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Craving adventure, breathtaking landscapes and eco-friendly experiences? Consider the Pacific Northwest (PNW) your quintessential road trip destination. With its diverse settings, ranging from roaring rivers to dramatic oceanside bluffs and romantic forests, the Pacific Northwest is a waking dreamscape for nature lovers. 

Not sure where to start? Not a problem. We’ve curated a 14-day itinerary packed with hidden wilderness gems, culinary treasures and quaint towns — focusing on sustainability and supporting local communities. The beauty of a Pacific Northwest Road Trip is that there’s so much to offer, you can simply open our Northwestern road map and choose the destinations that call your name. If that’s a little too spontaneous for you and you prefer having a plan, this itinerary and guide will point you in the right direction.

The Best Time to Take a Pacific Northwest Trip

There’s no such thing as a bad time of year to take this road trip. The Pacific Northwest’s rich range of environments offers year-round magic, so it’s all about deciding what side of the PNW’s personality you want to see.

• Spring (March to May): If you’re looking for a road trip centered around outdoor excursions, March, April and May are the best months to visit the Pacific Northwest. The weather is pleasant enough for hiking and camping, and you can avoid the summer crowds. Plus, you can witness vibrant wildflowers blooming and greenery that's extra lush after the rains.
• Summer (June to August): Ambitious travelers who want to pack their days will appreciate the extended sunlight hours in the summer. These months are also when you can catch a variety of music festivals and state fairs across the PNW, and it’s the ideal time to visit for a beach-centric trip.
• Fall (September to November): The fall foliage in the Pacific Northwest is a photographer’s dream come true. Between the forest trees changing colors to the spooky-romantic marine layer over the beach towns, fall here is a feast for the eyes. You’ll also enjoy fewer crowds at popular destinations. 
• Winter (December to February): A snow-capped Pacific Northwest will not disappoint. Giant fir trees, quaint coastal towns and winding rivers take on new life in the winter, beckoning you to cozy up with a hot beverage in a seaside cafe. Plus, this is the quietest time of year to take this road trip, meaning you can find more affordable accommodations.

Each of the four seasons offers something special in the Pacific Northwest, and we’re confident that the region will mesmerize you, no matter the weather.

PNW Road Trip: Essential Packing Tips 

Having the right gear will ensure you have a safe, satisfying and sustainable experience. So we’ve created a packing list that reflects the range of activities we have in store for you.

• Eco-Friendly Travel Gear: With the goal of leaving no trace behind, be sure to pack eco-friendly items like reusable water bottles, biodegradable picnicware and organic, non-toxic toiletries. Don’t forget to pack trash bags so you can pick up after yourself when camping and picnicking. 
• Outdoor Adventure Gear: We have a handful of hikes, ranging from easy to challenging, on our list, so get ready to sweat. Pack hiking boots with good traction, layers for alternating weather conditions, sunscreen and a camera to capture moments on the trails.
• Healthy and Local Snacks: You’ll want to keep your strength up for this adventure-filled trip. So pack nutritious snacks like nuts, dried fruit and granola bars. Stop at farmer’s markets and roadside stands along the way to support local businesses.
• First Aid Kit: Even experienced hikers slip and fall sometimes, so pack a first aid kit just in case the unexpected occurs. 
• Lightweight Backpack: Bring a lightweight daypack for longer hikes or sightseeing excursions. This will make it easy to carry your essentials without loading up your hands (you need those to take pictures).
• Road Atlas and National Park Guide: Our itinerary takes you through several national and state parks, which are known for poor cell service. To avoid getting lost (or missing any must-see spots), pack our National Park Guide. With inset maps for over 63 National Parks and 375 cities, it will help you find your way through forests and winding roads. 
• Road Atlases:  If you want to ensure you’re taking the most picturesque roads between stops, our road atlases provide scenic route information for every state.
• Reusable Shopping Bags: Plan on hitting some cute boutiques and vintage shops? Bring your own reusable shopping bags to cut back on single-use plastic bags.
• A Solar-Powered Charger: If you’re planning on hiking all day, pack a solar charger to keep your devices charged when there’s no outlet in sight.
• Biodegradable Bug Spray: Spring and summer are mosquito seasons, so if you’re visiting during these warm months, pack a biodegradable bug spray to prevent bites without harming Mother Nature.

