Volcanic Peaks, Misty Rainforests & Rugged Coasts
Volcanic Peaks, Misty Rainforests & Rugged Coasts
Seattle, WA 98101Portland, OR 97212
Trip overview
Embark on an ethereal journey through Washington and Oregon, from the moss-draped giants of the Hoh Rainforest to the volcanic majesty of Mount Rainier. This road trip winds along rugged coastlines, through dramatic river gorges, and into the heart of the lush, green soul of the Pacific Northwest.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Seattle
Storyville Coffee Pike Place
Start your journey from a cozy loft above the bustling Pike Place Market. Grab a craft coffee and a pastry while watching the market come to life before heading west.
94 Pike St #34, Seattle, WA 98101
Hoh Rainforest - Hall of Mosses Trail
Immerse yourself in a world of green. This iconic, easy loop trail takes you beneath a canopy of giant, moss-draped maples and Sitka spruce trees, embodying the quintessential temperate rainforest.
Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center, 18113 Upper Hoh Rd, Forks, WA 98331
Ruby Beach
Witness the wild Pacific Ocean meet the dense forest at this stunning beach. Famous for its dramatic sea stacks, reddish sand, and vast piles of weathered driftwood, it's a perfect spot for moody coastal photography.
Olympic National Park, US-101, Forks, WA 98331
Kalaloch Lodge
Settle into a cozy cabin perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This historic lodge offers unparalleled access to the rugged Washington coast and the perfect ambiance to end your day of exploration.
157151 US-101, Forks, WA 98331
Day 2 — Ashford
Paradise Area - Skyline Trail Loop
Hike through wildflower meadows with jaw-dropping, in-your-face views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. This challenging but rewarding trail is the definitive way to experience the park's volcanic grandeur.
Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Myrtle Falls Viewpoint
Take a short, paved walk to one of the most photographed vistas in Washington. A graceful waterfall cascades through a gorge with the immense, glacier-clad peak of Mount Rainier perfectly framed in the background.
Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Wellspring Spa & Retreat
Unwind after a day of hiking at this rustic retreat nestled in the woods near Mount Rainier. Relax in private, spring-fed hot tubs and saunas surrounded by serene forest.
54922 Kernahan Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304
Day 3 — Astoria
Astoria Column
Climb the 164 steps of this monumental column for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Astoria, the Columbia River meeting the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding forests and mountains.
1 Coxcomb Dr, Astoria, OR 97103
Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock
Stroll along the iconic sandy shores of Cannon Beach, dominated by the 235-foot Haystack Rock. At low tide, explore the vibrant tide pools at its base, teeming with colorful marine life.
US-101, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Pelican Brewing Company
Enjoy award-winning craft beer and upscale pub fare with ocean views. It's the perfect spot to refuel and relax after exploring the beach.
1371 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Headlands Coastal Lodge & Spa
Experience luxury on the Oregon coast at this lodge with stunning views of the massive Haystack Rock in Pacific City. Every room has an oceanfront balcony, perfect for watching dory boats launch from the beach.
33000 Cloverdale Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135
Day 4 — Yachats
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Discover a dramatic meeting of land and sea. Watch waves crash into chasms like Thor's Well and Devil's Churn, or drive to the stone shelter overlook for one of the highest viewpoints on the Oregon Coast.
2400 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498
Multnomah Falls
Gaze upon Oregon's tallest waterfall, a breathtaking 620-foot, two-tiered cascade. Walk up to the historic Benson Bridge for an iconic photo op, feeling the mist from the powerful falls.
50000 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
Vista House at Crown Point
Perched on a cliff 733 feet above the water, this beautiful Art Nouveau observatory offers arguably the most spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge. It's a must-see stop on the Historic Highway.
40700 E Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019
The Hoxton, Portland
Check into this stylish hotel in Old Town Portland, known for its mid-century modern design and vibrant social spaces. It serves as a perfect urban basecamp to explore the city.
15 NW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Day 5 — Portland
Powell's City of Books
Get lost in the world's largest independent new and used bookstore. Occupying a full city block, this legendary Portland institution is a paradise for any book lover.
1005 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97209
International Rose Test Garden
Wander through the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States. On a clear day, the garden offers spectacular views of downtown Portland and Mount Hood amidst thousands of fragrant roses.
400 SW Kingston Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Pine State Biscuits
End your trip with an indulgent and iconic Portland meal. Savor a massive, fluffy biscuit sandwich like 'The Reggie'—a fried chicken biscuit with bacon, cheese, and sausage gravy.
125 NE Schuyler St, Portland, OR 97212
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
Experiences
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Pacific Northwest road trip, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 18 stops from Seattle, WA 98101 to Portland, OR 97212. Highlights include Hoh Rainforest - Hall of Mosses Trail, Paradise Area - Skyline Trail Loop, and Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock.
It begins in Seattle, WA 98101 and ends in Portland, OR 97212, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $1,582, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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