Two-Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary: Northern California and Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is full of National Parks, National Forests, rocky coastlines full of sea stacks, lighthouses, redwood trees, sand dunes, fern canyons, Roosevelt elk, sea lions, beachcombing, waterfalls, covered bridges, volcanos and so much more. This itinerary is full of Pacific Northwest road trip ideas, including spending a day tasting California’s famous Napa Valley wine, hikes through redwood forest, a drive through the famous Chandelier Tree, the best lighthouses to explore, searching for beach glass in Fort Bragg and agates on Agate Beach, where to find starfish and sea urchins at low tide, where to view a herd of Roosevelt Elk, a not to miss walking through a Fern Canyon, sandboarding on Oregon’s dunes, stopping to the Sea Lion Cave, crabbing at Winchester Bay, exploring Oregon’s Waterfall Highway, browsing Portland’s Saturday market, scenic drives through the Willamette Valley and Oregon’s Covered Bridges Route, a day at Crater Lake National Park, not to miss Burney Falls and Burney Falls, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
You are excited to begin your road trip through the Pacific Northwest’s Northern California and Oregon and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, and must-see attractions. Researching the best things to do on a road trip through the Pacific Northwest while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable road trip full of top activities with this day-to-day Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Pacific Northwest?
Summer is the warmest time of year to visit the Pacific Northwest, with temperatures averaging in the 70-80s. July is the sunniest month with the least chance of the mountain hiking trails being cloud-covered. The National Parks are busiest from June through September and may have long wait times at the entrance gates. Fires are common in forested areas in the late summer and often result in a smokey haze. Roads begin to close in late fall. Winter brings dark clouds and snow. Weather is unpredictable in the spring, be prepared for snow and fog.
What is the Best Way to Travel through the Pacific Northwest?
You will need your own transportation to follow this two-week Pacific Northwest road trip through California and Oregon. Save precious PTO by flying round trip from your home to Santa Rosa California and renting a car to continue the journey.
How Long Do You Need to See the Pacific Northwest?
The Pacific Northwest includes the states of Oregon and Washington and part of Idaho. Northern California, British Columbia Canada, and parts of Alaska are often included, This itinerary is a 16-day road trip beginning in Northern California, traveling up the coastline through Oregon, and returning down the interior of Oregon to Santa Rosa. If possible, add one day to Olympic National Park and two days to Seattle Washington. If you are traveling internationally and have more time, continue the road trip through Washington and Idaho to Glacier National Park.
How Expensive is the Pacific Northwest?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily budget for a Pacific Northwest road trip is approximately $160 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry fees.
What to Pack for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Pack a little bit of everything. Dress in layers and bring a warm jacket for the evening. Summer temperatures average in the 70s during the day and cool significantly at higher elevations and in the evening. Convertible pants with zip-off legs are perfect for hiking. Sunscreen, an umbrella, and a rain poncho are essential at any time of year.
Day-by-Day Guide for a Two-Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Through Northern California and Oregon
ROUTE AT A GLANCE: Napa Valley Wineries, Redwood Highway, Avenue of the Giants, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Columbia River Gorge, Willamette Valley, Oregon’s Waterfall Highway and Covered Bridges Route, Crater Lake National Park, Shasta Mountain, Castle Crags State Park, Burney Falls, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
MILES: Approximately 2,500 miles
HOW MANY DAYS: 16
Coastal Pacific Northwest Road Trip Part 1: Northern California Coast and Redwoods
Day One: Arrive in Santa Rosa
Take the earliest flight into Santa Rosa California
Pick up a rental car and check into the hotel
Check out the Patrick Amiot iron yard sculptures in Sebastopol and have dinner at a Historic Railroad Square restaurant
Overnight Santa Rosa California
Read: Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa California
Day Two: Rocky Coastlines, Pygmy Forests, and Sand Dunes
