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Roadtrip Map – Taylor’s Oregon Trail

Taylor’s Oregon Trail Map on Google   – From Dallas, TX to Dexter, OR

Below is the map of my journey from Texas to Oregon over a 5 day drive. I also included the city stops, driving distances and travel times for each leg of my trip underneath the map.

Destinations on my roadtrip:  [Not including stop times]

Leg A-B: Frisco, TX to Salina, KS 6 h 39 min  ( 438.1 mi )

Leg B-C: Salina, KS to Denver, CO 5 h 58 min  ( 434.7 mi )

Leg C-D: Denver, CO to Salt Lake City, UT 7 h 47 min  ( 520.7 mi )

Leg D-E: Salt Lake City, UT to Burns, OR 7 h 32 min  ( 523.8 mi )

Leg E-F: Burns, OR to Dexter, OR 4 h 17 min  ( 246.7 mi )

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The Complete Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (50 Stops & 4 Unique Routes!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary According To A PNW Local

Oregon. That magical spot in the corner of the United States where roaring waterfalls, epic coastlines, and mysteries in the forest all thrive next to each other. 

It’s an incredible place that requires the guidance of PNW experts (that’s us!) to divulge all the best stops in the state. We’ve been exploring Oregon for years , so you can count on us to provide well-rounded tips to give you the best experience!

In this post, we’re sharing the most epic Oregon road trip route , including our favorite stops and custom trips of 2-weeks, 10-days, and 1-week to cater to your specific needs. Scroll all the way to the bottom to find a free Oregon road trip itinerary download , too!

Okay, enough talking, let’s get exploring!

The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (Exactly Where To Find The Best Spots!)

First of all, where is oregon.

Oregon is located in a region called the Pacific Northwest , which is located in the northwest corner of the contiguous United States.

Fixed between its northern neighbor, Washington , and its southern neighbor, Northern California , Oregon is a unique mix of giant redwood trees, raging waterfalls, high desert, and beautiful coastal wilderness.

It’s got a little bit of everything , which is why taking an Oregon road trip will probably be the most incredible thing you will do this year!

Here’s a little bit about Oregon to start…

Oregon is broken down into seven distinct regions, each with its own unique spin on Oregon culture and iconic destinations . Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect from each:

• The Oregon Coast: 363 miles of accessible beaches, historic lighthouses, sea stacks, and gorgeous little Oregon beach towns . 
• Central Oregon: A High Desert escape including popular spots like Sisters, Bend, and Smith Rock State Park . 
• Eastern Oregon : Lonely vast desert with incredible geological features scattered across the area. Known for the Alvord Desert, Pendleton, and the Painted Hills. 
• Portland Region: The urban center for creatives, makers, and foodies. Known for its epic food culture, bridges, and accessibility to nature.
• Mt. Hood & The Columbia River Gorge: Home to the highest mountain in Oregon (Mt Hood), and some of the most famous Oregon waterfalls like Multnomah Falls. 
• Southern Oregon: Home to Crater Lake National Park, this region also boasts adventurous caves, gorgeous forests, and hidden hot springs (Umpqua Hot Springs). 
• The Willamette Valley: Known for its amazing wine, tulips, and orchards, this farming community is a hub for a perfect weekend getaway.

Great…So Where Do I Start My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest place to start your Oregon road trip is in Portland . This is the biggest city, where you will find the most options for car rentals, flights into the state ( Portland International Airport – PDX ), and stores to pick up any last-minute supplies.

Our Oregon road trip itinerary has you starting in Portland and heading east, but you can always fit the route to suit your own needs and desires! Keep scrolling to see all the stops so you can make your decision.

How Do I Get Around On My Oregon Road Trip?

The easiest way to get around on an Oregon trip is to drive in a car . It’s unreasonable to believe that you can fly from place to place. The biggest major airport is in Portland (PDX) and the rest are smaller local airports.

It’s easiest to get around Oregon in a car , and we highly suggest this mode of transportation! If you are hoping to do some camping along the way, we recommend checking out the company Outdoorsy to rent a campervan . It’s like having your transportation AND accommodations all in one place.

Outdoorsy does local recreational vehicle rentals (kind of like Airbnb but for cars!) so you can travel around Oregon in style with a cool vintage VW bus or cute teardrop trailer!

Where Do I Stay During My Oregon Road Trip?

The good thing about Oregon road trips is that they are completely customizable! You can stay at some of the coolest lodges and hotels in Oregon, explore backcountry roads for camping, or do a little mix of both!

