The way this segment is routed may be a pretty roundabout way of getting there, but this 140-mile, 3-hour journey will take you past some pretty interesting historical landmarks. Both are very much worth a visit, and at less than 200 miles between them, getting from Portland to Seattle and back is easy. There are several places to park if you want to get out and . 1. However, youll also get to experience highlights along the coast. In addition, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs. Retrace your steps back along Route 504 before turning onto Route 505 towards Interstate 5. Related Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart. Cannon Beach is a perfect spot to wrap up this segment, where iconic Haystack Rock rises out of the ocean as one of Oregons more recognizable landmarks. I do have the same recommendations youll see A LOT of fellow bikers/trikers out on the PCH; its a great ride on 2-3 wheels as well as 4 wheels . The garden also has a tea shop where light snacks are available for purchase. Thanks! Day 6 Crescent City and Redwoods National Park, OR. Are you hoping to do a one-way rental car for your PCH drive? If we have 10 days to do this and could skip San Francisco, because we just did that 2 years ago, could we drive from Seattle to either Los Angeles or San Diego in an RV? Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. To see Oregon's Mount Hood up close, consider the Mt Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip. Its only 180 miles of interstate between the two cities and even on the interstate, the scenery is beautiful. My fiance & I want to do this for our honeymoon next month! When it comes to vacation rental options. Related: Astoria: Why Its Any Traveler's Perfect First Oregon Trip. Book tickets for the Exclusive Ice Cream Experience to learn about the entire process of making ice cream, tour the farm exhibit and viewing gallery, and stop by the dining hall and shop to grab a bite before heading out to see what else Tillamook has to offer. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. ), Valerie, My wife and I are planning this very trip you outlined. Especially watching the sun set over Morro Rock in the distance! The most important thing you need to decide first when driving the Pacific Coast Highway is which direction you prefer to travel the Pacific Coast Highway (northbound or southbound). Oregon & California are both pretty vegan friendly states so Id expect lots of restaurants have at least an option thats animal-free. We sure cant. While you are driving from Portland to Seattle, you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. Though its one of the easiest, the Eruption Trail is also one of the most interesting as it goes past huge channels dug out by lava flow. Hi Valerie- What is the best time of year for this 10 day trip? I have suggestions on dates earlier in the article to help you figure out how long to do the trip and where to stop. I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! Thanks for your comment, Manny. Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. Drive safely! Stay safe. I do not plan to do any shopping at stores, so our money would be spent on a rental vehicle, hotels, gas, and food. Best PCH road trips from Seattle There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach for more than an overnight stop! I lived for 15 years in Alaska, as well as four years each in California and Washington. Again, thanks for great info and advice. Both have way more to explore once you stop or pull off the road. We didn't expect much from the road until realized that adding 0.5-2 hours will turn it into a real adventure! 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. anything you can suggest extra the girls would be wowed by would be great. I agree, go north to south. Thanks for subscribing! Ill have to stop at these places, Thinking about a pch trip from San frans to LA.. suggestions on where to stop and how many days, I have this post that will help you plan your trip: https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/, Hi Valerie I am looking for a 1 day coastal trip from Anaheim back to San Francisco with 4 kids ranging from Teen to toddler. Its especially impressive at night, so consider spending most of your day in Astoria to time it right. My car is a convertible (BMW 3 series) so I am not sure if it can take on the road during Dec end Seattle and portland area mainly ? Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. I did drive it alone and I still recommend heading southbound. Got to save some $$$$$. Some of the most prominent attractions of Tillamook include Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Meares Light, Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Tillamook Forest Center, and Tillamook Air Museum. 9. 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. Thanks for your comment, Jorge! It was also formed by wave erosion, and now the huge hole is a beautiful vista or hiking spot. We are coming from Pennsylvania. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. If youre heading up north you cant go wrong with a cruise on Chuckanut Drive. 330 miles. The city is a great stopover for history buffs while traveling from Portland to Seattle. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. The big complex has two aquariums, a zoo, and several botanical gardens. This route has everything you could ask for in a classic road trip. I havent stayed at any L.A. hotels, so I dont feel comfortable recommending any. The leading independent voice for aviation news and insight. Crescent City is a great spot for an overnight stop (or longer) depending on your itinerary. But, we need to go the opposite way; starting in San Diego and heading north. 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. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Seattle to Portland twice daily. LazyTrips is a trading name of Uncle Bob Media Ltd. There are, however, a few options further west along Silver Lake and in Castle Rock that are still close enough to the monument for a quick hike or sunrise photo safari. I havent been to Yellowstone so I cant say if its worth it, unfortunately. While staying in Cannon Beach we have planned day trips to Astoria and Long Beach and maybe an inland drive to McMinnvile, for some wine tasting. When you merge with Highway 101, turn south for a short detour into Cannon Beach. Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. Tim & Janice, what kind words! Thank you for any other tips. We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. I was wondering if you would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way? I have been reading your blog posts about the PCH and think I read where you mentioned a couple of crossover vehicles that would be good rental cars. We will only have 7 days. This is such a great resource. I was planning 10-12 days? Before you head back to Bend, take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of the lake on Rim Drive. 