Summer is the perfect time to hit the road and take in the sights of the Pacific Northwest. With sunny days, warm weather, and plenty of mountain roads that are only open for a few short months out of the year, there is no better time to head out on a road trip.
These road trip ideas will take you to remote areas, across the Puget Sound on ferries, into numerous national parks, and through some of the most beautiful country in the world.
With plenty of small towns to explore, milkshakes to drink, and rivers to cool off in, you’ll find that you never want to head back home.
So pack your bags, fill the cooler with snacks, and head out on these incredible Pacific Northwest road trips.
1. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington
- Highlights: Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, and the scenic Pacific coastline.
- Stops: Port Angeles, Forks, and Lake Quinault.
The Olympic Peninsula is known for its massive old-growth forests, towering mountains, remote wilderness, and rugged beaches that are some of the most beautiful in the world. Starting in Port Townsend (or even Seattle, as it’s only a quick ferry ride across the sound), make your way counterclockwise around the Peninsula, where you can check out sights like Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, the numerous beaches along the coast, and small towns where hearty souls brave the long wet winters.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, Oregon
- Highlights: Scenic coastal views, lighthouses, and quaint seaside towns.
- Stops: Astoria, Cannon Beach, Newport, and Florence.
A trip down the Oregon Coast on the Pacific Coast Highway is a drive that is short enough that it looks like it could be completed in a day. While that may technically be true, a real Oregon coast road trip just can’t be rushed. The highways hug the coastline for a majority of the drive, and with frequent turnouts to take in the views, charming coastal towns, and hikes that take you to hidden beaches, you’ll want to spend at least a week driving this gorgeous highway (although a weekend will do the trick as well!)
3. Mount Hood Scenic Byway, Oregon
- Highlights: Mount Hood, fruit orchards, and historic Timberline Lodge.
- Stops: Hood River, Government Camp, and Trillium Lake.
Starting in Portland, this loop takes you up and over Mt. Hood by way of Government Camp and around to the sprawling apple orchards and wineries of the Hood River region. Make sure to swing by the historic Timberline Lodge, where you can grab a bit to eat, take in breathtaking views of the mountain, and tour this historic building. Just outside of Government Camp, don’t miss Trillium Lake, which offers a stunning view of Mt. Hood. However, getting there during the winter and spring months requires skis or snowshoes as the road is not plowed.
4. North Cascades Highway, Washington
- Highlights: North Cascades National Park, rugged mountain scenery, and alpine lakes.
- Stops: Winthrop, Diablo Lake, and Ross Lake.
The North Cascades Highway has one of the shortest seasons of any road in the Pacific Northwest as it passes through high mountain passes and is so frequently buried in avalanches that plowing it during the winter is nearly impossible. The trek is well worth it, though, as you pass through the North Cascades National Park, where you’ll find jaw-dropping views, stunning alpine lakes, and hikes that take you to some of the best views in the region. The road can be done as an out-and-back with a turnaround in Mazama, or you can do it as a loop by coming back through Leavenworth or I-90.
5. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
- Highlights: Waterfalls, scenic vistas, and windsurfing spots.
- Stops: Multnomah Falls, Hood River, and The Dalles.
The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon and Washington hallmark natural landmarks with towering cliffs, jaw dropping waterfalls, and endless hiking opportunities. Starting just east of Portland you start running into waterfalls as soon as you pass within the cliffs running along the mighty Colubmia River.
Make sure to stop by the impressive Multnomah Falls which is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and also the most visited. During the late spring visitors flock to Dog Mountain on the Washington side of the gorge for its incredible wildflower displays.
6. Highway of Waterfalls & Crater Lake, Oregon
- Highlights: Deep blue Crater Lake, countless waterfalls, and hot springs.
- Stops: Toketee Falls, Crater Lake, and Diamond Lake.
