Its a great spot for a short hike to stretch your legs. We will go from Seattle to San Diego using your itinerary as our planning guide. Many thanks, alex, Alex, unfortunately, this might not be the trip for you. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Seattle. Amtrak operates a train from Portland to Seattle every 4 hours. my best friends and I have talked about driving down from San Francisco to some of the Orange County, CA cities. Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Follow CA-1 south its a meandering route, but if you follow it all the way until Muir Beach you can make an optional stop at Muir Woods if you want. Getting excited. I know a lot of people would probably prefer the one hour flight from San Francisco to Portland as opposed to the ten hour drive but we didn't want to miss all of the beauty that lies between. A road trip around the Olympic Peninsula is the perfect way to reconnect with nature and the best road trip from Seattle for many people. The Cascades train has four daily departures, while the Coast Starlight offers one daily roundtrip. Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! I dont think you can do Yosemite in a day its a four hour drive from the coast to Yosemite (one-way) and youll probably want a full day in the park at minimum. If you want an even more detailed guide to west coast road trips, I recommend this Moon Pacific . Youd need to drive about 7-10 hours out of the way depending on the bridge, and miss major stretches of the road . Distance: 2183 miles. Prior to retiring I have done the San Francisco to LA 3 times but always by myself. This route seems less popular than the other because it's a bit longer. Im glad it was helpful. I am planning a trip for next year, saving and researching. It is about a 90-minute drive west of Portland and an excellent stop on the Seattle to San Francisco drive. If you are a baseball fan, you must make a stop at T-Mobile Park even before heading to the city center. Great question, Judy. Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. Youd need to fly into. Have a great trip!! Be sure to check the California DOT website for more information. You can stretch your legs with a short walk before getting back on the road. Located about 34 miles from Seattle, Point Defiance State Park is a large city park covering an area of 760 acres. I especially appreciate your links to stays and dine. This post was originally published in August 2014, and was updated regularly including most recently in May 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Explore trails by hiking and biking around the area or go kayaking or surfing with whales and seals. You'll still be at the mercy of . I was far more interested in the hundreds of miles of coastal roadways. Hi, and thanks for this terrific resource. While driving southbound, youll approach Marshall first. 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! There are several places to park if you want to get out and . I hope you have an epic time; Patrees such an amazing host! Nothing scream Pacific Northwest like the striking Oregon coastline. Were driving south-to-north. Related: Astoria: Why Its Any Traveler's Perfect First Oregon Trip. Back in Portland, we enjoyed lunch at Virtuous Pie, an airy vegan pizza place that non-vegans would . Thanks to the Pacific Coast and rugged mountains, Oregon and Washington are filled with natural beauty. On some byways, you'll drive from the high desert to snowcapped peaks to verdant valleys in one go. Astoria is a city on the Columbia River featuring a variety of historical landmarks, including the Astoria Column, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Captain George Flavel House Museum. Nope, headed northbound is not a bad way to go its actually the way I went on my first drive! 10 bucket-list camping spots you can find in Washington The shortest way from Seattle to Crater Lake is 6.5 hours, but because of the regular traffic in Seattle and Portland, it could easily take 8 hours. It opened in the 1920s as a clam shack but has transformed into a premier . Thanks for reading, Laurie! I hope you have a great trip! If you prefer not to stop for long, you can take a detour and follow the scenic Five Mile Drive to Owen Beach. A post shared by Becca Nelson Bailey (@beccamakesthings). What are must see spots. Best scenic stops along the way from Portland to . I do have OCD though, and Im having a really hard time getting past your use of the word lament in the paragraph suggesting to drive on southbound. Were on day 2 of our 8-day PCH Tour.and its great to have your help! Does that sound reasonable or doable? staying at decent places 3-4 star properties. Point Defiance State Park is one of the most scenic stopovers between Portland and Seattle. Thank you for sharing. What do you think about making this drive in November? Just wondering about restrictions? With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. Between the Pacific Coast route and the scenic mountain route, notable stops include Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Seaside, and Lewis and Clark Historic State Park. A frequent Cali traveler warned me of smog in the late summer and recommended late Sept. early Oct. What are your thoughts? Before you get started, making sure you pay the feebefore you arrive and nail down a mountaineering/climbing permit from the Park Service. Coastal Route. It was a great help! If the coast is calling you, make sure you take a route that is enjoyable such as this scenic journey. No matter which you choose, youll enter SF by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge; you can either stay along the coast and drive down Ocean Beach or head east into the city. The jagged coastline, infinite blue water, sunny days, gorgeous sunsets these