If you’re dreaming of one epic Pacific Northwest adventure, combining Oregon and Washington into a single road trip is hard to beat. You’ll experience rugged coastlines, snow-capped volcanoes, lush rainforests, charming waterfront towns, world-class wineries, and two of the region’s best cities—all in one vacation.
One important tip before you start planning: if you have less than seven days, I recommend sticking to either Oregon or Washington, not both. The Pacific Northwest is much larger than many visitors expect, and trying to squeeze both states into a shorter trip usually means spending more time driving than enjoying the scenery.
With 7-10 days, however, you’ll have enough time to experience the highlights without feeling completely rushed.
Planning an Oregon and Washington Road Trip Can Feel Overwhelming
If you’ve started researching this trip already, you’ve probably noticed something: there are far too many amazing places to visit.
Should you spend more time on the Oregon Coast or in Olympic National Park? Is Mount Rainier worth it if you’re already visiting the Columbia River Gorge? Do you have time to squeeze in Mount Hood, the San Juan Islands, or Crater Lake?
Before long, it’s easy to disappear down a planning rabbit hole. One blog recommends one route, another suggests something completely different, and suddenly you’ve got 40 browser tabs open and still aren’t sure where to stay or how many days you need.
I see this all the time.
Because I live in the Pacific Northwest and have spent years exploring Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, I know which stops are genuinely worth your time—and just as importantly, which ones you can skip based on your travel style.
If you’d rather spend your evenings getting excited about your trip instead of comparing hotel reviews and Google Maps routes, I can help. My Pacific Northwest trip planning service creates a customized itinerary based on your interests, budget, and travel pace. Whether you’re looking for scenic drives, easy hikes, charming small towns, foodie stops, or hidden gems, I’ll put together a route that makes the most of your vacation—without the hours of research.
Learn more about my custom Pacific Northwest trip planning services here and let me take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
But, if you are a DIY-er, read on for the best general road trip itineraries, put together by me, from years of research.
Oregon and Washington Road Trip Itinerary
7-Day Route
Seattle → Mount Rainier → Portland → Columbia River Gorge → Cannon Beach → Olympic Peninsula → Seattle
Approximate driving: 850 miles
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Couples
- Friends
- Families
Day 1: Seattle to Mount Rainier
Drive: 2.5 hours
Main Activity 1: Explore Paradise
Paradise is one of the most spectacular areas in Mount Rainier National Park, with wildflower meadows in summer and incredible mountain views nearly year-round.
Spend time walking:
- Nisqually Vista Trail
- Myrtle Falls
- Skyline Trail (as far as you’d like)
Main Activity 2: Reflection Lakes
If weather cooperates, Reflection Lakes offers one of the park’s iconic postcard views.
Overnight: Ashford or Packwood
Day 2: Mount Rainier to Portland
Drive: 3.5 hours
Main Activity 1: Explore Downtown Portland
After arriving, spend the afternoon visiting:
- Powell’s Books
- Pearl District
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
Main Activity 2: Dinner in Northwest Portland
Finish the day with Portland’s outstanding food scene.
Overnight: Portland
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge
Drive: 1.5 hours round trip from Portland
Main Activity 1: Multnomah Falls
Oregon’s most famous waterfall is an easy stop and well worth visiting.
Main Activity 2: Vista House & Hood River
Continue east along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Stops include:
- Vista House
- Latourell Falls
- Hood River
Return to Portland.
Overnight: Portland
Day 4: Portland to Cannon Beach
Drive: 1 hour 45 minutes
Main Activity 1: Cannon Beach
Spend the afternoon exploring:
- Haystack Rock
- Beach walk
- Downtown galleries
Main Activity 2: Ecola State Park
Drive a few minutes north for panoramic coastal views.
Overnight: Cannon Beach
Day 5: Cannon Beach to Olympic National Park
Drive: 5.5 hours (including Astoria and ferry)
Main Activity 1: Cape Disappointment (optional stop)
If time allows, stop for coastal viewpoints.
Main Activity 2: Lake Crescent
After arriving on the Olympic Peninsula, enjoy an easy walk along the shoreline.
Overnight: Port Angeles
Day 6: Olympic National Park
Minimal driving throughout the day
Main Activity 1: Hurricane Ridge
Enjoy some of Washington’s best alpine scenery.
