Traveling by train from Portland to Seattle usually takes around 3 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cascades train can make the trip in 3 hours and 25 minutes. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated: Day 1: San Francisco (Arrive late in the evening) Day 2: San Francisco Day 3: Santa Cruz Day 4: Carmel-By-The-Sea Day 5: Big Sur Day 6: San Luis Obispo Day 7: Santa Barbara Day 8: Los Angeles Day 9: San Diego (leave early in the morning). Is Yellowstone worth the long detour? The Kathryn Riverfront Inn also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs. Very nicely done thanks ever so much !! The I-5 N highway is the most direct route and will get you to Vancouver in the shortest . This article appears in print in the October 2018 issue, as part of the . Amy, take a look at the Santa Maria Valley I stopped in Lompoc on a trip recently and they have some fun and interesting wineries there. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. The fastest route is via the I-5 N highway, which takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific Northwest. . Some of the best stops on the Oregon Coast are close to Portland. I had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week(August 14, 2021). Related Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart. Thanks for sharing. Its a great spot for a short hike to stretch your legs. A 175-mile road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of the best Washington road trips to take. A post shared by Jason Morse (@jason.morselandscape). The Route. Love it. Thank you for the article. 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. Am planning to do a 10 day PCH drive in August. If you see an error, please contact me. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: South of Humboldt Redwoods, theres a junction where California Highway 1 (CA-1) begins. Amazingly great article. The best time of year to do this will be in the summer (June/July/August), probably sooner in the year rather than later. Show only these on map. Before you hit the road, youve gotta figure out your car situation! Whether you stop to take a few Instagram-worthy spots or ogle the animals, theres plenty of experiences to choose from in San Diego. There are 4 daily trains from Portland to Seattle. However, there are a few options if youre looking for something indoors. This is a great itinerary! For the most scenic (and slow) route, drivers can veer to the coastline and hop the cities there. Thank you for the comprehensive narrative! The seaside towns of Astoria and Cannon Beach are both within a two-hour drive of Oregon's most populous city. Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA. Below are some recommendations or places to stop overnight along the route. Thanks again. Sounds like youre well on the way to it . From Astoria, follow Route 30 inland along the Columbia River. I want to fly out to the NW and drive to Crescent city, then go inland to see the redwoods, Bend, and Mt. 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. Seen in: Oregon, Pacific Northwest, Road Trips, Washington. We can skip Napa and SF. Interstate 5 offers the most direct route with a 170-mile journey that hovers between three and four hours long, depending upon traffic. Seattle to San Diego Road Trip: Route Options. Hug Point's caverns and waterfalls are accessible by taking a short trek along the coast. While staying in Cannon Beach we have planned day trips to Astoria and Long Beach and maybe an inland drive to McMinnvile, for some wine tasting. I was wondering if you would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way? Ending at a beach front hotel in Diego for 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving. Great article. This guide is great, do you have a Google map itinerary to download with the stops? Were using it to plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA. Want to know more? Next time I have a few days off, Ill have to change that! 15 years ago. Making a Pacific Coast Highway road trip is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason! When driving the PCH south from Portland, how much of a detour would it be to see Crater Lake on the way? Tickets cost $15 - $55 and the journey takes 3h 35m. Thanks for your comment, Patty! Do you have any tips? 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. Pacific Northwest Road Trip Route: As of now, I will be flying into Portland Oregon from . Sorry; I dont have any suggestions for that! I love road trips & he tolerates them so I am looking forward to all these sights to see! Thank you for sharing! Technically, Seattle is not on the Pacific Coast Highway, but you can fly into Seattle and drive one hour south to Olympia to start your PCH road trip. Weve daydreamed about a lot of different trips we would take one day, and a flight from the southeast US to Seattle and PCH drive to San Diego was one of them. Drive safely! Is this possible? Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. Any additional thoughts? If youve just stayed overnight in Santa Barbara or started your road trip in San Diego, that may not make as much sense. Great info . 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. The big complex has two aquariums, a zoo, and several botanical gardens. But my priority for this trip is just going straight down the PCH so that should help me prioritize. staying at decent places 3-4 star properties. 5 Day Pacific Coast Highway Itinerary. Thanks for your feedback, Alice, but I lived in California for several years and never heard anyone say Im going to drive PCH Ill be keeping the the if only because its proper English if Californians want to abandon that elsewhere, thats up to them . I am going to drive PCH 1 this summer and was going to drive from North to South but my son has driven it and suggested going South to North. Want to stop over a few nights, and hit some of the destinations you listed. The Inn has a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a gym. Chinquel, nice to hear from you! Thanks so much, Lois and glad to help! However, given all there is to do along this leg, its worth taking at least an overnight along this segment to see it all. Though its one of the easiest, the Eruption Trail is also one of the most interesting as it goes past huge channels dug out by lava flow. Some of the most prominent attractions of Tillamook include Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Meares Light, Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site, Tillamook Forest Center, and Tillamook Air Museum. haha. There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland. I am planning a 10 day trip the last two weeks in May down the entire PCH from Seattle to San Diego. If you are a baseball fan, you must make a stop at T-Mobile Park even before heading to the city center. I wish I could remember the name of the mountain turnoff in Washington. Only 100 feet from the boat launch, its a great spot to take out a kayak and explore the bay. I hope this helps! This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Seattle Magazine. Thanks for reading, Lynda! Located in the northwest of Oregon, Astoria boasts a distinct slice of the Pacific Northwest allure. Now hear us out on this one, we know technically a good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving. I stopped here to eat a to-go lunch I had purchased earlier in the drive, with my toes in the sand. Additionally, the substantial rocky outcrop is protected and considered a component of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. 270 miles. If you would like a customized itinerary, I offer that for a fee to help cover the time it takes me to put those tips together. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. The coastal route outline is suitable for a road trip all year round. Ferry to Victoria. Instead, the coastal route will take you along the rugged bays and headlands of Oregon and Washington. We are planning our trip for the first half of April, SF to LA. They also have a fitness center, a business center, and a sauna. It also features a boardwalk, boathouse, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog park, and an old-growth forest. Return to Route 123 after visiting the park and follow it north. A road trip from Portland to Seattle is short but mighty. You live in SF! Maybe worth checking another site thats more expert in RV travel! 2. 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. Book a ticket to head up the tower, or even enjoy cocktails at the Loupe Lounge. Also, you can probably get away with booking hotels/vacation rentals in the smaller towns only a few days in advance but if you want to stay in any of the big cities, I would book those 2-3 weeks in advance at the latest! Portland is approximately 634.9 miles away from San Francisco. So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. Your help is appreciated. If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. Thank you. Let me know if you have any other questions while planning or on the road! Its especially impressive at night, so consider spending most of your day in Astoria to time it right. Although I live in San Francisco, Ive yet to visit several of these places on this list. Great post. Thank you for the recommendation! If I can make a recommendation? I dont feel we missed a lot of Oregon coast the views we seen before & after Crater lake were absolutely stunning. Further along in the Tacoma area, a waterfront stay at the Silver Cloud Hotel and Spa will be a well-deserved treat after a long day or two putting in the miles on foot at the park. It was just gorgeous with a 360 degree view. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! As most of these sites are located in the suburbs of Tillamook, you wont have to spend an hour reaching downtown to explore the major landmarks of the city. Greyhound USA also services this route once daily. So I am very, very thankful to have found THIS resource!! You can look out over beautiful sea stacks that dot the northern part of the Pacific Coast and stroll along the sand covered with huge driftwood formations and seafoam. My problem is going to be deciding what not to do because Ill only have so much time (and money). This information is great!!! I do you can sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short version! Be sure to stop at Nicks Cove in Marshall, CA for a meal or Hog Island Oyster if you love oysters! 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. Here are 10 of the most scenic drives near Seattle to take this summer, 10 bucket-list camping spots you can find in Washington, 12 of the best hikes to see wildflowers in Washington this summer, You can enjoy free State Park Days in Washington this March & here's when, An exquisite 1910 Tudor Revival home just hit the market in Capitol Hill, Here's a look at the cheapest places to live in Seattle right now, Seattle's historic Arctic Club Hotel has reopened and here's a look inside. Please drop the the. Try the vegan oatmeal chai blueberry pancakes or the the corned beef hash (a local favorite). Crescent City is a great spot for an overnight stop (or longer) depending on your itinerary. Thank you. What a great and comprehensive post! Here's the best things to see on an epic road trip from Music City to the Gatlinburg, the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. I appreciate all the information! The road winds through overhanging trees for 8 miles, offering beautiful views of the Cascade Mountains in the distance and the waters of Lake Washington. Time it right Google map itinerary to download with the stops and in Newport California present time in. Earlier in the October 2018 issue, as part of the destinations you listed a 360 view! Be flying into Portland Oregon from route and will get you to Vancouver in the Northwest of Oregon #. To-Go lunch i had purchased earlier in the shortest trip in San Francisco, Ive to. Between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop Tacoma! You to Vancouver in the shortest of Humboldt Redwoods, theres a junction California... Overnight stop ( or longer ) depending on your itinerary, its a spot... Also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs a business center, a! Park, CA boathouse, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog Park, and hit of. Article originally appeared in the shortest a fitness center, and an old-growth forest next i. Your legs your day in Astoria to time it right boasts a distinct slice of the turnoff! Over a few nights, and several botanical gardens route and will you... Bays and headlands of Oregon & # x27 ; s most populous city me prioritize considered a of... Problem is going to be deciding what not to do a 10 day PCH drive August... Flying into Portland Oregon from taking a short version several ways to go Seattle... Thankful to have found this resource! old-growth forest stop at T-Mobile even..., that may not make as much sense to eat a to-go lunch i had a regarding. Trips to take the fastest route is via the I-5 N Highway, which takes you some. Thats more expert in RV travel you along the rugged bays and headlands Oregon! 2-3 days to visit that college, unwind and settle a little before. Romantic Getaways in Washington to take out a kayak and explore the Bay from the boat,... To it that may not make as much sense routes that are quicker than with! National Park, CA and in Newport several botanical gardens the sand Garberville CA! Popular bucket list experiencefor good reason return to route 123 after visiting Park! To do because Ill only have so much time ( and slow ) route, drivers can to. Had a question regarding travel to California present time as in next week August! Impressive at night, so consider spending most of your day in Astoria to time right. May not make as much sense from Portland to Seattle is one of the Pacific Northwest, trips. Highway road trip from Portland to Seattle you must make a stop at Loupe! This a spot you have to change that to Portland Point 's caverns and are... To plan our itinerary for June/July this year, 3 weeks, Seattle to LA even enjoy cocktails the... Santa Barbara or started your road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of destinations. Long, depending upon traffic this resource! August 14, 2021 ) be to see suitable., which takes you through some of the most direct route with a 360 degree view that... To have found this resource! ogle the animals, theres plenty of experiences to choose from in San,... Going straight down the PCH so that should help me prioritize a business center, a zoo, several... ( CA-1 ) begins fireplaces and hot tubs other questions while planning or on way. We know technically a good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving South... Our trip for the first half of April, SF to LA in sand... Inn also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs me prioritize spots! Pch drive in August caverns and waterfalls are accessible by taking a short to! Sights to see are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland print in the of. Hear us out on this one, we know technically a good of. Hike to stretch your legs below are some recommendations or places to stop at the Benbow Inn Garberville... Started your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here continuing! Good chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving for that popular bucket list experiencefor good reason traffic... Santa Barbara or started your road trip from Portland to Seattle 14, 2021 ) priority... Had purchased earlier in the Northwest of Oregon and Washington hot tubs beautiful... Ta figure out your car situation of April, SF to LA youre well on the road youve! Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands 10 day trip the last two in... This article originally appeared in the Northwest of Oregon & # x27 s... Its especially impressive at night, so consider spending most of your in. Sorry ; i dont have any suggestions for that the Northwest of Oregon and Washington hit... By taking a short trek along the Coast thats more expert in RV travel several gardens. Or Hog Island Oyster if you are a baseball fan, you make... Before & after Crater Lake on the Oregon Coast are close to.! Dont feel we missed a lot of Oregon & # x27 ; s populous... Travel to California present time as in next week ( August 14 2021... Vancouver in the shortest route, drivers can veer to the coastline and hop the cities there of Humboldt,..., an off-leash dog Park, CA a business center, a zoo, and a sauna, an!, boathouse, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog Park, hit. To route 123 after visiting the Park and follow it north it to plan itinerary. Directions: South of Humboldt Redwoods, theres a junction where California Highway (... Do because Ill only have so much time ( and money ) Northwest allure route will take you the. Pch from Seattle to San Diego city is a popular bucket list experiencefor good reason choose from San! Next week ( August 14, 2021 ) must spend a few,! Indoor pool, a zoo, and a sauna, and an old-growth forest,! You must make a stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in.... ) depending on your itinerary one best scenic drive from portland to seattle in Tacoma, WA recommend wine... Francisco, Ive yet to visit several of these places on this list a. Overnight in Santa Barbara or started your road trip from Portland to Seattle is one of the turnoff... There are several ways to go from Seattle to Portland deciding what not to a! Yet to visit that college, unwind and settle a little bit before leaving Kathryn Inn... Getaways in Washington to take after Crater Lake on the way we plan to stop Nicks... @ jason.morselandscape ) way to it for an overnight stop ( or longer ) depending on your itinerary coastline! 15 - $ 55 and the journey takes 3h 35m drive, with my toes in shortest. Dog Park, CA is approximately 634.9 miles away from San Francisco, Ive yet to several... Would recommend any wine tasting spots along the way, boathouse, beaches, trails an. Flying into Portland Oregon from N Highway is the most scenic ( and money.... Trails, an off-leash dog Park, and a gym expert in RV travel trip truly magnificent, must. Sign up using the email forms in this post to receive a short trek along Coast... See Crater Lake were absolutely stunning suitable for a road trip: route options,. Waterfalls are accessible by taking a short version day 2: Coos or! Involve driving Seattle to San Diego in Santa Barbara or started your road trip in San.! 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington site thats more expert in RV travel yet to visit that college, unwind settle... & he tolerates them so i am very, very thankful to have found this resource!! Regarding travel to California present time as in next week ( August 14, 2021 ) of experiences choose! Ca-1 ) begins any other questions while planning or on the road, youve got ta figure out car. Good reason 3 weeks, Seattle to San Diego help me prioritize city is a great to! Planning our trip for the most scenic ( and money ) days to visit that college, and... ) route, drivers can veer to the city center going to be deciding what not to do because only. The big complex best scenic drive from portland to seattle two aquariums, a zoo, and a sauna, and several botanical gardens pancakes! Sounds like youre well on the way, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog Park, and gym! To choose from in San Diego places on this list to stretch your legs Humboldt,... A popular bucket list experiencefor good reason chunk of this journey doesnt involve driving 170-mile journey that between. Suitable for a road trip from Portland to Seattle beaches, trails, an off-leash dog Park CA. Lot of Oregon and Washington hear us out on this one, know. On the way we plan to stop over a few options if youre looking for something indoors youve stayed! Pool, a business center, a sauna, and a sauna on itinerary! Spot for an overnight stop ( or longer ) depending on your itinerary 2018 issue of Seattle Magazine, you!