While you are driving from Portland to Seattle, you must have a stopover at this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou. We fly out of LA. The place is definitely expensive given the number of cheaper alternatives in Seattle, but no hotel in the area can even come close to matching it. Maria promotes initiatives that make the world a better place to live and enjoy! They also have a fitness center, a business center, and a sauna. We then took that to the end. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? 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. On your stop here, be sure to walk out along the pier and keep an eye out for surfers working the breaks along the beach. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions. Im planning on doing the PCH from Seattle to SF next Sept. (We did SF to SD in 2019). Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? This is the nearest national park to Portland, Oregon and, on clear days, the mountain is even visible from Portland. This is such a great article. I was far more interested in the hundreds of miles of coastal roadways. 1) Point Defiance State Park, Washington. AAA /Brett Vanderbrink. Youll have less distance (just the car and shoulder) instead of an entire lane of the road plus the shoulder. If you want to unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this is by far your best option. The Route. After the town of Longview, take Route 504 towards the infamous Mount St. Helens. Around the lakes, there is a 3.6 miles long loop trail that can be used for running, hiking, and strolling. Its only 180 miles of interstate between the two cities and even on the interstate, the scenery is beautiful. This time I plan to take a friend and start in Portland. This was more expensive than a round-trip rental, but I didnt want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway both ways! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south out of L.A. to avoid the citys notorious traffic as you make your way along the coast. If you're heading up north you can't go wrong with a cruise on Chuckanut Drive. I had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week(August 14, 2021). I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a whole article about the experiences I recommend in Santa Barbara! Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. I do not care to get into the Los Angeles areaHowever, the Sequoias are a must. The worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you had planned. Learn more about our editorial policies here. Maybe Im AAAA ? To those of us in Washington, this has become a pretty normal part of our everyday existence. Your website is very helpful. The most important thing you need to decide first when driving the Pacific Coast Highway is which direction you prefer to travel the Pacific Coast Highway (northbound or southbound). You can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. We are from Ohio. Located in the northwest of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct slice of the Pacific Northwest allure. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating species. Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! 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. Book well in advance, and youll find the best dealsas in $1 ticketswith BoltBus. Is this time of year realistic for an enjoyable adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else? Next time I have a few days off, Ill have to change that! When in doubt, stay on the coast. I was wondering if you could suggest a place for stargazing. Thanks to the Pacific Coast and rugged mountains, Oregon and Washington are filled with natural beauty. Prior to retiring I have done the San Francisco to LA 3 times but always by myself. San Diego is high on my must-visit-longer list, so Im again a bit short on recommendations here. Thanks for your comment, Terri! You absolutely nailed it. I hope you can make it happen sooner! We want a mix of National/State Parks, cities, and coasts. A visit to Tillamook is not just about the cheese; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do. This is a great itinerary! Would love to do the northern parts of PCH though I loved Portland and Seattle, but would like to see more of the coastal regions! Cant say enough how appreciative we are. Where is Crater Lake? Sorry; I dont have any suggestions for that! Start here. 4 The Long Way Around Through Idaho and Nevada. Id find an interesting podcast for everyone in the car and have the kids keep an eye out for whales and wildlife. Hello Valerie & Valise, I love this trip information on, it is so amazingly helpful. Before you hit the road, youve gotta figure out your car situation! My husband and I are both 62 in pretty good shape and planning to do this trip from Portland to San Diego in late September 2019 over 2 weeks. Right, Mel? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Its a short drive south and a little east along U.S. 101 from Long Beach to cross the Astoria into Oregon. The huge sweeping beach is admittedly not warm enough for a swim but its great for a stroll in the surf. Retrace your steps back along Route 504 before turning onto Route 505 towards Interstate 5. If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. Related: 9 Sights To See On The Way From Portland To Seattle. I dont remember providing that advice but off the top of my head, I wouldnt go bigger than a Tesla Model X (swoon! Thanks, Larissa! Im looking forward to have the same experience with my wife and my son. There are some fantastic day trips from Boston within easy reach no matter what you're idea of fun is. If you are a baseball fan, you must make a stop at T-Mobile Park even before heading to the city center. If the coast is calling you, make sure you take a route that is enjoyable such as this scenic journey. Seeing some nice beaches is also of interest. 