Santa Rosa to Fort Bragg: 140 miles, 3.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Pacific Coast Highway
Hike the 1-mile Pioneer Trail in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Take the .25-mile boardwalk at Van Damme State Park through a pygmy forest and the Fern Canyon Trail
Stop to take in the view at the Mendocino Overlook and Mendocino Headlands State Park
Have lunch and shop for souvenirs on Mendocino’s Main Street
Hike Russian Gulch State Park’s 1-mile Headlands Trail to the Devil’s Punch Bowl sinkhole
Photograph the Russian Gulch Bridge
Check out the Point Cabrillo Light Station
Photograph the coastline at the Jug Handle State Natural Reserve
Stop at Belinda Point and take the staircase to the beach
Photograph the waves at Pomo Bluffs Park
Ride the Skunk Train or a rail bike through Pudding Creek
Search for treasures at Fort Bragg’s Glass Beach
Explore the MacKerricher State Park tidepools at low tide
Go sand sledding at Inglenook Fen Ten Mile Dunes Preserve
Walk the .6-mile RT boardwalk to the Laguna Point Seal Watching Station
Overnight Fort Bragg California
Day Three: California’s Redwood Highway and the Avenue of the Giants
Fort Bragg to Eureka: 150 miles, 3.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Avenue of the Giants
Drive through the Chandelier Tree
Check out the World-Famous Tree House and step into the Confusion Hill Gravity House
Stretch your legs at Richardson Grove State Park
Drive the famous Avenue of the Giants
Step inside Chimney Tree and look up to the sky
Walk the 15-minute Franklin K. Lane Grove loop trail
Check out the artist community of Miranda
Walk the 0.8-mile Stephens Grove loop
Stop by the wine-tasting room in Myers Flat
Check out the attractions at the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree Auto Park
Stop to photograph the Redwood Giganten and the Dyerville Giant Tree
Learn about the lifecycle of redwoods on the Founders Grove Trail
Walk the .7 mile off the beaten path Rockefeller Loop Trail
Grab a snack at the Eternal Tree House Café & Gift Shop
See the Immortal Tree that refuses to die
Take the Drury Chaney Trail 2.4-mile loop through a carpet of redwood sorrel
Eat a blackberry popsicle at Flood Plain Produce
Photograph Ferndale’s postcard-perfect Great American Main Street
Stop at the Loleta Cheese Factory Grilled Cheese Bar for a snack
Explore historic downtown Eureka
Overnight Eureka California
Read A Day Trip to the Avenue of the Giants in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Day Four: Roosevelt Elk, Waterfalls, and Redwoods
Eureka to Crescent City: 140 miles, 4.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Northern California Redwoods
Have a lumberjack breakfast at the Samoa Cookhouse
Grab a cup of coffee and go beachcombing at Mad River Beach County Park
Enjoy the view from the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse
Check out the rock formations on Trinidad State Beach
Hunt for agates on Agate Beach
Photograph the herd of Roosevelt Elk at the Stone Lagoon Red Schoolhouse
Take the .5-mile trail to Trillium Falls from Elk Meadow (off Davidson Road)
Continue on Davidson Road to Gold Bluffs Beach and look for elk on the beach
Hike Fern Canyon, and be prepared for shoes to get wet
Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, stop at the Big Tree and Corkscrew Tree for photos
Walk the Redwood Canopy or ride the SkyTrail gondola at Trees of Mystery
Search the Endert Beach tidepools for starfish and sand dollars
Photograph the ocean meeting the cliffs at the Crescent Beach Overlook
Search for puffins at Castle Rock National Wildlife Refuge in April and May
Drive the off-the-beaten-path Howland Hill Road to the Stout Memorial Grove Trailhead
Go for a horseback ride or a hike through Tolowa Dunes State Parks
Overnight Crescent City California
Do you love movies? Check out this list of movies filmed in the area
Coastal Pacific Northwest Road Trip Part 2: Oregan Coastline, Columbia River Gorge, and Portland
Day Five: Southern Oregon Coastline
Crescent City to Coos Bay: 134 miles, 2.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Southern Oregon Coastline
Photograph the St. George Reef Lighthouse
See the wetlands in Tolowa Dunes State Park
Photograph the Pelican Bay Lighthouse from Brookings Harbor
See the keyhole rock formation at Harris Beach State Park
Drive the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Watch for whales at Cape Ferrelo
Photograph House Rock
Go for a walk on Whaleshead beach
Photograph the Thomas Creek Bridge
Go for a walk on China Beach
Hike the .7-mile RT Natural Bridges Trail
Hike the 1.6-mile RT Secret Beach Trail to Thunder Rock Cove
Have a picnic lunch at the Arch Rock Picnic Area
Check out the sand dunes at Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint
