There is no road trip as dreamy as driving along the Pacific Northwest coast. The views of the crashing waves, rugged coastline and dozens of beaches is unlike anything else in the country. Our family flew into Portland, Oregon and road tripped from the Umpqua National Forest to Eureka, California and up the coast until we got to Cannon Beach, Oregon. This adventure was one of our family favorites yet! Save these epic stops on a Pacific Northwest Road Trip for your next getaway. Want more travel ideas for an Oregon road trip? Save our article Our 6 Day Road Trip Itinerary for the Oregon Coast.
1. Portland, Oregon
We flew into Portland, Oregon from Minneapolis, Minnesota. While we didn’t spend as much time in Portland, Oregon as we did during our last Oregon road trip, I do want to highlight a few must see places in this area. If you want an itinerary that just focuses on Portland, save our article Things to See and Do in Portland, Oregon. The Alberta Arts District is definitely an art district, sporting murals, shops that look like they’re out of a magazine and plenty of authentic food trucks. There is also plenty of street side parking from adjacent roads.
After leaving the Albert Arts District, we ventured out to downtown Portland. We visited other shops downtown but our main destination was Powell’s Book Store, Portland’s legendary independent book store. Powell’s Book Store is the largest used and new book store in the world housing millions and millions of rare books. Also, if you like vintage and used clothing stores-take a cruise down Hawthorne Blvd- they are all next to each other, so it’s very convenient!
Overlooking the city of Portland is the International Rose Test Garden at Washington Park, home to over 610 different rose varieties. I swear there were roses in colors we did not even know existed! Across from the International Rose Test Garden is the entrance to the Japanese Zen Garden. With tax and fees, it costed us $20 per person to get in. The Japanese Zen Garden makes you feel like you’re walking into Japan. The grass isn’t actually grass- it’s moss!
2. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the country, as well as a deep sleeping volcano. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of southern Oregon, it’s home to the volcano, Mount Mazama. This was our first stop after leaving Portland. We stayed at Union Creek Resort, which is located 37 minutes from the entrance of Crater Lake National Park. This area is near Umpqua National Forest, and there are not a lot of stores or gas stations nearby.
I suggest to make sure to fill up and have the supplies you need before entering this area. There is a restaurant on site at Union Creek Resort, which is super helpful. However, cell phone service is limited as well. This brings me to my rules for exploring National Parks and Forests: Make sure you have a physical map, make sure you have food, water and fuel. Also, let someone know your plans and where you intend to travel and activities you hope to do.
Whether you have a few hours or a few days, a MUST DO activity at Craker Lake National Park is Rim Drive. This 33 mile scenic loop takes you around the lake, with over 30 view points you can choose to stop and explore. Overlooks I suggest are Phantom Ship, Watchman and Cloud Cap-bonus points if you can visit these spots at sunset or sunrise. Most overlooks will also give you a great view of the famous Wizard Island, which you can also book a boat tour to see up close (make sure to book ahead of time).
For my hikers, three trails I suggest are Watchman’s Trail, which is a short hike that will give you amazing views. There is also Garfield Peak’s Trail, which is more challenging but always has panoramic views. If you choose to visit in the summer time, check out Castle Crest Wildflower Trail. The only legal access to Crater Lake is through Cleetwood Cove Trail, which is a steep trail, but leads to access for swimming and fishing (it’s very cold, and swim at your own risk!). Last, visit Rim Village and Crater Lake Lodge, where you can get some food, relax and see the visitor’s center as well.
3. Umpqua National Forest and Hot Springs
After we departed from Union Creek Resort, we decided to explore Umpqua National Forest to see if we could stumble upon the famous cascading hot springs. The trail head to the hot springs was a little over an hour from Crater Lake National Park, and felt like a wild, rugged experience. It was one of my favorite experiences from this trip! I suggest to visit as early in the morning as you can to avoid the crowds-especially if you bring kids with.
