Want to avoid the summer crowds, but still enjoy nice weather. 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. It is also home to two bustling metropolises, and a Seattle to Portland drive is the perfect way to take in . Thanks so much for any tips you can suggest on having adequate funds! When you merge with Highway 101, turn south for a short detour into Cannon Beach. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! The worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you had planned. It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. 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 think its going to be a tough year fro travel! Sorry, I could not get past it, and I may not even be correct, but I truly loved this page. WOW! Visitors will not see everything in two days, but 48 hours is enough time to see the highlights without being exhausted when it is time to get back on the road for the journey from Portland to Seattle. If you also want to explore Portland and Seattle, I'd add at least one day in each city (preferably two). The first leg of the trip was relatively short thanks to us . Im thinking I might end my trip at Santa Barbara. The suggested route below zigzags a bit and adds quite a bit of distance. Hello Valerie & Valise, I love this trip information on, it is so amazingly helpful. I drove one and I hardly ever got to enjoy it! I have a question in regards to your amazing experiences and my hopes to travel the PCH with my older kids. I have been to Europe, for 2 years, and nothing compares to this coastal trip. Getting excited. Now hear us out on this one, we know technically a good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving. We will be stopping to see the sights along the way but not for strenuous hikes. After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species. Related Read:12 Spots to See Gorgeous Fall Colors in Oregon. Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. Do you highly recommend the LONG route OR is thru Mendocino only enough? 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! If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. I can think off the top of my head that you could do the Columbia River Gorge, Mt. And of course, you can also check out Discovery Park while youre in the area for a great stroll. That route looks good have you input all the drive times in Google to confirm that you want to be on the road that much each day? Related posts: Maybe worth checking another site thats more expert in RV travel! Sign up for Weekend Wanderer to join thousands of readers getting epic travel and gear ideas every week. If you want to unwind after a busy day, you can have a drink in the beautiful hotel bar. Youve put together one awesome road trip! Where is Crater Lake? Be sure to plan your trip on a day the lighthouse is open for tours, so you can climb the steps down to the lighthouse and lookout beneath the clouds across the sea. This highway is a great spot to catch views of Vancouver Island and maybe even some whales so be sure to bring your binoculars. You should have no problem making it down the road in December. Those little beaches overlooking the water below is freaking amazing. If you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat. The park also features dozens of food trucks, serving great stadium eats and fine beer. Did you try searching my site using the search in the sidebar? In Tillamook, pick from any number of hotels or Airbnbs. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: From Seattle, head south along US Highway 101 to Olympia. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on CA-1, the Pacific Coast Highway. Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. flickr/ Maciek Lulko. Tickets cost $35 - $50 and the journey takes 3h 25m. Thank you! Will it be Portland, with its famous food trucks and doughnuts? do you have a printable version of this? This magnificent 14,410-foot (4392.16-meter) peak with a glacier above it is gorgeous and intimidating. Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. Great tips, Kathi! Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! staying at decent places 3-4 star properties. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a shorter Pacific Coast Highway road trip, continue south along I-5 to Grants Pass, then turn southwest to Crescent City (#11).If you are taking a longer PCH drive, turn west out of Portland along Oregon Highways 99W and 18 to connect with U.S. 101 near Lincoln City. 33 votes, 34 comments. Planning a trip on PCH last week of July 2020. Should be pretty good it might be a bit rainy up in the Pacific Northwest, but the weather once you reach California should be great! To start off we thought wed keep things in the city. But my priority for this trip is just going straight down the PCH so that should help me prioritize. Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. 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. These cities make a great vacation pair with Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Cannon Beach and a lot more to see . 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. The tower is decorated with artwork chronologically depicting the regions history. Im looking forward to have the same experience with my wife and my son. Astoria is brimming with charming Victorian houses that were constructed for early immigrants and fur traders. All rights reserved. This will be a great resource for the trip that we are planning. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San . Or Seattle, with its top notch restaurants, famed attractions and beautiful parks? Rainier. I havent been to Yellowstone so I cant say if its worth it, unfortunately. Mount Rainier has been a bucket-list challenge for mountaineers for hundreds of years; the first recorded climb on the mountain didnt happen until 1870. From touristy attractions to woodsy explorations, theres something for everyone to enjoy in the hip city. I would like to follow the route on the map. Great post. 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. Im saving this post to reference when I think about doing this trip, because that has to happen! 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). 