Finding Epic Campsites in Oregon: There are so many amazing campsites in Oregon that the topic requires its own blog post! However, one of our most coveted tools for finding the best camping spots is through The Dyrt . The Dyrt is a campground finding app , and one of the best ones we’ve used! It’s got great reviews with photos, offline maps, road trip routing tools, and more! Our readers get to try it free for 30-days by using our code Mandagies !

Our favorite lodges & resorts in Oregon: Some amazing accommodations stand out among the others, and we think that some of these places deserve their own recognition! Here are some of our favorite lodges in Oregon that we recommend checking out!

FivePine Lodge – Sisters, OR (Central) Bay Point Landing – Coos Bay, OR (Southern Coast) Headlands Lodge – Pacific City, OR (Northern Coast) The Independence Hotel – Willamette Valley (Northwest/Central ORegon)

The Mega Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (All The Best Stop In Oregon)

This two week Oregon road trip will bring you to all the best spots!

Stop 1: Portland, Oregon

Before departing the city, spend some time visiting Portland’s coolest locations! Some of the most popular outdoor places to visit in the city include the Portland Rose Garden, Washington Park, the Pittock Mansion (with its view of the city!), and Forest Park.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the several food truck communities around town. Click here to locate all the food truck pods around Portland!

From here, make sure to stock up with snacks at your favorite grocery store, fill up with gas, and hit the road!

Stop 2: Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

Begin your Oregon road trip in Portland and head to Interstate 84 East to start your Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive . This is a great start to any Oregon road trip itinerary for its iconic stops like Multnomah Falls, Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

If you want to go hiking in this area, consider Wahclella Falls Trail (only 1.9-miles long) or Munra Point Trail for incredible panoramic views.

To spend more time checking out cool waterfalls in Oregon , consider taking the Historic Columbia River Highway (that parallels I-84), which provides easy access to many of them. Don’t forget to drive a little farther than Hood River to check out Rowena Crest , that famous hairpin road!

Note: The Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 devastated much of this area, and hikes/waterfall trails are slowly opening after restoration efforts. Click here to be updated on real-time trail openings in the Columbia River Gorge . 

Extra Stops Between Portland and Hood River:

• Vista House – A museum, observatory, and rest stop
• Bridge of the Gods – Many of the Pacific Crest Trail Hikers cross here!
• Beacon Rock State Park (on the Washington side)
• More than 25 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to see!

Stop 3: Hood River, Oregon

Hood River, Oregon is the perfect place to stay after a day of planning fun things to do in the Columbia River Gorge ! Placed conveniently on the river’s edge, there is easy access to Mount Hood directly south, water activities like windsurfing , and Washington waterfalls right across the river in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest to the north.

If you want a little more adventure, consider crossing the toll bridge ($2) to Washington and venturing on nearby trails to Falls Creek Falls , Panther Creek Falls, or Lower Lewis Falls.

Cool Places To Stay in Hood River, Oregon

Modern Townhome in White Salmon, WA (just across the river) MtAdamsView in Hood River (TONS of gorge and mountain views, sleeps 6) Best Western Plus in Hood River (great value, free breakfast)

Stop 4: Mount Hood

Route your Oregon road trip from the river’s edge to the mountains, more specifically to all the cool things to do in Mount Hood !

Watch a sunrise at  Trillium Lake – one of the easiest lakes to reach on Mount Hood. On a clear day, you will be able to see the reflection of the picturesque Mount Hood beautifully framed in the distance! Other Mount Hood lakes include Frog Lake,  Lost Lake,  and  Mirror Lake –  each with their own unique reflection of the mountain. 

If you are interested in discovering some cool hiking trails around Mout Hood, consider  Ramona Falls trail. This gorgeous horsetail falls is hidden deep in the forest, but the payoff is huge once you see it with your own eyes. Care for a short waterfall hike for your Portland day trip? Consider  Tamanawas Falls , an easy 3.3-mile trail with a gorgeous view!

Want to challenge yourself? Here are some other longer hikes in the Mount Hood area.

• Tom Dick and Harry  (9 miles out and back)
• Bald Mountain  (6 miles out and back)
• McNeil Point Trail  (9.6 miles out and back)

Stop 5: The Painted Hills

After stopping at Mount Hood (overnight or just for a day trip) take the 3.5-hour drive from Mount Hood to the Painted Hills to catch a gorgeous sunset in the Oregon desert. 

The Painted Hills gets its name from the exposed layers of colorful soil that are revealed in the rolling hills of the John Day Fossil Beds . Make sure to stay on the boardwalks as you explore the Painted Hills. The hills are extremely fragile!

