The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip: How to Spend 1, 2, 3, or 4 Weeks

The Pacific Northwest is where I find I spend a lot of my time vacationing and exploring because it is one of the most beautiful areas in America. Towering volcanoes, exquisite beaches, lush rainforests, plunging waterfalls, wildlife abundance…the list goes on and on! These four 1-week Pacific Northwest Road Trip ideas can be explored independently, or they can be combined into 2-, 3-, or 4-week epic adventures! If you choose to discover the full 4-week PNW itinerary, you will have traveled through most of Washington and Oregon, northern California, and parts of British Columbia, Canada.

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Free PNW Road Trip Itinerary

Where to Start Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

The simple answer is Seattle or Portland. Weeks 1 and 2 are entirely in Washington, so Seattle is the obviously starting point. Conversely, Weeks 3 and 4 are in Oregon, so it makes sense the starting point would be Portland. You can rearrange your weeks to start and end at whichever starting city you choose.

Itinerary Summary and Map for Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

Week 1

Days 1-3	Olympic National Park
Days 4-5	Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Days 6-7	Seattle

This map was created with Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

Week 2

Days 1-3	North Cascades National Park
Day 4	Snoqualmie
Days 5-6	Mount Rainier National Park
Day 7	Mount St. Helens

This map was created with Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

Week 3

Days 1-2	Columbia River Gorge & Hood River
Days 3-4	Bend
Days 5-6	Crater Lake NP and Umpqua National Forest
Day 7	Redwood National Park

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner on iOS and Android

Week 4

Days 1-4	Oregon Coast
Days 5-6	Willamette Valley and Silver Falls State Park
Day 7	Portland

Map courtesy of Wanderlog, an itinerary planner on iOS and Android

Best Time of Year for Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

The best time for your Pacific Northwest Road Trip is Spring through Fall when roads are open and most sights are open. Also, during these months, days are longer meaning you can pack more exploring into your day. Some of the higher elevations such as Mount Rainier will be often closed in the winter and spring due to heavy snowfalls. July through August are the busiest times of the year due to summer crowds, but they do offer the best weather for your trip.

Fees for Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

A 7-day Olympic National Park Pass is $30 per non-commercial vehicle, and if you plan to visit often, an annual pass is $55. Mount Rainier National Park and Crater Lake National Park are the same pricing as Olympic National Park. There are several other National Park Services lands in these Pacific Northwest Road Trip itineraries such as Willamette National Forest, Siuslaw National Forest (Oregon Coast), and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests. You may want to consider ordering an America the Beautiful U.S. Park Pass, which gives access to all National Park Services sites for a full year. This interagency pass only costs $80 and will save you money on this Pacific Northwest Road Trip.

You still may have to pay some fees for other sights such as Washington and Oregon State Parks. Washington has an annual Discover Pass for $35 that may be advantageous to purchase. Likewise, Oregon has a State Park Annual Pass that can be purchased for $30. Otherwise, you will have to pay daily use fees for each state park, which are typically $5 per day.

What to Pack

Water!! Whether you use a hydration backpack or carry bottled water, make sure to pack plenty of water when outdoors!
Bug Spray – Keep those pesky bugs away!
Sunscreen – Protect your skin from the sun, and do not forget to reapply.
Hat – More sun protection to block the sun from your face
Hiking shoes/boots – Here are the men‘s version of the hiking shoes I love.
Hiking socks – The best way to prevent blisters is by keeping your feet dry. Moisture-wicking socks are the best way to do that.
Backpack – A backpack is a necessity when hiking to carry your water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. that you may need on your longer hikes.
Hiking Poles – Hiking poles help relieve some of the energy used by your legs when hiking.
RTIC Soft-Sided Cooler – Keep your drinks and sandwich stuff cool in this cooler.
Packing Cubes – Keep your stuff organized in your luggage with these packing cubes.
Rain Jacket – Rain can (and probably will) occur at some point while in Washington, so make sure to pack your men’s or women’s rain jacket.
Jacket – Even in warmer months, the temps can be cool so pack a light men’s or women’s jacket.

Week 1: Olympic National Park – Victoria – Seattle

Olympic National Park

Start this week of your Pacific Northwest Road Trip in Seattle, and drive towards the Olympic Peninsula. Spend the first three 3 days exploring Olympic National Park. On Day 1, as you make your drive from Seattle, stop at towns like Port Townsend and Sequim. Spend the afternoon exploring the pristine Lake Crescent and hiking to Marymere Falls.

