach or ATV riding up and down the sand dunes, Oregon Coast has it all. From fishing to crabbing and clamming and from hiking to birding and biking, there are plenty of fun things to do along the Oregon Coast. 

Here are our favorite spots along the coast of Oregon that you must visit on the ultimate Highway 101 road trip. 

Northern Oregon Coast Attractions

The North Coast of Oregon is considered to extend from Astoria to Neskowin. Here you will find lots of history and architecture. It is also the most popular part of the coast, easily accessible from Portland and its suburbs. 

While Portland is not located on the coast, it is a great starting point for your Coastal Oregon road trip since it is easy to fly to Portland and rent a car. 

Portland is also an amazing city to visit. It is famous for its hipster vibe and millennial population. The city has everything from museums, parks and gardens, eclectic shopping, vibrant neighborhoods, and a legendary culinary scene. If you do happen to fly into Portland, we recommend spending at least a day or two here to experience its unique culture. 

Related: Best Things to do in Portland, Oregon

Astoria was the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It is also the oldest city in the state of Oregon and has plenty of historical attractions. Astoria is also popular among the movie buffs. The town was the main setting for the 1985’s cult classic, The Goonies. 

Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, this port city provides ample opportunities for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and more. Make sure to climb up the Astoria Column for a panoramic view encompassing the city, rivers, the Pacific Ocean, and several Cascade Mountain peaks. Drive through the 4-mile Megler Bridge, North America’s longest truss bridge. 

A great way to explore the town is to hop on Astoria’s Riverfront Trolley tour. This 3-mile heritage streetcar line runs all along the waterfront full of restaurants, docks, and piers. The trolley operates every day between March and September and costs $1 for a round-trip, or $2 for all-day on/off. 

After a day of exploration and water activities, enjoy fresh seafood at the cannery boatyard on the Astoria riverfront, Bridgewater Bistro. 

Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

Live an adventure in history as you navigate through the pine forests and coastal vistas at Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. The historic park was established to commemorate the completion of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. 

On the expedition, the explorers were tasked with exploring and surveying the land that the United States had recently acquired through Louisiana Purchase. The park encompasses a total of 12 sites along 40 miles of the Pacific coast.

At the park, visitors can follow in the footsteps of the voyagers. Commence your journey at Fort Clatsop, a replica of the fort where the Corps of Discovery found shelter in the winter of 1805-1806. Continue by hiking the 6.5-mile one-way Fort to Sea Trail, and visit the Salt Works, the site where the Lewis and Clark expedition set up a camp to obtain salt for use at Fort Clatsop. 

During the peak season, summer, you may be lucky enough to witness some costumed demonstrations such as muzzleloading and shooting, hide tanning and candle making. Good news for those traveling with children – the park organizes various activities to keep the little ones engaged.

Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is a 4,300-acre park along the Oregon Coast. Originally a historic military defense installation on the shores of the Columbia River, Fort Stevens, is the main highlight of the park. 

Fort Stevens was in use for 84 years, from the Civil War Era to World War II. While Fort Stevens is what makes this park unique, it is not the only attraction to see.

Visit the Peter Iredale shipwreck, the little that remains of a 275-foot-long sailing vessel that ran ashore in 1906. The shipwreck can be accessed via hiking the 0.4 miles moderately trafficked Peter Iredale Trail. Or swim in Coffenbury Lake, which can be accessed through 2.5 miles Coffenbury Lake Loop Hike. 

The other smaller lakes in the park are popular for canoeing and fishing. In total, the park has 6 paved trails suitable for biking and 6 unpaved trails for hiking. There are camping and picnic areas available throughout the park.

Located on the Oregon Coast, Seaside is about one and a half-hour drive away from Portland. The resort town is highly popular among families and has multiple shops, art galleries, surf shops, and fine dining establishments for a relaxing urban beach getaway. 

Spend a day on the sandy beach or relive childhood memories by playing vintage arcade games at Funland Seaside Arcade. The entertainment center has been part of Seaside’s history since 1929 and is a favorite with locals.

Seaside’s 1.5-mile oceanfront promenade, popularly called the Prom, is a must-visit for those visiting the town for the first time. This historic promenade was built in the 1920s and is a great way to enjoy the coast. Take a romantic walk along the promenade at night. 

In the summer season, it’s common to find weekly farmer’s market, art gallery walks, seasonal holiday celebrations and fireworks on Memorial Day and the 4th of July, vintage car shows, and sandcastle competitions happening in Seaside.

Tillamook Head Trail & Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

At the south end of Seaside, at the end of Sunset Boulevard, visitors will find the Tillamook Head Trailhead. The hike is about 6-miles long through beautiful muddy forests with some ocean views along the way. 

Wear comfortable boots and take your time exploring and admiring the coast on the trail. You can even see the WWII era bunkers in the area while hiking. Stop for lunch in one of the picnic areas to admire the scenery and recharge by spending time in nature. 

On approaching the Hikers Camp at the end of this trail, visitors are greeted with an epic view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The light was called ‘Terrible Tilly’ by locals due to extreme weather conditions near the light and the dangerous path traversed by the lighthouse keepers to reach it. 

The light sits on top of a sea stack of basalt called the Tillamook Rock. It rises nearly 100 feet from the sea. The lighthouse was operational from 1881 to 1957 and was deactivated due to damage and erosion during severe storms.

Ecola State Park

Cannon beach.

Cannon Beach is one of the most romantic destinations in the country. This popular tourist resort is located on the Pacific Northwest Coast of Oregon. Cannon Beach is 80 miles west of Portland and 25 miles south of Astoria. 

It is home to 4 miles of pristine beach and the famous Haystack Rock, as well as beautiful parks, including the Ecola State Park. Everything in Cannon Beach is pretty close, given the small size of the town. Therefore, the downtown and surrounding area are perfect to explore on foot. 

Enjoy a quality cup of coffee accompanied by a pastry at Sleepy Monk Roasters. Visit the Cannon Beach History Center & Museum for an educational afternoon and see the cannon that gave this sleepy coastal town its name. 

Spend a romantic evening on the beach as you watch a glorious Pacific Northwest sunset. On weekends, there are live glass blowing demonstrations taking place at the Icefire Glassworks using the well-known technique invented during the 1st century BC.

Hug Point State Recreation Site

Your next stop on the Oregon Coast Road Trip is located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach. Here travelers can find another wonderful beach hugging the cape and the coast. Visitors often think that this beautiful setting earns the area its name, Hug Point. 

However, there is a far more interesting story behind the name. Before the Pacific Coast Highway – Oregon Highway 101 was built – the stagecoach was the only way to travel via the coast. The pioneers had to travel on the beach in their stagecoaches and hug the point sticking out on the coast to get around it safely. Hence, the name. 

There are many hikes in the recreation area and visitors can even see the historic stagecoach ruts in the park. At low tide, you can get behind the point to a small waterfall as well as explore sea caves. Another popular low tide activity is tide-pooling. To find the times of high and low tides, check here .

Oswald West State Park

Over overshadowed by the more popular Ecola State Park and the scenic Three Capes area, Oswald West State Park is a spectacular 2,484-acre park along the Oregon Coast. The park comprises 4 miles of coastline as well as a temperate rainforest. 

Its highlight is the secluded Short Sand Beach, popularly called Shorty. The trail is just half a mile long and takes visitors through a rainforest, under Highway 101, along stunning coastal views to the beach. 

The state park also has several other trails including the Oregon Coast Trail which stretches through the entire park. This trail is recommended only for experienced hikers. Families prefer to spend a day at Shorty. This cove is picture-perfect for surfing, picnics, relaxation, and tide-pooling for the little sea creatures.

For those with more energy and time, points of interest include Cape Falcon and the Devil’s Cauldron. Beware that the short trail to Devil’s Cauldron gets rocky, uneven, very steep, and often muddy, though the views are totally worth it.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad

While this is a primarily road trip itinerary along the Oregon Coast, we aren’t ones to shy away from a scenic railroad ride when one beckons!

Visitors can embark on the heritage steam railroad and relive Oregon’s history while on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The primary mission of the railroad excursions along the coast is to revive the legacy of steam railroads and teach visitors about their importance in the development of Tillamook County. 

During summer, there are regular trips between Rockaway Beach and Garibaldi. This relaxing trip winds through Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast. The track winds up through thick forests along the Nehalem River and offers amazing views of the Pacific Coast. The beautiful views from the train are enjoyed by adults and children alike.