In the morning, return to the John Day Fossil Bed units and see the Painted Hills as the sun rises! This is a gorgeous time of day in the hills, and you’ll likely get it all to yourself in the early hours of the morning. 

Need a place to sleep? Consider these nearby campgrounds (or click here to discover FREE campsites nearby too! )

Stop 6: Smith Rock State Park

From the Painted Hills through the Ochoco National Forest , take the 1.5-hour drive to Smith Rock State Park . Smith Rock is a hub for climbers , but there are several other things to do here, including hiking, biking, and taking photos!

To stretch your legs on this Oregon road trip, take the short but *very* steep Misery Ridge Trail . This 0.68-mile trail climbs 600 feet giving even the most experienced hiker a run for their money! The views at the top are worth it though, especially during sunrise or sunset!

Stop 7: Bend, Oregon

The city of Bend is an excellent stop on any good Oregon road trip! It’s an outdoor-loving town that connects Western Oregon and Eastern Oregon, making it a great pit stop to pick up last-minute gear, groceries, and maybe even tune ups for your car.

For a little relaxation from the road, grab a beer in town at any of the iconic stops on the Bend Ale Trail . If you are visiting in the summertime, floating the Deschutes River is a popular activity on a hot day. Make sure to bring your PFDs, water sandals, and a garbage bag!

In the morning, grab breakfast in Bend at The Sparrow Bakery, (their ocean rolls are famous!), and some to-go coffee at Spoken Moto and make some fun stops around Bend on your way south. Lava Island Falls and Lava River Cave are both easy and accessible places to see along your Oregon road trip route going out of town.

More adventures near Bend, Oregon

• Hiking to Tumalo Falls (6.5 miles out-and-back)
• Go backpacking in the Three Sisters Wilderness
• Take a road trip detour on the Cascades Lake Highway

Read More: How to Spend 4 Days In Bend, Oregon

Oregon Road Trip Bonus Route – Eastern Oregon!

Psst…want to spend a lot more time in Eastern Oregon? Check out our Eastern Oregon Road Trip route right here !

From Bend, you have the option of extending your Oregon Road trip going east , or continue south and west towards the coast! Either option is great, it really just depends on how much time you have.

Stop 8: Oregon Waterfalls

The drive from Bend to Crater Lake National Park is pretty short, about 1.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to make some fun stops along the way , most notably, to waterfalls in Oregon !

For longer Oregon waterfall hikes, make your way west on Highway 58 for a fun hike at Salt Creek Falls and Diamond Creek Falls . Continue your drive south and divert north on Highway 138 for a stop at Watson Falls before making your way to the Crater Lake North Entrance. 

More Oregon Waterfalls Near The Area:

• Proxy Falls (Highway 242 – North of Bend)
• Chush Falls (Near Sisters, Oregon)
• Dillon Falls
• Benham Falls

Stop 9: Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most iconic stops on an Oregon road trip, and the ONLY national park stop in the state. Spend sunset capturing the iconic Wizard Island on Crater Lake, and top it off by spending the night at the historic Crater Lake Lodge .

In the morning, spend an entire day hiking around Crater Lake on Watchman Peak Trail, Cleetwood Cove Trail, or Cloudcap Overlook.

At Crater Lake , you can spend the morning driving the Rim Drive , which takes about 2 hours to go all the way around. Hike to Plaikni Falls in the afternoon and in the evening watch the sunset at Garfield Peak or Sinnott Memorial Observation Station.

Bonus Oregon Road Trip Stop: Oregon Hot Springs

Now, this is the part of your road trip route in Oregon where you can choose where you’d like to spend your time! You can opt to continue driving east to explore some of the famous Eastern Oregon hot springs . 

If you decided to check out some hot springs in Oregon , we highly suggest booking an overnight stay (Summer Lakes Hot Springs and Crystal Crane have lodging available!) or bringing your camping gear to find some free camping nearby . 

Here are some Oregon hot springs you should be checking out on this leg of your Oregon road trip itinerary:

• Crystal Crane Hot Springs – Hot spring pond and private soaking tubs
• Summer Lakes Hot Springs – Communal bathhouse
• Hart Mountain Hot Springs – Structured underground pool and open springs, both natural
• Have an extra day? Drive farther east and check out Alvord Hot Springs , and Willow Creek Hot Springs !

Stop 10: Umpqua National Forest

Another iconic destination on your Oregon road trip is an adventure in Umpqua National Forest . You’ve probably seen pictures of those cliffside hot springs pools, or the rushing waterfall flanked by towering basalt cliffs. Well, these places are Umpqua Hot Springs and Toketee Falls !

