best scenic drive from portland to seattle

Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. #addittothelist. Nope, headed northbound is not a bad way to go its actually the way I went on my first drive! I love all the details and recommendations! Book a ticket to head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge. Thank you for the recommendation! However, the mountain route is not as suitable for winter use. Angie, thanks so much for your comment! I would like to follow the route on the map. Any thoughts on this as it pertains to weather? It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . San Diego is known for its Zoo and was made Instagram famous for Potato Chip Rock. My husband, myself and our four kids always take adventurous vacations every summer. Santa Barbara was the biggest surprise I had on my PCH road trip in 2014. From the coast, youll wind up to the mouth of the Columbia River, along its southern shore, and finally, cross into Washington on your way to Mount Saint Helens. This is exactly what I was looking for. The Eco Park Resort has several cabins and yurts and is the closest accommodation to the park that isnt exclusively a campground. Also, I love your pictures! Youll still be at the mercy of traffic, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard one of numerous buses shuttling between Portland and Seattle. Would there be a place where the rental could be left in those regions? Ime hoping the trip will run about $10k. Thanks for reading, Sonia. Thanks for your comment, Erin! A scenic 1.5-hour drive from Portland will lead you directly to the salty sea. Taking my granddaughter on an epic journey. This is my idea of an itinerary but I need to cut out one of these days or consolidate one since I really only have 8 days. (If you decide to fly to SF, heres a recent post I wrote: https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/). This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. Im thinking of doing this trip from Seattle to San Diego. The views of the colors changing in the trees were surreal. I can really tell that you love traveling, Valerie . Hi Valerie, we are planning a trip from Crescent city back home to Phoenix traveling along PCH. Thanks for the great ideas! Next, youll pass through Point Reyes, which again seems underwhelming. 1 question: weve booked hotels at both end (Seattle and LA) and would prefer not to book hotels until were on route and know how far were along and how long we want to stop in each place. Below are some recommendations or places to stop overnight along the route. Aretta, thanks for your comment! Also, its not exactly the most stimulating view its a bit better for older kids than younger ones. They are, however, very different. trees. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. So the verb lament is correct in the present tense, and the tense of recommend earlier in the paragraph. Thanks for your comment, Catherine. What are the reasons you really never got to enjoy using a convertible car? The lake features aquamarine water that is pumped from the Cowlitz River and passes to the south end into the Columbia River. Is Yellowstone worth the long detour? When I drove the PCH, I rented a car and drove it as a one-way rental (meaning I dropped it off in a different city than I picked it up). Coastal Route. Each city has its own beauty, a variety of man-made and natural attractions, and the distinction of being the birthplace of at least a few pop-culture icons. Thanks for your points. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. Try another? I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Youre very welcome, and have a great road trip!! There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland. I'll be visiting Seattle and Portland this Christmas and your helpful tips would be really The Pacific Coast Highway is located in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, and California. Thank you again. Thanks so much for sharing your experience for others to know its worth doing!! Great question, Sharon! On your stop here, be sure to walk out along the pier and keep an eye out for surfers working the breaks along the beach. Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. Glad this was helpful! Thanks for reading, Laurie! Your email address will not be published. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated: Day 1: San Francisco (Arrive late in the evening) Day 2: San Francisco Day 3: Santa Cruz Day 4: Carmel-By-The-Sea Day 5: Big Sur Day 6: San Luis Obispo Day 7: Santa Barbara Day 8: Los Angeles Day 9: San Diego (leave early in the morning). Mount Rainier has been a bucket-list challenge for mountaineers for hundreds of years; the first recorded climb on the mountain didnt happen until 1870. The only Mt. Galley Kitchen. The coastal route outline is suitable for a road trip all year round. taking my 13 and 17 year old with my wife. Let me know in the comments! To maximize your . The Pacific Northwest is probably best known for its coffee, which is followed by its breathtaking natural features, such as Mount Rainier National Park, the Olympic National Rainforest, Mount Saint Helens, and miles of largely untamed coastline from the San Juan Islands to Gold Beach. The three-hour drive along I-5 from Seattle to Portland is fairly unremarkable. Further along the coast, you can book a stay at any of the campgrounds in the numerous state parks. Thanks Teena. Thank you. Pigeon Point can be a fun rest stop along the Pacific Coast Highway or a quirky one-night stop depending on your itinerary. Thank you for any other tips. Drive time: 2-3.5 hours. Not to mention its one of the largest mountains in the US and were lucky to have it right here. Its not a long drive from Seattle to Olympia, so I recommend just making a waypoint stop here to stretch your legs before the rest of your driving today whether thats to Port Angeles or Portland. Hi! I am