Driving the length of the West Coast is a bucket list-worthy road trip. With spectacular mountain ranges, vibrant cities, and jaw-dropping coastlines, there are enough destinations to keep you busy for an entire month.
Whether you are looking for an epic hike or want to relax and visit world-class restaurants, this is a trip everyone should make once in their lifetime.
This drive starts in the far northern part of Washington before heading down through Puget Sound. It then heads over to the coast before returning through Portland and Central Oregon. From there, you head back to the California coast and down through the Bay Area and central California coast. The last stops are along the Sierra Mountains and southern California deserts before finishing up in San Diego.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
The first stop on the drive is one of the most stunning yet least visited National Parks in America. North Cascades National Park only had 40,000 visitors last year, and given the vastness of this wilderness area, you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and take in this incredible park in peace and quiet.
Check out the Maple Pass Loop hike for a hike you’ll never forget before stopping by Diablo Lake for its stunning turquoise waters.
Deception Pass State Park, Washington
Next up on the list is Deception Pass State Park, just north of Seattle, Washington. This 4,000-acre park encompasses the pass that separates Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. The crown jewel of the park is the Deception Pass bridge, which stands 180 feet above the swirling waters below. During tide changes, a massive amount of water is funneled through this narrow pass, and sea mammals like sea lions and even orcas can often be spotted frolicking in this natural playground.
Seattle, Washington
With a vibrant downtown that offers stunning views of both the mountains and Puget Sound, Seattle is a must-visit for anyone looking for the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience. Once downtown, ride to the top of the Space Needle, ride the ferry over to nearby Bainbridge Island, and walk through Pike Place Market to watch the fish toss and sample some local delicacies.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
Mt. Rainier, a 14,411-foot active volcano, dominates the skyline from almost every part of the Puget Sound area. The mountain lies within the Mt. Rainier National Park and is a must-visit destination for its stunning wildflower displays, incredible hiking opportunities, and abundant wildlife. Head up to the Paradise side of the mountain and hike the Skyline Trail to take in the views and watch climbers ascend this challenging mountain.
Mt. St. Helens, Washington
Up until May 18, 1980, Mt. St. Helens looked like many of the Pacific Northwest volcanoes, standing at just under 10,000 feet tall. On that date, a catastrophic eruption forever changed the mountain and surrounding landscape, as the entire side of the mountain was obliterated, and ash was rained down across the entire Pacific Northwest.
Today, climbers make their way up to the crater rim, which stands 1,600 feet lower than the previous summit. The visitor center overlooks this gaping crater, which gives you a unique perspective on the power required to transform this mountain into its current state.
Astoria, Oregon
Head over to the coast and make your way down into Oregon and the picturesque maritime community of Astoria, Oregon. Located near the mouth of the infamous Columbia River, this town perfectly combines its past as a logging and maritime hub with its future as a tourist-focused destination.
Walk the small downtown to visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum which tells the history and shipwrecks that litter the area, walk the restored boardwalk area that is now home to boutique hotels and breweries, and visit the Oregon Film Museum for a glimpse into the movies that have been filmed in Astoria and across Oregon.
Portland, Oregon
From Astoria, it is only a 2-hour drive into the food destination of Portland, Oregon. In Portland, you can visit its many critically acclaimed food carts, walk through its quirky neighborhoods, and enjoy the waterfront market that takes place virtually every weekend of the year.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of town take a walk up into nearby Forest Park which is one of the largest urban parks in the nation.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is the home of the infamous Fruit Loop Drive, which takes visitors through the area’s numerous apple and pear orchards and world-class wineries.
Getting to Hood River from Portland is half the fun, though, as the drive winds through the Columbia River Gorge and past breathtaking waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. During the summer months, be sure to grab your parking pass ahead of time, or you’ll be relegated to snapping a photo of the falls as you fly past on the highway.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
Heading south from Hood River, you’ll transition from the lush forests surrounding Mt. Hood to the high deserts of Central Oregon. To take in this unique desert environment be sure to make a stop at Smith Rock State Park. This basalt feature which has been carved away by the Crooked River features towering walls that were the birthplace of modern sport climbing in the United States.
Walk the trails along the river for stunning views of the park, or take the more challenging route up and over the Misery Ridge Trail.
Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, is an outdoor lovers’ paradise with visitors and its lucky locals enjoying miles of hiking and biking trails, skiing on nearby Mt. Bachelor, world-class fly fishing, and floating the Deschutes River, which flows right through downtown.
After a day outside, check out one or a few of Bend’s renowned breweries, like Deschutes or Crux.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake is Oregon’s only national park, and it carries that distinction well. This stunningly blue lake is only 7,000 years old and is the result of snowmelt filling the crater left behind when the mountain that previously stood in its place, Mt. Mazama, collapsed during an eruption.
Hike the 1.1-mile-long trail down to the lake to take a boat tour of the lake or just take a quick dip in its crystal clear waters.
Redwoods National and State Parks, California
Hiking through the redwoods feels like stepping back into the Jurassic era with towering trees, gigantic ferns, and occasionally equally gigantic mosquitos! These two parks are located on the sparsely populated Northern California coast, with nearby towns Eureka and Crescent City serving as bases for exploration.
Take a day to also drive over to the start of the Lost Coast. This section of coastline was too rugged to build a road so highway 101 was diverted inland. As a result, this 80-mile stretch of coastline is almost entirely devoid of development and is a popular backpacking route.
Napa Valley, California
Next, it’s time to transition from the remote and rugged Northern California coast to the affluent and glitzy Napa Valley wine region. This area houses world-class wineries, making it a must-visit destination for wine aficionados.
A favorite way to enjoy this region is to take a bike tour on the many backcountry roads that crisscross the area while stopping for a tasting or two of wine along the way.
San Francisco, California
The world’s tech epicenter, San Francisco, has transformed into a playground for the wealthy while maintaining its history in this cool and foggy state. Take in the quintessential San Francisco sights like riding the trolley cars that still crisscross the city, ferry over to the infamous Alcatraz Island to tour this now-shuttered prison, and enjoy the city’s vibrant foodie scene.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is one of the most pristine stretches of coastline on the entire Pacific coast. With million-dollar views around every corner, it’s no wonder that this stretch is a must-visit destination and host to one of the most beautiful marathons in the world.
The steep cliffs of this area also make it prone to landslides and lengthy highway shutdowns (we’re talking months, not hours). Be sure to check the status of the roads before heading down to this incredible area.
Sequoia National Park, California
After Big Sur, it’s time to cross inland to take in the Sierra Nevada mountains and check out a few more massive trees at Sequoia National Park. While the Redwoods hold the crown for the tallest trees, Sequoia holds the title for the largest trees, with these massive conifers measuring over 100 feet around!
Take a hike on any of the numerous trails that wind through these giant trees, or head up to the Alta Peak trail for stunning views of the Sierras.
Joshua Tree National Park, California
It’s time to make one climate shift as we head further south from the mountains of the Sierras to the vast deserts of southern California. Joshua Tree National Park sits outside of Los Angeles and has been a mecca for decades for adventurers looking to get out in the desert and among these unique-looking trees.
The area is filled with remote campgrounds and quirky rental homes, so whatever your style, there are plenty of places to stay.
San Diego, California
The last stop on our journey down the West Coast is the southern California city of San Diego. This sunny stop features all the southern California mainstays of surfing, warm patios offering tasty beer and tacos, and sailing opportunities on the wild Pacific Ocean.