Now that your bags are packed, you’re ready to dig into our Pacific Northwest vacation ideas and plan your trip.

Pacific Northwest Itinerary: 14 Days of Scenic Road Trip Ideas

To ensure you don’t miss any of the top sites, we recommend planning out each day in advance and deciding which stops are a top priority for you. Our recommendations include a hybrid of outdoor adventures, culinary delights and cultural experiences, so just when you’ve had your fill of one activity type, it’ll be time for another.

Pacific Northwest Travel Itinerary Overview

Our suggested route begins in Seattle, Washington, and winds through Oregon’s breathtaking wooded regions before cutting over to the Pacific Coast for some seaside charm. 

• Seattle to Olympic National Park: 110 miles, 2.5 hours
• Olympic National Park to Portland: 162 miles, 3 hours
• Portland to Columbia River Gorge: 16 miles, 20 minutes
• Columbia River Gorge to Mount Hood: 72 miles, 1.5 hours
• Mount Hood to Crater Lake National Park: 240 miles, 4.5 hours
• Crater Lake to Redwoods National Park: 154 miles, 3 hours
• Redwoods National Park to Oregon Coast: 227 miles, 4.75 hours

You have a lot of ground to cover, so fuel up (or plug in for your EV drivers) and let’s hit the road.

Day 1-2: Consume Small Batch Coffee and Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington

Kick your Pacific Northwest road trip off in Seattle, where you’ll find world-class art, coffee culture and famous landmarks. Pick up treats at Pike Place where you can support more than 220 independently owned shops. Be sure to grab a bag of beans from Hagen Coffee Roasters, a micro-roaster that sources their beans from small farms (find them inside of Freya Bakery & Cafe). Stroll the waterfront section of the market for remarkable views of Puget Sound.

Next, visit arguably the most iconic landmark in Seattle, The Space Needle. At 605 feet tall and with a 360-degree observation deck, this tower offers the best panoramic views of the city. From it, you’ll see the entire downtown area, Puget Sound and several mountain ranges. When you’re done taking photos, grab a drink at the Loupe Lounge, a lounge with a rotating glass floor that keeps the views going while you sip cocktails.

Indulge in some quirky modern history at the Museum of Pop Culture, home to hundreds of iconic pop culture artifacts from films, TV and music. The Proton Pack from “Ghostbusters II,” a bodysuit worn by Rihanna in the “Rude Boy” music video, and Buttercup’s dress from “The Princess Bride” are just some of the artifacts you might find here.

Book a room at the Hotel Theodore if you’re after a conveniently located boutique experience. Situated in the heart of downtown, the property offers complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city and a nightly wine hour. Plus, their bath products are organic and primarily eco-conscious. If you’re looking for a more local experience, book an Airbnb in Capitol Hill, and stay in historic, Victorian-style architecture, steps from several green parks.

It’s time to leave the Rain City for a rainforest at Olympic National Park. 

Estimated drive time: two and a half hours.

Day 3-4: Discover a Rainforest and Rustic Cabin at Olympic National Park

It’s time to explore the impressively diverse Olympic National Park. With alpine forests, beaches, and even coastal rainforests, this park feels like it contains multiple worlds. 

Stroll the shores of Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake with beautiful blue waters found at the northern foothill of the Olympic Mountains. Rowboats are available to rent from the nearby Lake Crescent Lodge (for a water-focused trip, our Washington atlas can help you find boat ramps and fishing spots). Enjoy a beach walk at Rialto Beach, known for its low tides and sea stacks, or Second Beach, where you’re almost guaranteed to spot some marine life.

Don’t miss what might be the true star of the show, the Hoh Rainforest. This moss-covered rainforest is home to old-growth spruce trees, banana slugs and ferns and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to settings from “The Land Before Time.”

When you’re ready to kick your feet up, you can book a room at the Lake Crescent Lodge, which sits on the shores of Lake Crescent. For historic accommodations, book one of the property’s Roosevelt Fire Cabins, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After a more rustic experience? Kalaloch Campground is open year-round and offers 175 campsites. It’s easily accessible right off Highway 101, and just a 45-minute drive from the Hoh Rain Forest.

Ready for artsy charm and eclectic shops? Head to Portland. 