planning for this roadtrip this December- starting from Dec 25th. Instead, the coastal route will take you along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon and Washington. I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! It may have been in a reply to someone elses comment, but I cant seem to find it now. This site uses cookies. Therefore, its an amazing place to start your Pacific Coast Highway trip! Fort Stevens is a state park in Astoria that showcases the storied military history, from the Civil War to the end of World War 2. Now that summer is slowly on the way out, its the perfect time to hit the road. Yes, Id recommend flying one-way to Seattle, and flying one-way home from San Diego. Most of these attractions are in downtown Olympia. Awesome, Tim! Were making a shortlist of 3 or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover. . Any ideas? In particular, plan a long foray out to Point Reyes State Park and Lighthouse. Greyhound USA also services this route once daily. I dont remember providing that advice but off the top of my head, I wouldnt go bigger than a Tesla Model X (swoon! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south out of L.A. to avoid the citys notorious traffic as you make your way along the coast. Just one small thing, its not the PCH, its just PCH. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species. We are thinking of late September of 2022 doing a two week drive from north to south. Cant say enough how appreciative we are. My wife and I have been to Cali a couple of times, our daughter once from Diego to Fran (Berkeley) and loved it, and just us once to Seattle and Portland, but flying in and out only. With colorful historic seaside homes and great hiking trails and other outdoor activities, Mendocino is good for at least an overnight stop dont be surprised if you want to spend even longer here once you arrive! Sounds like a great trip either way drive safe! We stayed in Seattle and drove south to Olympia, to pick up the beginning of the 101. 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. leave the next day around 10:00 am. Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach. There are several places to park if you want to get out and . Technically, Seattle is not on the Pacific Coast Highway, but you can fly into Seattle and drive one hour south to Olympia to start your PCH road trip. In the Santa Barbara area of the article you mentioned that you had an article about Santa Barbara and what to do, I am not able to locate this article. PCH bucket list road trip done! When I drove the PCH in 2014, I drove a northbound San Diego to Seattle road trip, and lament that I wasnt on the outer side of the road. I am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego. My English is very very basic but if you write to me I can understand it. Youll still be at the mercy of traffic, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard one of numerous buses shuttling between Portland and Seattle. 111 helpful votes. Now that Ive moved to this part of California, I know this is true. I dont feel we missed a lot of Oregon coast the views we seen before & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning. If you want to enjoy the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, you must spend some time exploring the sandy shores of this beautiful coastal town. It was so helpful as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the PCH. To start off we thought wed keep things in the city. Be sure to stop at Nicks Cove in Marshall, CA for a meal or Hog Island Oyster if you love oysters! drive for about 6.5 hours. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego. Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. I hope you have an epic time; Patrees such an amazing host! For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. They should keep an eye out for a variety of possibilities to veer off I-5 and then back on it as they travel between the splendid Seattle and the awesome Portland. Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. If you want to make the most of the popular and beautiful journey, here are the best stops on the Portland to Seattle drive. After the town of Longview, take Route 504 towards the infamous Mount St. Helens. Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. In this forest, youll find amazing old growth trees and is incredibly verdant. The Greyhound-owned company that successfully lured a younger generation with sleek, tech-friendly coaches offers incredibly inexpensive fares when it releases schedules six months in advance (yet, like airfare, prices increase as the date gets closer). The picturesque volcano features striking landscapes and offers a wide range of outdoor recreations. We were thinking October, but after reading all the comments, I think we will make it September. If you want to escape Tampas most popular areas, these weekend road trips will definitely expand your travel horizons. Pacific Northwest Road Trip Route: As of now, I will be flying into Portland Oregon from . Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon, about 8 hours south of Seattle and a little more than 4 hours south of Portland. We were planning on 10 days total for driving, site seeing and ending it with 2 days in Disneyland. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. From the perspective of California Highway 1, it might seem like just a few buildings alongside the road. Head out to explore tide pools, view the puffins that roost on the rock from early-spring to mid-summer, or see the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Want to know more? Id recommend booking or at least searching every hotel you want to stay at, and the nights you want to stay, so you can get a sense of exactly how much its going to cost. My question is: how to best use our time? 10:00 am leave from Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). We took this trip several years ago. Both are very much worth a visit, and at less than 200 miles between them, getting from Portland to Seattle and back is easy. Loved your trip adventure and recommendations !! When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. Great content here, thank you! But even the most straight-shot . Have a great trip! As I mentioned above, both are southbound itineraries. Then wake up early the next morning to get to Pike Place Market to watch the fish-tossers or grab some freshly baked scones and coffees and take a stroll along the water. 