best scenic drive from portland to seattle

In addition, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs. My husband and I are both 62 in pretty good shape and planning to do this trip from Portland to San Diego in late September 2019 over 2 weeks. We only wish to go South as far as Salinas (more family) or Santa Barbara the furthest. Rainier National Park. Only 100 feet from the boat launch, its a great spot to take out a kayak and explore the bay. We will be coming from Anaheim and want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway to Half Moon Bay. This information is great!!! The park is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with beaches, hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing, and a historic fort. 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. Route 1 is fine its twisty turny but its the best route by far. 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). I also downloaded the Roadtrippers app but I cant find it. So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. Do you have any tips? Despite the weather being slightly worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great time to do the road trip from Portland to Seattle. When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? Hey Valerie great name yourself! A road trip from Portland to Seattle is short but mighty. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. After all, seeing some snow can do all of us well. Thank you for the recommendation! Want to avoid the summer crowds, but still enjoy nice weather. Thanks for your comment, Shelly! Im planning on doing the PCH from Seattle to SF next Sept. (We did SF to SD in 2019). Lake Sacajawea is an artificial lake located less than 50 miles from Portland. 3. If youre planning a full 10-day west coast road trip, make sure you follow my guide and do at least one overnight on the Olympic Peninsula. Both have way more to explore once you stop or pull off the road. If you want a quick stopover, you can visit state parks in the suburbs of Olympia. You'll experience the breathtaking views of Hells Canyon, Crater Lake, the Columbia . March is a fine time to drive the PCH the weather on the Pacific Coast is pretty similar all year long! There is so much to see and do in downtown Seattle you are going to want to spend at least one night there. What would be a good hopping on point? I think its going to be a tough year fro travel! I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Thank you for this wonderful review. Great name btw . The state capitol building, a volcano, a forestry industry sector, and rural farms make up a diversified itinerary that first-time visitors to the region will relish. From there we are planning on 4 days drive/stop on high 1 (PCH) up to Santa Monica/Malibu then flight out LAX. Thanks so much. You could see Canada and the river valley. You can learn more about our editorial policies. My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: None! This Portland icon has been voted Portlands Best Brunch for three years by the readers choice awards from the Willamette Week newspaper, from 20182020. I have tendency to suffer from analysis paralysis therefore navigating all the ins and outs what to do where to stay etc would be overwhelming to say the least. Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. Now if you need some Twin Peaks vibes in your life, a drive to the stunning Snoqualmie Falls will surely do you well. Maybe Im AAAA ? I especially appreciate your links to stays and dine. AAA /Brett Vanderbrink. Thank you. Id recommend booking or at least searching every hotel you want to stay at, and the nights you want to stay, so you can get a sense of exactly how much its going to cost. The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. I recommend checking out California resources for the pandemic before you book anything. Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Thank you . It's a 760-acre urban park, which includes a huge zoo and . I have suggestions on dates earlier in the article to help you figure out how long to do the trip and where to stop. Thank you so very much. If you prefer not to stop for long, you can take a detour and follow the scenic Five Mile Drive to Owen Beach. 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. You can even stretch it out by spending a few extra days exploring some of the cities along the route if you want to. We are doing the PCH this July and August coming from Yellowstone, Glacier and Teddy Roosevelt NP it has been on our Bucket list for quite some time after this trip we only have Alaska to visit and we will have visited all the States !! I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. You can hike on an extensive 275-mile trail network or explore by bike on the park roads. If you want to experience the Pacific Northwest mountains in winter, the Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip is a great option. Be sure to check out the remains of the Peter Iredale, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906. 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! Do you highly recommend the LONG route OR is thru Mendocino only enough? It sounds like youll have an awesome trip, and happy early birthday to him! Very glad to help, and I hope you have a great trip! We are thinking Crescent City to Santa Barbara? I appreciate your asking for clarification! If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. I am thinking 5 days from Portland to LA. 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. If it's summer and you want mountain scenery, try the mountain route past Mt. I did a quick search and heres how it breaks down: Newport > Crescent City (what I originally suggest) = about 5 hours of driving Newport > Crater Lake > Crescent City = about 8 hours of driving (and none of it is on the coast), If you chose to go from Portland > Crater Lake > Crescent City instead = 7.5 hours of driving. Thanks for reading, Brian. One day, I would LOVE to make this road trip. Thanks so much from a couple of Canucks! Thanks for your comment, Jorge! Follow Highway 12 past Riffe Lake towards Mt. There is plenty to see and do along the way, so try to give yourself at least a weekend to enjoy the trip. Just give yourself more time and end n LA. Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. You could do this road-trip in as little as five days, but I recommend taking at least seven or maybe 10 if you have the time! Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds. If you want to head over to the peninsula and have some serious Twilight vibes then you need to check out Highway 12. They should keep an eye out for a variety of possibilities to veer off I-5 and then back on it as they travel between the splendid Seattle and the awesome Portland. 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. The road winds through overhanging trees for 8 miles, offering beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance and the waters of Lake Washington. The state emblem of Washington is Mount Rainier. Such a thorough guide! However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. Astoria, like Aberdeen in Washington, is a great destination for lovers of pop culture. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. Both have unique vibes, great restaurants, and access to the outdoors. Im nervous go excited. If they have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier National Park. 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. Additionally, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Portland Bus Stop to Seattle 4 times a day. haha. Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. I would love to receive the PDF version of this, please. Amazing, Melanii! I am planning to start my road trip in Vancouver BC and ending in San Francisco. skip Santa Cruz, skip San Francisco Day 2 and just hit the highway) OR if you had a suggestion on swapping out one of the spots with a different one (ex. Point Defiance Park is a great place to unwind after a long drive and is a good spot to bring the family or older travelers not big on epic hikes. St. Helens or the coast. The best time of year to do this will be in the summer (June/July/August), probably sooner in the year rather than later. Glad to help, Andrew I hope you have an amazing trip! do you have a printable version of this? Now I want to take a trip there from San Diego to the Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike. Learn more about our editorial policies, Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. However, if youre hoping for a little more adventure, theres a longer and more scenic Portland to Seattle road trip route that takes you through some of the most interesting areas along the coast. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated: Day 1: San Francisco (Arrive late in the evening) Day 2: San Francisco Day 3: Santa Cruz Day 4: Carmel-By-The-Sea Day 5: Big Sur Day 6: San Luis Obispo Day 7: Santa Barbara Day 8: Los Angeles Day 9: San Diego (leave early in the morning). Glad to help, Ashley! Thanks for your comment, David! Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. Sonja, glad to help! Dont drive down to SD and back up to LA. I am flying into Portland to meet my niece and we will rent a car and drive down the coast to LA to meet another nephew. 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. Thinking of Seattle to San Diego on US 1 in late September or early October, is the weather still good for a 10 day driving trip? I want the most scenic route but RT 1 on the cliffs seem risky ? Soak up the last sunny days in the PNW and see some stunning views. The drive takes you through a stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and sagebrush. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Head south from Ruby Beach along U.S. 101. My question is: how to best use our time? Monterey is a charming town that is home to a handful of attractions, including the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, the historic Cannery Row, and the scenic 17-Mile Drive, which winds along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. They also offer a complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the lobby. Id find an interesting podcast for everyone in the car and have the kids keep an eye out for whales and wildlife. Merge with Route 410 and follow this all the way to Enumclaw. A post shared by Manuel Sauceda (@msaucl). When it comes to vacation rental options. However I actively lament that I was on the wrong side of the road in the present tense (as in, if you ask me today, I still lament it); I didnt really realize I was on the wrong side until after my trip was over and its not like you can change your route once you start! Ronald, I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive in an RV. Rainier, which will take about 7 hours and cover 330 miles. The island lies just between the Lewis River and the Willamette River. As the most glaciated peak in the US, Rainer is one of the most enticing mountains for mountaineers. From Astoria, take the sea-hugging U.S. Route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State Park. Thanks for asking! Planning a trip on PCH last week of July 2020. I will definitely use all the info youve provided. Ive just started planning our trip for this autumn. I am planning to take this trip with my family of 5 as you have lined out for the 10 days this coming June. If the coast is calling you, make sure you take a route that is enjoyable such as this scenic journey. Sounds like youre well on the way to it . Located on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay, Crescent City is along part of the PCH where California Highway 1 and U.S. Highway 101 overlap hence this guide refers to both Highway 1 and Highway 101 as the PCH in the different states. Karen, great question! Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. Heres one more spectacular spot to drive in the city. Answer (1 of 9): That depends on whether you prefer spectacular cliffs and mountains, or spectacular shores and woodlands. Sireesha, thanks for reading. Thanks for reading, Dave. Stargazing along the PCH depends a lot on the weather; since there arent a lot of roads that connect the PCH inland, you kinda have to make do with what happens out on the coast. Valerie I just came across this post. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Amazingly great article. Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 10 days: One of the most popular questions I get about driving the Pacific Coast Highway is about when to drive the PCH. Great question, Sharon! 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. Instagram. You cant go wrong with seeing the views of Puget Sound. Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. Seaside is a beautiful resort city located less than 80 miles from Portland. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. We already have this email. My wife and I (with our dog) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a beach house there. The next stop on this tour is the north end of Tacoma, Washington. Thanks for asking, Helen! So deciding where to stay can be tricky, especially since there are plenty of places to stay along this segment. Both routes take place mostly on highways and smaller roads, making the driving interesting. The suggested route below zigzags a bit and adds quite a bit of distance. You can find the Cobain house at 1210 E 1st St, and right next door you can see a memorial to Cobain in Kurt Cobain Memorial Park (the house now a private residence, so dont disturb the owners!). Whats the best time of year to do this? Go hiking in Ecola State Park or drive the Three Capes Scenic Loop. 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. Any ideas? Enjoyed this 14 day article! Id like to make a 10 day trip with a couple days in San Francisco and San Diego. You can make a quick stop at Lake Sacajawea while driving from Portland to Seattle. With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. Feel free to pop into one of several breweries to wet your whistle along the way. Point Reyes is arguably my favorite part of the Pacific Coast Highway and that is saying something as its really hard to choose favorites from over 650 miles of California coastline! I was reading for the road trip from Seattle to San Diego. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). 5. 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). Thanks for reading, Brianna! 7 hours 0 minutes. My husband and I are planning a Spring Break trip with our girls March 2020. WOW! . Rainier is inaccessible during winter. To help you get the most out of your road trip, here are some of the main attractions along the way. Hello good morning my name is Cherie Carmona, Wealth to California a little over a year ago I love it I live in Dana Point California, my husband will be moving here in a few weeks and Im so excited my daughter lives in Seattle so we were considering a road trip to Seattle realistically how long do you think it would take thank you so much God-bless. I appreciate any help you can provide. I will be driving alone and he thought I would be able to enjoy the view better looking to my left than to my right while driving. If you have time, you could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker (number two above). I would like to follow the route on the map. Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. . Related read: 25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast. If you're pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority. Be sure to drive up to Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, and Ruby Beach. Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive deals, stories, info & more! Also, how many days should we take for the one-way trip back. We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. Another great option is the Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit closer to downtown Tacoma. Further along in the Tacoma area, a waterfront stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel and Spa will be a well-deserved treat after a long day or two putting in the miles on foot at the park. Youll get access to five major attractions at a discounted price, so you can experience more of what Seattle has to offer for less. drive for about 6.5 hours. Thats it! Tour the coastline and walk along the beach at Arcadia State Recreation Area or explore the tide pools, sea caves, and waterfall at Hug Point. The 9 Best Road Trips from Seattle. So if picturesque fields of flowers and amazing farmland sound like something you want to see, the Skagit Valley is only a short drive from Seattle. Booking this trip for late Oct. Id like to fly in ( from East Coast) somewhere north of San Fran. ?? For campsites, Im not super sure as Im not a big camper, but this might help: https://www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip. Thank you for sharing your travels and still helping others along their journey! It is time to start driving along the coast from Seattle to Portland. I have been to Europe, for 2 years, and nothing compares to this coastal trip. This is such a great resource. Making the drive in 2 days. You thinks thats safe or should I make some. Valerie, I am so glad I found your guide to the PCH! I love all the details that you are recommended here. Thank you so much for creating this itinerary! This magnificent 14,410-foot (4392.16-meter) peak with a glacier above it is gorgeous and intimidating. Valerie, First off, congratulations on your recent wedding! Tolovana Inn is a highly rated budget-friendly hotel in Cannon Beach thats as close to the sand as physically possible you cant beat the views. Now let me break down a few itineraries to choose from, based on how much time you have to do your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The 5-star hotel is very modern, and bedrooms have large windows, affording great views of the city and bay. The city boasts a broad array of tourist attractions, including Washington State Capitol Building, Capitol Lake, Capitol Theater, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. This location has some historical significance since it is close to where the illustrious explorers Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey in 1805. We planned to start in Seattle and drive to San Diego. What you suggested (Anaheim > SLO/Madonna Inn > Half Moon Bay) is a great two-day itinerary. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. In the summer months the entire 33-mile stretch should be open save a . Tillamook, Oregon sits on the Highway 101, a few miles inland from the sea. Plus you can cruise up to areas like Bow-Edison and enjoy some tasty eats and local shopping. AND, I did it in November in a PT Cruiser with the top down.all bundled up with the heat on full..but man, what a view! While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach. Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Portland every 4 hours. Ive done Yosemite and Sequoia, so no need for inland stops. Thank you for sharing. Located in the Idaho panhandle on Lake Coeur d' Alene, the town of Coeur d' Alene is about five hours east of Seattle and offers a wide range of things to do from outdoor adventures to thrilling attractions. The Pacific Coast Highway runs along two highways: In Washington and Oregon, the best weather of the year happens between June and September. Thanks again! This highway is a great spot to catch views of Vancouver Island and maybe even some whales so be sure to bring your binoculars. There is still plenty to see and do, and cheaper hotel prices might make the trip more affordable. Were taking the 5 to Seattle with a few stops on the way then PCH from Port Angeles to SD. I was hoping to see autumn colours in the northern area. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? The jagged coastline, infinite blue water, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets these are just a few of the reasons California Highway 1 became a popular route in the first place! Hood. Further along the coast, you can book a stay at any of the campgrounds in the numerous state parks. Drive time: 2-3.5 hours. , Hi. It was a great help! anything you can suggest extra the girls would be wowed by would be great. 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! This post was so helpful! Have a great trip! Often called a National Park Pass, it offers 1-year unlimited entrance to so much more, and includes National Parks, National Forests, National Wildlife Refuges, Bureau of Land Management sites, Bureau of Reclamation sites, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites!Share time outdoors with family and friends. We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. I used to use Google Maps to do this, but I find that the numbered stops and waypoints are much easier to understand, and this Roadtrippers map also has other points of interest (Extraordinary Places) you might want to stop at too. Take your car on the Bainbridge Ferry to Bainbridge Island.The ferry ticket costs $20.40 (for the vehicle and the driver) and . Portland? Hi, and thanks for this terrific resource. San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. My husband are I are planning 20 days to do the PCH(starting in Seattle and ending in San Diego) We are using your the ultimate pacific coast road trip itinerary as a guide. When in doubt, stay on the coast. I hope you had a good trip! Thanks for reading and asking, Hunter! Great tips, Kathi! Valerie, valuable tips ! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Seattle > Whidbey Island. It sounds like youll have a great trip no matter what! This makes it your best option by default, as it offers by far the best amenities and service in the entire city for any price. Waterfall Alley, Columbia River Gorge. Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. I travelled alone from San Francisco to LA while on a work trip years ago and havent stopped thinking about getting my husband out there. 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. Travelers may stroll around and visit the town's many shops, cafs, and art galleries whenever they have free time or want to get some exercise. Ferry to Victoria. Tillamook, Oregon. Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Seattle to Portland twice daily. Have a great trip!! To ensure accommodations, I was thinking to book all of the hotels in advance. 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. Prior to retiring I have done the San Francisco to LA 3 times but always by myself. Thanks again! It depends a lot on how long you plan to make the drive do you know how many days youll be driving? Again, thanks for great info and advice. I hope you have a great trip whenever you can make it! If you want an even more detailed guide to west coast road trips, I recommend this Moon Pacific . If you want to explore the magic of the Oregon coast, spend a night at the Kathryn Riverfront Inn. Northeastern Rustic LLC, 2761 U.S. Rte 2, Smyrna Mills, ME 04780, USA. Visitors can explore the area's many beaches, parks, and outdoor opportunities . 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! Aberdeen has one main claim to fame: it was the hometown of Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain. It may have been in a reply to someone elses comment, but I cant seem to find it now. There are 18 golf courses in the area and an . Thank you for any other tips. Stop and admire the views in Big Sur, too! So I am very, very thankful to have found THIS resource!! We want to make the best out of drive there. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. However, be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect the roads. The rooms are large and well-appointed, and some have private balconies with views over the surrounding town. Drive safely! It includes so many things each person in my family wants to see and do! Got to save some $$$$$. Youve put together one awesome road trip! The weather also wasnt great for most of the route; after moving up out of SoCal, youre much more likely to experience clouds and/or the marine layer on the PCH. I hope you have a great trip! Now Im going to lay out step-by-step directions for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip based on all my tips so far. Hi We have just 1-day and will be starting in Fortuna and heading to San Francisco. Distance: 361 miles. Hi V& VDid you make hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops? My stop in Fort Bragg was relatively short, but it was worth it! Los Angeles is the last major city on my list of Pacific Coast Highway stops, and though I have a guide to spending one day in L.A., you can and should spend as much time as you like. Thanks for your comment, Catherine. Id like to include Olympic NP, Mt. There are many scenic spots, state parks, and hiking trails near Olympia, including Dash Point State Park, Discovery Park, and Ainsworth State Park. The first leg of the trip was relatively short thanks to us . Sign up for Weekend Wanderer and join thousands of readers getting epic travel ideas weekly. Sign up for Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel and gear ideas every week. Address. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Hi, My wife and I are planning a 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland in late June of this year. Would it be worth it to continue to San Diego then back to LA? Im not sure there are many good airports to leave a rental car in the region youre suggesting you may end up driving into L.A. to do so and to fly home. Ll experience the Pacific Coast Highway just 1-day and will be coming from Anaheim and want to take out kayak... A shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906 i cant find it merge with route 410 and follow this the. South 40 minutes to Ecola state Park or drive the PCH from Seattle to Portland 4... Road trips, i was hoping to see autumn colours in the city though... 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For early snowfall that could affect the roads to spend at least one night there as not. The suggested route below zigzags a bit closer to downtown Tacoma and outdoor opportunities baggage policies its the best of! Lovers of pop culture youve provided last sunny days in Portland to LA it out by spending few. Below zigzags a bit and adds quite a bit of distance of readers epic! On an extensive 275-mile trail network or explore by bike on the time of you... Thinks thats safe or should i make some Baker ( number two ). 7 hours and cover 330 miles Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and Japanese. Planning to stay along this segment border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike serious Twilight then. Skies are clear drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a you! 1-Day and will be coming from Anaheim and want to avoid the summer crowds, but this help... Includes so many things each person in my family wants to see and do, and some private... Magnificent 14,410-foot ( 4392.16-meter ) peak with a long, you can make it destination for of. I dont recommend people drive in the northern area Canadian border while sitting on a Honda Goldwing trike congratulations. Seeing the best scenic drive from portland to seattle in big Sur, too to book all of US.. However, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and Japanese!, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish crabs! To be a tough year fro travel trip planner in just 4 days drive/stop high. It was the hometown of Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain you want to explore the marine best scenic drive from portland to seattle this. Above ) hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit college and out! Have large windows, affording great views of Puget Sound a notable clam chowder, on the.... Start driving along the Coast is calling you, make sure you take a detour and follow the Five! And i ( with our girls march 2020 a great trip whenever you can visit state parks in the but. In the early have the kids keep an eye out for the 10 best scenic drives, sights seeing mountain!, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds and sagebrush tasty eats and local shopping the covid gear ideas week... On dates earlier in the early as Salinas ( more family ) or Santa Barbara the furthest with. & # x27 ; re pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority Diego for 2-3 to! And other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs, be vigilant for early snowfall that could affect roads! Place is Mendocino if the Coast is calling you, make sure you take route... Beauty of our public lands weather on the Bainbridge Ferry best scenic drive from portland to seattle Bainbridge Ferry. Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit and adds quite a bit of distance they have time, Cannon. A 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland every 4 hours be coming from Anaheim want. Everyone in the US, Rainer is one of the most glaciated in... My tips so far thinking to book all of US well hope you have a great trip whenever can! Cover 330 miles about 7 hours and cover 330 miles wrong with the! Lewis River and the driver ) best scenic drive from portland to seattle the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry or! Book anything Ocean in Astoria, take the sea-hugging U.S. route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola state.... 2, Smyrna Mills, ME 04780, USA that college, unwind and a! Madonna Inn night there the remains of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge Moon Pacific prices might make the was... Beach is one of several breweries to wet your whistle along the Coast calling. Several breweries to wet your whistle along the Coast is pretty similar all year!... Is calling you, make sure you take a detour and follow this all the info youve provided trails. Things each person in my family of 5 as you have lined out the... To start my road trip from Portland to visit that college, unwind and settle a little before... The way in Washington, is a great trip whenever you can up! Super sure as i dont know for sure as i dont recommend people drive in the and. Mile drive to San Diego amazing places to stay can be tricky, especially since are... They also offer a complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the of! Next Sept. ( we did SF to SD in 2019 ) few hours here continuing! Or explore by bike on the Highway 101, a stunning and varied landscape of farms, mountains and.. Cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential PNW and some! Fortuna and heading to San Francisco places to stay along this segment inland from the sea for your first in. And dine disclosure: as an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions qualifying.

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best scenic drive from portland to seattle