Stop for a photo at Meyers Beach
Photograph the Mary D. Hume shipwreck on Gold Beach
Take your children for a fun walk through the Prehistoric Gardens
Climb the Cape Blanco Lighthouse for panoramic views
Visit Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint labyrinth at low tide
Photograph the Wizards Hat rock on Bandon Beach
Explore the Coquille River Lighthouse
Drive through the tree tunnel at South Slough
Drive the Cape Arago Highway and stop at the lighthouse
Overnight Coos Bay Oregon
Day Six: Central Oregon Coastline
Coos Bay to Portland: 260 miles, 6.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Central Oregon Coastline
Photograph the Sujameco shipwreck at Horsfall Beach
Take your shoes off and hike the dunes at John Dellenback Dunes
Visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum
Go crabbing at Winchester Bay
Say hello to the elk at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area
Stop at the Oregon Dunes Overlook for photos
Go off-roading at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Take a walk on the boardwalk next to the river in Florence
Go sandboarding at Sand Master Park
Visit the Sea Lion Caves
Tour the Heceta Head Lighthouse and Inn Keeper’s home
Watch as the water disappears in the Thor’s Well sinkhole
Watch the waves crash at the Devil’s Churn overlook
Take in the coastline view from the Cape Perpetua Overlook
Check out the Little Log Church & Museum in Yachats
Tour the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
Have lunch on the Newport Bayfront
Beachcomb for agates on Agate Beach
Climb the Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Explore the Devils Punchbowl Arch at low tide
Hike the 3-mile RT Drift Creek Falls Trail over a suspension bridge to a waterfall
See the remains of old spruce trees on the beach of Neskowin Beach State Park at low tide
Check out the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area viewpoints
Enjoy a beer with a view at Pelican Brewing on Pacific City Beach
Hike .5 mile RT to the three-tiered Munson Creek Falls
Photograph the Cape Meares Lighthouse and Pier’s End in Garibaldi
Take a ride on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad from Garibaldi to Rockaway Beach
Go crabbing and have Kelly’s at the Brighton Marina prepare it for you
Hike to the summit at the Neahkahnie Viewpoint for views of the coastline
See the Blumenthal Falls dump into the ocean at Short Sands Beach
Walk along the beach to the Hug Point waterfall and sea caves at low tide
Go surfing at Cannon Beach
Take a walk above the coast at Ecola State Park
Photograph the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale in Hammond
Overnight Portland Oregon
Day Seven: Columbia River Gorge, Oregon’s Waterfall Highway
Points of Interest Columbia River Gorge
Drive the scenic Columbia Gorge Highway past five waterfalls
Hike one of the 12 popular trails ranging from 2.5 to 25 miles
Cruise the Columbia River Gorge on a paddle wheeler
Soak in the Bonneville Hot Springs
Brewery hop the ten breweries on the gorge
Enjoy wine tastings on the Hood River Valley Loop
Sample your way through the Mt Hood Fruit Loop
Overnight Portland Oregon
Read Explore the Columbia River Gorge in One Day
Day Eight: Portland Oregon
Points of Interest Portland Oregon
Browse the Saturday market
Explore the Alberta Arts District
Check out the International Rose Test Garden
Ride the South Waterfront Lower Tram for city views
Hike to the Witch’s Castle
Order a bucket at Voodoo Doughnut
Take a cruise under the bridges on the Willamette River
Overnight Portland Oregon
Read 100 Things to Do in Portland Oregon, a Bucket List City
Pacific Northwest Road Trip Part 3: Covered Bridges, Hot Springs, and Waterfalls
Day Nine: Covered Bridges and Waterfalls
Portland to Eugene Oregon: 295 miles, 6.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Eugene Oregon
Hike the 6.9 waterfall trail past 10 falls at Silver Falls State Park
Photograph the Shimanek, Larwood, and Hannah Covered Bridges
Explore the filming locations of the 1980 movie Stand By Me in Brownsville
Have a picnic lunch next to Clear Lake
Stop at the roadside viewing platforms for Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls
Hike 4 mile RT to Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool
Relax in the clothing-optional Bigelow Hot Springs
Hike the 1.6-mile loop to Proxy Falls
Stop to photograph Belknap Covered Bridge
Spend a few hours relaxing in Terwilliger Hot Springs
Photograph the Goodpasture Bridge
Stop in Springfield to check out the Simpson’s mural
Check out the view of Eugene from Skinner Butte Lookout
Have dinner at the 5th Street Public Market
Overnight Eugene Oregon
Read Things to Do in Eugene Oregon
Day Ten: More Covered Bridges and Waterfalls
