Two-Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary: Northern California and Oregon
This 16 day Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary takes you through Northern California and Oregon with redwood forests, rocky beaches, sea stacks, lighthouses, waterfalls, sand dunes, covered bridges, volcanoes, hot springs, wine country, and some of the most beautiful scenic drives on the West Coast.
You will find the best stops, where to stay, what to book ahead, and which attractions are actually worth your limited vacation time. The route begins and ends in Santa Rosa, travels north through California’s redwood country, follows the Oregon Coast to Portland, and loops south through the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Cascades, Crater Lake, Mount Shasta, Burney Falls, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Sonoma County.
Pacific Northwest Road Trip at a Glance
Day 1: Arrive Santa Rosa
Day 2: Santa Rosa → Mendocino → Fort Bragg
Day 3: Fort Bragg → Avenue of the Giants → Eureka
Day 4: Eureka → Redwood National and State Parks → Crescent City
Day 5: Crescent City → Southern Oregon Coast → Coos Bay
Day 6: Coos Bay → Central Oregon Coast → Portland
Day 7: Columbia River Gorge
Day 8: Portland
Day 9: Silver Falls → McKenzie River → Eugene
Day 10: Covered Bridges → Waterfalls → Roseburg
Day 11: Crater Lake → Ashland
Day 12: Mount Shasta → Burney Falls → Redding
Day 13: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Days 14–15: Sonoma County Wine Country
Day 16: Santa Rosa → Fly Home
DISTANCE: Approximately 2,500 miles
HOW MANY DAYS: 16
HIGHLIGHTS: 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.
Pacific Northwest Travel Guide
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.
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
- Kayak the Big River Estuary State Marine Conservation Area
- 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
- Have breakfast at the One Log 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
- Photograph Ferndale’s postcard-perfect Great American Main Street
- Drive the scenic Highway 36
- 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
- Grab a cup of coffee and go beachcombing at Mad River Beach County Park
- Go clamming on Clam Beach
- 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)
- Hike Fern Canyon, and be prepared for shoes to get wet
- Go white water rafting on Klamath River
- Drive Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, stop at the Big Tree and Corkscrew Tree for photos
- Walk the Redwood Canopy and ride the gondola at Trees of Mystery
- 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 and Whaleshead Rock
- Photograph the Thomas Creek Bridge
- Hike the .7-mile RT Natural Bridges Trail
- 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
- Photograph the Cape Blanco Lighthouse
- Tour the historic Hughes House
- Visit Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint labyrinth at low tide
- Photograph the Wizard’s Hat rock on Bandon Beach
- Grab an ice cream in Old Town Bandon
- Explore the Coquille River Lighthouse
- Drive through the tree tunnel at South Slough
- Walk through the garden at Shores Acres State Park
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
- 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
- Have lunch on the Newport Bayfront
- Photograph 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
- Photograph the Cape Meares Lighthouse
- 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 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
- Stop at the roadside viewing platforms for Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls
- 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 or Kesey Square
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
- Drive through the Cottage Grove 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, and Currin 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
- Watch water flow from a lava tube at Natural Bridge Viewpoint
- Visit the Prospect State Scenic Viewpoint, Pearsony Falls, Avenue of the Boulders, Barr Creek Falls, and Mill Creek Falls
- Explore historic Jacksonville
- Stop for souvenirs at the Harry & David Country Village in Medford
- 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.
Bookmark and Pin Coastal Pacific Northwest Road Trip Travel Guide
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Have a great vacation!