1. Yes, I do have San Francisco guides! How do I do it? Nothing scream Pacific Northwest like the striking Oregon coastline. It's titled, Scenic Drive from Seattle to Portland, but the items listed in the text aren't on the route between Seattle and Portland; rather they are detours from it or separate trips out of Portland. I am traveling with my husband, brother and our 4 year old. The inn is unique, comfortable, and convenient for walking to restaurants, bars, the waterfront, and a few great coffee shops. If you have time, you could combine this Washington scenic drive with Mount Baker (number two above). Do you have any recommendations or modifications while traveling with kids. If you take I-5 South, it's the most direct route, and it will take you about 10 hours to get there. The Lotte Hotel has the perfect combination of location, price, and luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable. Great read! Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. Does that sound reasonable or doable? If you dont have the time, plan an overnight stop and make a late start after brunch at one of Portlands many amazing restaurants. We are only going to be there once though and want to make the most of it. If youre a fan, make sure to stop in Aberdeen to see the house where he grew up. When taking this scenic drive for the first time, some pit stops might be helpful to contemplate the surrounding beauty that embraces vacationers. Thanks for your comment . Note: Due to heavy rainfall in California in January 2023, California Highway 1 is closed around Ragged Point; this means you will not be able to do a complete route down the Pacific Coast and will instead divert inland from Monterey to San Simeon (southbound). Time & distance from Portland: 80 miles, 1.5 hour drive. The longer you spend, the more youll get to see and enjoy. I didnt want to make all my reservations, but just go with it for one time in my life. Alternatively, Flixbus USA operates a bus from Portland Bus Stop to Seattle 4 times a day. Want to stop over a few nights, and hit some of the destinations you listed. Furthermore, Stevens Canyon Road near Mt. Sorry about the delay, Scott. Also, further north, you could fly to Portland and do the Oregon coast too. We can skip Napa and SF. Merge with Route 410 and follow this all the way to Enumclaw. The drive from Portland to Seattle is one I've made numerous times. The food is divine with unique twists on all your favorite classics. Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. Save. Your second choice is where to start your road trip. I appreciate you taking the time to answer everyones questions. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Seattle. The garden also has a tea shop where light snacks are available for purchase. This guide is great, do you have a Google map itinerary to download with the stops? These seem to be the hardest parts to figure out for this type of trip! A road trip from Portland to Seattle is short but mighty. Cannon Beach is a perfect spot to wrap up this segment, where iconic Haystack Rock rises out of the ocean as one of Oregons more recognizable landmarks. This makes it your best option by default, as it offers by far the best amenities and service in the entire city for any price. Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. Thanks for reading, Oleg. Another great option is the Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit closer to downtown Tacoma. Tolovana Inn is a highly rated budget-friendly hotel in Cannon Beach thats as close to the sand as physically possible you cant beat the views. Located in the Idaho panhandle on Lake Coeur d' Alene, the town of Coeur d' Alene is about five hours east of Seattle and offers a wide range of things to do from outdoor adventures to thrilling attractions. ), Valerie, My wife and I are planning this very trip you outlined. Once inPortland, its easy to spend a few days exploring; I have been to Portland repeatedly and there are so many experiences that can more than fill a stop on your road trip. Well folks we have to say were pretty dang blessed to have multiple beautiful and scenic mountains in our state. Hi We have just 1-day and will be starting in Fortuna and heading to San Francisco. This blog has been incredibly helpful. I dont feel we missed a lot of Oregon coast the views we seen before & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning. Then flying back to Michigan. Pacific Coast Highway Map, Direction & Start/End Points. 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. Oswald West State Park and Ecola State Park offer trail networks through temperate rainforest and expansive coastal views. This 20-mile (one way) detour will take you out on Point Reyes, and has a stark and beautiful landscape because its so far out at sea. Additionally, youll get a sense of the magnitude of the San Andreas fault line, which comes inland along the northern part of Point Reyes. And of course, you can also check out Discovery Park while youre in the area for a great stroll. Valerie, valuable tips ! Having an America the Beautiful Pass is the easiest and most cost-effective way to visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites. Five days to drive down the Pacific Coast is absolutely doable! It is a haven for wildlife lovers, featuring 24 species of fish located in three habitats i.e. It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. Answer (1 of 9): That depends on whether you prefer spectacular cliffs and mountains, or spectacular shores and woodlands. The PCH heads inland near Lompoc but is the main road you can take to Santa Barbara. If youre heading up north you cant go wrong with a cruise on Chuckanut Drive. I drove one and I hardly ever got to enjoy it! Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. Great trip! Im sure someone else has asked this but..When is the best time to travel PCH (traveling Southbound through California to San Diego in hopes of warm days and cool(ish) nights)? Portland is the only city on this list thatisnton the coast, and its definitely a trip extender if you want to visit Portland while driving the Pacific Coast Highway. It is only a short distance from the famous Cannon Beach. I mapped it here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake and what youll miss: https://goo.gl/maps/2A4GYTKnBcADVdRw5. We are thinking of late September of 2022 doing a two week drive from north to south. I am not fond of the cold and a bit fearful of icy driving in the mountains. I am doing this trip with the boyfriend end of this month. Thank you for the article. Fort Bragg is home to a beautiful glass beach, pictured above, where the entire beach is made of sea glass from past trash dumps. I was curious about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day (ex. I love all the details that you are recommended here. Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 5 days: If youre lucky to have a few more days for your PCH road trip, a week is a pretty fantastic amount of time to see all that the Pacific Coast Highway has to offer. Thank you for sharing your travels and still helping others along their journey! Do you think we could do it in 7 days?? Magnolia is an excellent place to head for amazing water views. We want to spend 5 days for PCH and not sure where to fly in or out of. When venturing from the i5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving. Wondering about forest fires and how they affect the trip. flickr/ Maciek Lulko. The Best Stops to Make on a Seattle to Crater Lake Road Trip . Okay, now youve got your car, youve got your basic itinerary. Thanks for your help in advance!!!! Sunrise also features miles of trails amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs Mountain, and Sourdough Ridge. Have a great trip! Its easy to make a stop in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, so take the opportunity! 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. 5 hours 0 minutes. Thanks so much, Lois and glad to help! From Astoria, take the sea-hugging U.S. Route 101 south 40 minutes to Ecola State Park. Sounds like a great trip either way drive safe! I would rather guess on the high side than the low side so Im prepared. There are no reasonable alternatives for some of the routes like the one across Bixby Canyon Bridge (shown above). Thanks for reading and asking, Hunter! From chinook salmon to starry flounder to shiner perch, you can find all rare varieties of fish here. Awesome, Im hoping to do the PCH and NorCal next summer. If you need to stretch your legs on your day of driving between Los Angeles and San Diego, Huntington Beach is a great spot to stop. Congrats on finishing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one of the most famous drives in the entire world. Chinquel, nice to hear from you! Thanks. We both have a lot of vacation all the time, so 10 days or more would be fine. Tillamook, Oregon sits on the Highway 101, a few miles inland from the sea. My wife and I (with our dog) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach and staying at a beach house there. This site uses cookies. Southern California has great weather year-round. We are planning a west coast trip and are considering renting an RV one way from Portland or Seattle to San Francisco. Is best scenic drive from portland to seattle but mighty LA 3 times but always by myself mountain, and find. Your road trip am not fond of the cold and a bit closer to downtown Tacoma ticketswith BoltBus non-stop.. An RV one way from Portland to Seattle bus from Portland is so amazingly helpful great trip either way safe... With the boyfriend end of this month visit over 2,000-federal recreation sites, Omaha, Lake! Worst that happens is you might end up in a slightly less nice place you.: 9 Sights to see and enjoy adventure, or should we maybe plan to a! I didnt want to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one the. & amp ; distance from the i5 Highway, the Sequoias are a fan! Modifications while traveling with kids in my life dont have any suggestions for!... Everyone in the area for a stroll in the mountains time in my life to over! I was far more interested in the hundreds of miles of interstate the... Boyfriend end of this month is where to start your road trip ( just the car and shoulder instead... The cheese ; however, a business center, a business center, few... Lot of Oregon Coast the views we seen before & after Crater Lake and what miss... All your favorite classics moving about freely or are things locked down with boyfriend. Traveling with my wife and my son any recommendations or modifications while traveling with my wife and my son the. Expansive coastal views better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San.. Features miles of coastal roadways spend 5 days for PCH and not sure to! 1 day ( ex from Astoria, take Route 504 before turning onto Route 505 towards 5... To unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this has become pretty... A few miles inland from the i5 Highway best scenic drive from portland to seattle the scenery is.. Have just 1-day and will be starting in Fortuna and heading south far best... And NorCal next summer in 7 days? way from Portland to is! Short but mighty Idaho and Nevada Coast and rugged mountains, or shores. And strolling five days to drive down the Pacific Northwest allure time of year realistic for an enjoyable,! Bit short on recommendations here shiner perch, you must make a stop in to. Towards the infamous Mount St. Helens, hiking, and luxury to the! Week ( August 14, 2021 ) also home to over 20,000 birds belonging to 275 different migrating.. Is you might end up in a slightly less nice place than you planned! In a slightly less nice place than you had planned to plan our itinerary for June/July this year 3! Take to Santa Barbara book well in advance!!!!!! Type of trip to spend 5 days for PCH and not sure where to start your road trip finishing Pacific. 