The prices are $22 for adults and $15 for children (3-12 years old) for a round trip. Feel free to explore Garibaldi once you get off the train – just ensure you don’t miss the last train back to Rockaway Beach. The railroad also offers occasional special event trains throughout the year.

The attraction is most enjoyable when it is warm and sunny outside, although there is a choice of an enclosed car to ride in too. In summer the tickets sell out fast, so we recommend booking online well in advance of your trip.

Rockaway Beach

The city of Rockaway Beach is a great place to check out on the Oregon Coast. The namesake Rockaway Beach is the most famous area attraction. This long sandy beach between the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean is as close as travelers can get to Twin Rocks without stepping off the land. Bring a camera to capture these unique and massive geological wonders. 

The Twin Rocks are one of the most well-known Oregon Coast rock outcroppings after Haystack Rock. The rocks are over 100 feet high and look spectacular at sunset. While it is hard to imagine now, the two rocks were formed 20 to 30 million years ago as one huge ridge structure. 

Over time, erosion separated the two rocks and also created the 35 feet arch in the leftmost rock. The rocks are incredibly romantic at sunset certainly and you can often see couples walking hand in hand and lovers professing their love as they gaze at the horizon.

There are many options for accommodations, restaurants, and shopping along the 7-mile shoreline of Rockaway Beach. Rockaway Beach City also hosts many events and festivals, including the annual July 4th celebration, the Pirate Festival early in the summer, and Kite and Art Festival in August. 

Another cozy town sitting at the northern end of Tillamook Bay, Garibaldi, is home to 760-feet-long Pier’s End. This is the longest pier in Oregon and a beautiful dock to enjoy the Oregon Coast. 

Garibaldi treats its visitors with a relaxed beachy vibe and beautiful views. And don’t forget the fresh seafood! You can either dine out at a restaurant – try the famous ‘Fish Peddler @ Pacific Oyster’ in nearby Bay City or SOURCE Oyster and Wine Bar in garibaldi. Or visit the local seafood market, the Garibaldi Cannery, located in the port to buy fresh seafood to cook for yourself.

While many visitors are drawn to this town for fishing, crabbing, and clamming, Garibaldi is also home to the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad depot and the Garibaldi Maritime Museum, where you can learn the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest. 

There is a little motel and RV park right on the port of Garibaldi, Harborview Inn & RV Park. An overnight stay here is a good opportunity to unwind and relax before continuing the journey.

Tillamook Creamery

It would be a crime to not pass by the Tillamook Creamery once you’re in the Tillamook area. The Tillamook Creamery is an essential Coastal Oregon road trip stop for foodies! This coop dairy is one of the largest in the country and the famous Tillamook Cheese is a household name. Apart from cheese, the dairy also produces yogurt, butter, and ice-creams. 

This dairy lovers’ paradise offers an opportunity for self-guided interactive tours with educational videos and multiple kiosks. Best part? The tours are free! There are viewing windows from where visitors can directly observe the art of cheese making.

On a visit to the creamery, you can sample the world-famous cheese. There is also a café selling creamy Tillamook ice cream and other snacks such as grilled cheese sandwich, mac n cheese, artisan pizzas, salads, as well as Northwest brews and wine. 

Have long been waiting to spoil yourself with a wine and cheese session? This is a perfect chance!

Three Capes Scenic Loop

Oregon’s Three Capes Scenic Loop is one of the reasons you go on this road trip, one of the reasons you take a detour from the famous Highway 101. Located on the Tillamook Coast of Central Oregon, the scenic drive is all about slow travel, about savoring the views.

From downtown Tillamook, visitors can follow an epic 40-mile route northwest along the shoreline. You can enjoy many highlights and hidden attractions along the way as you drive around the 3 capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda.

Cape Meares Lighthouse and State Scenic Viewpoint

Your first stop, the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, rests over 200 feet above the ocean. From here, visitors can enjoy great views of the largest colony of nesting common murres. Bring along a pair of binoculars to see them up close. You might also spot other seabirds and even bald eagles. 

The Cape Meares area also has several hiking trails. The trails will take you along vertical sea cliffs, perched high above the ocean, and through forests of giant Sitka spruce and hemlock trees.

Drive over to the 38 feet tall Cape Meares Lighthouse. Built-in 1889 on the steep cliff, the short light is charming and open to visitors for a free tour from April to October. Next to the parking lot, you will find the famous Octopus tree with its tentacle-like branches. The tree is over 200 years old, 50 feet wide, and a historic landmark. Cape Meares is also home to the National Wildlife Refuge, definitely worth visiting if time permits.

Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout State Park, a nearly two-mile oceanfront promontory that juts out into the Pacific, is your next stop. At the park, you will find spectacular geological formations, Oregon Coast native flora and fauna, and impressive views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Spend a day at the beach or hike to a waterfall. Fish along the Wilson River or walk on the sandspit in Netarts Bay. Camp in the state park or rent one of the yurts. Go beachcombing for glass floats or hike through old-growth forests. The opportunities at Cape Lookout State Park are too many to count. 

Hike the easy 2.5-mile Cape Lookout Trail. This trail is popular with visitors – it winds through the Sitka spruce forest and takes you to the Cape Lookout headland. From here you can spot whales, see sunsets, and enjoy views of Neahkahnie Mountain. You can also spot Cape Kiwanda in the distance.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area 

The southernmost of the three capes and also the smallest, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area doesn’t have many hiking trails. Most visitors hike the 2.2 miles Cape Kiwanda Loop for a walk along the coast. However, it does have a huge sand dune, which makes it no less unique than the other two capes. 

With a little bit of effort, visitors can climb up the 250 feet high Cape Kiwanda dune to observe miles of the ocean and even Cape Lookout in the north. Make sure to stay within fenced areas as it can be really dangerous.

Cape Kiwanda is also famous for its huge crashing waves that pound the sandstone escarpment. From the cape, you can spot Oregon’s second Haystack Rock, located close to Pacific City. It is said that the rock has protected the cape from erosion by the waves and helped retain its shape. 

We also recommend spending time at the beach in Cape Kiwanda. You can watch the unique dory boats being launched into the ocean. 

Pacific City

Pacific City is a sleepy beachfront town that is perfect for outdoor adventures. The shore near Pacific City in Tillamook County is lined by capes, sandy spits, and rivers flowing into protected bays. The Oregon Coast here has a wild feel. Even the Oregon Pacific Coast Highway 101 curves inland here.From the beach, you have great views of Oregon’s second haystack rock.

Visitors can enjoy exploring tide pools, hiking along the coast, whaling, and birding at the Bob Straub State Park. For a unique experience, go horse riding on the beach or ATV riding at Sand Lake Recreation Area. The Nestucca Bay Refuge, located just off Highway 101, is another popular destination to spot wildlife. 

Even if you don’t like spending much time outdoors, Pacific City makes a great road trip stop. This is the perfect family beach vacation destination. You can go shopping, dining, check out the local Pelican Brewery, and other bars and grills.

Central Oregon Coast Attractions

The area of Oregon Coast from Lincoln City to Florence is considered as the Central Coast. Here the coastline turns quite rocky and wild compared to the north coast. This area is known for its stunning natural rock formations and natural phenomenon such as Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn. Because of its rocky shape, this area also has some of the most historic and powerful lighthouses along the coast. 

God’s Thumb

Located near Lincoln City, God’s Thumb is a unique shoreline formation. The coast here is shaped like a giant thumbs up sign. This is still one of Oregon’s coastal secrets and not known by many people. Hiking to the basalt peak for sweeping views of Lincoln City, Cascade Head, and the Pacific Ocean is popular with the locals.

There are two routes up God’s Thumb: both start at Road’s End State Recreation Area and are unmarked. On both you will encounter dramatic views, rocky cliffs, beaches, and wildflowers. The more popular and scenic option is the 4.4-mile Knoll loop. It takes visitors over forested lands and grassy meadows before suddenly following the ridgeline to the peak. 

The shorter alternative is the 3.4 miles out-and-back trail. This trail is less challenging, has gradual inclines and is good for families with kids. The best time to hike to God’s Thumb is from March through September.

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area has an intriguing geology. The Devil’s Punch Bowl is a large hollow rock formation that was probably created from the collapse of roofs of two sea caves due to wave action. Here you can watch waves from the Pacific Ocean waves swirl and froth as it bellows inside the punchbowl.

There are many things to do in the natural area. Visitors come to spot the wave action, birdwatch, whale watch, tidepool, and even surf. Many picnic tables are located here with a beautiful view of the shore.