This drive through southern Oregon will take you through Oregon’s only national park and some of its most impressive waterfalls displays outside of the Columbia River gorge. Starting in Roseburg, head east along Highway 138. This route will take you past more than a dozen waterfalls, with many right off the road. Make sure to stop for a soak in Umpqua Hot Springs as well for a relaxing mid-drive break. Finish up the drive at the spectacular Crater Lake National Park where watching the sunset is a treat you won’t soon forget.
7. San Juan Islands, Washington
- Highlights: Whale watching, kayaking, and charming island communities.
- Stops: Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, and Lopez Island.
Taking a road trip through the San Juan Islands requires more ferry time than driving time, but that’s just fine with us. Start by heading over to the furthest western island in the chain, San Juan Island. Here, you can watch for whales at Lime Kiln State Park and enjoy the views from the Cattle Point Lighthouse. From there head to Orca Island to do some kayaking around the island’s many protected bays and hike to the top of Mt. Constitution for stunning views of the sound and island chain. The last stop on the trip is the sleepy Lopez Island, where you can relax at a farm stay and disconnect from the world.
8. Willamette Valley Wine Country, Oregon
- Highlights: Vineyards, wine tasting, and scenic countryside.
- Stops: Dundee, McMinnville, and Newberg.
The Willamette Valley wine region makes for a great weekend road trip from Portland. Head to any of the many fabulous wineries along Highway 47, which takes you through the lovely towns of Gaston, Yamhill, and Carlton. Grab a room at one of the boutique hotels in McMinnville, then spend the next day heading back up Highway 99, which takes you past some of the best wineries in the valley.
9. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
- Highlights: Glacial peaks, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails.
- Stops: Paradise, Sunrise, and Longmire.
Mt. Rainier is a quintessential weekend road trip for anyone living in northwestern Washington. With miles of trails, an endless supply of waterfalls, and views that will have you stopping the car every 15 minutes, you’ll need every minute you have budgeted to make it all the way through the park. Make sure to stop by Paradise for the stunning views of the mountain, vibrant wildflower displays, and to check out the historic Paradise Lodge. From there, head around the mountain on the scenic drive to Sunrise, where you can hike to the Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout for one of the best views in the park.
10. Idaho Panhandle Loop, Idaho
- Highlights: Lakes, mountains, and outdoor recreation.
- Stops: Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, and Priest Lake.
Start out this loop at the popular recreation and tourist destination of Coeur d’Alene. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, head north, where you’ll quickly find yourself in the wilds of the northern Idaho panhandle. Stops in Sandpoint, which is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the northwest, and scenic Priest Lake round out this quick weekend getaway.
11. Southern Oregon, Oregon
- Highlights: Caverns, rivers, and historic towns.
- Stops: Ashland (Shakespeare Festival), Rogue River, and the Oregon Caves National Monument.
This often-overlooked part of Oregon has some of its most scenic and remote country. Start the trip in the artsy town of Ashland, which is home to the annual Shakespeare Festival. After a short stint on I-5, make your way westward along the Rogue River to the impressive Oregon Caves National Monument. This cave system dwarfs the lava tube caves found in Central Oregon and is a sight to behold.
If you’re looking for a bit of kitschy fun, head to the Little Known Vortex off Highway 238, where you can watch as your car rolls backward up a hill!
12. Bend & Central Oregon, Oregon
- Highlights: High desert landscapes, volcanic sites, and craft breweries.
- Stops: Bend, Smith Rock State Park, and Newberry National Volcanic Monument.
Bend and Central Oregon are a popular weekend destination, especially during the busy summer months, as visitors flock to the area for its outdoor recreation, craft brewing scene, and excellent concert offerings. If you’re looking to make the drive to Bend a road trip in and of itself then there are a few choice stops to make along the way. Just north of town lies Smith Rock State Park, which, pound for pound, goes up against any of the best state parks in the country with its incredible scenery and multitude of hiking trails. South of town, head up to the Newberry Volcanic Monument, where you can see firsthand how the area was shaped by its volcanic past with its numerous lava flows that still dot the landscape.