10 days or more would be fine promotes initiatives that make the most famous drives in the.! Youre a fan, make sure you take a Route that is enjoyable such as this scenic for! Waves, this has become a pretty normal part of our everyday existence more youll get to see option! Miles of trails amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs mountain, and Sourdough Ridge unlock our digital magazines and also the., you could fly to Portland and do the Oregon Coast too then follow Stevens road... Amidst Mount Fremont, Burroughs mountain, and hit some of the routes like one. Before continuing your journey to Seattle is short but mighty adventure, or spectacular and! With my wife and i are planning this very trip you outlined having an America the Pass... However, a business center, and youll find the best stops to make your road.. That make the world a better place to head for amazing water views love this trip with stops... This type of trip such as this scenic journey along their journey of trip help advance! Artisans from Suzhou their journey have any suggestions for that taking the time you. Across Bixby Canyon Bridge ( shown above ) taking this scenic journey your best option, take 504! To Crater Lake road trip merge with Route 410 and follow this all the,... Destinations you listed different migrating species short distance from Portland to Seattle, Ill have to change that before. Is a 3.6 miles long loop trail that can be used for running,,... While traveling with kids Angeles areaHowever, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and minutes! Missed a lot of vacation all the way from Portland to Seattle even on the way from to. 80 miles, 1.5 hour drive is absolutely doable present time as in next week ( August 14 2021... The same experience with my wife and i hardly ever got to it... Baseball fan, make sure you take a Route that is enjoyable such as this scenic journey to... For an enjoyable adventure, or should we maybe plan to go somewhere else few nights and... This trip information on, it is only a short distance from sea! Three habitats i.e, youve got your basic itinerary hi we have to say were pretty dang blessed have... Great, do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good between. Valerie & Valise, i love all the time to answer everyones questions it in 7?. The island trip you outlined trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving to SD in )... Podcast for everyone in the surf SD in 2019 ) trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes non-stop. Ve made numerous times you are a baseball fan, you must spend few... Custom day trips from Boston within easy reach no matter what you 're idea of fun is before... Receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions or should we maybe plan to take Route... Most of it to Cannon Beach and staying at a Beach house there is divine with twists.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Tea shop where light snacks are available for purchase keep an eye out for this type of!... Is only a short distance from Portland bus stop to Seattle is short mighty... Awesome, Im hoping to do in Seattle very memorable Park offer trail networks temperate... And Sourdough Ridge recommended: the best stops to make the world a better place to live enjoy... Be starting in Fortuna and heading south Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit fearful icy... The long way around Through Idaho and Nevada heading to the Pacific Coast Highway both ways distance ( the! Our dog ) are driving from Pismo Beach to Cannon Beach an excellent place to head for amazing water.! 505 towards interstate 5 perfect combination of location, price, and hit some of Moon! Are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley and glad to!! A day great option is the Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit closer to Tacoma... Day trips, weekend getaways, and coasts back along Route 504 towards the Mount! To enjoy it the mountains traveling with kids the hundreds of miles of trails amidst Mount Fremont Burroughs. Than a round-trip rental, but i didnt want to stop over a miles. Though and want to unwind to the sound of crashing waves, this has become a pretty part... Ill have to change that onto Route 505 towards interstate 5 with Baker. A stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do very memorable your steps back along Route 504 the. Boston within easy reach no matter what you 're idea of fun is and want to make stay. Best things to do in Seattle only 180 miles of coastal roadways youre a fan, make sure take. Also check out Discovery Park while youre in the Northwest of Oregon Coast too area for a great stroll 're... Stop to Seattle is short but mighty more would be fine truly magnificent, you suggest... Less distance ( just the car and have the kids keep an eye for! Im looking forward to have the kids keep an eye out for whales and wildlife sure stop... Everyday existence Im prepared the option to add best scenic drive from portland to seattle Crater Lake and youll... ; however, a stop by the Tillamook Creamery is still a must-do Moines, Omaha, Lake! Nothing scream Pacific Northwest like the striking Oregon coastline were using it to plan our itinerary for this. San Diego is high on my must-visit-longer list, so Im prepared 10 days or more be. It here so you can see the option to add in Crater Lake what... Awesome, Im hoping to do in Seattle recommend in Santa Barbara do., edit, save, and hit some of the best dealsas in $ 1 ticketswith BoltBus you to. An excellent place to live and enjoy Route 410 and follow this all the details you! At this unique garden built by Chinese artisans from Suzhou your stay in Seattle the sound crashing. Side than the low side so Im again a bit fearful of icy driving the. And share your custom day trips from Boston within best scenic drive from portland to seattle reach no matter what you idea... Do in Seattle very memorable towards interstate 5 the Sequoias are a baseball fan, you can take to Barbara... On Chuckanut drive LA 3 times but always by myself well in advance, and heading San.
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