On Day 2, drive up to Hurricane Ridge for panoramic views of the national park. Then, hike the easy trail to Sol Duc Falls after checking out the Sol Duc Hot Springs & Resort. Next, head to La Push and Second Beach for tide pools. Make sure to arrive during low tide to see the marine life in the pools at their finest.

Begin Day 3 by hiking the easy Hall of Mosses in the Hoh Rainforest. Next, head to Neah Bay and hike to Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point on contiguous United States. Spend the night in Port Angeles so you can catch the early ferry to Victoria the following morning.

For a more detailed itinerary, visit How to Spend 3 Days in Olympic National Park.

Victoria, British Columbia

On Day 4 of Week 1, catch the very first ferry of the day from Port Angeles to Victoria, Canada. These ferries can sell out, so I advise you get your tickets early, and do not forget your passport! When you arrive, board an afternoon whale watching tour to see orcas, other whales, sea lions, and other marine life. Spend the rest of the day checking out the Fairmont Empress and the rest of downtown Victoria.

Begin the morning of Day 5 of your Pacific Northwest Road Trip at Butchart Gardens. Arrive when the gardens open when the flowers are dewy and just opening. Allow yourself at least 3-4 hours to explore the gardens. Catch the late afternoon or evening ferry back to Port Angeles.

For more on your time in Victoria, visit 8 Epic Activities To Do in Victoria, British Columbia.

Seattle

When you wake up on Day 6 of Week 1, start driving back towards Seattle. Spend today and the next day discovering the city. Pike Place Market is one of the top things to do in Seattle and is a great place to get fresh produce and flowers for you to enjoy on your Pacific Northwest Road Trip. Space Needle, Seattle Aquarium, and Chihuly Garden and Glass are just a few of the amazing sights to see. It may be worth buying the Seattle CityPass depending on how many of these sights you plan to visit. My favorite tour of the city is the Seattle Underground Tour.

Plan your time in Seattle by visiting 13 Perfect Ways to Spend a Weekend in Seattle.

If this is the end of your Pacific Northwest Road Trip, then you can fly out of Seattle. But if you are continuing to the second week of this itinerary, you will continue to North Cascades National Park.

Week 2: North Cascade NP – Snoqualmie – Mount Rainier – Mount St. Helens

North Cascade National Park

Begin the first day of Week 2 walking the short, easy Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk, which is the first trail you come to after entering the park from Seattle. Spend the rest of the day by doing pullouts and short hikes throughout the park on Highway 20. Next, stop will be Gorge Creek Falls followed by Thunder Knob Trail. Stop at Diablo Lake Overlook for gorgeous views of the uniquely green colored lake nestled in the Cascade Range mountains. Your last stop is the Washington Pass Overlook before driving to Winthrop, a Western-themed town.

Your second day in North Cascades will be spent doing a long hike. There are several to choose from, but I really loved Maple Pass Loop. Take the short detour toward the end of the hike to Rainy Lake. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing on the beach of Lake Diablo. Check out The Ultimate 2-Day North Cascades Itinerary for a more detailed plan.

On Day 3, begin your drive towards Snoqualmie via the east side of the Cascade Loop. Stop at Lake Chelan and farmer’s markets along the way. Spend most of the day exploring Leavenworth, a German-themed town. Stop at Franklin Falls on your way to Snoqualmie.

Snoqualmie

On Day 4 of Week 2, begin the morning at Snoqualmie Falls before it gets crowded. There are two viewpoints, so make sure to see them both. If you are willing to hike a little, Twin Falls is another impressive waterfall near Seattle. Stop at Snofalls Lavender Farm and pick your own bundle of lavender. Head downtown for cute boutique shopping, try a flight of wine at Sigello Cellars, or grab a beer at Snoqualmie Falls Brewery. Visit 15 Thrilling Things to Do in Snoqualmie for a more comprehensive list of how you can spend your day here.

Mount Rainier

Your next couple days will be spent at Mount Rainier National Park. Spend the morning hiking the Skyline Trail Loop, a 5.6-mile loop that is ranked the best hike in the park. The beginning of the hike has great views of Myrtle Falls. On a clear day, you can see Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens from Panorama Point on the hike. Rest for a while before going to Reflection Lake, the best place to view Mount Rainier and its reflection.