Estimated drive time: 3 hours

Day 5-6: Get Cozy in Portland’s Gardens and Bookstores

Experience Portland with all its eclectic appeal. Known for its individuality and creativity, there’s a reason the city’s slogan is “Keep Portland Weird.” The most appropriate first stop is a place that celebrates self-expression, Powell’s Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore. Spanning a full city block, this inspiring shop contains over 1 million books, including many rare, first-edition and out-of-print reads. 

For several landmarks in one, head to Washington Park, the city’s best-known park that houses museums, gardens, memorials and even a zoo. Stop by the World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum for a birds-eye view of the Northwest forest and sustainable forestry exhibits. Take a walk in the International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public rose garden in the U.S., and explore the 12 acres at the Japanese Garden, featuring eight unique landscapes.

Once you’ve read and walked up an appetite, enjoy something savory and sustainable at Noble Rot, which sources produce from its rooftop garden. Or head to Higgin’s, Oregon’s first farm-to-table restaurant, where you’ll taste locally sourced ingredients on their seasonal menu.

When you’re ready to dream about all you’ve seen, The Nines Hotel is the perfect spot to stay for boutique vibes downtown. The hotel is LEED certified and donates unused food to fight food scarcity, making them as sustainable as they are sophisticated. For historic luxury, book a room at Benson Hotel. Built in 1913, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is conveniently a 15-minute walk from a popular shopping district and the front trail of Willamette River.

Many travelers would say that Portland is the best place to visit in the Pacific Northwest if you’re looking for a launch point to easily explore other spots and landmarks. From here, you’re a very short drive from an iconic river and mountain range.

Next, you’ll marvel at a majestic canyon at Columbia River Gorge. 

Estimated drive time: 20 minutes.

Day 7-8: Follow a Pioneer’s Path at Columbia River Gorge

Drive east to Columbia River Gorge. Arguably one of the most scenic routes in the Pacific Northwest, the Columbia River Gorge is an 80-mile-long river canyon that twists and turns through cliffs, farmlands, waterfalls and forests, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest’s Cascade Mountain Range. For a photogenic stop, pull over at the Vista House at Crown Point. This is where you’ll find panoramic views of the gorge. Plus, Vista House is a museum dedicated to Oregon pioneers.

If you want to stretch your legs, take the popular hike to Multnomah Falls via the Larch Mountain Trail. This somewhat challenging trail is 2.3 miles out and back and ends at one of the country’s tallest year-round waterfalls. For a more advanced hike, head to Angel’s Rest for 360-degree views of the Columbia River Gorge.

Once tired from hiking, lay your head down at the Columbia River Gorge Hotel. This historic property is situated right on the river and features art deco rooms, restaurants serving local ingredients and an on-site spa. For an affordable option with a ton of personality, book a room at the Hood River Hotel, where you’ll find cool touches in the rooms like turntables and enjoy walkability to nearby pubs and breweries.

Ready to visit the state’s tallest mountain peak? You’re off to Mount Hood. 

Estimated drive time: one and a half hours.

Day 9-10: Sip, Stroll and Savor, Sustainably in Mount Hood

Mount Hood is Oregon’s tallest peak and home to several beloved ski areas. The villages and towns that have formed around it offer cozy alpine vibes and plenty of adventure opportunities. There are several iconic walks and hikes in the area, including Trillium Lake Loop, which encircles its beautiful namesake lake. Tamanawas Falls is great for a moderate hike. This 3.4-mile out-and-back trail crosses the Hood River and goes through fir trees before ending at the Tamanawas waterfall.

Once you’re ready to unwind, you can stop by Hiyu Wine Farm for a wine-centered, farm-to-fable meal or Sokol Blosser, which sources its ingredients from the on-site organic farm. For wine tasting in a picturesque setting, visit Pete’s Mountain Vineyard, which overlooks the valley and offers views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River.

Whether it’s to stay the night or enjoy the lively atmosphere, make sure you visit the Timberline Lodge. This historic lodge was used for exterior shots in the famous movie “The Shining.” Enjoy an upscale atmosphere at the Cascade Dining Room or a casual pizza and cocktail at the Blue Ox Bar, known for its mosaic murals featuring Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe.

For a wallet-friendly stay, head to Mount Hood Village RV Resort. It has 300 RV sites, but those without an RV can book one of the rustic cabins, cottages or yurts. All guests can enjoy the pool, lawn games and well-maintained bike trails.

It’s time for refreshing waters at Crater Lake. 

Estimated drive time: four and a half hours.

