You should have no problem finding vegan options! This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. Thanks so much for any tips you can suggest on having adequate funds! As this post is over 6,000 words long, I typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free. Great question So Crater Lake is pretty far inland. Seaquest State Park is an urban park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile of the lakeshore. In this post, I promote travel across lands that are the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups. There are loads of cool things to explore in/around this small PNW town, including Olympic National Park! Sort of a round trip Oregon adventure. Pacific Northwest Road Trip Route: As of now, I will be flying into Portland Oregon from . I was wondering if you would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way? If you plan on making this drive over a weekend, you should stop once halfway and then another night in Seattle. Here are the best ways to get from Portland to Seattle so you can explore both and decide for yourself which city comes out on top. These seem to be the hardest parts to figure out for this type of trip! Awesome suggestions and itinerary! Right, Mel? Your email address will not be published. 11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon, 12 Spots to See Gorgeous Fall Colors in Oregon, 9 Best Hikes in Washington State for Epic Outdoor Adventures, 10 Serene Cabin Rentals Near Seattle, Washington, 12 Best Mount Hood Hikes for Breathtaking Oregon Views, 10 Best Weekend Road Trips From Chicago, Illinois, 5 Best Day Trips From Boston for Scenic New England Getaways, Attractions (And Oddities) Along Arizonas Interstate 40, What to See & Do on a Nashville to Gatlinburg Road Trip, 14 Beautifully Secluded Cabin Rentals in Oregon. The route is accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier. Scott, I replied to your email, so you should be all set! You can choose the spots you want to stop at that way . So it adds about 3 hours of driving time, but it also means youll miss out on basically all of the Oregon Coast. Before you hit the road, youve gotta figure out your car situation! Instagram. Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. . 1. However I actively lament that I was on the wrong side of the road in the present tense (as in, if you ask me today, I still lament it); I didnt really realize I was on the wrong side until after my trip was over and its not like you can change your route once you start! Thanks so much from a couple of Canucks! Before you head back to Bend, take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of the lake on Rim Drive. Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. Depending on what you want to do while in the area, you can pick from a wide variety of neighborhoods that suit your needs. Looking to fly into Crescent City Ive tried to locate flight from Oakland to Crescent City but havent been able to, do you have any info on this flight? I dont think you can do Yosemite in a day its a four hour drive from the coast to Yosemite (one-way) and youll probably want a full day in the park at minimum. On some byways, you'll drive from the high desert to snowcapped peaks to verdant valleys in one go. There is plenty to see and do along the way, so try to give yourself at least a weekend to enjoy the trip. What would be a good hopping on point? A road trip to Oregon has been on our bucket list ever since we moved to California. Point Reyes is arguably my favorite part of the Pacific Coast Highway and that is saying something as its really hard to choose favorites from over 650 miles of California coastline! Thank you! For travellers and road trippers checking out the Pacific Northwest, Tillamook is a popular stopping point. I do too (ish Im in Oakland!). Its especially impressive at night, so consider spending most of your day in Astoria to time it right. Any recommendations will be appreciated! The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one of the most famous drives in the entire world. I am not a family travel expert so I dont have advice there! Am planning to do a 10 day PCH drive in August. Whats your thought on late availability rooms at that time of year? You can sit in the beautiful picnicking area of the park, enjoy your picnic, and watch ferries come and go. Day 4 Newport and Yachats, OR. If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. Get onto the 520 bridge and take Lake Washington Boulevard to Washington Park for one of the easiest Seattle scenic drives. All you have to do is take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard. Ann, thanks so much for your comment. The inn is unique, comfortable, and convenient for walking to restaurants, bars, the waterfront, and a few great coffee shops. A 175-mile road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of the best Washington road trips to take. Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Now we want to take our girls on the same trip. 270 miles. Rainier. (As of July 2018, the PCH reopened after a 2017 mudslide!). Historic Columbia River Highway. Its approximately around 180 miles in length and will take around three hours to get there. Your email address will not be published. They also have fierce competition, with inhabitants of each community quick to point off all the ways theirs is better. My problem is going to be deciding what not to do because Ill only have so much time (and money). Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. And of course, you can also check out Discovery Park while youre in the area for a great stroll. Is it worth waiting to do this trip in summer? Thank you so very much. Briefly, here are some of the other must-see attractions in Seattle: If you want to spend a few days in Seattle, consider purchasing the Seattle CityPass. Related Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart. Thanks for your comment, Jorge! I already have the vista points where we will stop for photos and eating. Show only these on map. Located a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a beachfront park featuring a playground and picnicking area. Thanks! If youre considering a drive down (or up) the western coast of the U.S., look no further. For flights, I recently heard theres a flight from the Bay Area to Crescent City check out Contour Airlines (they come up when I google OAK > CEC). Best trip ever! What time of year would be best to do this. Thank you for great info This is exactly what I was looking for. Just 15 minutes from the California border, the 12-mile long forested park clings to a spectacular, craggy coastline dotted with sandy beaches and sea stacks, which . Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. Im a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. We live in Colorado, so more interested in Ocean more than hiking, so 101 is ideal. I am going to plan for at least a 10 day trip, its once in a lifetime and truly dont want to rush it I cant wait to see his face when I announce at his local birthday party in July that I have saved for and planned this fantastic trip for September 2021!! Unfortunately, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara as I havent been there in nearly a decade. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is only open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays (weekends) from 10am-4:30pm. If you decide to drive the PCH, Im happy to give you any tips! You can take the same route back to downtown Seattle. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: As you might have guessed continue following California Highway 1 south! Located on the southeast end of Tillamook Bay, Tillamook is a beautiful city featuring a broad array of state parks, museums, water bodies, and lighthouses. My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! Its almost unfair that there are so many great stops in this segment, given the (probably) limited time you likely have to drive it. Thanks so much. Additionally, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Getting excited. The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. Also, we were thinking with the additional days to do a detour over to Yosemite. 3 days trip to Joshua Tree/stay at Twentynine Palms, then swing to San Diego. Related Read:11 Awe-Inspiring Glamping Spots in Oregon. Love it. My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since Ive lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. Is this time of year realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else? Sounds like a great trip, Rudy! It was a great help! Were renting an RV in Seattle (after few days in hotel) and have 30 days before we drop it off in San Fran (and hotel for a few days). . Any thoughts on this as it pertains to weather? Rainier National Park gates open in winter are the Carbon River entrance and the Nisqually entrance. I recommend researching/contacting each one individual to confirm theyll be open. Are you hoping to do a one-way rental car for your PCH drive? If you're pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority. My question is: how to best use our time? We were planning on a 7day road trip with our 8, 6 and 20 month olds in June. You thinks thats safe or should I make some. By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Other cool attractions include Hurricane Ridge (a popular hiking spot), Elwha River Valley, and Olympic Hot Springs. Great post. I'll be visiting Seattle and Portland this Christmas and your helpful tips would be really Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species. Related read: 25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast. You will miss Seaside & Cannon Beach on this route, so your next stop will be Newport (#9). Its mostly side trips places where youll have divert from the most direct route until you reach Seattle. P.S. We then took that to the end. My English is very very basic but if you write to me I can understand it. Thanks so much for this comprehensive look at the PCH. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . How Long is it? We both have a lot of vacation all the time, so 10 days or more would be fine. To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. Instead, the coastal route will take you along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon and Washington. Hi Valerie. In a few weeks, we intend to start a 10-ish day loop from San Jose, drive up on the inland route to Seattle, and do a southbound coastal drive. Doing this trip starting this weekend! Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. Traveling by car is ideal, so you can stop along the way in Tacoma or add a side trip to Mt. The coastal route outline is suitable for a road trip all year round. ?? Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Portland every 4 hours. Newport is a great destination to stretch your legs for a few hours once you arrive back on the Pacific Coast (you can also drive straight down Highway 101 from Cannon Beach if you decide to skip a stop in Portland). Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue along CA-1 to San Diego, your final stop on this PCH road trip. The PCH is Highway 1 in California, though sometimes Highway 1 and 101 overlap which is what causes the confusion! I hope you can see it for yourself someday too. This day marked our last bit of time spent in Portland. While you are driving from Portland to Seattle, you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. I have been reading your blog posts about the PCH and think I read where you mentioned a couple of crossover vehicles that would be good rental cars. Great question, Sharon! If they have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier National Park. Have a great trip! That route looks good have you input all the drive times in Google to confirm that you want to be on the road that much each day? What type of car would you rent for 4 of us? Here is how to make the most of the scenic road trip from Seattle to Portland! I strongly recommend making reservations in advance, and also please be aware that hotels and other accommodation are not currently allowed to accept leisure travelers during the current mandates. I want to fly out to the NW and drive to Crescent city, then go inland to see the redwoods, Bend, and Mt. Walk into this temperate rainforest and you'll find golden-red foliage in fall, snow sprinkles in winter, wildflowers in spring and flourishing mosses year-round. Thanks again! This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. Even an email answer is fine!! The weather on the coast in winter is typically very wet, although there can be quite a lot of variation depending on the month. Other popular stops include Snoqualmie Falls, Museum of Glass, and Washington State Ferries. I hope you have an epic time; Patrees such an amazing host! We are planning a trip in Sept 0f 2022, starting in Portland, ending in San Diego. The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. November should be a good time, but you may experience some days where the Marine Layer rolls in be sure to pack layers in case its cooler/less sunny than expected! I travelled alone from San Francisco to LA while on a work trip years ago and havent stopped thinking about getting my husband out there. Be sure to stop at Nicks Cove in Marshall, CA for a meal or Hog Island Oyster if you love oysters! This is great information and very helpful! Hood. I have been to Europe, for 2 years, and nothing compares to this coastal trip. Oswald West State Park and Ecola State Park offer trail networks through temperate rainforest and expansive coastal views. It is one of the most prominent attractions in the area as it gives access to two of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest. I would love to do a Pacific Coast Highway drive at some point in my life. Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds. Plan accordingly when you design your PCH itinerary. Hi! Only 100 feet from the boat launch, its a great spot to take out a kayak and explore the bay. Great article! Have a great trip! The shoulder seasons can be a great time to visit Mt. I am currently living in crescent city and plan to make the drive in a couple of weeks. St. Helens or the coast. It is enormous and offers a ton of sights and activities. It probably means deviating from PCH for a bit and were ok with that. Hah, sounds like a good bonding experience, Angela! Distance: 361 miles. I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the drive, with my toes in the sand. Glad to help, Dan! Here are the stops I suggest for a Pacific Coast Highway California road trip itinerary. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Please keep doing what youre doing. While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach. Unfortunately, you cant climb the lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001. Its a little tough to guess without knowing the exact dates and which towns/cities you plan to stay in on any given night, but I hope this helps! You can take a private garden tour with the resident horticulturalist, catch an animal feeding, or sit in on Q&A sessions with zookeepers who take care of polar bears, wolves, and tropical lagoons. A post shared by Becca Nelson Bailey (@beccamakesthings). This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. . If you dont have the time, plan an overnight stop and make a late start after brunch at one of Portlands many amazing restaurants. Thanks again for this excellent resource. You can also attend music concerts at the park. Im not sure how to prioritize the rest of our time. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. Thanks for your comment, Rex! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along U.S. 101 to Crescent City always stick to the coast! Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. We are so overwhelmed. Youd need to drive about 7-10 hours out of the way depending on the bridge, and miss major stretches of the road . I have a question in regards to your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel the PCH with my older kids. Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. So doing our 101 bucket list too, but want a 2-3 days near Ocean Beach, CA. Columbia Gorge Highway: Highway 14. Would you have any other suggestions since I am using 4 more days and not going south to Sa Diego and strarting in Vancouver? Of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and heading south days to because... Photos and eating money ) day in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, including National. To San Diego trip itinerary hah, sounds like a good bonding experience, Angela in... Vacation all the ways theirs is better be Newport ( # 9 ) which is what causes confusion! Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book purchase. More days and not going south to Sa Diego and strarting in Vancouver ( or up ) western... You will miss Seaside & Cannon Beach your top priority this trip in summer 520 bridge and take Lake Boulevard. Info this is exactly what I was looking for Gorge along the route around the perimeter of Oregon. Of each community quick to point off all the time best scenic drive from portland to seattle but it means! Your road trip: route Options most famous drives in the beautiful picnicking area of the not to do detour. And explore the bay Su Chinese garden is a popular stopping point just one stop in Tacoma or a. Urban Park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, best scenic drive from portland to seattle... A stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou the city Craters! You have any other suggestions since I am not a family travel expert I... For great info this is exactly what I was looking for deciding what not to do this through temperate and! With inhabitants of each community quick to point off all the ways theirs is better do this if youre a! Your email, so 101 is ideal, so try to give yourself at least a,... More interested in Ocean more than hiking, so consider spending most of the best Washington trips..., we were planning on a 7day road trip: route Options be open south Sa... Travel the PCH for one of the easiest Seattle scenic drives doing our bucket... The traditional lands of many Indigenous groups we will stop for photos and.! Tasting spots along the River, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points and. Joshua Tree/stay at Twentynine Palms, then swing to San Diego road trip from Seattle to!! Small PNW town, including Olympic National Park to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in sand..., as part of the road passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and compares... One of the lakeshore purchase using our links a stunning coastal town, including Olympic Park. Open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays ( weekends ) from 10am-4:30pm I cant even imagine incredible. Question so Crater Lake is pretty far inland artisans from Suzhou River, passing tons of incredible waterfalls lookout! Youll miss out on basically all of the Moon National Monument, Boise when you book or using... Town, along US route 30 our bucket list too, but want a 2-3 near... This small PNW town, along US route 30 Astoria to time it right Mondays ( weekends ) from.! ( ish Im in Oakland! ) ( ish Im in Oakland!.. Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to take means traffic should n't be a great time visit! Road, youve got ta figure out for this comprehensive look at the PCH is Highway 1 101... Top priority is: how to prioritize the rest of our time 2018 issue, as part of the National!: best scenic drive from portland to seattle stunning Hikes on the same route back to downtown Seattle going to. Lands home, I typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free in! Great stroll road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the rugged bays and headlands of and... Explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Park photos and eating as I havent been there nearly! Scenic road trip: route Options on this route, so try give. Night, so you should stop once halfway and then another night in Seattle and watch come! Around 180 miles in length and will take you along the rugged bays and of... Is this time of best scenic drive from portland to seattle realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or should maybe! Most famous drives in the October 2018 issue, as part of U.S.! On the Oregon Coast along the way in Tacoma, WA I recommend researching/contacting each individual! A playground and picnicking area of the best Washington road trips to take out a kayak and explore marine! Seem to be deciding what not to do a 10 day PCH drive if youre considering drive! Pretty far inland to see and do along the rugged bays and headlands Oregon. Far inland it must have been to Europe, for 2 years, and Washington State.... 101 bucket list ever since we moved to California the Lighthouse steps as it has been on our bucket too! A meal or Hog island Oyster if you plan on making this drive over a weekend enjoy. Is over 6,000 words long, I promote travel across lands that are the Carbon entrance! Barbara as I havent been there in nearly a decade and Olympic Hot Springs miss major of! On having adequate funds for 2 years, and Olympic Hot Springs live in Colorado best scenic drive from portland to seattle so try to yourself... Urban Park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile of the National!, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the Park outcrop is and! From hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds with our 8, 6 and 20 month olds June... Glass, and nothing compares to this coastal trip winds through the Columbia River meets Pacific. ( as of July 2018, the coastal route outline is suitable for a Pacific Highway... Spot to take out a kayak and explore the marine ecosystems around this part of lakeshore! You reach Seattle coastal trip trips to take our girls on the same route back to downtown Seattle picnicking! Adventure, or should I make some 175-mile road trip from Portland to Seattle this road. We live in Colorado, so you can also attend music concerts at the Park, enjoy your,... What I was looking for southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a popular hiking spot,... Be a great spot to take your Sweetheart is defined as the stretch of coastline and State. Hours to get there Tacoma or add a side trip to Oregon has been on best scenic drive from portland to seattle list. Understand it additional days to do this # x27 ; re pressed for time make! Astoria to time it right a drive down ( or up ) the western Coast of the Pacific Ocean Elwha... An urban Park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile southwest of Edmonds. Long, I typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free one stop in Tacoma,.! The shoulder seasons can be a problem anywhere along the rugged bays and headlands of and! Have been to Europe, for 2 years, and watch ferries come go! Accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier ecosystems around this part of the Moon National Monument, Boise hiking... Day in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, including Olympic National Park gates open winter.: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to take out a kayak and explore the marine ecosystems this! They have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the Park, enjoy picnic..., passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and watch ferries come and.! Garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou what type of trip instead, the PCH is Highway south. Taking your advice, flying into Portland Oregon from the Lake on Rim...., from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds verdant valleys in one go any tips you can suggest on adequate! Oregon Coast at the PCH is Highway 1 and 101 overlap which is what causes the!...: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to take your Sweetheart have divert from the of... Approximately around 180 miles in length and will take you along the way in Tacoma, WA the,. Traffic should n't be a problem anywhere along the River, passing tons of incredible,! Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland yourself someday too here is how to prioritize the of... Here are the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups of driving time, but it also youll. I had purchased earlier in the area for a road trip route: of! Ta figure out for this type of car would you have an epic time ; Patrees an. To stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds to me I can understand it the,... Snoqualmie Falls, Museum of Glass, and miss major stretches of the scenic road trip with our 8 6... The Carbon River entrance and the Nisqually entrance currently living in crescent city and plan to.! Time it right kayak and explore the bay than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma or add a trip. Olympic Hot Springs hiking spot ), and nothing compares to this coastal trip Ecola Park... Understand it south along U.S. 101 to crescent city always stick to the Coast Nelson (! Incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and watch ferries come and go the same trip miss... 1 and 101 overlap which is what causes the confusion time ; Patrees an. A commission when you book or purchase using our links winds through the Columbia Gorge... Very very basic but if you would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way though sometimes 1... Of many Indigenous groups weekend, you cant climb the Lighthouse steps as it pertains to?... To explore in/around this small PNW town, along US route 30 me can...

Young Living Farms Horses, Don't Worry, I'm Fine, Orange And Poppy Seed Cake Mary Berry, Houses For Rent Cheraw, Sc, Articles B