Eugene to Roseburg Oregon: 220 miles, 6.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Oregon Covered Bridges Route
Take a walk around downtown Eugene and explore the public art
Take a drive down Hwy 58 stopping at the Lowell Covered Bridge and Office Bridge
View Salt Creek Falls from the road or take the 2.5-mile hike to Diamond Creek Falls
Hike to Moon Falls, Spirit Falls, and Pinard Falls, all trails about 1 mile out and back
Have lunch in Cottage Grove and explore the historic district
Take a self-guided tour of the Covered Bridges Route: Centennial Bridge, Chambers Covered Railroad Bridge, Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, Stewart Covered Bridge, Currin Bridge, and Dorena Bridge
Overnight Roseburg Oregon
Day Eleven: Crater Lake National Park
Roseburg to Ashland: 250 miles, 6.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Crater Lake National Park
Drive the Umpqua Scenic Byway
Hike 1 mile RT to Toketee Falls
Relax in Umpqua Hot Springs
Hike the 1-mile loop Watson Falls trail
Take the .7-mile loop trail to National Creek Falls
Explore Crater Lake National Park on the 33-mile loop road
Stop for photos at Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint and Natural Bridge Viewpoint
Visit the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, Pearsony Falls, Avenue of the Boulders, Barr Creek Falls, and Mill Creek Falls
Kayak Butt Creek down the Butte Falls
Explore Grants Pass
Sample your way through the Applegate Valley Wine Country
Explore historic Jacksonville
Stop for souvenirs at the Harry & David Country Village in Medford
Enjoy a performance at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland
Have dinner in Ashland’s Historic Downtown
Overnight Ashland Oregon
Read The Perfect Crater Lake National Park Day Trip
Pacific Northwest Road Trip Part 4: Waterfalls, Volcanos, and Wineries
Day Twelve: Shasta Mountain and Castle Crags State Park
Ashland to Redding: 315 miles, 7.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Redding California
Photograph Mt Shasta from the Lake Siskiyou viewpoint and Castle Lake Road
Hike 1.3 mile RT to Faery Falls
Visit Hedge Creek Falls
Have lunch in a railroad car at Dining Car Restaurant in Railroad Park Resort
Take in the view of the crags from the Castle Crags State Park Vista Point Overlook
Pull off to view the small Sweetbriar Falls
Browse for souvenirs at McCloud Mercantile Store
Explore Upper, Middle, and Lower McCloud Falls
Stop for photos at the Mt. Shasta Vista Point
Hike the 1-mile loop trail to Burney Falls
Stop for a photo of Montgomery Creek Falls and Potem Falls
Explore the caves at Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark
Stop at the viewpoint for Shasta Lake and Shasta Dam
Slide down the Little Backbone Creek natural waterslide
Stop for a wine tasting at Moseley Family Cellars
Grab dinner at a food truck in The Park in Redding
Overnight Redding California
Day Thirteen: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Redding to Lassen Volcanic National Park: 250 miles, 6.5 hours driving time plus stops
Points of Interest Lassen Volcanic National Park
Grab a flashlight and explore Subway Cave Lava Tube
Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park
Stop for photos at Reflection Lake, Manzanita Lake, Lake Helen, and Emerald Lake
Walk over the mud pots at Sulphur Works
Hike the 3-mile Bumpass Hell Trail
Spend the afternoon exploring Redding, Shasta State Historic Park, or Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Overnight Redding California
Do you love adventure? Add a day and explore the hundreds of lava caves at Lava Beds National Monument, 2.5 hours northeast of Redding
Read Lassen Volcanic National Park Day Trip
Day Fourteen and Fifteen: Sonoma County California Wine Country
Redding to California Wine Country: 200 miles, 3 hour driving time no stops
Points of Interest Sonoma County California Wine Country
Spend the next few days relaxing in California wine country
Do not miss: Korbel Winery, Kendall-Jackson, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Ferrari-Carano Vineyards
Overnight Santa Rosa or Napa
Read Northern California’s Sonoma County Wine
Day Sixteen: Depart Santa Rosa
Check out of the hotel and make your way to the Charles Schultz Museum, spend the morning reading Charlie Brown comics
Stop for lunch on the way to return the rental car allowing time for flight check-in
Be sure to check with the Visit the Pacific Northwest USA for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Bookmark and Pin Coastal Pacific Northwest Road Trip Travel Guide
Plan Your Trip to Coastal Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Pacific Northwest Travel Guide
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Pacific Northwest Attractions and Day Tours
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