To reach the punchbowl, hike the 1.8-mile trail from the parking lot. It is not safe to go inside the punchbowl except at low tide and generally, we recommend viewing the wave action from a safe distance. 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

A must stop for bird watching and tide pooling, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of the best places to visit on the Oregon Coast. The rocky basalt beaches like Cobble Beach are perfect to spot sea stars, crabs, sea urchins, sea anemones, and other colorful intertidal life at low tide.

A highlight of the natural area is the 92-feet tall Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the tallest in Oregon. The charming lighthouse was built in 1873 and is still operational. Visitors can climb up the 114 steps to the top on a self-guided tour. 

At the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center, you can learn about the cultural history and marine life along this part of Oregon. There are several informative displays at the center. Other attractions include hiking, spotting nesting colonies of seabirds, and watching the gray whales migrating to Alaska.

Your next stop south on your Oregon coast road trip should be Newport. This charming coastal city has everything from museums, the Yaquina lighthouses, aquariums, eclectic shopping, and eateries serving delicious seafood. Newport is home to numerous attractions and outdoor activities.

Begin your visit at the Newport Historic Bayfront. While it is smelly and loud, it does have stunning views of the Yaquina Bay. Another must is the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Here kids can see sea turtles, sharks, sea lions, and other marine life of the Pacific Northwest.

See the weird museums in town including Ripley’s Believe It or Not or the Wax Works museum. Seafood lovers must visit Chowder Bowl located at Nye Beach. This eatery is famous for its award-winning chowder and local cuisine.

The Hatfield Marine Science Centre is a favorite of ocean enthusiasts. To enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and kayaking, visit South Beach State Park. The Newport Farmer’s Market that takes place on Saturdays is a great place to shop local produce and artisan goods.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Located within Siuslaw National Forest, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area protects a large part of Oregon Coast. Here you will find abundant marine life, a rainforest, miles of hiking trails, pretty beaches, sea caves, rock formations, and tide pools.

Stop at the Visitor Centre deck to enjoy postcard perfect views of the surrounding rainforest, rocky coastline, and turbulent waves of the Pacific Ocean. Drive up to the Cape Perpetua Lookout and enjoy the vistas. 

Cape Perpetua is also home to the famous Thor’s Well. This is a sinkhole on the coast which appears to engulf waves. It looks most spectacular at high tide when the waves disappear down the formation. Another interesting geological formation is the Spouting Horn at Cook’s Chasm. This looks eerily like a whale spouting water at high tide. 

To make the most of your trip to Cape Perpetua, visit at low tide since most formations and trails are dangerous and often inaccessible at high tide. 

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint

A half mile trail to the top of Heceta Head leads visitors to the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, the most beautiful lighthouse in Oregon. It also bears the distinction of being the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon.

Visitors can tour the lighthouse including the ground floor with a park ranger. While visitors are not allowed on upper levels, a hiking trail near the lighthouse leads you to a good viewpoint of the lens. For a romantic option, experience the life of a lightkeeper by booking a night stay at the Light Keeper’s House. This has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the beach.

Wildlife watching is one of the highlights of Heceta Head. Here you can not only spot migrating whales and sea lions but also land birds, nesting seabirds, and the magnificent Roosevelt Elk. You can also take the mile long trail to Hobbit Beach, a nice sheltered beach with pretty views. 

Located just off Pacific Coast Highway 101, Florence is a must visit on a Coastal Oregon road trip. The city is located at the mouth of Siuslaw River and has a plethora of natural attractions including lakes, coastal bluffs, beaches, and sand dunes.

The Oregon Coast Military Museum is located in Florence. Here visitors can learn about American contributions to WWI, WWII, and also know more about the Vietnam War, Korea War, and the work of the Coast Guards. You can see actual war items donated by Oregon veterans including guns, swords, documents, photographs, and more. 

Take a photo of the historical Siuslaw River Bridge located right on Oregon Highway 101. The bridge has beautiful Art Deco style architecture and Gothic arches. It is one of the iconic bridges on the Oregon Coast. 

After checking out the bridge, venture into Historic Old Town Florence. Visit the art galleries and unique shops. Don’t forget to watch the sea lions lounging around at the Sea Lion Cave, the largest sea cave in America.

Southern Oregon Coast Attractions

The southern coast of Oregon extends all the way from the Oregon dunes to Brookings in the south. Here the water looks turquoise more frequently than in other parts and teh landscapes are just striking and dramatic. All the way south near the California border, you will also find the largest stands of coastal redwoods in Oregon. 

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, located in the Siuslaw Forest, is one of the best places to visit in Oregon. The sand dunes are sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and a temperate forest. They look magical and enchanting as they easily tower about 500 feet above sea level. 

The sand dunes were formed by the blowing winds and continue to be sculpted every year. The dunes stretch for a very long part of the coast and the most popular areas for road trippers include the South Jetty Area or Oregon Dunes Day Use Area.  

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area is a paradise for outdoor lovers. Popular activities here ATV riding, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, sand boarding, and camping. There are enough activities to keep visitors of all ages happy.

Popular hiking trails include the Lagoon Loop Trail and the Oregon Dunes Overlook Trail. Along with ATVs, you can also rent dirt bikes, sand buggies, or go horse riding to explore the majestic sand dunes. 

As you head south from the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Your next stop should be Coos Bay. Coos Bay is one of our favorite destinations on the Oregon Coast road trip primarily because of the beautiful sunsets and scenic beauty that it offers. 

This outdoor paradise is close to the southern entrance to the dunes but is also adorned by beautiful beaches, rocky cliffs, and a stunning wilderness. From the coast of Coos Bay, you can see views of the Capo Arago Lighthouse. Coos Bay is also the perfect place to explore 3 state parks along the Cape Arago Highway.

Coos Bay is also the largest city on the Oregon Coast and offers plenty of city attractions. Enjoy the interpretative displays, fish market, the Koos #2 tugboat, and many seafood restaurants along the Coos Bay Boardwalk. The views of the bay are beautiful from here.

Art lovers can visit the Coos Art Museum and admire its collection of Northwestern and contemporary art. The gallery exhibit dedicated to the runner Steve Prefontaine, who is a Coos Bay native, is loved by tourists and locals alike. Other attractions worth seeing include the Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay Maritime Center, etc.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

The Cape Arago Lighthouse, located in Charleston, stands at Gregory Point on the detached Chief’s Island near the coast off Coos Bay. The lighthouse, while decommissioned and closed to the public, is popular with photographers. 

The lonely lighthouse perched on the rocky island looks romantic and mysterious. It was built in 1866 to aid ships carrying lumber to Coos Bay. The best views of the lighthouse can be seen along the Cape Arago Beach Loop. Try the pretty views from the Sunset Bay State Park or hike to Lighthouse Beach. 

Cape Arago Beach Highway

The detour to Cape Arago Beach Loop is a must on a Pacific Coast Highway 101 road trip in Oregon. Along the highway you can spot sea lions and seals, seabirds, and migrating whales. You will also find exceptional views along the coastline.

Cape Arago Highway runs parallel to Pacific Coast Highway 101 and provides access to 3 state parks in Oregon. From north to south you will find Shore Acres State Park, Sunset Bay State Park, and Cape Arago State Park. 

Shore Acres has a formal rose garden and Japanese lily pond and is great to visit. All three state parks have beach access, amazing scenery, and miles of hiking trails. Visit the Bastendorff Beach to enjoy flying kites, surfing the waves, or beachcombing for shells and even fossils. This is one of the most popular beaches to visit in southern Oregon. You can also go hiking along the 1.2 mile long Cape Arago Loop Trail. 

Bandon Beach Loop Drive

Just off Highway 101, further south, is the Bandon Beach Loop Drive. This 5 mile long scenic drive provides access to one of southern Oregon’s most dramatic stretches. Along the loop, you will find secluded beaches and stunning viewpoints. Visitors can tide pool and bird watch while they enjoy the coastal scenery. 

The drive begins in the city at the Bandon Historical Society Museum. Here you can understand the town’s history. Past the city, the loop turns west towards the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. 

Here you will find the first famous viewpoint, Coquille Point. The view here is magical: foaming waves, sea stack, offshore rock islands, and seabirds nesting colonies look stunning at sunrise or sunset. The views of Elephant Rock are pretty clear. 

The drive south to the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. The interpretive trail here does a great job of explaining the Ntaive American legend behind the face on the rock. The last stop is Bandon State Natural Area. Devil’s Kitchen, next along the loop, provides easy access to a pretty beach area. You will find plenty of interesting rock formations here.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

The last stop on your Coastal Oregon road trip! Located between Brookings and Gold Beach parallel to Highway 101, the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor is a must visit. The byway stretches for 12 miles and provides access to coastal bluffs, secluded beaches, offshore rock formations, and hiking trails.

