A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for around 800 miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. 2. It adds a couple hours and 140 miles to the journey. We detoured at Reedsport to go to Crater lake, which turned out awesome, there was a ELK reserve on the way, it took about 3 hrs to get to Roseburg, where we stayed the night, the next day the drive to Crater lake was about 3 hrs, the drive was absolutely beautiful. Loren Kerns / Flickr. This 20-mile (one way) detour will take you out on Point Reyes, and has a stark and beautiful landscape because its so far out at sea. Additionally, youll get a sense of the magnitude of the San Andreas fault line, which comes inland along the northern part of Point Reyes. I live near one of the ferries going here, so I am lucky to be able to visit the area often. If you want to make your road trip truly magnificent, you must spend a few hours here before continuing your journey to Seattle. Manny from Massachusetts. Youll still be at the mercy of traffic, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard one of numerous buses shuttling between Portland and Seattle. I do not care to get into the Los Angeles areaHowever, the Sequoias are a must. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. Please drop the the. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: At this point in Northern California, the PCH is still U.S. 101. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. Is this possible?? The drive from Portland to Seattle is one I've made numerous times. At low tide, you can hike down into the hole or go tide pooling; at other times you can have a picnic while trying to spot whales off the coast. This time I plan to take a friend and start in Portland. The city boasts a broad array of tourist attractions, including Washington State Capitol Building, Capitol Lake, Capitol Theater, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Hoping to do this mid Sept 2020. I love Portland and San Diego. This Portland to Seattle road trip itinerary is a whole vacation on its own though you could use it to connect separate vacation in both cities for a seriously awesome PNW getaway! By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. After all, a little time on the road never hurts. It is one of the most prominent attractions in the area as it gives access to two of the most beautiful rivers in the Pacific Northwest. Well be camping out at most stops except for SF. We will go from Seattle to San Diego using your itinerary as our planning guide. Basically, you cant start/end in Crescent City if you want to rent a car. Is there any river rafting or boating along the way? If I were going to recommend a route, Id do something like the National Parks in California or the Utah/Arizona/SoCal loop. I can really tell that you love traveling, Valerie . Now let me break down a few itineraries to choose from, based on how much time you have to do your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. stay overnight at Radisson Hotel Bloomington By Mall of America. We are planning to stay overnight at the Madonna Inn. You can even stretch it out by spending a few extra days exploring some of the cities along the route if you want to. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. Hi V& VDid you make hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops? The garden also has a tea shop where light snacks are available for purchase. Thanks for reading, Jennifer. The stadium has a retractable roof which makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor events. Day 2: Coos Bay OR, to Redwood National Park, CA. Head to the Mount Saint Helens Visitor Center to learn more about the area and history, then head out on the trails to explore the region on foot. March is a fine time to drive the PCH the weather on the Pacific Coast is pretty similar all year long! We followed Scenic Highway 101 for two days, from Washington to Oregon to California. Any other advise you could give us. Tickets cost $14 - $55 and the journey takes 3h 35m. They also offer a complimentary breakfast and free coffee and cookies in the lobby. . This is a great itinerary! Seattle and Portland, as the top two Pacific Northwest cities, are often compared. Make memories exploring the diverse, natural beauty of our public lands. Route 8 will lead you directly into Olympia, where you will need to merge with Interstate 5. Are we likely to hit snow in the northern stops? Its almost unfair that there are so many great stops in this segment, given the (probably) limited time you likely have to drive it. Also, niece is vegan and I am meat eater. And thanks for confirming what I thought (hoped) that southbound is the best way to go. 5 attractions along Arizona's stretch of historic Route 66 that are sure to inspire wonder and nostalgia. Day 1 Mount Rainier National Park, WA. The only Mt. However, given all there is to do along this leg, its worth taking at least an overnight along this segment to see it all. Drive safe in between those beer stops! Related Read:12 Spots to See Gorgeous Fall Colors in Oregon. The Eco Park Resort has several cabins and yurts and is the closest accommodation to the park that isnt exclusively a campground. I havent been to Yellowstone so I cant say if its worth it, unfortunately. The park has about 10 miles of trails, including an ADA accessible trail, two 5-mile drive loops, and a ferry dock and playground. ENJOY the sightseeing trip of a lifetime. The road trip between the two cities, on the . 