Both places are easy to reach, each with a short hike to the final destination. Come with a national forest pass to hang in your car’s rearview mirror. You can pick one up at the Diamond Lake Ranger Station nearby if you need one. See the difference between Pacific Northwest forest passes here to find the correct one.

Leave No Trace Notes: Umpqua Hot Springs is notorious for garbage . Please pack out your trash, and consider taking other garbage with you, too. Hiking to the base of Toketee Falls is prohibited , no matter how many pictures you see of people doing so. It is possible to get cited for climbing down to the bottom, so don’t risk it!

Stop 11: Southern Oregon Coast

Finally, the first ocean stop on your Oregon road trip!

The Southern Oregon Coast is arguably the most beautiful area of an Oregon road trip. If you love seaside cliffs, hidden coves, and gorgeous beaches, this is the place for you!

Spend some time exploring the 12 miles of protected coastline at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor . This part of your road trip in Oregon will take an entire day, between stops, viewpoints, and even a hike to a place called Secret Beach .

Finally, end your day in Gold Beach for the evening. Here, you can find tons of amenities, hotels, and beach rentals for a quiet and relaxing evening. Make sure to stop at our favorite beach, Myers Creek Beach to enjoy a beautiful Oregon coast picnic to end the day!

Read More: The 25 best beaches in Oregon (From North to South!)

Stop 12: Central Oregon Coast

Central Oregon is full of adventurous destinations and unique curiosities. If you like thrills, try renting an ATV to ride across the Oregon Dunes, stretching 40 miles across the coastline.

You can also check out incredible places like Cape Perpetua , which is filled with churning coves, sea spouts, and lots of tide pools along the Oregon Coast .

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area is another great place to explore, with a giant sea cave and surfing opportunities!

In the evening, splurge to go glamping and one of Coos Bay’s coolest spots – Bay Point Landing ! This luxury camping resort has plenty of pull-in sites for RVs and trailers. You can also rent a standalone cabin , airstream , or renovated RV of your own to enjoy upscale camping. The grounds have amenities like a pool, lounge room, upscale bathrooms, and a cute camp store.

Stop 13: Eugene, Oregon

If you wanted to go inland to explore the Cascade Mountains, this is the part of your Oregon road trip to make that decision! Drive away from the Oregon coast to go inland to Eugene, Oregon, and explore this upbeat college town.

But before leaving the coast, consider stopping by Heceta Head Lighthouse and Cape Perpetua for one last adventure by the water. The lighthouse can be seen up close with a short hike, which is incredible at sunrise and sunset!

Cape Perpetua is best explored during low tide, where you can access the many tide pools and curiosities that dot the shore. If you do come during high tide, don’t fret! You can see the waves push up through Thor’s Well for a dramatic display, and the Devil’s Churn to watch the waves crash around this small cove. 

Stop 14: Willamette National Forest

Heading inland from Eugene, there are a ton of beautiful places to see in the Willamette National Forest . The first stop is Terwilliger Hot Springs (often called Cougar Hot Springs) for a lovely natural soak. Keep driving to choose a waterfall adventure – Proxy Falls , Sahalie and Koosah Falls , The Blue Pool , and Tamolitch Falls .

You’ll want to spend at least a full day in this area (or even go camping overnight!) because the trails here are packed with adventure! Keep driving on Highway 126 as it continues on Highway 22 north to Silver Falls State Park and Salem, Oregon to continue on your epic Oregon road trip.

Stop 15: Salem and The Willamette Valley

If you like good food, you’re going to love this stop on your Oregon road trip. The Willamette Valley is full of wineries, farms, and beautiful vineyards! There are lots of options to enjoy farm-to-table dinners, wine tastings, and all-day experiences. Consider staying nearby at the Independence Hotel .

For a little adventure, head to Silver Falls State Park where you can hike the Trail of Ten Falls . This Oregon hike is exactly what its name entails – ten beautiful falls in an 8.7-mile trail. Come enjoy this condensed version of many iconic Oregon waterfalls all in one place!

Stop 16: Northern Oregon Coast

Refueling in Salem, it’s time to get back to the coast! The final stops on your Oregon road trip include classic North Oregon Coast stops and beautiful Oregon beach towns , hikes, and plenty of dreamy overlooks.

Beginning in Cape Kiwanda , spend the day hiking up the sand dunes to watch the dory boats dock onshore and paragliders sail down to the beach. Make sure to stop and eat lunch at Pelican Brewing . They have incredible beer and pub food, with an outdoor patio overlooking Pacific City’s own Haystack Rock.

Continuing north to another iconic “Haystack Rock” (arguably the most popular one too) Cannon Beach is the best place to grab a coffee and take a walk along the beach. During low tide, you can get close to the rock and spot puffins in their natural habitat!