At the northern end you will find the Arch Rock Viewpoint. Arch Rock is a famous sea arch in southern Oregon. This area also has picnic tables and is perfect to enjoy an outdoors lunch. Then drive down to the Natural Bridges Viewpoint. It is a famous point to spot two arched rocks and blowholes. 

Visit the dunes at Indian Sands or enjoy the quiet China Beach. Last but not the least, hike the stunning trail to Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. The mile-long trail has breathtaking views of the coastline, marine life, and gorgeous evening sky at sunset.

Other useful posts to plan your Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Planner Pacific Coast Highway 4 day Itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 5 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 7 day itinerary Pacific Coast Highway 10 Day itinerary All PCH Itineraries Best Places to Stay along the Pacific Coast Highway Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

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Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

The Oregon coastline is arguably the best stretch of road along the Pacific Coast - there is no other section of Highway 101 or 1 that stays so consistently close to the ocean. Rugged headlands, large rivers, and quiet beach towns are found throughout the entire coast. There is so much to explore with very few population centers close by, which means everything feels relaxed and local.

Along this stretch of Highway 101 you can expect to find delicious cheese factories, amazing microbreweries, scrumptious seafood, and plenty of charmingly quirky motels and bed & breakfasts.

Here's what you'll find in the Oregon Highway 101 Road Trip Guide

• Graphic Guides To...
• Three Capes Scenic Route
• Oregon Sand Dunes
• Rogue River
• Trip Planning Advice, including...
• A suggested itinerary
• The highest rated lodging & camping by area

The Mighty Columbia River

The Columbia is the fourth largest river by volume in North America, and the largest by volume to enter the Pacific. Over the course of 1243 miles this river drops 2690 feet from Columbia Lake, British Columbia to Astoria, Oregon. For over 15,000 years native tribes fished, traveled, and traded along the Columbia River. Salmon served as both a major source of food and also as a focal point of their religious beliefs. Many historic fishing sites, such as Celilo Falls, were submerged when hydroelectric dams were built.

In the area known as Columbia Bar , where the river meets the ocean, conditions change from calm to life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Over 2000 ships and 700 live have been lost in this one area alone, giving it the nickname Graveyard of the Pacific (1) .

5 Absolutely Cannot Pass-Up Destinations

Local advice from skyler lanning.

• 1) Ecola State Park is a great hiking destination, with old growth rain forest and fantastic trails hugging the cape. The trails also offer great views of the crashing surf below, with numerous vantage points looking directly onto the famous Haystack Rock.
• 2) Neahkahnie Overlook is the highest viewpoint along the Oregon Coast and uses this to full effect - it offers visitors enormous 180 degree views of the coastline. On a clear day, common sights are the town of Manzanita, Nehalem Bay, Tillamook Bay and the Three Arch Rocks.
• 3) Manzanita which mean “Little Apple,” is a very cute and quaint coastal town that makes for a great stop. They have a cool coffee shop, aptly named Manzanita Coffee Shop, a number of confectionary shops, and a very stroll-able main street.
• 4) The Tillamook Cheese Factory is a great stop for locals and tourists alike. It is a cooperative-owned cheese maker that produces 40 million pounds of cheese annually. They offer self-guided tours of their production lines, complimentary cheese tastings, and amazing ice cream for purchase.
• 5) Whale watching is always in season along the Oregon Coast, due to a permanent whale population numbering around 40. Peak viewing is usually in June and December, with whale watchers trying to catch glimpses of the thousands of whales on their annual migration. Regardless of the time of year, Depot Bay and their whale-watching center is a fantastic stop to catch sightings. Interesting side note - the city also has the world's smallest harbor.

Skyler Lanning and his wife Maria operate Wildwood Adventures, a day tour company out of Portland, OR. They offer public and customized tours to some of Oregon’s greatest natural treasures. For more information visit www.WildwoodTours.com

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On your website, 6) three capes scenic route, the three capes, local advice from jeremy strober.

The best stop along Highway 101 in Oregon requires that you veer off of Highway 101 by just 3 miles. The Three Capes Scenic Route begins just south of Cloverdale and takes you to Pacific City where you’ll find Cape Kiwanda, the southernmost Cape along the Three Capes Route.

In Pacific City, you will find the lesser-known Haystack Rock, towering 357 feet above the water. Adjacent to the Cape, it makes for beautiful eye-candy as you stare west.

Photo by Jeremy Strober

Sitting right on the beach at Cape Kiwanda is the Pelican Pub & Brewery, one of the state’s award-winning breweries. The Pelican offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner on an outdoor patio so you can enjoy the beach al fresco.

The Cape provides for some of the most diverse activities along the coast. It is the Home of the Dory Fleet, a flat-bottom fishing boat that launches off the sand into the surf and has done so from this spot for over 100 years. It is one of the best surfing spots along the coast, providing perfect breakers courtesy of the sandbar that stretches from the Rock to the Cape. Kayakers launch here to fish or ride the waves. The marine garden provides tidepooling galore. And the 18 story sand dune creates a mecca for climbing, running, jumping, and sand boarding.

You can reconnect to Highway 101 as you travel north, after visiting Cape Lookout and Cape Meares.

As the operator of three local lodging establishments, Jeremy Stober often gets asked about the unique places to eat, drink, and visit. Being able to recommend the perfect match to a guest’s desire is his favorite part of the hospitality business! Find out more at www.yourlittlebeachtown.com

Conde McCullough - Bridge Builder

In the early 20th century, towns along the rugged Oregon coast were practically unreachable. By the 1920s, rapidly growing interest in coastal tourism prompted the funding of a highway that would span the entire length (2) . Over the course of five years, from 1921 to 1926, section by section of Highway 101 was completed. Among the many challenges the engineers faced were the many rivers that ran from the Coastal Range Mountains to the ocean. Ferries were commonly used to transport cars and good across the rivers, but they couldn’t keep up with the increasing demands the highway brought. Instead, it was decided that bridges must connect each section of road.

Conde McCullough, the Oregon state bridge engineer at the time, was presented with the opportunity to design and build the infrastructure for these key links to the highway. McCullough wasn’t just interested in making the bridges structurally sound, but also architecturally beautiful. Over the course of fifteen years, McCullough designed a total of fourteen bridges along Highway 101. These bridges are constructed in a variety of styles and materials. You will find them adorned with Gothic spires, art deco obelisks, and Romanesque arches (3) .

Some notable bridges include the Yaquina Bay Bridge (Newport), the Siuslaw River Bridge (Florence), and the Old Youngs Bay Bridge (Astoria).

McCullough went on to help design over 600 bridges in his lifetime.

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8) Oregon Sand Dunes

Local advice from stephen hoshaw.

Nestled along Highway 101, Florence is well suited for all types of adventure. With long sandy beaches and dunes, scenic viewpoints, and rocky coastal panoramas, this might be one of the best places to experience the Oregon Coast.

Photo by Josh Alder

Search for coastal wildlife while whale watching from Heceta Head Lighthouse scenic viewpoint. Or venture underground at the Sea Lion Caves to hear the echo of barking sea lions.

At the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Master Park thrill-seeking adventurers can choose between sandboarding or riding in dune buggies between the massive hills of sand.

Josh Tenge back flips in Sand Master Park

Florence’s Old Town district offers boutique shopping experiences and cozy coastal meals at local hotspots like Bridgewater Ocean Fresh Fish House and Waterfront Depot.

Stephen grew up in the Northwest and has fond memories of both week-long family reunions at the Coast, and quick day trips from Eugene with friends. Whether storm watching from the Heceta Head Lighthouse in winter months, or walking through the warm sand at Sand Master Park during breezy coastal summers, the Oregon Coast has always provided a relaxing escape. Learn more at www.eugenecascadescoast.org

Formation of Sand Dunes

The combination of desert sands, old growth forests, lakes, and ocean found at Oregon Sand Dunes is unique to the southern Oregon coast. By why is it here?

12 million years ago, uplifting layers of sedimentary rock formed what is now the Oregon Coastal Range mountains. As these mountains eroded, the soft rocks traveled downstream and were broken into small granular pieces. These sediments were then deposited at the mouth of the rivers along a gently sloping marine layer called the Coos Bay Dune Sheet. Unlike the headlands found to the north and south, this flat sandstone bottom allows for sands to be picked up and deposited by waves along the shorelines. Finally, these sands were picked up by the wind and dropped over 2.5 miles inland to form the dunes (4) .

