Maybe Im AAAA ? 1. The route is accessible year-round and offers views of Mount Rainier. You can learn more about our editorial policies. Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds. I have no idea what the case will be for forest fires next year, unfortunately! The fact that there are multiple routes for a road trip from Portland to Seattle means you can go at any time of year. We booked a flight to San Jose to explore the citys economic hub and cultural traditions. It was so helpful as I planned and traveled cross country this summer starting with the PCH. I havent stayed at any L.A. hotels, so I dont feel comfortable recommending any. 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. Santa Barbara was the biggest surprise I had on my PCH road trip in 2014. 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. Thanks again! I appreciate all the information! The best route depends on what type of scenery you want and the time of year. I drove part of this back in 2009 from LA to San Francisco (northbound..) and would also recommend stops in Morro Bay and Monterey I enjoyed both very much! When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. I especially appreciate your links to stays and dine. The shoulder seasons can be a great time to visit Mt. In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. We were planning on 10 days total for driving, site seeing and ending it with 2 days in Disneyland. You should have no problem finding vegan options! Thanks so much for this comprehensive look at the PCH. Thanks, CJ! Thanks for reading though , Thanks so much for an in depth post. Sireesha, thanks for reading. 21 of the world's best cities for coffee lovers, Pacific Northwest road trip - Scenic round trip from Seattle, Road Trip From Seattle To Yellowstone National Park, Road Trip From San Francisco To Portland, Oregon, Note: mountain route may be unavailable during winter due to road closures, The Kathryn Riverfront Inn is a spectacular beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, The Lotte Hotel has the perfect combination of location, price, and luxury. I love all the details that you are recommended here. 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. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, youll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland. 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. Right, Mel? Thanks! The rest of time will hopefully be in small towns all along the coast. stay overnight at Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. The Cascades train has four daily departures, while the Coast Starlight offers one daily roundtrip. Rainier National Park. Anyway, the drive spectacular and the view at the end is just as great. Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. I hope that helps! 1. Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. Drive time from Portland to the Gorge: 35 minute / 30 miles to the closest hike at Latourell Falls. You can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. A scenic drive on Interstate 84 on the Oregon side to Hwy 14 on the Washington side will take you on a beautiful tour along the Columbia River. 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! You also mentioned Suburbans are not great because they are so big, but I dont think we have much choice with the large family. distance from Seattle: ~1 hr and 15 mins | driving directions (with ferry) | driving directions (without ferry, which is ~2.5 hrs) | best for: excellent seafood and wineries. Im thinking I might end my trip at Santa Barbara. Feel free to comment back here if you have questions while planning your trip . Located on the Pacific side of the Olympic Peninsula, Hoh Rainforest qualifies as a rainforest due to the amount of precipitation that occurs each year. My wife and I are planning an 18 day trip in the coming months to fly into San Diego and then make the drive up to Seattle. It was also formed by wave erosion, and now the huge hole is a beautiful vista or hiking spot. I would definitely do some research on inland options Im not as familiar with whats inland though. I had lots of recommendations from a friend, specific to Big Sur, but your article was so encompassing and complete. Between the Pacific Coast route and the scenic mountain route, notable stops include Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Seaside, and Lewis and Clark Historic State Park. I have one question where is the best place to fly into? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Its a short drive south and a little east along U.S. 101 from Long Beach to cross the Astoria into Oregon. Where: State Route 11. 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. . What day of the week would you recommend starting from WA? If you go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll be way to big and clunky to enjoy the road! Love all the comments ideas and suggestion, will try and make this trip happen in about 2-3 years . Number of Days: 3. 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. Sonja, glad to help! Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. Head to the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center to learn more about the area and history, then head out on the trails to explore the region on foot. 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. Its a small detail, but totally uncalifornian to say the PCH. It adds a couple hours and 140 miles to the journey. This first segment is about 114 miles and has two-and-a-half hours of driving if you do it all at once. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head west along U.S. 101 until it turns south along the west coast of the Olympic Peninsula. From Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument to Seattle with side trips is about 208 miles and will take around four hours when done as a straight shot. You can look out over beautiful sea stacks that dot the northern part of the Pacific Coast and stroll along the sand covered with huge driftwood formations and seafoam. My best advice is to take a look at the app Roadtrippers and start plugging in where you might want to go to get a sense of travel time then you can decide whats must-do, what extra you have time for, and what needs to be cut.I hope that helps! Check out the wonderful pieces they make and even place an order for your own piece on the Northeastern Rustic website. Home / North America / Top 15 Best Stops on the Portland to Seattle Drive, A much-traveled road trip between two of the most popular cities in the NorthWest of the USA, this is a route that will take through some of the most stunning natural scenery in America. Let me know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning! If you want to head over to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Highway 12. Pacific Northwest Road Trip Route: As of now, I will be flying into Portland Oregon from . I havent been to Monterey but its high on my list! What you suggested (Anaheim > SLO/Madonna Inn > Half Moon Bay) is a great two-day itinerary. Thanks for asking, Helen! Pacific Coast Highway Map, Direction & Start/End Points. Such a thorough guide! Travelling from Australia and would like to spend 3 weeks driving around . We will be stopping to see the sights along the way but not for strenuous hikes. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. A road trip from Portland to Seattle is short but mighty. Next time you are looking for a day of unique shopping consider these country stores in Maine, for a truly northern experience. 10:00 am leave from Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. Thanks for reading, Teena! 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. Id go with a mid-size car for your rental. I can really tell that you love traveling, Valerie . What do you think about making this drive in November? Bend is a great city to tack onto your visit, located just 1.5 hours northeast of Crater Lake, 3.5 hours southeast of Portland, and 6.5 hours southeast of Seattle. Congrats on the trip, Michael! Sort of a round trip Oregon adventure. Now Im going to lay out step-by-step directions for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip based on all my tips so far. We can only do a quick trip. The Olympic Peninsula. The Kathryn Riverfront Inn is a spectacular beachside hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right at the center of the town of Seaside. find more stops. Do you highly recommend the LONG route OR is thru Mendocino only enough? Hi, My wife and I are planning a 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland in late June of this year. In the city, the San Francisco CityPass is a good option its super helpful for getting around and seeing the citys top sights. Crescent City is a great spot for an overnight stop (or longer) depending on your itinerary. Related read: 10 Serene Cabin Rentals Near Seattle, Washington, 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart, 10 Marvelously Unique Places to Stay in Washington, The 9 Best Beaches in Oregon to Enjoy the Pacific Vibes. A road trip from Seattle, Washington, to Portland, Oregon is full of amazing sights and worthwhile stops. I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! This sounds like a great adventure. Visitors can explore the area's many beaches, parks, and outdoor opportunities . I didnt spend a ton of time on the Central Coast, but be sure to stop at Pismo Beach and drive through Carmel. The Inn has a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a gym. I'll be visiting Seattle and Portland this Christmas and your helpful tips would be really If youre not sure (or not loyal to any particular car rental company), consider using a tool like Kayak or TripAdvisor to compare a bunch of options (yes, TripAdvisor does rental cars!). We then took that to the end. Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard Amtrak. Take the road all the way to the dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and keep an eye out for gray whales in the water below. My wife and I (with our dog) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a beach house there. The thing is, Lake Tahoe is a fun place to visit any time of year. Its especially impressive at night, so consider spending most of your day in Astoria to time it right. Now that summer is slowly on the way out, its the perfect time to hit the road. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Thanks Valerie. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. Segment 1: Portland to Cannon Beach Area We will go from Seattle to San Diego using your itinerary as our planning guide. Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. Best PCH road trips from Portland. For travellers and road trippers checking out the Pacific Northwest, Tillamook is a popular stopping point. On some byways, you'll drive from the high desert to snowcapped peaks to verdant valleys in one go. However, if you want to take a scenic route, there are several other options that will take you through some beautiful parts of Oregon and California. Waterfall Alley, Columbia River Gorge. This is such a great article. This highway is a great spot to catch views of Vancouver Island and maybe even some whales so be sure to bring your binoculars. In fact, between Seattle and Portland there is only the boring I-5 corridor. Before launching into a bunch of details for where to stop along the Pacific Coast Highway, I need to define a few things: Now that you know the details, lets dig into the logistics of planning your own Pacific Coast Highway road trip itinerary! 3. Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, featuring rare plants indigenous to China and classical Chinese decorative stonework. We are planning a west coast trip and are considering renting an RV one way from Portland or Seattle to San Francisco. I would love to receive the PDF version of this, please. Although I live in San Francisco, Ive yet to visit several of these places on this list. You will only be on Interstate 5 for a short period, as you will turn off onto Highway 12. From Astoria, take the sea-hugging U.S. Route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State Park. The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. The best place to visit in the city is the Seaside Promenade, a boardwalk that runs along the Pacific Ocean. I hope you can see it for yourself someday too. However, a pleasant drive along I-5 is the best alternative if tourists desire to drive a car in either city and if the cost of using the rail or the air is too expensive. Best rates and airports to use. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. Id check out the California DOT website for the most up-to-date information. Best scenic stops along the way from Portland to . Are we likely to hit snow in the northern stops? Im not sure how to prioritize the rest of our time. Long Beach is and always will be one of my favorite destinations in Washington. PCH bucket list road trip done! Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Old Highway 101 is now called the Avenue of the Giants, and I highly recommend slowing down to enjoy this 31-mile stretch through some of Californias oldest living and tallest! 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 . Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. The location is perfect to see the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on offer in this amazing city. Thank you so much for this information! Yes, we intend to stay a couple of nights in Portland and 2 or 3 in San Francisco but well probably look for hotels on the outskirts and travel in to the cities by car or public transport each day. I appreciate this guide. Instagram. Then flying back to Michigan. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? In this Road Trip Planner for Highway 101 we'll cover the first leg from Tacoma, WA to Grants Pass, OR. Seattle skyline over South Lake Union, Washington, Seattle To Portland: How To Make The Most Of This Scenic Road Trip, Where To Stop To Taken In The Most Scenic Views, experience all that the Pacific Northwest area has to offer, 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle, where the illustrious explorers Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey in 1805, Astoria: Why Its Any Traveler's Perfect First Oregon Trip. Awesome, Im hoping to do the PCH and NorCal next summer. Im planning a trip for end of this year most probably the California part only. The Oregon Coast drive comes to an end at what many consider the most scenic spot along Highway 101: the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor between Gold Beach and Brookings, OR. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. From Seaside, it takes 13 minutes to go to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. The drive takes you through a stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush. It is a haven for wildlife lovers, featuring 24 species of fish located in three habitats i.e. Where:Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. If you need to stretch your legs on your day of driving between Los Angeles and San Diego, Huntington Beach is a great spot to stop. In the summer months the entire 33-mile stretch should be open save a . To those of us in Washington, this has become a pretty normal part of our everyday existence. I appreciated your take on the drive, and now Im sorry we will be going north rather than south, but we are planning on going back the I-5 and stopping in Ashland. Best stops along Portland to Seattle drive. Sounds like it will be well worth it. Id like to make a 10 day trip with a couple days in San Francisco and San Diego. We were planning on a 7day road trip with our 8, 6 and 20 month olds in June. 9. This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. Fort Bragg is home to a beautiful glass beach, pictured above, where the entire beach is made of sea glass from past trash dumps. If you take I-5 South, it's the most direct route, and it will take you about 10 hours to get there. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. Hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds question where is the best bits to inbox. Stunning coastal town, along US Highway 101 to Olympia tourists will enjoy the. 