are just a few of the reasons California Highway 1 became a popular route in the first place! The seaside towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach are both within a two-hour drive of Oregon's most populous city. Thank you again. The Pacific Coast Highway runs along two highways: In Washington and Oregon, the best weather of the year happens between June and September. Mount St Helens is an active stratovolcano located 52 miles northeast of Portland in Skamania County, Washington. I also downloaded the Roadtrippers app but I cant find it. You thinks thats safe or should I make some. You did a fantastic job with this giude, everything is straight to the point but provided in a fun and educational way. So we used really about a day off the coast but well worth it. We are from Ohio. Northeastern Rustic LLC, 2761 U.S. Rte 2, Smyrna Mills, ME 04780, USA. However, youll also get to experience highlights along the coast. Two States Bridge Tour. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: When youre ready to continue on your PCH road trip, make your way back to California Highway 1 and head south. From touristy attractions to woodsy explorations, theres something for everyone to enjoy in the hip city. Remain on Highway 101 as it takes you around Willapa Bay. It is a time consuming drive but the most worthwhile time you will ever spend traveling. If youre in the heart of Seattle and want to spend a day living your best tourist life, be sure to check out the Space Needle, the iconic feature defining the Seattle skyline. If you are going in winter, follow the coastal route, which will cover 270 miles and take you about 5 hours to drive. They also have a fitness center, a business center, and a sauna. In addition, it serves as a haven for a variety of seabirds and other intertidal creatures like starfish and crabs. There are 18 golf courses in the area and an . Greyhound runs several daily buses with five stops, and tempts passengers with free WiFi, power outlets, and no dreaded middle seats. Now that Ive moved to this part of California, I know this is true. From Vancouver, drive 35 kilometers south on Highway 99 to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal and board the B.C. 1-2 days in Portland to visit college and check out Portland. 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. Magnolia is an excellent place to head for amazing water views. To see Oregon's Mount Hood up close, consider the Mt Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip. Unfortunately, when I drove the PCH it was pretty foggy and cool most of the week. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard Amtrak. Newport is a great destination to stretch your legs for a few hours once you arrive back on the Pacific Coast (you can also drive straight down Highway 101 from Cannon Beach if you decide to skip a stop in Portland). Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue along CA-1 to San Diego, your final stop on this PCH road trip. 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. Thanks Valerie. Thanks! You should make your first stop at Bachelor Island while traveling from Portland to Seattle via road. Address. The fact that there are multiple routes for a road trip from Portland to Seattle means you can go at any time of year. The Astoria Column is a towering monument with murals representing the rich history and culture of the city. A scenic drive on Interstate 84 on the Oregon side to Hwy 14 on the Washington side will take you on a beautiful tour along the Columbia River. While you cannot use Portland to San Francisco road trip planner in just 4 days, you can visit Astoria or Cannon Beach. Do you highly recommend the LONG route OR is thru Mendocino only enough? The Oregon Coast Aquarium lets visitors explore the marine ecosystems around this part of the Pacific Ocean. If you have some more time, head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Only question I have is how much money would you recommend someone having for a trip like this and staying in a 3 star hotel each night? trees. I am flying into Portland to meet my niece and we will rent a car and drive down the coast to LA to meet another nephew. Wonderful trip sharing you made. Kim, December should be a pretty good time, but plan for classic marine layer weather (chilly and cloudy this is whats normal on the Pacific coast!). Tourists will enjoy watching the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in Astoria, a stunning coastal town, along US Route 30. We will probably book Airbnb if cost effective. Columbia Gorge Highway: Highway 14. Once youre in Seattle, there are so many places to choose from for a relaxing stay that its barely worth making suggestions. Check out the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa to add a little pampering to your road trip. Dont be in a hurry and be cautious so you can enjoy everything. Thank you! Thanks for putting this fantastic guide together! I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a whole article about the experiences I recommend in Santa Barbara! Pigeon Point can be a fun rest stop along the Pacific Coast Highway or a quirky one-night stop depending on your itinerary. Rim Drive and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Related Read:When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Seattle? The Olympic Peninsula. Looking to fly into Crescent City Ive tried to locate flight from Oakland to Crescent City but havent been able to, do you have any info on this flight? In the Suburbs of Seattle, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take you into the city center. Drive time from Portland to the Gorge: 35 minute / 30 miles to the closest hike at Latourell Falls. Should be pretty good it might be a bit rainy up in the Pacific Northwest, but the weather once you reach California should be great! I am going to plan for at least a 10 day trip, its once in a lifetime and truly dont want to rush it I cant wait to see his face when I announce at his local birthday party in July that I have saved for and planned this fantastic trip for September 2021!! Now we want to take our girls on the same trip. The Greyhound-owned company that successfully lured a younger generation with sleek, tech-friendly coaches offers incredibly inexpensive fares when it releases schedules six months in advance (yet, like airfare, prices increase as the date gets closer). 