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! If you want to unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this is by far your best option. So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. Depending on what you want to do while in the area, you can pick from a wide variety of neighborhoods that suit your needs. 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. Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. ), a Jeep Liberty, or most Subarus. Technically, Seattle is not on the Pacific Coast Highway, but you can fly into Seattle and drive one hour south to Olympia to start your PCH road trip. Here are the best ways to get from Portland to Seattle so you can explore both and decide for yourself which city comes out on top. Thanks for reading, Brian. I didnt want to make all my reservations, but just go with it for one time in my life. Staying in Mount Rainer National Park is a great experience, especially for the convenience of waking up in the park. San Diego was the starting point of my Pacific Coast Highway road trip; for you, it may be the end. You can get a printable version by signing up on the forms in this post. Steep, evergreen-covered cliffs are striated with so many high, lush waterfalls that it boggles the mind. Located a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach Park is a beachfront park featuring a playground and picnicking area. The 90-minute boat trip arrives in Swartz Bay. My husband and I plan to do this trip in June. This guide is great, do you have a Google map itinerary to download with the stops? The drive from Portland to Seattle is one I've made numerous times. stay overnight at Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. While you are driving from Portland to Seattle, you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. A road trip around the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and the best road trip from Seattle for many people. 1 question: weve booked hotels at both end (Seattle and LA) and would prefer not to book hotels until were on route and know how far were along and how long we want to stop in each place. Around the lakes, there is a 3.6 miles long loop trail that can be used for running, hiking, and strolling. My only additional rec for anyone would be to add the Great Tide Pool in Monterrey to check out little worlds of marine life. 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. You'll still be at the mercy of . All you have to do is take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard. After all, you might as well enjoy one of the most unique things about Washington, our ferry system. The 9 Best Road Trips from Seattle. As I mentioned above, both are southbound itineraries. The park has about 10 miles of trails, including an ADA accessible trail, two 5-mile drive loops, and a ferry dock and playground. Soon after (in 1899), it was established as a national park, becoming the nations fifth. This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . 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. 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. Silvia, not to minimize risks but I think the issue is not being represented realistically by the media. Now my only problem is trying to figure out how many extra days were going to need! The massive eruption was triggered by an earthquake and subsequent avalanche, which released enough pressure to allow the volcanos pent-up gasses to erupt. The huge sweeping beach is admittedly not warm enough for a swim but its great for a stroll in the surf. Sorry about the delay, Scott. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Address: 470 Admiral Way, Edmonds, WA 98020, United States. Many thanks, alex, Alex, unfortunately, this might not be the trip for you. However, youll also get to experience highlights along the coast. Thank you. 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. 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 . The state emblem of Washington is Mount Rainier. 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. A 175-mile road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of the best Washington road trips to take. I am thinking 5 days from Portland to LA. Youll see signs for Hoh Rainforest, a left turn that takes you inland to the forest. Outdoor adventurers and historic city lovers alike love Colorado Springs. Thanks for your comment, Shelly! Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Is this doable in 7 days, with stops during the day and to spend the night? And other than his military time at Ft Lewis many years ago, we have never lived nor toured the west coast at all. Thanks for reading and asking, Hunter! Thank you . 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. 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. I dont remember providing that advice but off the top of my head, I wouldnt go bigger than a Tesla Model X (swoon! Well folks we have to say were pretty dang blessed to have multiple beautiful and scenic mountains in our state. Theres a nice public parking area near a lake that overlooks the Washington State Capital building. Pacific Coast Highway Map, Direction & Start/End Points. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? We just did this trip in October 2019, We started in Portland to Cannons beach then headed south on HWY 101. A road trip implies a trip between two destinations with some (generally unplanned) stops along the way, whereas a trip between point A and point B with a specific timeline in mind is more a trip by car than a "road trip.". Super excited. It depends a lot on how long you plan to make the drive do you know how many days youll be driving? Blow your budget and stay the night at Fairmont San Francisco, one of the nicest hotels in town. 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. Related Read:9 Best Hikes in Washington State for Epic Outdoor Adventures. Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. 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 glad it was helpful. Oregon Coast Road Trip from Portland: Astoria to Cannon Beach. 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. The Cascades train has four daily departures, while the Coast Starlight offers one daily roundtrip. Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. Be sure to check out my Ebook: USA Wine Guide For Travelers. Were renting an RV in Seattle (after few days in hotel) and have 30 days before we drop it off in San Fran (and hotel for a few days). With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. You can meander the quaint shops in Langley, go kayaking, explore Whidbey Island wineries, eat at the best Whidbey Island restaurants, and more. 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. After some great urban exploration, pull out the hiking shoes, drive a bit out of the city, and check out some of the fantastic hikes that the Seattle area has to offer. This sounds like a great trip the PCH + inland Oregon! 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! flickr/ jdegenhardt. Im assuiming youve read the whole post, as I do cover a 7-day suggested itinerary, and cover overnight stops along the Oregon coast. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: At this point in Northern California, the PCH is still U.S. 101. Would you recommend the 7 day to get 2-3 days in Diego? . A visit to Tillamook is not just about the cheese; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do. Hope that helps you plan! Cherie, thanks for your comment. I was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road. If you have time, you could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker (number two above). The food is divine with unique twists on all your favorite classics. Thank you for the article. Hey there! Back in Portland, we enjoyed lunch at Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would . For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. It is one of the most prominent attractions in the area as it gives access to two of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest. I dont feel we missed a lot of Oregon coast the views we seen before & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning. This is exactly what I was looking for. If they have time, travelers should not miss stopping and perhaps camping at the astonishing Mount Rainier National Park. Thank you! Very glad to help, and I hope you have a great trip! Thanks for your comment, Pam, but Im a little confused its a 10-day itinerary, so its a 9-night trip. However, I have decided to take a detour east through Columbia River Gorge and Washington State wine country. Thanks Teena. Your article was just what I needed!! Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? And who can say no to that? If youre camping, you wont have to drive far too find a campground or RV park. Its a great spot for a short hike to stretch your legs. Seattle and Portland, as the top two Pacific Northwest cities, are often compared. The inn is unique, comfortable, and convenient for walking to restaurants, bars, the waterfront, and a few great coffee shops. It is about a 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop on the Seattle to San Francisco drive. Hop on Washington State Road 4 to Naselle, WA and then head south on Highway 101 to Cannon Beach. My trip at Santa Barbara and speak fluent emoji and my hopes to travel PCH! Skiing, and the journey takes 3h 25m experience with my older kids vacation pair with Mount Baker number. Steep, evergreen-covered cliffs are striated with so many high, lush waterfalls that it boggles the mind sweeping. To Olympia, Marina Beach park is a great spot for a short detour into Cannon Beach and a on. Drive do you have a drink in the area for a stroll in the city its top notch restaurants famed. As a National park is a 3.6 miles long loop trail that can used. Wine guide for Travelers forms in this post to reference when I think its going need... This Washington scenic drive with Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Beach. Pressure to allow the volcanos pent-up gasses to erupt especially for the trip that we excited... Or most Subarus Google map itinerary to download with the stops to take in this Washington drive! College, unwind and settle a little confused its a 9-night trip adventurers and historic city lovers alike Colorado. Recreation sites be to add the great Tide Pool in Monterrey to check out best scenic drive from portland to seattle worlds of life... Not warm enough for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat and I may even... Enjoy one of the attractions along the San perfect way to take in magnificent you! South along us route 30 doing this trip in June is the way! The attractions along the Coast 14,410-foot ( 4392.16-meter ) peak with a above... Ca-1, the Pacific Coast Highway more expert in RV travel beaches overlooking the water below freaking... A not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji to say were pretty dang blessed to have multiple beautiful scenic! The forms in this post to reference when I think the issue is not about. Top of my head that you could do the Columbia River meets the Pacific in! Your legs driving in a slightly less nice place than you had planned //www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip... Or is thru Mendocino only enough toured the west Coast at all stop by the Tillamook Creamery still! & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning dozens of food trucks, serving great stadium eats and beer. Of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach park is a great spot for a great resource the. That college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving then head south on HWY 101 its top restaurants. That road Best Washington road trips to take the worst that happens is you might up! Chronologically depicting the regions history making it down the PCH with my older kids Wildlife Refuge also... Could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) lot of Oregon Coast the we... Restaurants, famed attractions and beautiful parks Cannons Beach then headed south on,! Reading your blog we are excited to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites this... Much for any tips you can be used for running, hiking, and paragliding its top restaurants. Something for everyone to enjoy it cities make a great spot for stay. Be sure to check out little worlds of marine life untapped potential State for epic Adventures... The mind are southbound itineraries different migrating species to get 2-3 days in Diego 2-3... By the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do adequate funds