Main Activity 2: Sol Duc Falls
A short hike leads to one of Olympic’s prettiest waterfalls.
Overnight: Port Angeles
Day 7: Olympic National Park to Seattle
Drive: 2.5–3 hours
Main Activity 1: Dungeness Spit or Port Townsend
Choose one final scenic stop before returning.
Main Activity 2: Seattle Waterfront
If time remains, stroll along:
- Pike Place Market
- Waterfront
- Olympic Sculpture Park
Overnight: Seattle
10-Day Oregon and Washington Road Trip
This version slows the pace considerably and lets you experience much more of the Oregon Coast.
10-Day Route
Seattle → Mount Rainier → Portland → Willamette Valley → Oregon Coast → Olympic Peninsula → Seattle
Approximate driving:
1,050 miles
Best for:
- Slower travel
- Nature lovers
- Photographers
- Foodies
Day 1: Seattle → Mount Rainier
Drive: 2.5 hours
Activities:
- Paradise
- Reflection Lakes
Day 2: Mount Rainier → Portland
Drive: 3.5 hours
Activities:
- Pearl District
- Powell’s Books
Day 3: Columbia River Gorge
Drive: 1.5 hours round trip
Activities:
- Multnomah Falls
- Hood River
Day 4: Willamette Valley
Drive: 1 hour each way
Activities:
- Wine tasting
- Small towns like McMinnville or Dundee
Non-drinkers can visit local farms, cafés and shops.
Return to Portland.
Day 5: Portland → Cannon Beach
Drive: 1 hour 45 minutes
Activities:
- Haystack Rock
- Ecola State Park
Stay overnight.
Day 6: Cannon Beach → Newport
Drive: 3 hours
Activities:
- Tillamook Creamery
- Depoe Bay
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Stay overnight in Newport.
Day 7: Newport → Astoria
Drive: 3.5 hours
Activities:
- Cape Kiwanda
- Astoria Riverwalk
Day 8: Astoria → Olympic Peninsula
Drive: 4.5 hours
Activities:
- Cape Disappointment
- Lake Crescent
Stay in Port Angeles.
Day 9: Olympic National Park
Minimal driving
Activities:
- Hurricane Ridge
- Sol Duc Falls
Stay in Port Angeles.
Day 10: Olympic Peninsula → Seattle
Drive: 2.5 hours
Activities:
- Port Townsend
- Seattle Waterfront
When Is the Best Time for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip?
June through September offers the best combination of weather and road conditions.
July and August provide:
- Wildflowers
- Whale watching
- Long daylight hours
- Mountain access
- Warm beach weather
September is my favorite month because you’ll find fewer crowds while still enjoying excellent weather.
Where Should You Stay?
A good overnight breakdown is:
7 Days
- Mount Rainier
- Portland (2)
- Cannon Beach
- Port Angeles (2)
10 Days
- Mount Rainier
- Portland (3)
- Cannon Beach
- Newport
- Astoria
- Port Angeles (2)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seven days enough for an Oregon and Washington road trip?
Yes, but you’ll need to focus on the highlights. A seven-day itinerary lets you experience Seattle, Mount Rainier, Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, Cannon Beach, and Olympic National Park. Expect several longer driving days.
Is ten days better?
Absolutely. Ten days gives you time to explore more of the Oregon Coast, enjoy a slower pace, and spend less time rushing between destinations.
Which direction should I drive?
I recommend starting in Seattle and traveling south into Oregon before looping back north along the coast. This route minimizes backtracking and creates a natural circuit through both states.
What is the total driving distance?
The 7-day itinerary covers roughly 850 miles, while the 10-day version is closer to 1,050 miles, depending on optional detours and scenic stops.
Do I need an SUV?
Not usually. Between late spring and early fall, a standard rental car is suitable for this route. If you’re traveling in winter or planning to visit mountain areas during snowy conditions, an AWD vehicle is a better choice.
My Recommendation
If it’s your first visit to the Pacific Northwest, I’d choose the 10-day itinerary every time. The extra three days make a significant difference, giving you time to enjoy Oregon’s dramatic coastline, Washington’s mountains, and the vibrant cities in between without feeling like you’re constantly on the road.
If you only have a week, this itinerary still covers many of the region’s greatest highlights—but if your schedule allows, stretching your trip to ten days will make the experience far more relaxed and memorable.