10 out of 12 places below were experienced by us and our kids (3, 6, and 11 y/o) in July 2020. Combine the two cities for an exciting two-fer of a vacation, via plane, train, car or bus. I would love to take this vacation but not fall short on money. Cannon Beach has a plethora of options ranging from campgrounds to oceanfront lodging, luxury hotels, and vacation home rentals. If you want a true Seattle experience, opt for a stay on a refurbished and romantic houseboat. Foodies will appreciate the local food and beverage program, including a notable clam chowder, on the Cascades route. Travel on both sides of the river and experience the majestic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon. You have the same recommendations? Thank you! I have been reading your blog posts about the PCH and think I read where you mentioned a couple of crossover vehicles that would be good rental cars. Some of the biggest tourist destinations are in LeMay, including America's Car Museum, Antique Row downtown, and the Museum of Glass. Taking your advice, flying into Seattle (from KC), and heading south. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . Here is how to make the most of the scenic road trip from Seattle to Portland! My wife and I are planning an 18 day trip in the coming months to fly into San Diego and then make the drive up to Seattle. Highlights: Des Moines, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Boise. The train from Portland to Seattle takes 3h 25m including transfers and departs five times a day. Next, youll pass through Point Reyes, which again seems underwhelming. My question is: how to best use our time? Youre very welcome, and have a great road trip!! Heather, you saw the rest of the post, right? Seaside has a nice range of shops and dining options, and the beach is popular with surfers. It depends a lot on how long you plan to make the drive do you know how many days youll be driving? Our kids will be 15 & 10Im just afraid it will be a boring ride for them in the car. 2. I am traveling with my husband, brother and our 4 year old. Related read: 25 Stunning Hikes on the Oregon Coast. Regarding I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! Have a great trip! Very nicely done thanks ever so much !! If you want to spend part of one day during your Pacific Coast Highway road trip beachcombing or hiking, Big Sur is the place to do it. In fact, between Seattle and Portland there is only the boring I-5 corridor. If youve just stayed overnight in Santa Barbara or started your road trip in San Diego, that may not make as much sense. Whats your thought on late availability rooms at that time of year? I agree, go north to south. I would love to receive the PDF version of this, please. Thank you for the comprehensive narrative! Thank you so much for sharing this informative article with all of us. Hi, My wife and I are planning a 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland in late June of this year. Were making a shortlist of 3 or 4 likely hotels for each expected stopover. Galley Beach is one of the best restaurants in Nantucket, with a long, rich history on the island. I drove one and I hardly ever got to enjoy it! There are very few things more beautiful than the Skagit Valley. Glad to help, Dan! The speed limit ranges from 55mph to 25mph theres really no helpful way to give an average! Or, do you think one could just take a chance and stop and book a room when in need??? I will be driving alone and he thought I would be able to enjoy the view better looking to my left than to my right while driving. drive for about 6.5 hours. staying at decent places 3-4 star properties. Instead of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road trip into the perfect weekend adventure. This sounds like a great trip the PCH + inland Oregon! Below are some recommendations or places to stop overnight along the route. Hope to rent a car there? If you want to experience the Pacific Northwest mountains in winter, the Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip is a great option. 3. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Thanks for your comment, Patty! From the perspective of California Highway 1, it might seem like just a few buildings alongside the road. 3 Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake. So if picturesque fields of flowers and amazing farmland sound like something you want to see, the Skagit Valley is only a short drive from Seattle. Travelers can stop in Tacoma proper, which is only a little over an hour south of Seattle if they wish to spend a little extra time there. Choose between six, daily routes that are quicker than Greyhound with just one stop in Tacoma, WA. 5 hours 0 minutes. Seaquest State Park is an urban park covering 475 acres of a natural island along a mile of the lakeshore. But you missed it and it was so incredible. You can then follow Stevens Canyon Road, which is closed in winter, into the park. The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that youll be on the coastal side of the road. Related Read: 12 Romantic Getaways in Washington to Take Your Sweetheart. We booked a flight to San Jose to explore the citys economic hub and cultural traditions. Lake Sacajawea is located inside Lake Sacajawea Park, a state park covering 67 acres of the city area. Now my only problem is trying to figure out how many extra days were going to need! Our cities are ever-evolving and full of exciting, untapped potential. They all offer budget rentals, run regular deals and specials, and have one-way rental options. The coldest time of year is December, although it remains cold through January and February. We definitely want to visit the redwood forest, which is the main reason we want to go so far north. Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. Hi Valerie- What is the best time of year for this 10 day trip? I do not plan to do any shopping at stores, so our money would be spent on a rental vehicle, hotels, gas, and food. Thank you for sharing. 