If you want a little more adventure in your day, drive up to Ecola State Park to hike Crescent Beach Trail , the trail to Indian Sands, or Tillamook Rock Lighthouse Viewpoint. These lush Oregon Coast hikes are sure to leave you breathless!

Stay either at the Headlands Lodge in Pacific City , Oregon Coast Modern Cabin in Manzanita , or affordable hotels in Cannon Beach !

Stop 17: Finish Your Oregon Road Trip Back to Portland, Oregon 

On your way back to Portland to finish your Oregon road trip, you can take the short way on Highway 26, or the long way through Astoria, Oregon, and heading back to the city on Highway 30.

The detour through Astoria won’t disappoint! Filled with great restaurants, antique and vintage shops, and lots of history, it’s a perfect final stop on the Oregon coast road trip section of your drive.

For outdoorsy activities, stop by Fort Steven’s State Park to check out the historic military installation, as well as the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck . For hiking, stay close to town and check out the Cathedral Tree Trail and the Astoria Column .

And you’ve done it! You’ve completed the coolest Oregon road trip to see all the best highlights, hikes, and iconic locations in the state.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary Examples

Below, we’re sharing some Oregon road trip itinerary examples to help you customize it exactly to fit your needs. For even more resources, we created this road trip itinerary in Oregon to print out and take on your journey!

(We’re running some email maintenance – this download will be back soon!)

Two Week Oregon Road Trip

See the detailed breakdown of our two-week Oregon road trip itinerary above!

10 Day Oregon Road Trip

You can see a lot with 10 days in Oregon! This route is a compressed version of our two-week road trip, with just a little less time in each spot but plenty of stops for an epic and interesting route!

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Umpqua National Forest
• Day 5: Umpqua National Forest to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 6: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 7: Coos Bay to Eugene, Oregon
• Day 8: Eugene, Oregon to Salem, Oregon
• Day 9: Salem, Oregon to Cannon Beach
• Day 10: Cannon Beach to Portland, Oregon

One Week Oregon Road Trip

One week for an Oregon road trip will introduce you to Oregon’s vast and diverse landscape! From Crater Lake to Bend, Coos Bay to Cannon Beach, this route will bring you to some of the best of Oregon photography locations. 

• Day 1: Portland to Hood River
• Day 2: Hood River to Bend, Oregon
• Day 3: Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park
• Day 4: Crater Lake to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 5: Samuel H. Boardman to Coos Bay
• Day 6: Coos Bay to Cannon Beach
• Day 7: Cannon Beach to Portland, OR

5 Day Oregon Road Trip

With 5 days in Oregon, you can see the highlights! This quick trip averages about 3-4 hours of driving per day, and takes you through mountains, by waterfalls, and meets up with some of the most scenic views along the Oregon Coast.

• Day 1: Portland to Bend
• Day 2: Bend to Eugene
• Day 3: Eugene to Samuel H. Boardman
• Day 4: Samuel H. Boardman to Yachats
• Day 5: Yachats to Portland

Have you ever experienced an Oregon road trip? What Oregon itinerary is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!

Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.

I’m really glad you liked our Oregon road trip route! I hope you et a change to travel across this beautiful state!

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Texas To Oregon Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Texas to Oregon is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA . The 1,699 miles of a road trip from Texas to Oregon takes around one day and 2 hours of driving without stops.

This article includes 21 top tips that turn your Texas to Oregon drive into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Texas to Oregon, take your coffee and keep reading!

Table of Contents

7 Best Hotels On The Road Trip From Texas To Oregon

On the way from Texas to Oregon, you may want to stay at some points on the way. Here are the top seven hotels on the Texas – Oregon route!