On Day 6 of Week 2, continue exploring Mount Rainier. Comet and Christine Falls is one of the best waterfall hikes in all of Washington state. Nisqually Vista Loop, which has great views of Nisqually Glacier, and Bench and Snow Lakes Trail, which leads to two vibrant blue lakes, are both easy hikes within the park.

Mount St. Helens

The last day of Week 2 should be spent at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. Stop at the Johnston Ridge Overview for the best views of Mount St. Helens. Visit Coldwater Lake which has only existed since 1980 due to mudslides creating a natural dam and created the lake. Spend the rest of the day hiking the park. If you want to reach the summit of the volcano, hike the long and difficult Mount St. Helens Summit via Ptarmigan Trail, which is 8.5 miles.

If this is the end of your Pacific Northwest Road Trip, then you can head back to Seattle to fly home. But if you choose to continue on to Week 3 of this itinerary, plan on driving to Portland this last day of Week 2.

Week 3: Columbia River Gorge – Hood River – Bend – Crater Lake – Redwoods

Columbia River Gorge

Begin the third Week of your Pacific Northwest Road Trip in the Columbia River Gorge. If you are doing this week’s itinerary as a stand alone trip, start your road trip by flying into Portland the night before.

The Waterfall Corridor falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway and features Oregon’s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls. Other can’t-miss, roadside waterfalls to see along this corridor include LaTourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Shepherd Dell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Horsetail Falls. If you are willing to do a short 2-mile hike, Wahclella Falls is my favorite in this area and worth the easy walk. Visit The Best Hikes in Columbia River Gorge to see your options for this day.

Hood River

Hood River is a small town on the banks of the Columbia River in Oregon located about an hour east of Portland. My favorite way to spend time in Hood River is to drive the Fruit Loop and stop at all the fruit stands, vineyards, and lavender farms. Next, drive to Trillium Lake for the best views of Mt. Hood. When the lake is still, you can see a perfect reflection of the volcanic peak. Drive up to the top of Mt. Hood to see one of the few places you can ski year round. While here, check out Timberline Lodge. Visit The 18 Best Things to Do in Hood River for ideas to plan your day.

Bend

Bend is a cute town located in central Oregon where the terrain starts to flatten out and become more desert-like. I recommend spending 2 days in Bend and its surrounding areas. Begin your time in Bend at Smith Rock State Park. The rock here is made from compressed volcanic ash formed 30 million years ago. The park hosts over a thousand bolted routes for rock climbers as well as miles of hiking and biking trails. Next, visit Tumalo Falls. Located just 12 miles from Bend, this waterfall is a nice escape from the bustling town. Spend the rest of the afternoon shopping in Downtown Bend or Old Mill District. Visit one or two of the local breweries or wineries, and get a flight.

On the fourth day of Week 3 of the Pacific Northwest Road Trip, see the waterfalls on the McKenzie Highway. Sahalie and Koosah Falls are roadside waterfalls and are very dramatic and impressive. Each waterfall has its own parking lot, but you can hike from one to the other along the McKenzie River. The McKenzie River empties into a stunning, vibrant blue pool that you can swim in. The roundtrip hike to Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) is 3.9 miles which may seem daunting, but the hike is pretty easy most of the trail. Spend the afternoon shopping and walking around the town of Sisters. This cute, quaint town was named for the Three Sisters, which are three very close volcanic peaks.

Crater Lake National Park and Umpqua National Forest

Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park and will take up your entire Day 5. This pristine lake is the deepest in America and was formed when Mount Mazama erupted and collapsed. Spend the day driving the rim and pulling out at one of the 30 named and unnamed pullouts. The Rim Drive is generally open mid-July to mid-October. The lake has two islands, Phantom Ship and Wizard Island, which you can take a boat tour to explore. While the lake has many hikes to viewpoints of the lake, you can also hike to Plaikni Falls or Pinnacles Valley to see something other than the lake. If you want to touch the water, the only way to do so is to hike the steep switchbacks of Cleetwood Cove Trail. For more to do, visit 9 Things to Do at Crater Lake in the Summer.