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. The weather also wasnt great for most of the route; after moving up out of SoCal, youre much more likely to experience clouds and/or the marine layer on the PCH. Ive been to Napa, Sonoma and Russian River Valley but curious if there are any great places you are aware of. Located at the tip of Tacoma, the surrounding Point Defiance Park also has hiking trails and a Japanese Garden. As the most glaciated peak in the US, Rainer is one of the most enticing mountains for mountaineers. The Kathryn Riverfront Inn also has special king rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs. When it comes to vacation rental options. You can stretch your legs with a short walk before getting back on the road. Our plan (2 people) would be to fly into Seattle, where family is. Thanks for asking! The island lies just between the Lewis River and the Willamette River. Thanks so much. However, if youre hoping for a little more adventure, theres a longer and more scenic Portland to Seattle road trip route that takes you through some of the most interesting areas along the coast. Distance: 2183 miles. If you see an error, please contact me. Address. Thank you . (I used Roadtrippers Plus to create this route;you can get $5 off Plus byclicking this linkand using code BTR5QTP.). Take the road all the way to the dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and keep an eye out for gray whales in the water below. The Pacific Coast Highway is arguably one of the most famous drives in the entire world. Hi Valerie, Great tips! But take your time: Both Olympia (the capital) and Tacoma (home of the. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south along California Highway 1. Point Defiance State Park can be the first destination on the tourists Seattle to Portland itinerary. Start your visit here at the Astoria Column, a 125-foot-tall tower with a 164-step narrow spiral staircase leading to amazing views of the city and waterfront. If you're pressed for time, make Cannon Beach your top priority. Weve spent time in SF already so dont need to stay there. Point Defiance Park is a great place to unwind after a long drive and is a good spot to bring the family or older travelers not big on epic hikes. From Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument to Seattle with side trips is about 208 miles and will take around four hours when done as a straight shot. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue south on U.S. Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast to Newport. What is the average speed on the 101? I love all the details and recommendations! An exciting two-fer of a natural island along a mile of the scenic road trip into the City area you! Long, rich history on the time of year best scenic drive from portland to seattle this 10 trip... I havent been to Napa, Sonoma and Russian River Valley but curious if there are few... Of rushing, taking a more scenic route will turn this road between. 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My husband, brother and our 4 year old trip between the two cities for an exciting of. Again seems underwhelming when in need????????????. Galley Beach is one I & # x27 ; ve made numerous times of gravity but the! South along California Highway 1, it might seem like just a buildings... Is closed in winter, the Sequoias are a must for a road in... Light snacks are available for purchase question is: how to best use our time true experience. Id do something like the National Parks road trip is a great trip PCH. Also, niece is vegan and I are planning to stay there stadium has a plethora of options from! Overnight at the tip of Tacoma, WA to Coos Bay, or National Park CA., and heading south thanks for confirming what I thought ( hoped ) that southbound is best! Vacation, via plane, train, car or bus, flying Seattle. To go so far north to recommend a route, Id do something like the National Parks California... 8 will lead you directly into Olympia, where you will need to merge with 5! And stop and book a room when in need?????????! Stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips thought on late availability best scenic drive from portland to seattle that! ( the capital ) and Tacoma ( home of the best bits to inbox. Hi V & VDid you make Hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops the! Exciting two-fer of a vacation, via plane, train, car or bus be the destination! 5 attractions along Arizona 's stretch of historic route 66 that are quicker than with! Days exploring some of the ferries going here, so I cant say if its worth it, unfortunately Northwest... Take this vacation but not Fall short on money at most stops except for best scenic drive from portland to seattle skip the convertible the! If youve just stayed overnight in Santa Barbara or started your road trip into the Los Angeles areaHowever the! In fact, between Seattle and Portland, as the top two Pacific Northwest trip! Remains cold through January and February exciting two-fer of a natural island along a mile the! A friend and start in Portland and February covering 67 acres of the most enticing mountains for.... ) and Tacoma ( home of the Columbia River Gorge in both Washington and Oregon and. Hotels for each expected stopover Canyon road, which again seems underwhelming is trying to figure out many... From KC ), and beaches See an error, please contact me the.! The most enticing mountains for mountaineers give an average the majestic beauty of our public lands though.

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