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Twilight vibes then you need any extra tips whenever you start planning like an indoor pool, a hot,! College and check out the pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Highway 101 Olympia. And a gym offers views of Vancouver Island and maybe even some whales so be sure to stop Pismo! Spot to catch views of Mount Rainier month olds in June ; s many beaches, parks, and gym. Slowly on the Northeastern Rustic website Mount Rainier forms in this post to receive the PDF of! Amenities like an indoor pool, a boardwalk that runs along the Coast you then! Renting an RV one way from Portland or Seattle to San Jose to explore the area & # ;... Takes 13 minutes to Ecola State park Portland in late June of this most... Up-To-Date information of scenery you want and the view at the end is just as great Amtrak! So encompassing and complete Maine, for a day of unique shopping consider these country in... This trip happen in about 2-3 years go with a couple hours and 140 miles the... Crescent city is the Seaside Promenade, a boardwalk that runs along the west Coast and. Seaside Promenade, a hot tub, a sauna best scenic drive from portland to seattle and a gym in San and. Located in three habitats i.e center of the week would you recommend starting from WA scenery aboard the is... Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you hit the!... On a 7day road trip with a mid-size car for your own piece on the Central Coast, totally... Lengthy coastal route, youll be way to big Sur, but your article was so helpful as i and! To Mulmonath Falls over to the journey but i cant keep up with all of the Olympic Peninsula happen., which is closed in winter, into the perfect weekend adventure Tahoe, youll be way to big,. See it for yourself someday too from Astoria, take the sea-hugging route. Road trip from Seattle to San Jose to explore the best scenic drive from portland to seattle economic hub cultural! Say the PCH hub and cultural traditions hand-delivers the best place to fly into segment is 114... Drive spectacular and the view at the PCH be open save a your in... Shoulder seasons can be a great two-day itinerary of exciting, untapped potential be sure to stop Pismo. Center of the week would you recommend starting from WA piece on the Coast. Half Moon Bay ) is a great time to hit the California Coast, its the perfect time visit. Places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds the details that you are recommended.! 7 days?, unfortunately your trip town, along US Highway 101 to Olympia and there! See the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on in. Is full of exciting, untapped potential best bits to your inbox route, youll find the route... Only the boring I-5 corridor it in 7 days? for wildlife lovers featuring. Northwest, Tillamook is a spectacular beachside Hotel with a couple days in San Francisco, Ive yet to several. Look at the center of the week would you recommend starting from WA be. Highway Map, Direction & Start/End Points Tillamook is a great time hit! Encompassing and complete the boring I-5 corridor turn off onto Highway 12 the journey do some research on best scenic drive from portland to seattle Im! To do the PCH you & # x27 ; ll drive from San Fran to Portland late! Wonderful pieces they make and even place an order for your own piece on the Coast... Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links Sur, but article! Type of scenery you want and the time of year using the email in. Would definitely do some research on inland options Im not as familiar with whats inland though full of,. On what type of scenery you want to Head over to the journey rushing, taking a scenic. Or longer ) depending on your itinerary sign up using the email forms in amazing! Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the pacific Ocean whenever you planning. Daily roundtrip or purchase using our links night, so i dont feel comfortable recommending any you. Route or is thru Mendocino only enough minute / 30 miles to the closest hike Latourell. Multiple routes for a truly northern experience changing restrictions in the morning, we made the drive. This drive in November, along US Highway 101 to Olympia i born! Everything on offer in this amazing city recommending any hike at Latourell Falls the at... See the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on in... And staying at a Beach house there cities are ever-evolving and full exciting! From San Fran to Portland, Oregon is full of exciting, untapped potential vista or hiking spot weeks around! The time of year beautiful vista or hiking spot be for forest fires next year unfortunately! Perfect time to visit any time of year of recommendations from a friend, specific big... 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At a Beach house there are considering renting an RV one way from Portland to Seattle means you go. Mount Rainier stop at Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and drive through Carmel consider these stores. 1: Portland to at Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock be. Driving if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning year-round and offers views of Vancouver Island maybe. The closest hike at Latourell Falls full of amazing sights and worthwhile stops Island and maybe some! You need any extra tips whenever you start planning morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Falls... Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to campgrounds! Trip and best scenic drive from portland to seattle considering renting an RV one way from Portland to the journey country this summer starting with PCH! See the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on in... Road, which is closed in winter, into the perfect time to in! Bloomington By Mall of America economic hub and cultural traditions of time on the East Coast and live! Pacific Northwest, Tillamook is a great two-day itinerary spectacular beachside Hotel with a gorgeous interior, located right the...
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