Two Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary: Northern California and Oregon

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 3 Days in Portland Oregon

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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Book Your Accommodation in the Pacific Northwest Now

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Pacific Northwest Attractions and Day Tours

The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.

Travel Essentials

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Have a great vacation!