National Parks and the Oregon Coast

1.5 HOURS/65 MILES

From Astoria and Seaside, you will head south down the coast through Bay City to Tillamook. Driving along the coast on the celebrated Pacific Coast Highway, you will have plenty of photo opportunities, but one place that is not to be missed is Cannon Beach. This is a world famous area and if you have ever seen the movie “The Goonies” you will instantly recognize it. From there it’s on to Bay City and a stroll around town before arriving at your overnight destination, Tillamook. Tillamook is a fun place to stay and there are a multitude of things to do and places to see, but if you want an absolutely fun tour, head to the Tillamook Creamery. It is a free and self-guided experience where you can watch cheese being made.

1.5 HOURS/70 MILES

Are you ready to see some whales? Because today is the day to do it. Your route will start away from the coast as you travel through the coastal woods of the Siuslaw National Forest before picking the coast back up again at Lincoln City. Again, there are a million and one things to do on the Oregon Coast, and we will give you plenty of suggestions, but seeing whales in the ocean is a trans-formative experience and we would recommend dedicating a big part of your day to making that happen at Depoe Bay. Known as the “Whale Watching Capital of the Oregon Coast”, there is a resident pod of Grey whales which makes its home off Depoe Bay from March through December. Visitors from everywhere come to whale watch either from the new Whale Watch Center, the many shore observation spots or you can take a charter out for a closer look. From Depoe Bay, it’s a short jaunt down the coast to the larger town of Newport.

2 HOURS/100 MILES

Today you leave the coast behind for a few days while you head inland to the exquisite southern end of the Willamette Valley. You head due east on Hwy 20 over the Central Oregon Coast Range. Once you do, you will be in wine country. There are a multitude to choose from but we will give you some of our favorite options. Once you get to Corvalis, before heading south to Eugene for the night, take a quick detour to visit the Historic Carousel and Museum in Albany. It’s a short detour but well worth it. Once you get to Eugene, be prepared for some city life. Eugene is Oregon’s second biggest city and you should take advantage of that fact.

4 HOURS TO CRESCENT CITY/221 MILES

Today it’s up early and back to the coast. This is a longer driving day, but it will take you through some of the most beautiful inland scenery Oregon has to offer. You get back to the coast via Hwy 38 as it takes you back over the Coastal Range and the Elliot State Forest. Once you get back to the coast, take a few hours to stretch your legs in Coos Bay. This little town on the bay has a lot to offer and a walk around its downtown area is a great way to spend some time. Make sure not to miss the serenity of the Japanese landscaping at Mingus Park. Stop by the Fisherman’s Seafood Market on the Coos Bay Boardwalk for some straight from the ocean seafood. You won’t regret it. From Coos Bay you dip down into California and a visit to the majestic redwoods and Crescent City.

4 HOURS/184 MILES

Its back into Oregon today and to the east side of the Coastal Range and Klamath Falls. Klamath Falls is known as Oregon’s City of Sunshine for its 300 days of sun a year. Once you arrive in Klamath Falls, we would recommend finding a place to stay, and heading south again back into California for the hour and a half drive to Lava Beds National Monument. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites. This is a landscape like no other, and it’s not to be missed.

3.5 HOURS/165 MILES

Crater Lake National Park is amazing. That is really all there is to it. We would recommend planning on spending most of your day here before heading up to Bend. The Rim Drive is a spectacular scenic drive and a great way to see the whole of the park, but there are many side adventures to be had here, and we have some excellent suggestions for you. One recommended stop, however, is the Visitor’s Center. You will pass by it on your way into the park and it’s a great way to get some information on the park. Once you get to Bend you will be in a great college town, home of the Oregon State University’s Cascade Campus. You should plan on spending the whole of your next day enjoying Bend and the myriad of things to do in the area, before continuing up north on your Oregon road trip.

Bend sits on the eastern edge of the Cascade Range along the Deschutes River. The pine trees and high alpine features of the mountains transition here to the high desert, which means as an outdoor destination, Bend has every opportunity you could hope for. But the town itself is alive with culture and hums with activity. In 2015, Men’s Journal ranked Bend as one of The 10 Best Places to Live Now, and its not hard to see why. One recommendation we have is to stop by the Bend Visitor Center, located right downtown. They have a friendly and knowledgeable staff and will help you on your way to enjoying all that Bend has to offer. They can also clue you in to the Bend Riddle Routes, which is a scavenger hunt around town, and a great way to see the town.

6 HOURS/325 MILES

Today is more of a road trip day, as it is the longest driving time of your trip so far. But worry not, get your favorite playlist ready and prepare to drive through some of the most solitarily beautiful landscape the United States has to offer. This is classic East Oregon High Desert country. On this leg of your journey, we will send you through two great smaller Oregon towns before ending in the Grande Ronde Valley and the town of La Grande, nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

3 HOURS/176 MILES

Today will take you over the Blue Mountains and down into the Columbia River Gorge. The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest and the fourth largest river in the United States. The scenery along this drive is simply majestic, so don’t be shy about pulling over to snap some photos. You should also take some time to stop at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area. It’s a great little park and will give you a chance to stretch your legs at the confluence of the Columbia and Deschutes River. Once you get to The Dalles, one recommendation we have is to head over the Columbia for a quick jaunt into Washington and the Yakima Reservation.

Ahh, Portland. The city of Roses. This is truly one of America’s great cities. With a population of around 650,000, Portland is a big city with a small town feel. The cultural experiences here are not to be missed. From the Downtown area to the eclectic neighborhoods and districts, there is nothing but fun to be had. But Portland is also on outdoor town, with places like Forest Park, Tyron Creek State Natural Area and Mount Tabor Park. The easiest way to get around is the city’s centerpiece, the MAX Light Rail. Our recommendation is start your adventure off by heading to the Portland Visitor’s Center. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s a great way to begin your stay.

Best place for a stroll:

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND

Best way to keep Portland Weird:

OLD TOWN

Best place for a picnic:

WASHINGTON PARK

Best place to find dinner:

PINE STREET MARKET

Can’t miss it:

PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDENS

Best place for a selfie:

MILL’S END PARK, THE WORLD’S SMALLEST PARK