One Day 6, stop at waterfalls on your way to Crescent City along the N. Umpqua River. Start with 2 roadside waterfalls Clearwater Falls and Whitehorse Falls. Next, stop at Watson Falls, which is the tallest waterfall in Southwest Oregon. Next highway stop is Toketee Falls. This is the most popular waterfall on North Umpqua River and is truly impressive. Other waterfalls you can stop at include Fall Creek Falls and Susan Creek Falls. Continue driving to Crescent City which is a scenic drive the entire way.

Redwoods National and State Park

On the last day of Week 3, visit the Redwoods National and State Parks. Two short hikes not to miss are Stout Memorial Grove and Grove of the Titans. Both these hikes are on Howland Hill Road which is a 10-mile scenic drive that winds between the giant trees. Coastal Drive Loop and Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway are two other scenic drives you should explore. While near Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, stop at Prairie Creek and Elk Meadow for a great chance to spot a resident herd of Roosevelt elk. Do one last easy 1.5-mile nature walk, Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.

From here, you can end your Pacific Northwest Road Trip by driving back to Portland or Seattle. But at this point, if you have made it through 3 weeks, you might as well finish the 4th week.

Week 4: Oregon Coast – Willamette Valley – Portland

Oregon Coast

Spend the next 4 days driving up the coast of Oregon from Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor to Astoria. On the first day, drive the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor and pullout at all the stops along the way. The highlights of this drive include Whalehead Cove, Natural Bridges, Secret Beach Trailhead, and Arch Rock. Check out the Oregon Sand Dunes along the drive to Florence, where you can see the Sea Lion Caves.

On Day 2 of Week 4, head to Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and see Thor’s Well, a collapsed sea cave where water shoots up during high tide. You can walk right up to the well, but be careful as the sea can be unpredictable. Travel northward on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, and stop at the historic Newport Bayfront for some seafood and shopping. Next, stop at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse which is the tallest on your Pacific Northwest Road Trip. Make stops at Devil’s Punchbowl and Depoe Bay on your way to Pacific City.

The first part of Day 3 will be spent exploring the ocean side of the Three Cape Scenic Loop which consists of Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares. Walk down the trail towards the Cape Meares Lighthouse which was first lit in 1890. This stubby lighthouse is the shortest on the Oregon Coast. Stop at Tillamook Creamery and do the self-guided tour. Next, visit Cannon Beach, a cute town that is known for its infamous landmark, Haystack Rock. Just north of Cannon Beach, drive the windy road through lush green forests to explore Ecola State Park.

Astoria

On the morning of Day 4, drive straight to Fort Stevens State Park and the Wreck of Peter Iredale. Finish the coastal part of your Pacific Northwest road trip in Astoria. Climb the Astoria Column, a 125-foot monument that sits atop Coxcomb Hill. Make sure to visit other Astoria sights such as the Astoria Riverwalk, Flaval House Museum, and Columbia River Maritime Museum.

For a more detailed itinerary of the last 3 days on the Oregon Coast, visit How to Spend 3 Days on a Dream Oregon Coast Road Trip.

Willamette Valley and Silver Falls State Park

Spend Days 6 and 7 in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Willamette Valley is Oregon’s main wine region and hosts over 700 wineries. This region is best known for their pinot noirs and is so vast that it is split into several subregions. For this itinerary, I recommend you pick between one of the following subregions:

Chehalem Mountains
Dundee Hills
Eola-Amity Hills
Ribbon Ridge
Laurelwood District

Located in Oregon’s Silver Falls State Park, the Trail of Ten Falls is a moderately difficult hike where you get to witness ten breathtaking waterfalls. In order to see all ten waterfalls, you will have to hike the full trail, 7.4 miles. This length may be too challenging for some visitors, so there are several ways you can see waterfalls by shortening the hiking length or just walking from a parking area. Visit 8 Hiking Options for the Trail of Ten Falls for several ways to see the waterfalls.

Portland

Stop at the original Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town for breakfast for truly unique donut designs and flavors. Your day in Portland won’t be complete unless you visit Powell’s City of Books and the International Rose Test Garden. If you want to see a spooky sight, hike through a dark forest to Portland’s Witch’s Castle.

If you have made it through all 4 weeks of the Pacific Northwest Road Trip, congratulations! You have seen the best this region of the country has to offer! If you only managed to do parts of this itinerary, save this blog for another time. Even if it takes you years to complete, these itineraries are ones you need to experience in your lifetime.