The Hidden Treasures of the West Coast

2 HOURS

In the morning, grab a coffee at Storyville Coffee Company, Victrola Coffee Roasters or any other number of excellent coffee roasters in this renowned coffee-loving city. Your next destination is Bellingham, Washington en route to North Cascades National Park. Bellingham is an easy 90-minute drive north from Seattle, so you’ll be able to ease into your road trip. Stop for your first adventure and some unbeatable local food, then head into the fantastic wilderness of North Cascades National Park, just 30 minutes away. The park boasts 300 glaciers, 9000 feet of vertical relief and over 1600 species of plant species, much of it explorable through a wide network of backcountry trails. Highway 20 cuts through the width of the park, which makes for a beautiful drive. Much of the territory expands far to the north and south of the road, so one can gauge how much time they want to devote to exploring the park accordingly.

2.5 HOURS

Your next segment will take you over the Canadian border and into the lovely cities of Vancouver and Victoria. The most populous city in the province of British Columbia and the third most populous in all of Canada, Vancouver is a fantastic city with no shortage of things to do. As a major metropolitan area nestled between ocean, mountains and forest, Vancouver has enough nature and culture to occupy visitors for many days. The best way to experience the city would be to do a little bit from each of those categories, whether that would be shopping at the Granville Island Public Market or on Robson Street, going to the world-class Museum of Anthropology or the Vancouver Aquarium, and wandering around the lush woods of Stanley Park.

3.5 HOURS

Try to grab breakfast at the popular Medina Café in downtown Vancouver before hitting the road again. You’ll next be taking the BC Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. (The scenic ride over the Strait of Georgia takes about an hour and a half.) Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is the southernmost city in Western Canada and is ranked as one of top cities in the world for high quality of life standards. Though the metropolitan region only has around 350,000 residents, this diverse city has the second oldest Chinatown in North American (after San Francisco’s), a thriving Coast Salish First Nations community and a large student presence due to several universities and colleges in the city. Due to this wide-ranging population, “The Garden City” has numerous offerings for tourists.

2.5 HOURS

You will take another ferry to get back down to Washington, this time a trip from Victoria to Port Angeles. (This ride, also quite scenic, takes just over two hours.) In Port Angeles, there are a number of charming shops and cafes where you can while away a part of the afternoon. Your primary destination on the Olympic Peninsula, though, should be the Olympic National Park, a stunning mountainous rainforest in the corner of the United States. The main visitor center is in Port Angeles, so be sure to check in there before you head into the park proper. The Olympic National Park, which contains nearly a million acres of wilderness, has a huge diversity of ecosystems: wild coastlines, old-growth rainforests and snow-capped mountains. At the visitor center, plot which of these regions appeals most to you and plan your time accordingly. Read more about the Olympic Peninsula here.

4.5 HOURS

Over the next three days, with Glacier National Park in Montana as your eventual destination, you will start driving east, a huge portion of it along scenic Interstate 90. Your first leg of this journey is to Mount Rainier National Park, which, at 14,410 feet is an iconic feature of the Washington landscape. This active volcano is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States and spawns six major rivers. Visit the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center to get some orientation around the park and decide if you want to spend a full afternoon here or even longer. (As with all of the national parks, you could spend a day or a week at Rainier, so it’s largely up to you to figure this out.) Aim to spend the night in Yakima after your time at Rainier. Yakima is a small city famous for its fertile agricultural productivity, specializing in hops (over 70% of the nation’s hops come from the Yakima Valley), apples and wine. As for the latter, there are numerous wineries in town; touring some of them would be a great way to spend an afternoon. As a whole, the town makes an excellent stopping point on your drive east.

Your next stop as you head east is the lovely Idaho town of Coeur D’Alene, nestled on the banks of the massive 25-mile-long lake of the same name. The town’s proximity to two major ski resorts and generally tranquil natural setting has made it a destination for outdoor-oriented travelers. Camping, hiking, kayaking and skiing are all within a short trip from the center of town. As this is still the Pacific Northwest, there are the usual quality-of-life perks, even in this relatively small town: fine coffee, plenty of microbrews and a wide array of stellar places to eat.

4 HOURS

Get a coffee at local favorite Grumpy Monkey and hit the road towards Glacier National Park, a stunning four-hour drive from Coeur D’Alene. As this is your furthest point east, and separated by long drives on either end, it is recommended that you plan on spending at least a few days in the park. There is more than plenty to do and the landscape is absolutely like no other, so it’s definitely worth devoting enough time to experience Glacier. Considered the “Crown of the Continent,” the park is set just beneath the Canadian border and encompasses over 1 million acres of wilderness, including two mountain ranges, over 1,000 plant species, and hundreds of animal species. A 700-mile network of trails runs through the park – hiking and backpacking are some of Glacier’s primary attractions – and this is undoubtedly the ideal way to take in the otherworldly mountain views.

2.5 HOURS

After your stay in Glacier, you will begin to work your way down towards the eastern edge of Oregon. It’s a long ten-hour drive, though, so you probably should do it in two parts. The best place to stop for an afternoon and evening would be Missoula, home to the University of Montana and considered to be the cultural hub of the state. At the confluence of the Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers, Missoula is, like many smaller Western cities, also home to many outdoor enthusiasts; you can find hiking trails and river fun within a short drive. It’s also likely your last chance to enjoy find excellent dining options and possible shopping opportunities until you get to Portland, a few days away yet.