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. As this post is over 6,000 words long, I typically dont provide extra additional itinerary services for free. 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. Just wondering about restrictions? flickr/ Maciek Lulko. 15 years ago. Planning for 5-6 days of Seattle to San Diego. We are planning a trip in Sept 0f 2022, starting in Portland, ending in San Diego. Youre very welcome, and have a great road trip!! I hope you can make it happen sooner! Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. 3. And there are plenty of options along the north shore of the Colombia River that offer stunning views and a relaxing stay. Great article. This is such a great article. Seaquest State Park is an urban park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile of the lakeshore. Thanks for reading, Kay. Eventually, youll reach and cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Washington. You can make a quick stop at Lake Sacajawea while driving from Portland to Seattle. Instagram. You made it to San Francisco! Remain on Highway 101 as it takes you around Willapa Bay. Related Read:The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. haha. If you do decide to spend an overnight in the area, I recommend stopping in the town of Mendocino first for late lunch, walking around the Mendocino Headlands, then continue driving south to spend the night at the beautiful Little River Inn for dinner at the Whale Watch Bar. Sounds like youre well on the way to it . A few miles south of Cannon Beach lies Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, a beach and state park with a massive picnic area. Thanks to the Pacific Coast and rugged mountains, Oregon and Washington are filled with natural beauty. Around the lakes, there is a 3.6 miles long loop trail that can be used for running, hiking, and strolling. This will be a great tool in planning. With an RV, Id just give yourself a lot more time each day (probably 25% more driving time) since youll need to go a bit slower. Im thinking of doing this trip from Seattle to San Diego. In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. In the Suburbs of Seattle, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take you into the city center. The park features various lookout points, including Paradise, Sunrise, and Longmire among a few others. 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. For each spot, I share whether I consider it an Overnight stop (where you should spend a night) or a Waypoint stop (where you should stop to stretch your legs and/or see the sights). Im at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! If I were youI would do a leisurely drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles/San Diego. Scott, I replied to your email, so you should be all set! We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. (I used Roadtrippers Plus to create this route;you can get $5 off Plus byclicking this linkand using code BTR5QTP.). 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. Have a great trip! Next time you are looking for a day of unique shopping consider these country stores in Maine, for a truly northern experience. They also have a fitness center, a business center, and a sauna. And other than his military time at Ft Lewis many years ago, we have never lived nor toured the west coast at all. . Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. But of course, theres more to Cannon Beach than one rock. Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. My wife and I were planning to fly to San Diego to start the trip, but your point about southbound visibility makes total sense. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. Great name btw . The Lotte Hotel has the perfect combination of location, price, and luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable. After youve scoped the area from the top of the tower, head to Fort Stevens State Park for a bit of outdoor exploration. Great question, Sharon! If you plan it in advance, Fort Stevens Park can be your starting point for a kayak adventure with Kayak Tillamook guides. The Astoria Column is a towering monument with murals representing the rich history and culture of the city. The Pacific Coast Highway is an ambitious road trip, but totally possible in as few as five days. Its easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity! Not to mention its one of the largest mountains in the US and were lucky to have it right here. If your goal is to reach your next stop sooner, do it as a straight-shot and don't worry about stopping. I have a question in regards to your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel the PCH with my older kids. A couple of reasons: 1. Rainier, plenty of coastlines, and Redwoods. But its its well worth taking your time and experiencing what each of these stops has to offer. The rooms are large and well-appointed, and some have private balconies with views over the surrounding town. Thanks so much for sharing your experience for others to know its worth doing!! Newport is a great destination to stretch your legs for a few hours once you arrive back on the Pacific Coast (you can also drive straight down Highway 101 from Cannon Beach if you decide to skip a stop in Portland). The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that youll be on the coastal side of the road. The mountain route will take you past the famous Mount St. Helens and into the spectacular Mt. I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. Also how many days driving for this trip. Very glad to help, and I hope you have a great trip! Thoughts? To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. This Portland icon has been voted Portlands Best Brunch for three years by the readers choice awards from the Willamette Week newspaper, from 20182020. Thank you, and your blog is fantastic! You should make your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland to Seattle via road. The location is perfect to see the sights of downtown Seattle giving you access to everything on offer in this amazing city. If you want to make a stop midway through your journey, Seaside may be the perfect place. Plan accordingly when you design your PCH itinerary. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: When youre ready to continue on your PCH road trip, make your way back to California Highway 1 and head south. Unlimited stops, edit, share, find recommended places of interest and campgrounds, manage budgets, print or export directions and more. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Carry on south on CA-1, the PCH. The only Mt. I'll cover both scenic routes here, and assume that you want to start at Portland and end up at Seattle. 