Over thousands of year, the dunes have been shaped by wind and water into a vast array of shapes and sizes.

The Legend of Face Rock

By Visitor7 [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Many years ago, the great chief Siskiyou of the mountain tribes planned a visit to four coastal tribes. His daughter Ewauna was to accompany him, which was a great honor. Chief Necomah, being the strongest of the four coastal Chiefs, decided that as a group they would host the greatest potlatch as a show of respect and of their own prosperity.

The days leading up to the potlatch were full of preparation. Necomah ordered massive amounts of clams and mussels to be harvested and stored for the meal. The Elks tribe brought a hundred salmon, cleaned and ready to be roasted. The Sixes brought meat from a dozen elks. The Rogues carried in twenty horses loaded with deer meat. Armed warriors stood guard on the bluff watching for Seatka, the evil spirit of the sea.

Chief Siskiyou arrived with his daughter, who had never before seen the sea. She was enthralled by its beauty despite being warned not to wander near it for fear Seatka would snatch her. With her was her loyal dog Komax and her cat with kittens.

On the morning of the second day, everyone convened in beautiful regalia and commenced the feast. They celebrated this unique visit while eating until they were too tired, at which point they proceeded to sleep in place. Ewauna, wishing to see more of the sea, slipped away from the sleeping camp. A full moon shown down on her as she played at the edge of the ocean.

Finally, she set her basket of kittens down and told Komax to keep watch. Ewauna ran out into the ocean and dove in the crashing surf. She swam for a long time and was slowly pulled away from shore. She was so enraptured that she was unable to hear Komax barking a warning.

Suddenly, the moon became blocked by a dark hand as the fearsome creature Seatka emerged from the water. Komax grabbed the basket of kittens and swam out to help Ewauna. He sunk his sharp teeth into Seatka but was swatted away, along with the basket. Seatka tried to make Ewauna look at him, for his power lived in his gaze, but she stubbornly look straight up at the moon.

Chief Siskiyou rose at sunrise, alarmed to find his daughter missing. Everyone rushed to the sea, only to find Ewauna stubbornly staring up towards the moon with Seatka still trying to meet her gaze. Eventually she turned into stone and you can still see her face gazing up toward the moon to this day (5) .

10) Rogue River

Wild and scenic rivers.

The Rogue River travels 215 miles and over 1 mile in elevation from its source in Crater Lake National Park to the Pacific Ocean at Gold Beach. This river is famous for its stellar whitewater rafting, salmon runs, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Rogue was one of the original eight river listed under the 1968 National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (6) . This act focuses on the need to protect our rivers as pristine and scenic areas. Since the inception of the act, over 203 rivers have been granted this status.

Dams have been a controversial topic along the Rogue for over a hundred years. Many dams were originally built to provide hydroelectric power and prevent flooding. However, even with fish ladders designed into the dams, salmon populations dropped dramatically. Numerous dams have been constructed and then demolished -- one was even dynamited by a group of angry commercial fishermen! Now only the William L. Jess Dam remains, which is located 157 miles from the mouth of the river.

Are you planning a trip here?

Here's one way to do it.

• Spend the morning exploring the marina and shops along the Riverwalk in Astoria, give yourself plenty of time to check out the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
• Stop at Buoy Beer Company for lunch and an afternoon brew then head to the Astoria Column for a relaxing walk and excellent views.
• Grab dinner at Northwest Wild and stay at either the Norblad Hotel or camp in nearby Fort Stevens State Park.
• Head out to the beach at sunrise and grab some pictures of the Peter Iredale shipwreck.
• Continue south and stop at either the Seaside Turnaround to check out the shops or hike at Ecola State Park.
• Pull over at Neahkahnie Viewpoint (highest along the Oregon coast) on the way to the Tillamook Cheese Factory (free samples!).
• Grab lunch at Blue Heron Cheese Company then jump on the Three Capes Scenic Route.
• Check out the lighthouse and Octopus Tree at Cape Meares and stop at Lex’s Cool Stuff for brownies and 2nd hand shopping.
• Hike the 4.8 mile Cape Trail then head into Pacific City for dinner at the Pelican Pub.
• Stay at Pacific City or camp to the north at Cape Lookout.
• Grab breakfast at Cafe on Hawk Creek on the way down to Jennifer Sears Glass Art Studio.
• Check out glass art being made or maybe make your own, then continue south to watch for ocean birds at Boiler Bay Scenic Viewpoint.
• Head out on a whale watching tour out of Depoe Bay. Afterwards taste some salt water taffy at Ainslee’s and get lunch at Gracie’s Sea Hag.
• As you continue south turn off onto Otter Crest Scenic Loop where you can taste some wine while watching surf crash at the Devil’s Punchbowl.
• Tour Yaquina Lighthouse or spend some time walking the beach at South Beach State Park.
• Enjoy a hot bowl of slumgullion at Luna Sea.
• Stay at the Fireside Motel or camp at Cape Perpetua State Park.
• Take a morning stroll down the Hobbit Trail to the beach, then stop at the Sea Lion Caves on your way to Florence.
• Spend the late morning exploring the sand dunes either by renting an ATV or taking a hike.
• Grab lunch at Harbor Light Restaurant or the Fishermen’s Seafood Market. In the afternoon take the Cape Arago scenic loop, stopping to enjoy the parks along the way.
• Explore the town of Bandon and eat dinner at the Bandon Fish Market.
• Stay at the Bandon Beach Motel or camp at Bullards Beach State Park.
• Spend the morning stopping at sights like Face Rock, Cape Blanco Lighthouse, and Battle Rock Park.
• Eat lunch at the Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips then hike up the Humbug Mountain Trail.
• Check in to the Gold Beach Inn then drive down to Myer’s Creek Beach for the sunset.
• Enjoy dinner at the Barnacle Bistro.
• Continue your journey to California, stopping at the Natural Bridges Viewpoint on the way.

Top Rated Places to Stay

• Norblad Hotel
• Cannery Pier Hotel
• Astoria Crest Motel
• Fort Stevens State Park
• Astoria/Warrenton KOA
• Kampers West
• Inn of the Four Winds
• Inn at Seaside
• The Gilbert Inn
• Bud's RV and Campground

Cannon Beach

• Stephanie Inn
• Sea Breeze Court
• Inn at Cannon Beach
• Wright's for Camping
• RV Resort at Cannon Beach
• Sea Haven Motel
• Coast Cabins
• Ocean Inn at Manzanita
• Nehalem Bay State Park
• Kelly's Brighton Marina

Rockaway Beach

• Garibaldi House Inn & Suites
• Surfside Resort
• Tradewinds Motel
• Shorewood RV Park
• Rockaway Beach RV Park
• The Ashley Inn at Tillamook
• Shilo Inn Suites Hotel
• Thyme and Tide B&B
• Terimore Lodging by the Sea
• Three Arch Inn
• Cape Lookout State Park
• Netarts Bay RV Resort

Pacific City

• Inn at Cape Kiwanda
• Cottages at Cape Kiwanda
• Surf & Sand Inn
• Cape Kiwanda RV Park

Lincoln City

• Looking Glass Inn
• Baywood Shores B&B
• Pelican Shores Inn
• Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
• Devil's Lake RV Park
• Inn at Arch Rock
• Whale Cove Inn
• Depoe Bay Inn
• Sylvia Beach Hotel
• Moolack Shores Motel
• Agate Beach Motel
• South Beach State Park
• Beverly Beach State Park
• Whaler's Rest RV Park
• Cliff House B&B
• Terry-A-While
• Waldport/Newport KOA
• Beachside State Recreation Site
• Fireside Motel
• Deane's Oceanfront Lodge
• SeaQuest Inn B&B
• Tillicum Beach Campground
• Cape Perpetua Campground
• Old Town Inn
• Heceta Head Lighthouse
• Jessie M. Honeyman State Park
• Carl G. Washburne State Park
• Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
• Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
• Winchester Bay RV Resort
• William M. Tugman State Park
• Umpqua Sand Camping
• Osprey Point RV Resort
• Itty Bitty Inn
• Old Tower House B&B
• Sunset Bay State Park
• Oregon Dunes KOA
• Bandon Beach Motel
• Table Rock Motel
• Bullards Beach State Park
• Bandon RV Park

Port Orford

• WildSpring Guest Habitat
• The Compass Rose B&B
• Shoreline Motel
• Humbug Mountain State Park
• Bandon/Port Orford KOA
• Cape Blanco State Park
• Gold Beach Inn
• Tu Tu Tun Lodge
• Pacific Reef Hotel
• Secret Camp RV Park
• Ocean Suites
• Best Western Plus Beachfront Inn
• Mount Emily Ranch
• Harris Beach State Park
• Driftwood RV Park

Or stay at one of the many amazing Airbnb properties the Oregon coast has to offer. ** Get $35 off your first night if you sign up with this link **

Special Thanks to: Sarah J Eagen ( www.sarahjeagen.com )

• 1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_Bar
• 2) http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/highway_101_oregon_coast_highway_/#.VwRNmxMrJ_U
• 3) http://bluebook.state.or.us/notable/notmccullough.htm
• 4) http://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/siuslaw/learning/nature-science/?cid=fsbdev7_007155
• 5) http://thebandonguide.com/the-legend-of-face-rock
• 6) http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-act.php

Have you explored this stretch of road? Leave your recommendations below!