• Cotton Court Hotel: Cotton Court Hotel is one of the best hotels where you can stay on a road trip from Texas to Oregon. Driving from Texas to Cotton Court Hotel might take around 2 hours and 44 mins . The rooms and suites at this hotel are designed to give guests their oasis in the city. Guests can take advantage of the business center, work at the gym, or relax in the bar. Check the Cotton Court Hotel, one of the best hotels in Lubbock, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
• Sandia Peak Inn: Another top hotel where you can choose the stay on the road trip to Oregon from Texas is Sandia Peak Inn. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the hotel is 500 miles away from Texas, and it would take 7 hours and 46 mins to drive. The Sandia Peak Inn offers a variety of amenities to make your stay more comfortable, including clean and well-decorated rooms with a Southwest flair, an expanded hot breakfast with fresh fruit, waffles, boiled eggs, pastries, and more. The inn also features a heated indoor pool and free WiFi. In addition, the staff takes pride in providing excellent service and adding a personal touch to every guest’s experience. If you want to learn more about the Sandia Peak Inn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com .
• River Terrace Inn: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the River Terrace Inn. River Terrace Inn is located in Green River, Utah, and it’s 1,600 miles away from Texas. You can arrive there in 23 hours and 55 mins of non-stop driving. The hotel offers quality lodging at affordable prices, with beautiful rooms and a shaded sitting area outside, a hot tub, and a gorgeous pool. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of River Terrace Inn for more information.
• Best Western Plus Abbey Inn: If you are taking the road trip from Texas to Oregon, Salt Lake City, Utah, is must have a place you should visit. Best Western Plus Abbey Inn is one of the best hotels in town. It is Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, 1,024 miles from Texas, and it would take 16 hours and 13 mins to drive. For business travelers, all guest rooms come with a spacious work desk and free internet access to stay productive while away from the office. There’s also an in-house fitness room so that you can keep up your workout routine while on the road. If you need more info about the price and availability of Best Western Plus Abbey Inn, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
• Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites: Our next hotel is Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites, Jerome, Idaho. It will take 20 hours, and 13 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Texas. The hotel offers a clean and comfortable stay for travelers. You can expect a restful and productive stay with a focus on cleanliness and value. Check the Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites for reviews, prices, and availability.
• Best Western Inn & Suites, Oregon: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Texas to Oregon is Best Western Inn & Suites, Oregon. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Ontario, Oregon, within 22 hours and 35 mins drive from Texas. The hotel provides complimentary internet access for guest convenience. Guests can check emails and surf the web from their rooms or the business center. The hotel also serves a complimentary hot breakfast and freshly baked cookies each evening. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com .
• Americas Best Value Inn Burns: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is America’s Best Value Inn Burns. It’s located in Burns, Oregon, and is 1,614 miles from Texas. You can arrive there within one day 1 hour of car drive. The motel offers ideal accommodations and location whether you are in town for sightseeing, vacation, business, or simply passing through on your way to Eugene or Boise. Guests can relax in the motel’s jacuzzi. A grab-and-go breakfast is provided every morning. You can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of America’s Best Value Inn Burns if you need further information.

In this part, we explained seven different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Texas to Oregon. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take some Texas to Oregon routes.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Texas to Oregon. We have seven restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

7 Best Restaurants On Texas To Oregon Road Trip

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Texas to Oregon road trip. In this section, we list the seven different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Texas to Oregon. Stay hungry and enjoy!

• La Diosa Cellars: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Texas to Oregon with La Diosa Cellars. La Diosa Cellars is located in Lubbock, Texas, 174 miles from Texas. It would take 2 hours and 42 mins of driving. At La Diosa Cellars, you can enjoy a classic gazpacho, imported cheeses, or any of their inspired cuisines with carefully chosen artisan wine from around the globe. You can also enjoy an evening of plush chairs, warm lighting, and eclectic music. So whether you join us for a light lunch, a drink with friends, or the whole dining experience, La Diosa Cellars will keep you coming back! For more information about La Diosa Cellars, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of La Diosa Cellars.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to Oregon from Texas is Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque. Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, is 499 miles from Texas and would take 7 hours and 41 mins of driving. Convivial chain serving up hearty portions of New Orleans-style seafood, steaks, salads & more. If you want to learn more about Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Tamarisk Restaurant: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Tamarisk Restaurant. It will take 14 hours and 18 mins of car drive to take 908 miles from Texas to Tamarisk Restaurant, Green River, Utah. The restaurant is located on the Green River, allowing guests to have a front-row seat to watch the river flow. The menu features innovative and delicious choices that are prepared fresh and served efficiently. For more information, check Tamarisk Restaurant on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Log Haven: Log Haven deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Salt Lake City, Utah. Log Haven is a historic log mansion located in the Wasatch National Forest, minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. The restaurant is acclaimed for its romantic setting and fine cuisine and offers various special event services, including corporate dinners, retreats, luncheons, wedding ceremonies, and receptions. Log Haven is 1,094 miles from Texas, and it would take 17 hours and 17 minutes of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Log Haven, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Mountain View Barn: If you enjoy dining, Mountain View Barn would be an excellent choice in Jerome, Idaho. It’s 1,309 miles from Texas and would take 20 hours and 13 mins of car driving. The barn is also home to our Specialty Shops. Here you can find gifts, home décor, apparel, and vintage and antique items. Men can find those hard-to-find gifts for their wives, and children can delight in the historic barn, whether reading in the book nook or playing under the large trees on the lawn. If you want to learn more about the Mountain View Barn, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .
• Romio’s Pizza & Pasta: Another restaurant we recommend you visit on the road trip from Texas to Oregon is Romio’s Pizza & Pasta, Ontario, Oregon. It will take one day and 6 hours of driving to reach Romio’s Pizza & Pasta from Texas. So when you’re in the mood for pizza, pasta, or sandwiches, there’s no better place to go than Romio’s Pizza and Pasta. They use high-quality ingredients to make sure you have a great experience every time. For more information about Romio’s Pizza & Pasta, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
• The Pine Room: Ranked seventh on our list, The Pine Room appeals to those who want to turn their Oregon vacation into a memorable experience. Located in Burns, Oregon, 1,063 miles from Texas, it’ll take 16 hours and 19 mins of driving. This restaurant is a great place to go for a burger and beer. The food is good, and the service is excellent. Unfortunately, the main menu items are not available after 9:00 pm. If you want to learn more about The Pine Room, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps .

This section lists our seven restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Texas to Oregon. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,699 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning an Oregon road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Texas to Oregon. Keep reading.

7 Places To Visit On Texas To Oregon Drive

A unique experience awaits you in Oregon. However, some unique destinations, like Lubbock, Texas, are on your road trip. Therefore, we want to explain the top seven destinations we recommend on the Oregon route.

• The Buddy Holly Center: The Buddy Holly Center will be the first destination we recommend you stop on your Texas to Oregon road trip. Located in Lubbock, Texas, The Buddy Holly Center is 174 miles away from Texas, and it would take 2 hours and 41 mins to drive. The world-famous Buddy Holly Statue is located in Lubbock, Texas. The statue was created by sculptor Grant Speed and installed in September 2012. The 22-foot-tall bronze statue captures Holly in mid-strum, standing on a stack of 45-rpm records. The records are inscribed with the names of the songs that made him famous. If you want to learn more about The Buddy Holly Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, is one of the destinations we recommend you stop by on Texas to Oregon route. It’s 497 miles from Texas, and it’ll take about 7 hours and 40 mins of driving. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is a museum and cultural center created to be a place where Pueblo people can tell their stories. The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the only place in North America to host traditional Native American dances every weekend year-round and also offers a schedule of cultural and community activities, including rotating museum exhibits, events with Native American artists, hands-on children’s programs & art festivals. If you want to learn more about Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website .
• Goblin Valley State Park: Green River, Utah is one of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Texas to Oregon. And if you visit Green River, Utah, we suggest you visit Goblin Valley, State Park. You can arrive at Goblin Valley State Park after 15 hours of driving. Goblin Valley State Park is a remarkable example of geologic history. Exposed cliffs reveal parallel layers of rock bared by erosion. Because of the uneven hardness of sandstone, some patches resist erosion much better than others. Wind and water remove the softer material, leaving thousands of unique, geologic goblins. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Goblin Valley State Park for more information.
• Temple Square: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah, on Texas to Oregon road trip. Temple Square is 1,092 miles from Texas, and you can arrive there after 17 hours and 14 mins of driving. The Temple Square is the iconic worship space for the worldwide Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. The square is dominated by a magnificent six-spired temple and is the symbolic heart of the church. Enjoy beautiful gardens, majestic architecture, and the peace and reverence of this space. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of Temple Square before going there.
• Shoshone Falls: Located in Jerome, Idaho, Shoshone Falls ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the road trip from Texas to Oregon. You must take 20 hours and 16 mins of driving to arrive at Shoshone Falls. If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural wonder, consider detouring to Shoshone Falls. This waterfall, often compared to Niagara Falls, is located within a city park with no admission fee. Several viewing stations around the falls are perfect for capturing that unforgettable photo. If you want to learn more about Shoshone Falls, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website .
• Koenig Distillery and Winery: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Texas to Oregon is Koenig Distillery and Winery, Ontario, Oregon. Koenig Distillery and Winery is 1,458 miles from Texas, and it would take 22 hours and 23 mins to drive. Koenig is one of the bigger tasting rooms in this area, but you never feel like you are lost in the crowd here! It’s a great place to meet up with a friend and enjoy a bottle on the terrace! Don’t forget to bring a picnic and play the giant chess game! You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about Koenig Distillery and Winery .
• The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon: You can visit many destinations on your Texas to Oregon journey. One of these destinations is The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon, located in Burns, Oregon. You can arrive at The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon, after one day and 2 hours of driving. History buffs will find a wealth of exhibits to pore at the local history museum, which spans two floors and covers a wide range of topics, including native culture, pioneer days, minerals, and the forest products industry. The docent on duty is always happy to answer any questions. Suppose you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon. In that case, you can visit The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon’s TripAdvisor page , or their website .