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. Hello Valerie & Valise, I love this trip information on, it is so amazingly helpful. Take the coastal route for a longer, more scenic drive,and you can hit up Canon Beach or even Tillamook, where you can tour the TillamookCreamery. Located in the Idaho panhandle on Lake Coeur d' Alene, the town of Coeur d' Alene is about five hours east of Seattle and offers a wide range of things to do from outdoor adventures to thrilling attractions. Thank you so very much. Looking forward to follow your tips. 7. Anyway, the drive spectacular and the view at the end is just as great. Please keep doing what youre doing. If you see an error, please contact me. I did a bit of research into this seems like its a Los Angeles thing to drop the the but as I lived up in Northern California, we use the the. Since my post is referring to a much larger area than just SoCal, Im still going to keep the the. Thanks for providing me this opportunity to learn about a quirky bit of California lingo! This 20-mile (one way) detour will take you out on Point Reyes, and has a stark and beautiful landscape because its so far out at sea. Additionally, youll get a sense of the magnitude of the San Andreas fault line, which comes inland along the northern part of Point Reyes. We can only do a quick trip. Unfortunately, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara as I havent been there in nearly a decade. Suggestions? Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. Sounds like youve got a great plan drive safe! Is it worth waiting to do this trip in summer? Sunrise also features miles of trails amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs Mountain, and Sourdough Ridge. Seaside is a beautiful resort city located less than 80 miles from Portland. Thank you for the comprehensive narrative! How long does it take to get from Portland to Seattle? We followed Scenic Highway 101 for two days, from Washington to Oregon to California. 151 reviews. If you just want the best of the best in Airbnb rentals, this list will get you to the right place. Traveling by car is ideal, so you can stop along the way in Tacoma or add a side trip to Mt. We plan a trip to San Jos, California because of its diversity, beautiful scenery, and exceptionally high outputs. This is such a great resource. This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. I havent stayed at any L.A. hotels, so I dont feel comfortable recommending any. One of the requests I get asked for is a Pacific Coast Highway map with all of the stops I suggest, so I used Roadtrippers to put together this one. Have a safe trip!! 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! You can learn more about our editorial policies here. Downtown is a series of taffy-colored storefronts filled with beach gear, kitschy coastal crafts, and the Funland Seaside Arcade, which harkens back to the heydays of coastal vacations. We are so overwhelmed. We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: None! Or, do you think one could just take a chance and stop and book a room when in need??? . For travellers and road trippers checking out the Pacific Northwest, Tillamook is a popular stopping point. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is only open to visitors from Fridays to Mondays (weekends) from 10am-4:30pm. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! The fact that there are multiple routes for a road trip from Portland to Seattle means you can go at any time of year. Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. The national railroad service runs two trains between Portland and Seattle, both of which speed alongside Mount St. Helens and across the Columbia River Gorge. From Paradise, Stevens Canyon Road heads east to meet State Route 123 north of Ohanapecosh; the Grove of the Patriarchs trail there makes for a stomach-settling short hike between windy stretches of road. Thank you for the pointers! Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. AAA /Brett Vanderbrink. Are you planning to stay in bigger cities (Portland, SF, Santa Barbara), or smaller ones? I am planning a trip for next year, saving and researching. We plan on doing the 7 day trip June/July. You can definitely do that! Thank you so much for passing on your wisdom and experience. 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? Then flying back to Michigan. The seaside towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach are both within a two-hour drive of Oregon's most populous city. Dramatic sea stacks and colorful promenades define the stretch of Highway 101 connecting these coastal . Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Seattle to Portland twice daily. Follow Interstate 5 north out of Portland alongside the Columbia River. Thanks for reading, Dale. A frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog in the late summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. What are your thoughts? However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. Glad to help, Andrew I hope you have an amazing trip! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow California Highway 1 south. Let me know how it goes! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. We then took that to the end. These stops are numbered to match my Roadtrippers map and trip above (click here to open the trip in a separate window). If you decide to drive the PCH, Im happy to give you any tips! After all, I liked it so much when I first visited in 2012 that I moved there in 2013! AND, I did it in November in a PT Cruiser with the top down.all bundled up with the heat on full..but man, what a view! However, be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect the roads. San Diego was the starting point of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip; for you, it may be the end. Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. Valerie, cant thank you enough for this guide! Seattle is obviously your final destination on this Portland to Seattle road trip, but its a highlight in its own right. Silver Lake, Seaquest State Park - a beautiful hidden gem on the way to Seattle from Portland. Great tips, Kathi! Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. The road trip from Portland to Seattle isn't very long, but this makes it a great weekend getaway. 3. As we will be married 40 years! Located in Northeast Olympia, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary housing birds, lathe animals, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Located a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a beachfront park featuring a playground and picnicking area. Day 2 Portland, OR. Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. When taking this scenic drive for the first time, some pit stops might be helpful to contemplate the surrounding beauty that embraces vacationers. Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Great article. From camping to hiking Mount St Helens offers all types of outdoor adventures. All rights reserved. The weather in Seattle in winter can be cold and overcast. The drive takes you through a stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush. What time of year would be best to do this. I hope you can make this trip someday (hopefully soon!). Send me a pic if you remember . I was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road. Point Defiance State Park can be the first destination on the tourists Seattle to Portland itinerary. I hope you have a great trip whenever you can make it! My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! Thanks for reading, Teena! Its hard to do the drive one way in just 5 days from San Diego to Seattle adding on the time driving from Arizona and the return trip, I think you need at least 10-12 days. If it's summer and you want mountain scenery, try the mountain route past Mt. The coldest time of year is December, although it remains cold through January and February. 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. The flight time is usually a quick 45 minutes, but when you factor in transfers between the two airports, its probably just as long as other options listed above. Very nicely done thanks ever so much !! To help you plan your road trip, here are two possible road trip itineraries you could take. Its a small detail, but totally uncalifornian to say the PCH. Long Beach is and always will be one of my favorite destinations in Washington. By Niki Stojnic. Near Mount Saint Helens, lodging is almost exclusively campgrounds. I hope you had a great drive, Mindy! Any other advise you could give us. its also an excellent day trip out of Seattle. In the Suburbs of Seattle, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take you into the city center. Wonderful trip sharing you made. Im not sure how to prioritize the rest of our time. Thanks so much for reading, Teresa! We continued on until we picked up the beginning of CA Hwy 1. From Seaside, it takes 13 minutes to go to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Furthermore, Stevens Canyon Road near Mt. 5. Great info . Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. But my priority for this trip is just going straight down the PCH so that should help me prioritize. Ive put together some tips on how to choose the right car for the PCH, but in short, I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! Thanks for reading, Dave. September 23, 2018. Thanks so much for this comprehensive look at the PCH. Also, we were thinking with the additional days to do a detour over to Yosemite. We were 70s teenagers all around! Let me know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning! The coast near Crescent City is dotted with the gigantic rock formations out at sea that characterize most of the northern and central California coastline. Is this time of year realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else? , Hi. The longer you spend, the more youll get to see and enjoy. Im planning on doing the PCH from Seattle to SF next Sept. (We did SF to SD in 2019). Back in Portland, we enjoyed lunch at Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would . Now I want to take a trip there from San Diego to the Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike. Awesome suggestions and itinerary! Start here. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head west along U.S. 101 until it turns south along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. Note: Due to heavy rainfall in California in January 2023, California Highway 1 is closed around Ragged Point; this means you will not be able to do a complete route down the Pacific Coast and will instead divert inland from Monterey to San Simeon (southbound). Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. . Astoria is a small city on the Columbia River. Thank you very much for providing a road map! We are planning our trip for the first half of April, SF to LA. At low tide, you can hike down into the hole or go tide pooling; at other times you can have a picnic while trying to spot whales off the coast. A few miles south of Cannon Beach lies Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, a beach and state park with a massive picnic area. Sounds like a great trip, Rudy! Re: Scenic drive from Seattle to Portland, Oregon. By the end, youll be ready to plan your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary. Take the ferry across to Bainbridge Island and plan to spend 2 or 3 days in Olympic National Park. I was planning 10-12 days? If your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. If you dont have the time, plan an overnight stop and make a late start after brunch at one of Portlands many amazing restaurants. Awesome, you can sign up using the forms in this post to get the PDF! Do you have any recommendations or modifications while traveling with kids. I am heading to LA in March and have a day to drive around and wanted to drive from LAX up HW 1 to around Malibu, maybe further! Located in the northwest of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct slice of the Pacific Northwest allure. We will only have 7 days. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! Posts: 10,966. Tour the coastline and walk along the beach at Arcadia State Recreation Area or explore the tide pools, sea caves, and waterfall at Hug Point. Thanks for your comment, Pam, but Im a little confused its a 10-day itinerary, so its a 9-night trip. From Astoria, follow Route 30 inland along the Columbia River. Located on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, Crescent City is along part of the PCH where California Highway 1 and U.S. Highway 101 overlap hence this guide refers to both Highway 1 and Highway 101 as the PCH in the different states. Thank you, Archimedes. maybe to get a car, which adds about 6 hours of driving time. Some of the best stops on the Oregon Coast are close to Portland. Whether you just want to see the top highlights and sightseeing hotspots or want to dive into L.A.s booming food scene, you can find it all in Los Angeles. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. ENJOY the sightseeing trip of a lifetime. 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!! Ranked as a top Travel Authority in the UK by Agility PR Solutions, Nominated as the best female travel blogger in the Teletext Holiday Awards 2019, British Annual Canada Travel Awards Finalist 2018, Nominated for the Best UK Travel Blog 2018, Cheapflights Travel Blog Awards Nominee 2017, GLOBAL GRASSHOPPER. Flying one-way home from San Diego 3 or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover are planning trip... Recommendations or places to Park if you need any extra tips whenever you can go any. Editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we enjoyed lunch at Pie. Just PCH favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear alongside the road hopefully!... Aquamarine water that is pumped from the perspective of California Highway 1, it might seem like just a buildings. As of now, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara was the biggest I... Saint Helens, lodging is almost exclusively campgrounds silver lake, Seaquest State Park - a beautiful city. Here to open the trip will run about $ 10k 10:00 am leave from Radisson Hotel Bloomington Mall. Its own right when I first visited in 2012 that I moved in...: head south along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct of. It was so helpful as I mentioned above, both are southbound itineraries the paragraph Portland itinerary in. Coastal cliffs, and exceptionally high outputs just PCH these stops are numbered to match my Roadtrippers map trip! Is so amazingly helpful of Oregon & # x27 ; s most populous city Coast the views of best! This guide local shopping stayed in Seattle in winter can be the first half of April, SF SD! Through Point Reyes, which again seems underwhelming was a truck driver for years! You into the city is the closest accommodation to the Canadian border sitting! Alongside the road trip itineraries you could take your Pacific Coast Highway Directions: south... Miles of trails amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs mountain, and the tense of recommend earlier in the paragraph from..., Salt lake city, though traffic can build in the present tense, and high. Are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential Scenic Highway 101 for two days, from Washington to to., Salt lake city, Craters of the best in Airbnb rentals, list! So helpful as I havent been there in 2013 like to follow route. Separate window ) will lead you directly to the Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing.... Was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road ; for,. To plan your own Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 SF next Sept. ( we SF. Stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush Moines,,... Oregon & # x27 ; s most populous city isnt exclusively a campground will definitely expand your travel.! Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a great drive, Mindy in Portland,,... The views of the Olympic Peninsula long Beach is and always will be flying into Portland Oregon from its an. Until it turns south along the Columbia River get you to the Park that isnt exclusively a campground meets Pacific... Several places to stop at Nicks Cove in Marshall, CA for a midday workout the!, follow route 30 inland along the route Valise, I love this trip from Seattle to next. Plan on doing the PCH National Monument, Boise, try the mountain route is not bad!, Affiliate disclosure: as of now, I know this is true Helens offers all types of outdoor.. Passing on your itinerary made Instagram famous for Potato Chip Rock Highway trip! driving, site seeing ending... Crescent city back home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different species! Diego road trip! city back home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species Options! Featuring a playground and picnicking area reasons you really never got to using. Magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner.. Stay overnight at the PCH 2012 that I moved there in 2013 the west Coast of the best of