10 Essential Stops on Your Pacific Northwest Road Trip

 

The Pacific Northwest: the region that reminds us why the U.S. is dubbed “America the Beautiful.” Stretching from Northern California to the tip of Washington, there’s an overwhelming amount of beautiful stops you could make on your road trip through the Pacific Northwest. While we can’t think of any skippable sights, we have rounded up a few of our essentials—from well-known national parks to beaches less traveled.

 

We recommend starting your journey in San Francisco. Not only is there a convenient airport and plenty of rental car options, it’s a great introduction to the coastal northwest. While you’re here, enjoy a self-guided food tour through Chinatown, or make a reservation at one of our favorite restaurants in San Francisco. You won’t stop in a bigger city again until Portland, so make sure you’ve stocked up on all you need for an adventurous road trip!

 

Let yourself be amazed by the majesty of the Redwood National Forest. There’s something humbling about taking a quiet walk through these towering trees and learning their history along the way. While you’re here, soak in the unique plant life that has made Redwood National Forest known world-wide, including the world’s tallest tree. This stop is also a great way to enjoy the California coastline, so don’t hesitate to stop along the way to stretch your legs in the sand.

 

Welcome to Oregon! Now that you’re inland, it’s time to hike to waterfalls and catch live music at open-air theaters. Deschutes National Forest is filled with natural wonder, while Newberry National Volcanic Monument is one of the most unique sites in the state. If you visit Bend in the wintertime, you might want to spend a day skiing. The warmer months are perfect for fly-fishing and kayaking, and you can walk or bike through scenic trails year-round.

 

Mt. Hood National Forest offers over one million (!) acres of pristine Pacific Northwest magic. Mt. Hood is the tallest peak in Oregon, and also an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted since 1862. This area offers year-round outdoor bliss, from daylight hikes to night skiing at Mt. Hood Skibowl. It’s also home to the North American Bigfoot Center, so you never know who—or what—you might meet on the trails.

 

It’s one of our favorite quirky cities in the country. Since you’ve been on the road for a few days, you might want to cash in on one of the high-end boutique hotels Portland has to offer. Our favorites are The Nines, Hotel Lucia, and The Hoxton. While you’re in town, have breakfast at Pine State Biscuits, catch a live show at The Waypost, and watch the sunset from up high at Pittock Mansion.

 

The Oregon coast is one of the most underrated and beautiful places in the world. Take a stroll down Cannon Beach at golden hour and don’t be surprised if you spot puffin out on Haystack Rock. Check some of the local state parks, like Ecola and Grassy Dunes, for whale watching opportunities in March and December.

 

Your first stop in Washington is Mt. Rainier National Park. Mt. Rainier is so grand, you can see the snow-capped peak from Seattle, three hours away. Take a hike through the park to enjoy fields of wildflowers and many glistening rivers and lakes. Some trails require permits, especially the more strenuous hikes, so be sure to do your research if you’re hoping for some serious summiting.

 

It’s hard not to be hushed into reverent silence by the Hoh rainforest. We love Olympic National Park because of its versatility—you can enjoy coastal and mountain views alike while making your way through this forest of natural wonders. It’s a great place to enjoy the water, too. Consider renting a boat or a couple of paddle boards when the weather is nice.

 

Add this to your list for a unique stop on your Pacific Northwest road trip. You might recognize this beach—and neighboring city, Forks—from a popular book and movie franchise, but the real-life beauty of the Quileute reservation is worth seeing for yourself. While this is one of the more rustic stops on the list, we think you’ll appreciate the untouched sands and quiet cliffsides.

 

While of course this is up for debate, some argue that North Cascades is the most beautiful—and most underrated—national park in Washington. There are miles and miles of hiking trails and plenty of glaciated peaks, but the standout features of North Cascades are the lakes. You won’t believe the crystal blue waters waiting for summertime swimmers. Yes, the snowmelt water will be cold, but it’ll be worth it after your long trip of rugged walks and incredible views.

 

Welcome to your last stop! Before your flight home, set aside a couple of days to enjoy Seattle. Skip the Space Needle and admire the skyline from Kerry Park instead. We recommend finishing this road trip the way you started it in Seattle—with a robust food tour. Seattle is known for its diverse dining scene, so take a walk through Pike Place Market and then follow your nose through the rest of the city. Capitol Hill is one of our favorite neighborhoods for bar hopping and people watching, and in a city famous for coffee, be sure to enjoy a cup or two.