After you park at the trail head, you will start your hike by crossing a bridge, where the trail starts to go uphill. The hike is .6 round trip, but is steep and slippery. When you get there, you will find tiered hot spring pools built into a cliff side overlooking the North Umpqua River. The pool temps vary from 110-115 degrees. Clothing is optional, and parking is $5 for a day pass.
4. Kellogg Beach in Smith River, California
Our next stay was in Smith River, California, which is close to the southern border of Oregon/California, right on the coastline. We are so grateful we booked this as our base camp for many reasons, with one of them being we discovered Kellogg Beach a couple minutes from our Airbnb. Kellogg Beach is a secluded beach near the mouth of Smith River. Kellogg Beach is quiet, rugged and filled with seals. This is a beach that is definitely more for nature viewing than swimming, but it was still stunning. We had it to ourselves, with exception of the seals. The rocks are very interesting, although they are also very slippery!
5. Redwood Skywalk at Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, CA
We started our road trip of the northern California coast an hour and fifty minutes south of Smith River in Eureka, CA. We visited the Sequoia Park Zoo, home to the famous Redwood Skywalk. The park is open daily 10 am to 6 pm. It is the oldest zoo in California where you can not only see dozens of animals, but explore the Redwood Forest from the tree tops! If you have kids, I highly suggest adding this to your itinerary! You can purchase tickets there, with youth ages 3-12 $12.95 and 13 and up $24.95.
6. Trinidad, CA
We stopped in what we read is one of the most gorgeous coastal towns in northern California, Trinidad. The rumors were true-there is something magical about the town known as “where the Redwoods meet the sea”. We felt a Mediterranean vibe as we explored Trinidad. If you are a whale watcher-this spot is for you! The beaches are considered the main attraction, such as Moonstone Beach (where the river meets the ocean), Old Home Beach (easy access and artsy driftwood) and College Cove (short hike to a blue, secluded beach). You can also see the light house overlooking the bay, and hike Trinidad Head for whale watching.
7. Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach- Humboldt County, CA
This one is for my Jurassic Park fans. North of Trinidad are multiple adventures in the Redwoods. We decided to visit Fern Canyon, where famous scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed. To start this adventure, find your way to Prairie Creek State Park near Orick, California. If you visit from May 15- September15, you will need to make a reservation online prior to visiting. You will drive down Davidson Road, which is super dusty, bumpy and goes through the forest for 7.5 miles. We parked in a lot that had a trail to Gold Bluffs Beach and to Fern Canyon.
The hike to Fern Canyon is an easy 1 mile loop trail, where you may have to walk through shallow waters at times. It was unreal-we loved being surrounded by 50 foot moss canyons and waterfalls. We did see a lot of wildlife- coyotes and elk. It was neat to see them, but also a good reminder to be careful.
8. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in Del Norte County, CA
One of the best places to see the oldest trees on the planet, the Redwoods, is in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This park was only a few minutes from Smith River, CA as you head north to the Oregon border. First, we drove through Howland Hill Road, which is about 1.5-2 hours depending on the crowds, and if you stop to walk. It felt like driving through an ancient forest with trees taller than skyscrapers. The Redwoods can grow to be over 300 feet tall, and live for thousands of years.
If you are short on time, I suggest you walk the .7 mile trail Stout Grove and Nature Loop, which is .8 miles. If you have more time on your hands, walk the Grove of Titans (1.7 miles) or the Boyscout Tree Trail (5.1 miles). You can also relax by the clear, turquoise waters of Smith River.
9. Harris Beach- Brookings, OR
Just over the south border of Oregon in Brookings is the rugged Harris Beach. Visitors can camp, enjoy viewing wild life (this is a whale watching spot), and swim of course. There was a lot of driftwood when we visited the area. They have a playground, and a nice restroom facility. It was quite crowded when we visited, so be prepared to have to navigate parking if you are going later in the day.
10. Natural Bridges- Samuel H. Boardman Corridor, OR
One of the best things you can do on a coastal Oregon road trip is to drive the 12 mile Samuel H. Boardman Corridor, home to some of the most dramatic views of the Oregon coast. There is a dedicated gravel parking area right off Highway 101. Be prepared to see gorgeous stone arches rise out of the waves, rugged coastline and a scenic forest hike. I also want to say, absolutely do not hike on the natural bridge itself. Multiple people have passed away from this, and no picture or video is worth your life.