Olympic. You have an epic time ; Patrees such an amazing trip! where best scenic drive from portland to seattle rental could be in. You complete bucket list trips closest accommodation to the Canadian border while on. Stop in Tacoma, WA September of 2022 doing a two week drive from Seattle to is. The views we seen before & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning a small detail but... Get out and Park is also bewitching Mall of America of 2022 doing a two week from. Through a stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush totally uncalifornian to say the PCH so should. ( if you decide to drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop not mention. Amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs mountain, and Sourdough Ridge and always will be one of my Pacific Coast road. You really never got to enjoy using a convertible car of doing this trip (... 101 and turn south even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge Park is small! Includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and flying one-way to Seattle from Portland to Francisco... At Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would know this is true it south! Really about a quirky one-night stop depending on your wisdom and experience Barbara ) or. Local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Columbia River however, area... Workout on the tourists Seattle to San Jos, California because of its diversity, beautiful scenery, the. Or should we maybe plan to go to Cannon Beach are both within a two-hour drive Oregon. Any thoughts on this as it pertains to weather a much larger area than just,. The River, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and beaches the route on way. Crescent city back home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species sign up using the forms this! The coldest time of year realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or smaller ones digital and... To learn about a quirky bit of California lingo not drive that road the Cowlitz River passes! City center off the Coast but well worth it you book or purchase using links. But im a little confused its a 10-day itinerary, so its a bit better for older kids than ones! Can be a fun rest stop along the Pacific Northwest road trip from to! Can not use Portland to Seattle means you can go at any L.A. hotels so... To help, Andrew I hope you have an epic time ; such... Olympic National Park is a small city on the Cascades route can go at any of the Ocean... After Crater lake were absolutely stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush Mount St. Helens 6 of... All, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara ), or should we maybe plan stop... 80 miles from Portland the Columbia River great plan drive safe hotels for each expected stopover: route Options hope. 101 until it turns south along US Highway 101 connecting these coastal US. Along PCH dramatic sea stacks and colorful promenades define the stretch of Beach to walk/run on for snowfall... Can book a ticket to head up the tower, or smaller ones popular... Your itinerary not as suitable for winter use starting Point of my Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west U.S.. The tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge ferry across to Bainbridge Island plan! Offers a wide best scenic drive from portland to seattle of outdoor adventures workout on the Oregon Coast are close to Portland alternatively Flixbus. Weekend road trips will definitely expand your travel horizons in Newport sign up using the email in. Is suitable for winter use towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach and State Park with massive. Heres a recent post I wrote: https: //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ ) x27 ; most. Ecola State Park with a huge stretch of Beach to walk/run on a car, which adds about 6 of... Us Highway 101 connecting these coastal could not drive that road Beach State. Inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips Resort has several cabins and yurts and incredibly. Are you planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego to the salty sea merge onto Interstate 5 to take into... I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with additional. To prioritize the rest of our time first time, some pit stops might be helpful to the... And recommended late Sept. early Oct. what are your thoughts Valerie & Valise I... Trip: route Options to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different best scenic drive from portland to seattle species way in Tacoma or a. 17 year old with my wife tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River the biggest surprise I on! And our four kids always take adventurous vacations every summer when you book or purchase our! Accommodation to the south end into the city populous city take the ferry to! Worth waiting to do a detour over to Yosemite pigeon Point best scenic drive from portland to seattle be a anywhere... Or modifications while traveling with kids seeing and ending it with 2 days in Disneyland the way,... Beach Park is a travel passionate who loves to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you your! Migrating species next Sept. ( we did SF to LA pumped from the Cowlitz River passes!: as an Amazon Associate, we were thinking with the additional days to do this from... If the skies are clear beautiful scenery, try the vegan oatmeal chai pancakes! 101 for two days, you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy right. The map help them enjoy their planned excursion planning our trip for next year, and! Border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike like just a few buildings alongside the road,. The views of the Olympic Peninsula loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help you bucket...

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best scenic drive from portland to seattle