6.5 HOURS

Your drive to Oregon is fairly long – nearly eight hours until your next destination – but it is also unparalleled in its natural beauty, as you traverse through several wilderness areas and national forests. Right on the border between Idaho and Oregon is the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, one of the more incredible wilderness areas in the state. You can get amazing bird’s-eye views of the region’s mountain valleys from the Hells Canyon Overlook, so make sure you at least stop there. If you want a more extended time to stretch your legs, there are numerous trails for hiking in the area. Plan on spending the night in Joseph, a quaint town in the northeastern corner of Oregon. Joseph was once a booming lumber town, but the region hit a long lull when many of the mills went out of business in the 1980s. Today, however, it is home to thriving bronze foundries and many ex-pat artists from Portland who are creating a niche in the town. Joseph would make a great base for exploring the natural wonders in this part of Oregon. The Wallowa Mountains, the Zumwalt Prairie and Wallowa Lake are all relatively close and worthy of your time.

4.5 HOURS

Much of your scenic drive will be along the Columbia Gorge, but on the way there, you will pass through a handful of charming towns that are worth at least a quick stop. 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.

1 HOUR

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.

2.5 HOURS

Before you leave Portland, the coffee capital of the country, try to grab a cup at the famous Stumptown Roasters. Next, you will begin to wind your way down the coast of the state. Unlike the summery beaches of California, the coastline in Oregon is windswept, rugged and often quite chilly, even in the summer. The effect, though, is incredibly dramatic and picturesque. You will see strange geologic formations poking through the water, tree-lined hills descending into waves and, if you’re lucky, teams of sea lions lounging on the sand. Start your coastal drive by driving west from Portland to Tillamook (home of the eponymous cheese) and drive south from there. You’ll drive through a number of towns, some of which are worth stopping in and some of which are not. A place to spend the night would be Newport, home to the Sylvia Beach Hotel, which has rooms decorated according to the styles of famous authors.

4 HOURS

You will continue your drive down the coast – make sure to check out the towns of Yachats, Heceta Beach and Florence – until you get to Coos Bay. This will be a good place to grab lunch before you drive inland again. Your next destination is the majestic Crater Lake National Park, about four hours east of Coos Bay. Once you arrive, you will be stunned by Crater Lake. It is unbelievably picturesque. A magnificent body of water within a the crown of a defunct volcano, the lake is the deepest in the United States and one of the most pristine on the planet. There is hiking to be found around the perimeter, but the best activity to do is to drive around the circumference of the crater and take in the views.

4.5 HOURS

From Crater Lake, you will work your way south into California, with San Francisco as your eventual destination. There is a lot of ground between here and there, though, with plenty of fantastic sights to take in. The first of these is Lassen Volcanic National Park, home to the largest “plug dome” volcano in the world and the southern-most volcano in the Cascade Range. There is a lot of neat geologic activity to look at while you’re here: hot springs, mud pots and stinking fumaroles are all around. There are also many hikes to be found, as while as boating and scenic day drives. From Lassen, head west to Crescent City, California to stay for the night. Take some time to visit Redwood National Park as well. This is a smaller park, but there are miles of trails to hike in the splendor of these cathedral-like trees and the spectacular coast. A great place to start your visit would be the Hiouchi Visitor Center. This will give you all the maps and brochures, as well as some friendly advice from the park’s rangers that you need to make the most of your visit.

3.5 HOURS

No trip to Northern California is complete without visits to the wine country of Napa Valley and the rolling hills of Sonoma County. Though only a short drive from the bustle of San Francisco, these regions feel genuinely rural, with their beautiful farmlands, forested hillsides and charming towns. Begin in the Napa and do any shopping that you’ve been missing over the past few days. The town attracts many luxury travelers, so you will be able to find whatever you’re looking for, from designer furniture to sleek new clothes. The main attraction of the region, however, is the surrounding world-famous wine country. There are many vineyards to be found around the town, so you can follow your nose to whichever ones look interesting. Your next stop for the day is Sonoma and you will see many vineyards between the two towns. (You have more driving to do today, though, so don’t visit too many in one afternoon…) Wandering around the idyllic country roads in a car is one of the main draws of the area, so feel free to get a little lost on purpose

1.5 HOURS

Your final segment of this road trip will begin by your driving down the 101 and over the landmark Golden Gate Bridge. (It is a wise idea to park in the lot at the north end of the bridge before crossing into the city, so that you can take a leisurely stroll and take photos at the bridge before getting sucked into the stream of traffic just on the other side of the bay.) You will end your time on the West Coast in San Francisco, one of the region’s truly world-class cities. There are an unbelievable amount of activities to fill your time in this famously photogenic hilly city. Many of them you likely already know: the Painted Lady houses, Alcatraz Prison, Lombard Street, North Beach, Chinatown, the Embarcadero. Those are all great and worth your time, but make sure you save room for the more hidden neighborhoods, those less-traveled by tourists, like the Mission, the Richmond, Nob Hill and the beachy Outer Sunset. Getting around the city by MUNI (bus) or BART (subway) is much easier than driving, so be sure to find a long-term parking lot to leave your car in.

Best place for a stroll:

UNION SQUARE

Best SanFran experience:

CABLE CAR TOUR

Can’t miss it:

ALCATRAZ

Best place for an evening out:

CHINA TOWN

Best place for seafood:

ANCHOR OYSTER BAR

Best view of the Golden Gate Bridge at night:

CRISSY FIELD

Best place to hike:

MUIR WOODS

Crookedest street in the world:

LOMBARD STREET

Classic SanFran Neighborhood:

HAIGHT-ASHBURY

Best view of the city at night:

COIT TOWER

Can’t miss it:

PALACE OF FINE ARTS

Best night out:

THE CASTRO DISTRICT