11. Secret Beach- Samuel H. Boardman Corridor, OR
Along the Samuel H. Boardman Corridor is my favorite beach from this road trip called Secret Beach-and it lives up to it’s name too! Located north of Miner’s Creek and 11.7 miles north of Brookings on Highway 101 is an unmarked turnout. Park there, and access a steep unmarked trail that leads to a rock overlooking the beach. Low tide is essential to fully enjoy this cove. There is a sea cave you can explore, as well as a waterfall on the beach. The climb down onto the beach is a bit of a scramble, but doable. You have to work for this one, but it’s completely worth it!
12. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area- Florence, OR
One of my favorite things about Oregon is the diversity of the landscape. We went from mountains, to a forest with hot springs, to the rugged coast with beaches, to the sand dunes! We spent an evening watching the sun set on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. There are multiple entry points in Florence along Highway 101. Make sure to check out the Sandland Adventures if you want to take the Dune Buggies out!
13. Tunnel Beach – Oceanside, OR
We walked at Oceanside Beach & discovered the secret tunnel, which you can access to get to the other side of the beach if the tide is high. The tide was low for us this morning, so we were able to walk there on the beach instead. We had so much fun discovering starfish, crabs and sand dollars in the tidal pools. Oceanside is also home to the Three Arch Rocks-a wonderful view with the sunset! Please note that parking can be difficult on weekends especially.
14. Tillamook Creamery- Tillamook, OR
I’ve had flights to beautiful places, wine flights and cider flights…but an ice cream flight? Count me in! The Tillamook Creamery offers a variety of options for ice cream made from their famous Tillamook Creamery. I tried the Masonberry (exclusive to the Oregon), cookies N cream and butter pecan for my flight & it did not disappoint! There’s a little store and gift shop located on site as well.
Learn more about the Tillamook Creamery here!
15. Hug Point- Cannon Beach, OR
Hug Point many not be as known as the Haystack Rock beach area, but I fell in love with this area. Coming off HWY 101, you will pull into a parking lot with a stair case that gives you access to the beach. I suggest you go here when the tide is low so you can access the hidden beach with the secret waterfalls and countless sea caves.
16. Indian Beach-Cannon Beach, OR
Are you a fan of The Goonies or Twilight? Then Ecola Park and Indian Beach are a must-see for you! The entrance is located in Cannon Beach. Follow the signs of HWY 101, which will lead you to a small, winding road up into the forest of Ecola Park. This drive will take you to Indian Beach. You will see a parking lot overlooking the ocean and have access to walked down to Indian Beach from here.
The information panel by the parking lot gives you a map of where various movies were filmed in this location (Breaking Point with Patrick Swayze and Kindergarten Cop with Arnold Schwarzenegger). I felt like I was in the movie Twilight walking in this area- with the cliff side and moss-covered trees, I can see why this was a popular place to have so many movie scenes filmed.
17. Cannon Beach- Cannon Beach, OR
Exploring the charming town of Cannon Beach is a must-do if you are visiting the Oregon coast. Cannon Beach is home to the famous Haystack Rock (they filmed scenes here from The Goonies), which is larger than life (pictures do not do it justice!). We caught a gorgeous sunset and had a fire on the beach in this area as well.
We stayed at Ecola Creek Lodge, which isn’t too far from the downtown area. It’s very easy to park and walk to most areas. We loved exploring the art galleries, bakeries and coffee shops. Ecola State Park and Hug Point are also nearby. Coffee shops we loved were Cannon Beach Bakery, Surfbird and Bald Eagle Coffeehouse. For places to eat, we enjoyed seafood and clam chowder at the Wayfarer Restaurant and Lounge.
If you want to plan a visit to Cannon Beach, find a place to stay or get the inside scoop of festivals and activities, click here to start your adventure!
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