17 Best Road Trip Stops from Portland To Bend, Oregon

If you’re heading to the Pacific Northwest and you have a weekend to spare, a road trip from Portland to Bend, Oregon should be on your to-do list. This drive is so much fun to do!

Many travelers headed to Bend, OR as their final destination tend to fly into PDX in Portland, OR. From there, the drive from Portland to Bend (or vice versa) can easily be tackled in 3 hours.

But why would you want to make that drive without stopping to see some of the awesome spots, hikes, and sights in between? The drive from Portland to Bend is so scenic.

You’ll pass by various types of scenery, starting with the densely forested atmosphere of the Portland area all the way to the high desert flora and fauna of Central Oregon. 

To help you make the most of your trip, we’re sharing a complete list of our favorite stops to explore along the way from Portland to Bend. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

ROUTES FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

There are a few routes you could take to get to Bend from Portland (or Portland from Bend), but this list focuses on the stops along these two main routes— taking US-26 all the way down and passing Mount Hood vs. taking I-84 east through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, then down to US-26.

What’s the difference? Well first off, let’s review what you’ll see along both routes.

• I-84 to US-26 – You’ll be going through the Columbia River Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll then take the 35 down to US-26 E and finally along US-97 S to Bend. This route is longer and more time consuming than the more direct path below.
• US-26 – More of a straight-shot to Bend from Portland, which will save you time and miles on your car. You won’t be passing the Columbia River Gorge or Hood River, but you’ll pass Mount Hood and everything thereafter.

The mileage and duration of your trip will depend on which route you take. If you go with the longer, more scenic route of I-84, you’ll be adding on another 50 miles, but a 50 miles well worth it. The total travel time really depends on how long you stop at each of the pitstops on your itinerary!

I’d recommend going the longer route if you haven’t had the chance to explore the Columbia River Gorge or the town of Hood River yet. If you’ve been blessed to have explored the Columbia River Gorge before, then why not take the US-26 route and check out some new sights along the way?

17 BEST ROAD TRIP STOPS FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

I doubt Portland needs a formal introduction. But if you were so keen to read one — Portland is a bustling city in Oregon and is one of the greenest cities in the world. Portland prides itself on embracing weirdness, which makes this city so fun to explore!

There are tons of quirky neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. The food truck scene is popping, as are the coffee and craft beer scenes.

If you’re starting (or ending) your road trip in Portland, make sure you have at least three extra days to eat, drink, and explore the city of Portland!

I personally love Portland so much that I opted to live there for a month in an Airbnb during the C-19 days when wfh was mandatory. It was easily some of the most memorable weeks of those crummy years!

With all that said, Portland gets a huge thumbs-up from me. Definitely allocate a couple of days to exploring the city!

MCMENAMINS EDGEFIELD

McMenamins Edgefield is so much more than a historic hotel. This property is 74-acres large and located only 20 minutes away from downtown Portland. Formerly a poor farm during the Great Depression, McMenamins is a wonder to see and explore. It’s so expansive there is even a visitor’s guide and map of the property available to visitors.

Seriously, the estate is huge! You could easily spend a few hours wandering about the extensive gardens (glass of wine or a pint of beer in hand), play golf, visit the glass/pottery shop, distillery, and winery, take a seat and enjoy one of the many bars, eat lunch in the outdoor courtyards, watch a recent-run movie in the theater, listen to live music, and explore the gift shop. Tons of stuff to do!

If you’re a hotel guest here, you can also take advantage of the beautiful soaking pool next to the tea bar.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

The Columbia River Gorge is so beautiful and packed with jaw-dropping waterfalls, overlooks, and hikes that they named it a National Scenic Area. The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is actually considered one of the most scenic drives in the country!

Along this 70-mile highway, you will have the chance to see several historic buildings, monuments, fish hatcheries, the Oneonta Gorge, and numerous waterfalls including Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Fairy Falls. Given recent fires over the years, it’s best to check their website to check for trail closures.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

It’s likely you’ve visited or at least heard of this popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge before. If you haven’t, it’s a must-see as you travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway.

It’s a quick stop off the highway and you can walk right up to marvel at the falls without even breaking a sweat. Talk about bang for your buck! You can grab lunch, ice cream, coffee, and other refreshments here as well.

Note: Sadly, during peak tourist season, Multnomah Falls can get very crowded, and there may be a limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time to manage crowds and ensure visitor safety.

Check the Multnomah Falls website for the most up-to-date updates/conditions. You may need to make reservations to visit.

Continue along the scenic byway running alongside the Columbia River to reach your next stop, the charming town of Hood River. Hood River, also known as the windsurfing capital of the world, hosts a good amount of wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

This is the perfect place to stop for a meal or a cup of coffee. If you’re not feeling hungry, you should still get out of the car to stretch your legs, walk through the town, and peruse the lifestyle/home decor stores and gift shops.

LAVENDER VALLEY

I love this little off-the-road travel attraction! There’s nothing better than visiting a lavender farm during the summer season and attending an annual festival dedicated to ALL things lavender. I mean, talk about unique, right?

At Lavender Valley, you can wander the lovely lavender fields, cut and pick your own lavender, and explore the little gift shop after you’ve enjoyed your stroll through the grounds.

The view of Mt Hood is as intoxicating as its fragrant fields! No lie, the view by far is the best thing here and certainly does not disappoint.

If you’re looking for an alternative, there are other lavender farms in the area including Hood River Lavender Farm.

Address: 5965 Boneboro Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041

RAMONA FALLS

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire Northwest is just a quick hike away on your route from Portland to Bend.  The iconic 7-mile roundtrip hike on Ramona Falls Loop Trail provides stellar views of Mt. Hood and the grand Ramona Falls.

The trail itself is relatively easy, but the hike requires either crossing the Sandy River on fallen logs, rock hopping, or trudging through the river. If river crossings aren’t your thing, maybe skip this stop. It’s quite an adventure and totally worth it when you get to feast your eyes on Ramona Falls flowing down 120 feet of sheer basalt rock.

GOVERNMENT CAMP

Government Camp sounds much more formal than what it is–a home base for people visiting Mount Hood and exploring the national forest that surrounds the area. “Govey,” as the locals call it, is a quaint alpine village that has plenty of eateries, watering holes, and an abundance of small-town charm.

It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs and use the restroom before continuing on your road trip from Portland to Bend!

TIMBERLINE LODGE

As you approach the south side of Mount Hood, take note of the signs for the Timberline Lodge (you’ll be making a left to get there). Timberline Lodge is a magnificent historical mountain lodge, built during the Depression Era. This is yet another great place to grab a bite to eat with a side of awe-inspiring views.

This National Historic Landmark is perhaps most known as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining . It’s less than 15 minutes from Government Camp and you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.

TRILLIUM LAKE

Just 10 minutes south of Government Camp, you’ll find the picturesque Trillium Lake sitting beautifully among the great outdoors. This lake is all about the view–featuring Mount Hood towering overhead nearby. This creates an amazing mirrored view of its snow-capped peaks, especially on a clear day.

If you have some to spare, consider doing the 1.9-mile loop hike around the lake, kayaking/paddling, fishing, or packing a picnic to enjoy here. Since motorboats are not allowed here, you’ll get an even more peaceful, enjoyable experience!

INDIAN HEAD CASINO / WARM SPRINGS INDIAN MUSEUM

A bit further south on the 26 will bring you to the Indian Head Casino as well as the Warm Springs Indian Museum .

Their proximity to each other will allow you to test your luck with slot machines or table games, AND experience the rich history and culture of this region afterward.

This is an awesome stop if (1) you need to stretch your legs and (2) you’re down to weave in some history/education to your road trip.

