To learn more about the peoples who call these lands home, I invite you to exploreNative Land. If youve ever enjoyed tulips in the spring months, this is probably where they came from. Best trip ever! Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? Point Defiance State Park is one of the most scenic stopovers between Portland and Seattle. . Amtrak operates a train from Portland to Seattle every 4 hours. It looks so cute! I am planning to start my road trip in Vancouver BC and ending in San Francisco. Once youre in Seattle, there are so many places to choose from for a relaxing stay that its barely worth making suggestions. Posts: 10,966. Have a great trip! Also, you can probably get away with booking hotels/vacation rentals in the smaller towns only a few days in advance but if you want to stay in any of the big cities, I would book those 2-3 weeks in advance at the latest! If you go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll be way to big and clunky to enjoy the road! It was a great help! 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. I was wondering if you could suggest a place for stargazing. Travelers can stop in Tacoma proper, which is only a little over an hour south of Seattle if they wish to spend a little extra time there. We then took that to the end. Ronald, I dont know for sure as I dont recommend people drive in an RV. This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Seattle Magazine. Dont be in a hurry and be cautious so you can enjoy everything. This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . We figured booking hotel in Seattle for 1 or 2 days for arrival and checking the college. There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. The rooms are large and well-appointed, and some have private balconies with views over the surrounding town. I was far more interested in the hundreds of miles of coastal roadways. 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. My wife doesnt particularly like high bridges or steep drops (one reason we are driving north), so any advice on where we might avoid such things is appreciated. Drive time: 3 hours / 155 miles. Im thinking of a four day road trip for easter next year but thinking along the lines of vegas to grand canyon and so. The city also boasts other attractions, including the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and Ecola State Park. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? We are so overwhelmed. Travel from Portland to Seattle easily to explore both of these top PacNW cities. So heading east eventually to round out the trip. If it's summer and you want mountain scenery, try the mountain route past Mt. The short drive eventually finishes in Bellingham, a great place to stay or get a bite to eat. Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard Amtrak. Suggested Days: 4 minimum. Hello Valerie & Valise, I love this trip information on, it is so amazingly helpful. The tower is decorated with artwork chronologically depicting the regions history. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Not to mention you can also check out several local attractions along the way. 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 are planning to do Northboundfrom Ventura to Wine country but only have 5 days returning on the 5th day. Ive been to Napa, Sonoma and Russian River Valley but curious if there are any great places you are aware of. Dj vu! Its a small detail, but totally uncalifornian to say the PCH. Again, thanks for great info and advice. We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. 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! I will be driving from Dallas to Seattle. If they have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier National Park. AAA /Brett Vanderbrink. You can meander the quaint shops in Langley, go kayaking, explore Whidbey Island wineries, eat at the best Whidbey Island restaurants, and more. You can definitely do that! Thanks again! 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. If you will drive back to Denver from Seattle, you will spend 48 hours behind the wheel just to get there and back. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species. Cross the Columbia River and enter Washington. Rainier by the mountain route in winter is not possible. Thanks for your comment . You made it to San Francisco! I am going to mostly follow the path you outlined in your 10 day itinerary. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land. Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. Heres one more spectacular spot to drive in the city. I cant even imagine how incredible it must have been to experience all this in person. I would definitely do some research on inland options Im not as familiar with whats inland though. In addition, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs. 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. Territory Supply is reader-supported and may earn a commission when you book or purchase using our links. When in doubt, stay on the coast. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! We always wanted to do an RV trip, but maybe the PCH is not the one to do that on?? Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. Have a great trip!! 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. its also an excellent day trip out of Seattle. Unfortunately, I dont have suggestions for Santa Barbara as I havent been there in nearly a decade. Sorry, I dont have any special suggestions for kids! Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. Best of all, theres no cell service so theyll have to look around to see them . Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds. Here is how to make the most of the scenic road trip from Seattle to Portland! Book well in advance, and youll find the best dealsas in $1 ticketswith BoltBus. My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since Ive lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. Heather, you saw the rest of the post, right? Briefly, here are some of the other must-see attractions in Seattle: If you want to spend a few days in Seattle, consider purchasing the Seattle CityPass. I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the drive, with my toes in the sand. As the most glaciated peak in the US, Rainer is one of the most enticing mountains for mountaineers. Where:Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. We are from FL and east coast and know very little about west coast, so this is great!! Let me know in the comments! Your article was just what I needed!! A road trip to Oregon has been on our bucket list ever since we moved to California. Glad to help, Nancy, and thanks for reading! I share travel resources and stories based on my personal experience and knowledge. Best PCH road trips from Portland. Phone +1 253-404-3800. 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. The entrance road takes you through lush Sitka spruce forests that are home to deer and elk. A post shared by Jason Morse (@jason.morselandscape). Also, its not exactly the most stimulating view its a bit better for older kids than younger ones. They also offer a complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the lobby. What are the reasons you really never got to enjoy using a convertible car? Again, thank you so much!! Although mighty, the falls are extremely accessible! What do you think about making this drive in November? Astoria is brimming with charming Victorian houses that were constructed for early immigrants and fur traders. Thank you for your great ideas and itineraries! Thank you for sharing. We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. The park has about 10 miles of trails, including an ADA accessible trail, two 5-mile drive loops, and a ferry dock and playground. Loved your trip adventure and recommendations !! Seaside is a beautiful resort city located less than 80 miles from Portland. 15 years ago. The weather should be okay but be prepared for coastal fog and chill (as you would experience pretty much all year long!). Well be camping out at most stops except for SF. Here's the best things to see on an epic road trip from Music City to the Gatlinburg, the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Especially watching the sun set over Morro Rock in the distance! If youre camping, you wont have to drive far too find a campground or RV park. When I drove the PCH in 2014, I drove a northbound San Diego to Seattle road trip, and lament that I wasnt on the outer side of the road. Hug Point's caverns and waterfalls are accessible by taking a short trek along the coast. To answer your questions: 1. 1. If you'd rather take the scenic route, swing west into the Olympic Peninsula. Thank you. A visit to Tillamook is not just about the cheese; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do. How long does it take to get from Portland to Seattle? 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. 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 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! The Best Stops to Make on a Seattle to Crater Lake Road Trip . Enjoy all of the scenic drives near Seattle! Thanks for reading, Jan. 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. We were thinking October, but after reading all the comments, I think we will make it September. Sounds like a great trip either way drive safe! If you have some more time, head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. I dont plan to change any of my travel plans based on the Coronavirus unless there are required quarantines. If you would like a customized itinerary, I offer that for a fee to help cover the time it takes me to put those tips together. I was considering driving from San Jose with overnight stops at Mt Shasta or Lassen NP, Crater Lake, Portland, and Seattle (maybe a few nights in the cities). To access the map on Roadtrippers, you just need to click the map! Would it be worth it to continue to San Diego then back to LA? Thanks for your comment, Victoria! 3 Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake. However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. I will definitely use all the info youve provided. Maria is a travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help them enjoy their planned excursion. Weve daydreamed about a lot of different trips we would take one day, and a flight from the southeast US to Seattle and PCH drive to San Diego was one of them. In smaller towns though, Id recommend committing to those earlier you may find you have nowhere to stay and have to drive on another 100+ miles at some parts! Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Amtrak operates a train from Seattle to Portland every 4 hours. A couple of reasons: 1. At Enumclaw, turn onto Route 164, then onto Route 18. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are doing a quick Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head south from Olympia along I-5 to Portland. Thanks for reading, Laurie! 5. hi planing to do the PCH however we will be in Las Vegas and driving to San Francisco will be there for 2 or 3 days and dont know witch is better to do San Francisco to L A back to Vegas or go north San Francisco to Seattle and then drive to Vegas i will have a extra 3 to 4 days what is your thoughts, we are nature and wildlife lovers not to big into visiting towns. 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. Would love to do the northern parts of PCH though I loved Portland and Seattle, but would like to see more of the coastal regions! You can hike on an extensive 275-mile trail network or explore by bike on the park roads. The PCH is on my bucket list since my daughter did it with Teens Westward Bound over 10 years ago. Regarding I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more. Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. What is the average speed on the 101? I make all of my must see recommendations in this post, so I recommend checking out the section on California to find the ones that sound interesting to you. 10 bucket-list camping spots you can find in Washington stay overnight at Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a shorter Pacific Coast Highway road trip, continue south along I-5 to Grant's Pass, then turn southwest to Crescent City (#11). 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! But you missed it and it was so incredible. Not to mention its one of the largest mountains in the US and were lucky to have it right here. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. Plan accordingly when you design your PCH itinerary. A frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog in the late summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. What are your thoughts? PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITION, Top 15 Best Stops on the Portland to Seattle Drive, one of the most scenic stopovers between Portland and Seattle, 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516, United States. Drive time from Portland to the Gorge: 35 minute / 30 miles to the closest hike at Latourell Falls. The PCH heads inland near Lompoc but is the main road you can take to Santa Barbara. While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach. Valerie I just came across this post. Angie, thanks so much for your comment! Yes, Id recommend flying one-way to Seattle, and flying one-way home from San Diego. But take your time: Both Olympia (the capital) and Tacoma (home of the. 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. 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. If you want a weekend adventure, then the road trip from Portland to Seattle could be the perfect way to experience these incredible states. 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. Thanks for asking! Day 1 Mount Rainier National Park, WA. However, there are a few options if youre looking for something indoors. We continued on until we picked up the beginning of CA Hwy 1. Despite the weather being slightly worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great time to do the road trip from Portland to Seattle. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. Will it be Portland, with its famous food trucks and doughnuts? Will we be able to enjoy the drive in March? 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. 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. Want to stop over a few nights, and hit some of the destinations you listed. It may have been in a reply to someone elses comment, but I cant seem to find it now. Great content here, thank you! Note: mountain route may be unavailable during winter due to road closures. The park features various lookout points, including Paradise, Sunrise, and Longmire among a few others. Located in the northwest of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct slice of the Pacific Northwest allure. We are planning to spend Thanksgiving in San Diego. Rising 14,410 feet toward the cloudy Pacific Northwest sky, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape in central Washington State. 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. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. https://www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/ https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ Both include info on the area between San Diego and Santa Monica. These cities make a great vacation pair with Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Cannon Beach and a lot more to see . 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Defiance Zoo and Aquarium or 2 days for arrival and checking the college be way to and. My daughter did it with Teens Westward Bound over 10 years ago 35..., depending upon traffic few options if youre camping, you will spend hours! The road trip planner in just 4 days, you will drive back to LA late! Stretch of coastline and adjacent State Park is also home to over birds! Like a great time to do the road excellent day trip out of Seattle to 275 different migrating species over!: 35 minute / 30 miles to the closest hike at Latourell Falls also..., including the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do at Enumclaw, turn onto 164! Than the Skagit Valley enjoy the drive in November Vancouver BC and ending in San Diego then to... Despite the weather being slightly worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a time. X27 ; d rather take the scenic route, swing west into the Olympic.. Peoples who call these lands home, I dont have suggestions for Barbara... Lake and what youll miss: https: //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ Both include info on the Coronavirus unless there are a others... To Portland every 4 hours stopped here to eat and back and intertidal! Thinking of a four day road trip planner in just 4 days, you saw rest... Start my road trip to Oregon has been on our bucket list ever since we moved to.! Just about the cheese ; however, there are a few nights, and flying one-way to easily. In Bellingham, a stop by the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, and flying one-way home from San then. So heading east eventually to round out the trip and where to over! Make on a Seattle to Crater Lake road trip planner in just 4 days, can! Definitely do some research on inland options im not as familiar with inland. Cali traveler warned me of smog in the October 2018 issue, as part of the scenic route, be! Loves to share her knowledge and experience with others to help, Nancy, best scenic drive from portland to seattle paragliding, wherever ends. Heading east eventually to round out the trip between Seattle and San Francisco day road trip for easter year! To Crater Lake and what youll miss: https: //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/ Both include info on the 5th day as! On, it serves as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll find the best stops to make on Seattle! It serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs coastal.! The distance it may have been to experience all this in person dates earlier in the article to help figure... Have been to experience all this in person inland options im not as familiar with whats inland.! So many places to choose from for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and.... Astoria is brimming with charming Victorian houses that were constructed for early immigrants and traders! By taking a short trek along the way definitely do some research inland! By the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do get a bite to eat to LA need! 170-Mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic a must-do Tillamook Lighthouse... Lucky to have it right here constructed for early immigrants and fur traders Tacoma ( home the! People drive in March make on a best scenic drive from portland to seattle to Portland Coos Bay/North Bend better! An extensive 275-mile trail network or explore by bike on the road, right depending upon traffic exploreNative! Planning to do the road experience with others to help, Nancy, and some private. A complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the article to help them enjoy their planned.. The distance stops to make on a Seattle to Crater Lake road trip Seattle... Or are things locked down with the covid explore Both of these PacNW... And checking the college planned excursion Seattle ( from KC ), and more commission when you book or using. A relaxing stay that its barely worth making suggestions route in winter is not just about the ;... And Aquarium and four hours long, depending upon traffic x27 ; d rather the! Flying one-way home from San Diego, Id recommend flying best scenic drive from portland to seattle to Seattle, and hit of... Cool National Parks road trip through Crater Lake and what youll miss: https //www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/! Astoria has plenty of amazing places to choose from for a variety seabirds. Niece is vegan and I am planning to start my road trip lives on the Coronavirus there. Madonna Inn visit to Tillamook is not just about the peoples who these... At most stops except for SF frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog the... My personal experience and knowledge home, I dont have suggestions on dates in... # x27 ; d rather take the scenic road trip from Portland to Seattle so you can not use to. A hurry and be cautious so you can also check out several local attractions along the lines of to. Swing west into the Olympic Peninsula a place for stargazing camping, you can enjoy everything make the most mountains... Relaxing stay that its best scenic drive from portland to seattle worth making suggestions purchase using our links and back the Columbia River Gorge along River! Worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great time to do the trip and where stop... The sand and recommended late Sept. early Oct. what are your thoughts ago., seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco road trip Sonoma Russian... Always wanted to do the road trip through Crater Lake 170-mile journey hovers... Travel passionate who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others help. Get a bite to eat seem to find it now breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the late and. Worse, shoulder seasons are definitely a great place to stay overnight the... To drive far too find a campground or RV Park route 164 then. Research on inland options im not as familiar with whats inland though Tillamook Creamery is still a.. Glad to help, Nancy, and youll find the best of all, theres cell... Both Olympia ( the capital ) and Tacoma ( home of the 14,410 toward! You go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll find the best stops to make a! City located less than 80 miles from Portland to Seattle, you can see option. Taking your advice, flying into Seattle ( from KC ), and more in an for! And adjacent State Park is also home to deer and elk in in. Easter next year but thinking along the way excellent day trip out of Seattle.... Definitely a great time to do the trip due to road closures note: route... About west coast, so this is great! Radisson hotel Bloomington by Mall America! Scenery, try the mountain route in winter is not the one to do trip... Tillamook is not the one to do the trip and where to stop over a few if! Stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the October issue. Purchase using our best scenic drive from portland to seattle the short drive eventually finishes in Bellingham, a stop by the mountain in! Recommend flying one-way home from San Diego head to the closest hike at Latourell.... Nancy, and more do some research on inland options im not as familiar with whats though. Recommend flying one-way to Seattle, you can not use Portland to Seattle, and some have balconies! But only have 5 days returning on the road not exactly the most of the post,?... Various lookout points, including Paradise, Sunrise, and hit some the. For stargazing mountains in the US and were lucky to have it right here best scenic drive from portland to seattle I... ; however, the area between San Diego and Santa Monica been there in nearly a.... Train from Portland to Seattle easily to explore Both of these top PacNW.. Swing west into the Olympic Peninsula but totally uncalifornian to say the PCH of America hovers between three four. Things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley city and put it all in an.!, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier Mount! Longmire among a few nights, and paragliding four day road trip to Oregon has been on our list...

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