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. Nope, headed northbound is not a bad way to go its actually the way I went on my first drive! Columbia Gorge Highway: Highway 14. It opened in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier . So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. Okay, now youve got your car, youve got your basic itinerary. I love all the details that you are recommended here. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San . You can also attend music concerts at the park. Related read: 25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast. I will be driving from Dallas to Seattle. Crescent City! This will be tricky as there are no rental cars in Crescent City or anywhere near it. Where: State Route 11. I am planning to take this trip with my family of 5 as you have lined out for the 10 days this coming June. Enjoying the Unexpectedly Cool Pitchwood Ale House, All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. One of the most popular Seattle scenic drives, you don't even have to leave the city for breathtaking views of lush greenery and ancient trees. Feel free to comment back here if you have questions while planning your trip . Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. Let me know if you need any extra tips whenever you start planning! Address: 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516, United States. Return to Route 123 after visiting the park and follow it north. Thank you for the pointers! Also, for a map, I use the app Roadtrippers, which is linked in the post. Sireesha, thanks for reading. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Awesome, Tim! I was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road. Route Option #3: Southern Route on I-80. We stay in San Diego on Pacific/Mission Beach a lot so no need to travel this far south for us. The three-hour drive along I-5 from Seattle to Portland is fairly unremarkable. 7 hours 0 minutes. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? I recently discovered Mendocino on a weekend trip and fell in love with the small town. Want to know more? Start in Seattle and end in San Diego. The park has about 10 miles of trails, including an ADA accessible trail, two 5-mile drive loops, and a ferry dock and playground. This gorgeous building mostly survived the 1906 earthquake and captures Victorian glory with modern amenities. As most of these sites are located in the suburbs of Tillamook, you wont have to spend an hour reaching downtown to explore the major landmarks of the city. Thanks for your points. You absolutely nailed it. Despite the weather being slightly worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great time to do the road trip from Portland to Seattle. I havent been to Monterey but its high on my list! The Mount St. Helens Johnston Ridge Observatory is only open from May to October, making a visit to this famous mountain more difficult. Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. I wouldnt go all the way to Seattle, especially if you dont like big cities. As the most glaciated peak in the US, Rainer is one of the most enticing mountains for mountaineers. 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!! Im a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. its also an excellent day trip out of Seattle. Our plan (2 people) would be to fly into Seattle, where family is. Save. For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. 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. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land. The road trip from Portland to Seattle isn't very long, but this makes it a great weekend getaway. Tickets cost $14 - $55 and the journey takes 3h 35m. day 4 driving 4 hours. November should be a good time, but you may experience some days where the Marine Layer rolls in be sure to pack layers in case its cooler/less sunny than expected! 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. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. Lastly, Pismo is a great stop for a midday workout on the road, with a huge stretch of beach to walk/run on. 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. Im planning on doing the PCH from Seattle to SF next Sept. (We did SF to SD in 2019). Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along U.S. 101. Youve got so much time, thats awesome! Check out the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa to add a little pampering to your road trip. This is by far the most scenic route to the coast from Portland, and worth the . We were 70s teenagers all around! Sorry, I could not get past it, and I may not even be correct, but I truly loved this page. I would like to follow the route on the map. 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, Id take those days and visit the San Juan Islands: https://www.valisemag.com/visit-san-juan-islands/, You could also give yourself more time in the cities: https://www.valisemag.com/3-days-seattle/ https://www.valisemag.com/3-days-san-francisco/ https://www.valisemag.com/portland-city-guide/, Valerie, My husband and I are wanting to fly from Denver to California on December 27th. Whether youre planning a San Diego to San Francisco, Seattle to San Francisco, San Francisco to San Diego, Seattle to San Diego road trip, or somewhere in between (Los Angeles! I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! Any additional thoughts? Travel from Portland to Seattle easily to explore both of these top PacNW cities. Ruby Beach is only a short drive from Hoh Rainforest but its the most picturesque beach on Washingtons Pacific Coast. Youll have less distance (just the car and shoulder) instead of an entire lane of the road plus the shoulder. Thank you so very much. You can learn more about our editorial policies here. This route seems less popular than the other because it's a bit longer. Can you recommend where to spend time and in which cities to plan to spend the night? Explore trails by hiking and biking around the area or go kayaking or surfing with whales and seals. 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. This Portland to Seattle road trip itinerary is a whole vacation on its own though you could use it to connect separate vacation in both cities for a seriously awesome PNW getaway! The pacific Coast Highway is an urban park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a of... This year, 3 weeks, Seattle to San Diego on Pacific/Mission Beach a lot no. Rim drive for a midday workout on the road, with a massive picnic.... Thanks to the Coast from Portland to Seattle easily to explore once you stop or pull the. Dont like big cities acres of natural Land murals representing the rich history and culture of the attractions along Coast... Trails by hiking and biking around the perimeter of the city center are available for purchase than an stop. Cars in Crescent city and Redwoods National park, or Beach than one.... 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