Visitors of The Museum at Warm Springs will experience firsthand the sounds of ancient songs and languages, the mastery of traditional craftsmen, and the sights of various cultures that make up the Confederated Tribes of The Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The collections of the museum are rotated throughout the year.

PETER SKENE OGDEN STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT

Located just 9 miles north of Redmond, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a cool roadside attraction. This brief stop boasts a dramatic view of the canyon against the Crooked River.  The two sides are connected by historic bridges that create a dramatic glimpse of central Oregon’s geological and historical features.

The parkland was once owned by the Oregon Trunk Railway and was later acquired by the State between 1925 and 1930.  Eventually, the park was named after explorer Peter Skene Ogden, who entered the Crooked River Valley in 1825.

This viewpoint is perfect for photography lovers! Another good reason to stop? There are restrooms and picnic areas in case you need a scenic break that doesn’t involve seeing the inside of your car.

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

If you enjoy scenic views of towering canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. Rock climbers from all over the country flock to Smith Rock State Park to experience the thousands of climbing routes in the park. Here you’ll find dynamic routes that are ideal for various types of climbing and bouldering.

If climbing isn’t your thing, Smith Rock SP is still worth visiting. It’s great for trail running, hiking, wildlife spotting, and mountain biking as well. If you’re looking for a place to camp, the park also has a walk-in area for tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pro Tip: Smith Rock State Park is a popular attraction, and with that comes potential challenges with parking, especially during the peak season and on weekends. If you want to beat the crowds, visit on a weekday or try to get there before 8am on weekends. The parking/day-use fee costs $5.

CRESCENT MOON ALPACA RANCH

I added this to the list in hopes that anyone reading this is also in love with alpacas as much as I am. At the alpaca ranch, you’ll get the chance to feed the adorable alpaca as well as enjoy the alpaca boutique. It’s only 8 minutes away from Smith Rock, how can you say no?

It’s a fun place to stop, especially if you love animals or are traveling with children. You can expect to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour here.

We missed this on our last road trip, but we’re definitely making it a priority the next time we road trip to Bend, OR!

Redmond is a hub in the high desert along the 26 with a rejuvenated downtown, a growing beer scene, and lots of recreational activities to enjoy.

Head to Downtown Redmond for a light stroll among fine dining restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and cafes. You’ll also find a few breweries in Redmond including Kobold, Initiative, Cascade Lakes, and Wild Ride .

For family-friendly fun, check out Splash Park or the ice rink in the heart of the city. Near the airport is the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center , which hosts a wide range of events, concerts, trade shows, automobile shows, and more.

Redmond is also where the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is held in August. It’s a big deal, so if you’re planning a road trip during the month of August, try to make this one!

Looking for another high desert town to explore? When you pull into the Old West town of Sisters, OR, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported back in time.

This friendly little town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains attracts visitors for its natural beauty as well as annual celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo (June), the Sisters Quilt Show (July) and the Sister Folk Festival (September).

Take a stroll down the main street, hike the nearby trails, and enjoy the Wild West village atmosphere of Sisters.

Welcome to Bend, you made it through your road trip! If you didn’t know, Bend, Oregon is an absolute outdoor haven all year round.

Personally speaking, I am obsessed with Bend. If I was made of money, THIS would be where I would buy a house. Easy decision!

I absolutely love how green and friendly the entire town of Bend is. The plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls , and in-town things to do still steals my heart to this day. (Someone, buy me a house here already!!)

Summers are ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water sports, while winters are perfect for skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Bachelor. It’s the ultimate land of outdoor adventure, and you can’t forget about the craft beer tasting! Seriously, the sheer amount of fun you can have here is unreal.

There’s a lot to do within the city limits and even more to do outside of them. Check out our full list of 30+ best things to do in Bend here .

WHERE TO STAY IN BEND, OR

We love staying in Bend whenever we get the chance! Our top recommendations include these super-stylish and affordable hotels:

• LOGE Bend – Features stylish, rustic rooms; LOGE provides city bikes that are complimentary for use and offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.
• Riverhouse on the Deschutes – A clean, spacious, pet-friendly hotel featuring a restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a bar. Downtown Bend is 5 minutes’ drive away.
• Pine Ridge Inn – Located 2 miles from Downtown Bend, Pine Ridge Inn is just 1 mile away from the Old Mill District. They offer very open and spacious suites with king-sized beds and a sofa bed. They are pet-friendly and offer an awesome free breakfast.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: RENTAL CARS

If you don’t have a car or don’t have a reliable car you trust to get you out of Portland and back in one piece, I suggest you pick up a rental car for your road trip.

Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using  Rentalcars.com . Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!

Don’t Forget About The Pass!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a day-use fee. The better deal? Get yourself a Northwest Pass or an  Interagency Annual Pass . You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Order one before your trip!

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: LODGING/HOTELS

If you’re a planner like me, you’re probably going to want to book all your lodging before you leave. I don’t know about you, but the thought of not having a place to stay (or paying an arm and a leg to get a room last-minute) just makes me uneasy.

Be sure to book your lodging before you leave, or as soon as possible really, especially if you’re planning on staying at a specific hotel or yurt that you’ve been eyeing for some time.

If you are more of a spontaneous traveler, get the  HotelTonight   app. HotelTonight offers steeply discounted hotel prices for those last-minute bookings, perfect for spontaneous road trippers.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: ROAD CONDITIONS

Right before your trip, check Google Maps or  TripCheck  (by the Oregon Department of Transportation) before you hit the road.

We actually like TripCheck a little bit more for this exercise, because not only does it provide you with live road condition information, but it also gives you live weather alerts as well. There are even live cameras you can check out to see exactly how snowy a mountain pass may be or how bad the traffic is in the city. Though not as detailed as within Oregon, the highway condition information even extends to nearby states!

The Best Neighborhoods To Visit In Portland, Oregon

30+ Fun and Exciting Things To Do In Bend, Oregon

10 Epic Waterfalls In Bend, Oregon You Need To See For Yourself

Things To Do In The Columbia River Gorge For A Perfect Day Trip

9 Epic Weekend Road Trips From Portland, Oregon To Take This Year

Trail Of Ten Falls: How To Hike This Epic Trail In Oregon

How to plan your summer vacation to the Oregon Coast

May 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Ecola State Park is just one of many incredible parks scattered along the Oregon Coast © Jordan SIemens / Getty Images

If you've ever struggled to choose between a cabin (or tent) in the woods and a seaside getaway, you’ll love Oregon’s Coast – especially in the summer. This 363-mile-long stretch of Pacific wonderland is not your typical beach destination.

Sure, there are plenty of sandy shores and rocked-in coves, seafood shacks and cozy ocean-facing inns. However, most of the region is covered by massive expanses of old-growth forests – many of which are on state- or federally-protected land – making it an equally ideal place for hiking and camping as it is for making sandcastles and taking long walks on the beach.

Sound like your kind of place? We thought so. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your summer vacation in this enchanting stretch of Pacific paradise .

Step 1: Choose where to base yourself

The Oregon Coast can be broken up into three segments: the North Coast , the Central Coast and the South Coast. For many people, it makes the most sense to stay in one of the larger hubs and take day trips to area highlights. Alternatively, you can start in the north and drive all the way to the south (or vice versa), spending a few nights in each region before continuing your voyage. Here are a few great options.

Vibes: The northernmost city on the Oregon Coast – and Oregon’s oldest city – Astoria is full of beautiful Victorian homes, some of which have been transformed into hotels and museums.

Do: Astoria is a hotspot for fans of the ‘80s cult film The Goonies, which was filmed right in town. Plenty of people make a pilgrimage to the city to see filming locations, including the so-called “Goonies House” and to learn about the state’s film industry at the Oregon Film Museum . Astoria is also a great base for fans of history and nature: Fort Stevens State Park, the site of the Peter Iredale shipwreck, is just outside of town, as is Fort Clatsop , where members of the U.S. Army's Corps of Discovery (aka the Lewis and Clark Expedition) spent the winter of 1805–1806.

Eat: Sample Oregon’s famous albacore tuna, breaded, fried and served up with thick-cut English-style fries at Bowpicker Fish & Chips , a walk-up window housed in a converted gillnet boat. For a fancy affair, head to Fedé Trattoria Astoria , which serves handcrafted Italian dinners made primarily from local ingredients.

Stay: For some of the best views in town, book a night at the Cannery Pier Hotel and Spa , situated at the end of a pier right in the river, next to the 4-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge.

Vibes: In the heart of the Central Coast region, Newport has all the trappings of an Oregon Coast getaway town – lots of independent shops, restaurants and boutique hotels – plus a thriving fishing industry that gives it a bit of a gritty edge. It’s also Oregon’s primary hub for marine science research.