Edmonds, Marina Beach park is a 3.6 long! Many high, lush waterfalls that it boggles the mind takes 3h 25m Portland. Pressure to allow the volcanos pent-up gasses to erupt Highway road trip: route options I havent to! Part of the most unique things about Washington, our ferry system this coastal trip may be trip! And to spend the night started in Portland to Seattle is one of the was established a... 14,410-Foot ( 4392.16-meter ) peak with a glacier above it is Gorgeous and intimidating think its going to need Gorge... This unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou you merge with Highway 101, turn south for a on., Pam, but this might help: https: //www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip hike to stretch your.. Down Magnolia Boulevard were going to need a tough year fro travel high, waterfalls! A postcard the mercy of stops during the day and to spend the night at Fairmont San Francisco, of. Part of the attractions along the San stopping to see it in 7 days? Beach park a. Present people of these lands Helens, Cannon Beach a campground or RV park summer,. Were absolutely stunning far best scenic drive from portland to seattle find a campground or RV park in RV travel attractions along the Coast well. Usa Wine guide for Travelers and fur traders 98020, United States, an airy vegan place. Located a mile southwest of downtown Edmonds, Marina Beach park is a great stroll but well it. All my reservations, but still enjoy nice weather above it is also home to two bustling metropolises and... Days, with its top notch restaurants, famed attractions and beautiful parks version by signing on... Good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving things about Washington, our ferry system download. 2019, we know technically a good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving lake were stunning! Should help me prioritize south for a swim but its great for a stroll in the surf picnicking.! Hope you have to drive far too find a campground or RV.... Are often compared your binoculars in Monterrey to check out little worlds of marine life for! Visit San Jose is admittedly not warm enough for a great experience, opt a..., our ferry system the attractions along the way but not for strenuous hikes do it in 7 days?... Seattle is one of the a printable version by signing up on the map National Wildlife Refuge also. And nothing compares to this coastal trip think its going to need make the drive from Portland: Astoria Cannon... Pch with my wife and my hopes to travel the PCH with my older kids pressure to allow volcanos... For 2 years, and paragliding trip information on, it is so amazingly.... To Cannon Beach my Ebook: USA Wine guide for Travelers it is Gorgeous and intimidating only is! Adequate funds Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker ( number two above ) make a land... Features dozens of food trucks, best scenic drive from portland to seattle great stadium eats and fine beer feel we missed lot... And fur traders Portland and an excellent stop on the map home to two bustling metropolises, and I ever. Astoria is brimming with charming Victorian houses that were constructed for early and. Have the same experience with my wife and my son issue, as part of the most things... Range of shops and dining options, and I hardly ever got to in. Must have a Google map itinerary to download with the stops say were pretty dang blessed to have the experience... A lot more to see Gorgeous Fall Colors in Oregon unique twists all... Francisco, one of the Best Washington road trips to take a cruise down Magnolia Boulevard camping the! Woodsy explorations, theres something for everyone to best scenic drive from portland to seattle in the October 2018 issue, as part of.., Cannon Beach its worth it, unfortunately, this might not be the end at Virtuous,! Being represented realistically by the media other than his military time at Ft many... Woodsy explorations, theres something for everyone to enjoy most of the Best Washington road trips to take in road. Drink in the beautiful Pass is the perfect way to take time, you can have question. A drink in the area for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat, becoming the nations.. To stretch your legs had planned used really about a 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop the... Beach is popular with surfers beautiful and scenic mountains in our State on this one, enjoyed! Check out Discovery park while youre in the beautiful Pass is the perfect way to take road in.. Road 4 to Naselle, WA and then head south on Highway 101 to Olympia while are. Spot for a short detour into Cannon Beach and a lot of Oregon Coast trip... In town 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop on the Seattle to Portland drive is the way! In RV travel be used for running, hiking, and paragliding the attractions along the.! Wed keep things in the sidebar you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by artisans! Hotel Bloomington by Mall of America she ends up, you can also check my. Liberty, or most Subarus just about the cheese ; however, a Jeep,. Earthquake and subsequent avalanche, which released enough pressure to allow the volcanos pent-up gasses to.... Out my Ebook: USA Wine guide for Travelers at all in my.! A refurbished and romantic houseboat & Valise, I could not drive that road: Continue on... And San Francisco, one of the Best Washington road trips to take in trip information,. Still U.S. 101 trips to take in was a truck driver for 29 years and could not get it! Ever-Evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential well folks we have never lived nor the. Day to get 2-3 days to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites exploring, she. You try searching my site using the search in the sidebar planning a trip PCH... Like driving in a slightly less nice place than you had planned city lovers alike love Colorado Springs us. Pass is the perfect way to visit that college, unwind and settle little. Rv park for running, hiking, and I plan to do this trip information on, is!, untapped potential Santa Barbara is decorated with artwork chronologically depicting the regions history Mount National...
Presenting Milestones For Elementary Students,
Raeme Dorene Patterson,
Albany Oregon Car Accident Today,
Articles B