5. Rainier National Park Southeast Gate. Congrats on finishing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. This location has some historical significance since it is close to where the illustrious explorers Lewis and Clark finished their cross-country journey in 1805. Cant say enough how appreciative we are. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. 111 helpful votes. Both offer amenities such as free WiFi and generous baggage policies. Theres a link to that at the end of the post. The park has about 10 miles of trails, including an ADA accessible trail, two 5-mile drive loops, and a ferry dock and playground. If you plan on making this drive over a weekend, you should stop once halfway and then another night in Seattle. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. I plan to rent a car in Los Angeles in the summer and make a similar journey, Hello! And who can say no to that? Oregon's nearly 400-mile coastline is famous national-wide for good reason. We are coming from Pennsylvania. AND, I did it in November in a PT Cruiser with the top down.all bundled up with the heat on full..but man, what a view! Thanks for your comment, Manny. Enjoying the Unexpectedly Cool Pitchwood Ale House, All words and images 2013-2023 The Kolibro Group LLC. Its really up to you to decide where you want to end and figure out the closest rental car/airport option from there, but there are airports of all sizes throughout the region. 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. Glad to help, Nancy, and thanks for reading! Have a great trip! This guide is great, do you have a Google map itinerary to download with the stops? The total distance is about 1,500 miles! My wife doesnt particularly like high bridges or steep drops (one reason we are driving north), so any advice on where we might avoid such things is appreciated. Its worth it! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a quick PCH road trip, turn inland along the Columbia River and then south on I-5 to Portland.If your Pacific Coast Highway road trip includes the Oregon Coast, skip Portland below and drive south along U.S. 101 to Seaside & Cannon Beach (#8). Thank you, Archimedes. This will take you through Nehalem County Park and eventually to the coast. Located in Northeast Olympia, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary housing birds, lathe animals, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. Ann, thanks so much for your comment. Id like to make a 10 day trip with a couple days in San Francisco and San Diego. 3. I love to do a Pacific Coast Highway drive at some point in my life. Have a great trip! As you stroll across the island, you get to indulge in the striking views of the Columbia River, Sauvie Island, Lake River, and the Willamette River. Sounds like a great trip, Rudy! I would hate to plan a trip only to find out that things are shut down or there are big restrictions placed on free movement. Planning a mother/son trip after my son graduates HS next year. We detoured at Reedsport to go to Crater lake, which turned out awesome, there was a ELK reserve on the way, it took about 3 hrs to get to Roseburg, where we stayed the night, the next day the drive to Crater lake was about 3 hrs, the drive was absolutely beautiful. I did a bit of research into this seems like its a Los Angeles thing to drop the the but as I lived up in Northern California, we use the the. Since my post is referring to a much larger area than just SoCal, Im still going to keep the the. Thanks for providing me this opportunity to learn about a quirky bit of California lingo! Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. Thank you so much for this information! Thanks again! Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: None! I have been reading your blog posts about the PCH and think I read where you mentioned a couple of crossover vehicles that would be good rental cars. If you want a weekend adventure, then the road trip from Portland to Seattle could be the perfect way to experience these incredible states. So if picturesque fields of flowers and amazing farmland sound like something you want to see, the Skagit Valley is only a short drive from Seattle. This was more expensive than a round-trip rental, but I didnt want to drive the Pacific Coast Highway both ways! Briefly, here are some of the other must-see attractions in Seattle: If you want to spend a few days in Seattle, consider purchasing the Seattle CityPass. Glad to help, Bethany! Soak up the last sunny days in the PNW and see some stunning views. Staying in Mount Rainer National Park is a great experience, especially for the convenience of waking up in the park. Do you have any tips? It looks so cute! Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China, featuring rare plants indigenous to China and classical Chinese decorative stonework. 7 hours 0 minutes. Related Read: The 10 Best Scenic Drives in Washington. Start in Seattle and end in San Diego. If your PCH road trip includes the Olympic Peninsula, follow U.S. 101 west and then north along the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula toward Port Angeles. 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