Do: Newport is a great place to get kids interested in the natural world. Don’t miss the Oregon Coast Aquarium , where Free Willy star Keiko the orca prepped for his return to the wild, and the Hatfield Marine Science Center , where guests of all ages can get a hands-on introduction to life under the sea (yes, there are touch tanks).

Eat: You won't find seafood much fresher than what’s served up at Local Ocean , which sources everything from the crab used to craft its Dungeness crab cakes to the razor clams in its chowder from local fishers. For a fancy lunch or dinner, make your way to Clearwater Restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood, salads and cocktails while you take in views of Yaquina Bay.

Stay: Literature lovers take note: every room at the cozy Sylvia Beach Hotel is inspired by a different author. This internet-free hotel also has a massive library and loft with west-facing windows, perfect for catching glimpses of the ocean between chapters of your favorite tome.

Vibes: Coos Bay is the biggest city on the Oregon Coast, and while it still feels very much like a town, it’s got plenty of great hotels and restaurants within a short distance of top spots for outdoor recreation.

Do: Head up to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (which inspired the Dune book and films) for an OHV adventure. Then make your way south to Shore Acres State Park to wander through a beautifully manicured garden or take in views of waves crashing against massive cliffs.

Eat: Pair beer and seafood with bay views at 7 Devils Waterfront Alehouse or sit down to a Cornish pasty at one of the live-edge tables at The Tin Thistle .

Stay: Spend a night at the whimsical Itty Bitty Inn , a budget-friendly spot with five themed rooms (including a Star Trek Room and an Oregon Trail Room). You can even borrow a cruiser bike and a helmet at no extra cost.

Step 2: Book your accommodations

Budget is a big consideration when figuring out where to stay on the Oregon Coast, and room rates typically skyrocket in the busy July and August peak season. There are plenty of fancy (and spendy) hotels along the coast, many of which have direct beach access, but if you don’t plan to spend much time in your room, you may be better off trading in direct beach access for a simple budget motel or a vacation rental.

Camping is a great option but it’s wildly popular. If you plan to camp (or stay in a yurt) in one of the many Oregon State Parks up and down the coast, it’s a good idea to start looking in the winter — reservations go live six months in advance and summer weekend slots often book up soon after they become available. Find out more about Oregon's seasonal events and prices in our guide to the best time to visit .

Step 3: Pick the best things to do on your summer trip to the Oregon Coast

Cannon Beach on the North Coast is popular among day trippers from Portland , with its compact main street lined with art galleries and cafes. On the south end of town, Haystack Rock is a massive sea stack that doubles as a home for tufted puffins. Bring your binoculars.

A short drive from Newport on the Central Coast, Depoe Bay is the place to go for summertime whale-watching. A group of gray whales live here in the summer, and they’re easy to spot from the picture windows at the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center or aboard one of Whale Research EcoExcursions ’ whale-watching cruises.

Oregon summers are a dream for hikers , and the fleeting warm-and-dry season is the perfect time to hike up to the top of Humbug Mountain near Port Orford. The 5.5-mile-long summit hike through groves of massive Douglas fir trees rewards hikers with gorgeous south-facing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Step 4: Find the best places to eat on the Oregon Coast

Seafood lovers will naturally be very happy on the Oregon Coast. You'll find Oregon specialties such as albacore tuna and Dungeness crab at seafood markets from Astoria to Brookings ( Barnacle Bill's Seafood Market in Lincoln City is a local favorite), along with fresh produce galore – much of which is grown in the region – at farmers markets and co-ops all along the coast.

If you’d rather leave the prep to someone else, pick up a charcuterie-and-wine picnic at Chēz in Seaside or try out the famous fried offerings at The Crazy Norwegian's Fish & Chips in Port Orford.

Step 5: Determine how you will get there

The Oregon Coast is a delight for road-trippers, and you really need a car if you want to explore the region. Most people fly into Portland and drive inland on Highway 26, which cuts through the forested Cascade Mountains, ultimately meeting Highway 101 (the Coastal Route) between Cannon Beach and Seaside.

If you’re driving from Washington State , you’ll cross into the Oregon Coast at Astoria. If you’re coming from California , your first taste of the Oregon Coast will be in Brookings, the gateway to the ridiculously gorgeous Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor .

Step 6: Decide what to pack

Even if you plan to visit the Oregon Coast at the peak of the summer season, be prepared for two of the region’s most common features: rain and wind. Sweatshirts and windbreakers are always a must, and while flip-flops are great for transitioning from sand to street, it’s a good idea to always have a pair of comfy, water-resistant shoes with you to keep your toes warm and dry. If you bring a hat, make sure it fits snugly or has a good chin strap if you don’t want to risk it getting swept away in a gust of coastal wind.  

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Salmonberry Trail guided hikes offer look at Oregon's elusive 82-mile valley to coast path

Looking down, you can see rusty rails filled with the history of the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.

Looking forward, you can see the green trees, dark and bright, that make the Oregon Coast unique to any other place.

Looking to the side, you can see the Nehalem River creating a picturesque view in the background of Wheeler Station.

This is the scene at the start of guided hikes along a segment of the future Salmonberry Trail, an 82-mile multi-use route that will eventually connect the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast.

The Salmonberry is a place many Oregonians have heard about — but few have actually seen or hiked. This year, the Salmonberry Trail Foundation is offering guided hikes to share the vision of the project throughout the summer.

Hikes take place a couple times a week, starting at the Wheeler Station in Tillamook County. A full schedule with dates and times can be found on salmonberrytrail.org as well as registration information. Registration is required prior to attending.

The hike takes you along the rails on a portion of the future trail. Normally closed to the public, attending a guided hike is the only way to experience what the future will look like along the coast. It's an up-close view on a route previously open only to trains.

“On the coast it’s amazing because the train gets the premier location — on the edge of the water,” said Gavin Mahaley, communications director for the Salmonberry Trail. “You are seeing things that you don’t get to see in a car. You really need to be there to see it.”

Imagining the future along the coast

The next guided hike is May 27 but new dates and times will be added for the rest of the summer. Hikers can find and sign up for the hikes through the Salmonberry Trail website.

The hikes are different distances to fit a variety of interest levels. Hikers can choose from a morning hike around 2 miles or an afternoon hike around 5 miles.

During the hikes, visitors can expect to see views of the Oregon Coast and the Salmonberry Canyon that will eventually become a multi-use trail.

“When you are on a bike or on foot on the actual trail path, you are right there with nature,” said Michelle Jenck, who was part of the original group responsible for getting the trail project moving in 2011. “You’ve got waterways and mountains and streams, the view is so picturesque and world class.”

Jenck has seen first-hand the need for a safe, multi-use trail in the coastal community. She said the area is beautiful but inaccessible in terms of having safe trails close to home.

Building awareness for the Salmonberry Trail

The hikes are to build community awareness on the future possibilities of the Salmonberry project, as well as educate visitors on the rich history of the region such as farming, fishing and forestry.

This series of hikes allow people to understand the concept of this project out in the field, not just a plan on paper.

“Anytime you can get out and enjoy nature in a way that’s safe for Tillamook County residents and families with young children and there are not a lot of ways to do that,” Jenck said. “Taking advantage of these hikes would be a really great way for families to get out and be in nature but see what the potential is for a trail system like this.”

Project status

There are currently three active trail projects that make up the larger Salmonberry vision — in Banks, Rockaway and Wheeler. All three projects are at different progress points and serve a different purpose. Eventually all of the segments will connect into an 82-mile trail starting in Banks and ending in Tillamook.

In Banks, the Salmonberry Foundation is holding trail clearing events where members of the community can join in on the project. Trail clearing events are hosted on Wednesday's and you can sign up at salmonberrytrail.org/trailblazers-team . This program is focused on clearing rail lines to accommodate a future trail.

The Rockaway Beach project is a future trail connecting South Rockaway and Nedonna Beach. This segment comes with a high price tag and the Salmonberry Trail Foundation is awaiting a RAISE grant request to move forward.

The Wheeler portion of the project is having the guided hikes to give people an opportunity to see the future of the trail. This recreational activity is about spreading the word and showing others what opportunities can come from this project. All segments of the trail are closed except when attending an official guided hike.

“The hikes are really about helping people imagine that future,” Mahaley said.

More information on future guided hikes and the Salmonberry Trail Project can be found at salmonberrytrail.org

Emma Logan is an outdoors journalism intern for the Statesman Journal. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X @emmmalogan