Day 11-12: Dive into the Deepest U.S. Lake at Crater Lake National Park

Head south to Crater Lake National Park, famous for its blue waters and being the deepest lake in the United States. If you want to see the lake from multiple angles, stay in the car and drive the rim road that goes all the way around the lake. You can start or end your drive at Rim Village, which has a handful of visitor’s services, including a cafe with grab-and-go items (perfect if you plan on hiking), a gift, shop and several historic buildings, including the Sinnott Memorial, where you can learn about the crater’s history from a ranger.

If you want to work up a sweat, there are a couple of breathtaking hikes available, and you can find each trail listed on the NPS website. Cleetwood Cove, the lowest point in the park, is the only place to reach the water’s level. Alternatively, you can hike to Garfield Peak from the Visitor Center and watch the eastern rim of the crater light up under the setting sun.

As for accommodations, the Crater Lake Lodge is a historic place that opened in 1915 and sits on the edge of the lake, surrounded by sub-alpine meadows and forests. If you’re looking to set up a tent, Mazama Campground is nestled in an old-growth forest and has 214 campsites, each with a fire ring and a bear-resistant food locker.

Next, you’ll head to the Redwoods National Park.

Estimated drive time: 3 hours.

Day 13: Visit Jurassic Park Via the Redwoods National Park, California

You’ll enjoy a taste of California for this leg of the trip. Home to nearly half of the world’s dwindling old-growth redwood forests, this national park is an important conservation site. There are tons of diverse trails to get lost in, like Fern Canyon, a green paradise canyon made of walls covered in ferns. It was used as a filming location for “Jurassic Park 2.” 

For panoramic views of the forest and the ocean, head to Redwood Creek Overlook. Pay homage to a conservationist at the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, a lovely redwood grove that President Nixon dedicated to the former first lady for her environmental work. 

Our itinerary puts you here for just one day, but you could spend days exploring the enchanting redwoods. So, if you stay longer, our National Park Guide provides detailed trail information and points of interest throughout the park. 

Enjoy an intimate experience with nature by staying at one of the park’s eight campground cabins, located across Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park and Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Alternatively, you can stay at the Lost Whale Inn in the gateway town of Trinidad, just minutes from the park. It has a complimentary breakfast and a private beach trail. 

At this point, you could either go north and continue your northwest road trip through the Oregon Coast or south for a Redwood National Park to San Francisco road trip if you’re craving big city life. You could even continue to travel south from SF for a San Francisco to Big Sur road trip.

If you choose to travel north, your first stop will be in Newport. 

Estimated travel time: four hours and 45 minutes.

Day 14: Marvel at Maritime Towns Along the Oregon Coast

Drive up the stunning Oregon Coast, known for its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and charming seaside towns. You can begin your coastal tour at Newport, home to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, where you can walk through a 360-degree underwater tunnel surrounded by stingrays and sharks. 

Head north to Cannon Beach, which National Geographic named one of the “World's 100 most beautiful places.” Here you’ll find Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s best-known landmarks, plus colorful tidepools to explore. From Cannon Beach, you’re a short drive to Ecola State Park, where you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean, discover coves and visit a historic lighthouse. 

Enjoy the classic seaside charm of Astoria, where you’ll find local art and vintage shops. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Seaside Candyman in the small city of Seaside. Make your way north to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, which contains a replica of Fort Clatsop, a winter encampment where Lewis and Clark once stayed. The Oregon Coast is rich with quaint coastal towns and majestic beaches. If you want to spend extended time here, check out our Oregon Coast road trip blog.

When all that ocean air tires you out, spend the night at the Ocean Lodge in Cannon Beach, just steps away from Haystack Rock. Alternatively, enjoy a laid-back atmosphere at the Seaside Oceanfront RV Resort, complete with an indoor pool, pickleball court and tennis courts. Cabins and cottages are available for rent, too.

Map Your Ideal Pacific Northwest Trip Itinerary with Rand McNally

Now that you know all the best stops for a PNW trip, you’re ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonders and lively towns and cities in this diverse region. Remember to pack items that will let you have a fun, comfortable and environmentally-conscious trip. 

And don’t forget your California and Oregon atlases, each of which can give you a bird's-eye view of the most iconic landmarks across the two states, along with useful information about elevation changes, campground locations and more. The Pacific Northwest is nothing short of spectacular, and it’s time you got to know it.