FAQ of the Road Trip From Texas to Oregon

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about Texas to Oregon drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Texas To Oregon?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, Texas to Oregon road trip takes approximately one day and 2 hours to drive. Therefore, the driving distance between Texas to Oregon is 1,699 miles.
• If you want to make Texas to Oregon road trip by bike , the time you spend on the road will be five days and 22 hours .
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Texas-Oregon route, you will have to walk for 22 days and 22 hours .

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Texas To Oregon?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to Oregon. You can visit Lubbock, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Green River, Utah; Salt Lake City, Utah; Jerome, Idaho; Ontario, Oregon; Burns, Oregon, on the road. Here we list seven places to visit for you. For more information about the best places on Texas to Oregon journey, you can check the 7 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To Oregon part.

• The Buddy Holly Center: 174 miles / 2 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 1,523 miles / 23 hours and 36 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center: 497 miles / 7 hours and 40 mins to drive from Texas | 1,205 miles / 18 hours and 40 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Goblin Valley State Park: 958 miles / 15 hours to drive from Texas | 831 miles / 12 hours and 35 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Temple Square: 1,092 miles / 17 hours and 14 mins to drive from Texas | 609 miles / 9 hours and 10 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Shoshone Falls: 1,307 miles / 20 hours and 16 mins to drive from Texas | 403 miles / 6 hours and 23 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Koenig Distillery and Winery: 1,458 miles / 22 hours and 23 mins to drive from Texas | 247 miles / 4 hours and 14 mins of driving to Oregon.
• The Harney County Historical Society Museum, Oregon: 1,648 miles / 1 day 2 hours, and to drive from Texas | 124 miles / 2 hours and 21 mins of driving to Oregon.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Texas To Oregon?

There are many excellent hotels during your road trip from Texas to Oregon. We have selected seven hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 7 Best Hotels On The Way To Oregon From Texas section.

• Cotton Court Hotel: 175 miles / 2 hours and 44 mins to drive from Texas | 1,522 miles / 23 hours and 33 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Sandia Peak Inn: 500 miles / 7 hours and 46 mins to drive from Texas | 1,225 miles / 18 hours and 48 mins of driving to Oregon.
• River Terrace Inn: 1,600 miles / 23 hours and 55 mins to drive from Texas | 502 miles / 8 hours of driving to Oregon.
• Best Western Plus Abbey Inn: 1,024 miles / 16 hours and 13 mins to drive from Texas | 790 miles / 12 hours and 10 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites: 1,312 miles / 20 hours and 13 mins to drive from Texas | 388 miles / 6 hours and 0 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Best Western Inn & Suites, Oregon: 1,481 miles / 22 hours and 35 mins to drive from Texas | 217 miles / 3 hours and 39 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Americas Best Value Inn Burns: 1,614 miles / 1 day 1 hour and to drive from Texas | 85.0 miles / 1 hour and 19 mins of driving to Oregon.

Where To Eat Between Texas to Oregon?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Texas to Oregon drive, you can consider the seven restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 7 Best Restaurants On The Way From Texas To Oregon .

• La Diosa Cellars: 174 miles / 2 hours and 42 mins to drive from Texas | 1,523 miles / 23 hours and 35 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Albuquerque: 499 miles / 7 hours and 41 mins to drive from Texas | 1,200 miles / 18 hours and 34 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Tamarisk Restaurant: 908 miles / 14 hours and 18 mins to drive from Texas | 790 miles / 11 hours and 58 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Log Haven: 1,094 miles / 17 hours and 17 mins to drive from Texas | 623 miles / 9 hours and 23 mins of driving to Oregon.
• Mountain View Barn: 1,309 miles / 20 hours and 13 mins to drive from Texas | 392 miles / 6 hours of driving to Oregon.
• Romio’s Pizza & Pasta: 1,940 miles / one day 6 hours and to drive from Texas | 389 miles / 6 hours and 40 mins of driving to Oregon.
• The Pine Room: 1,063 miles / 16 hours and 19 mins to drive from Texas | 2,153 miles / one day 8 hours and of driving to Oregon.

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Texas to Oregon. We have listed seven hotels, seven restaurants, and seven places to visit on Texas to Oregon drive. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Texas to Oregon as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Texas to Oregon? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Texas to Oregon and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.

Video: Oregon Road Trip Top 10 Places To Visit

If you’re planning to visit Oregon, we suggest you to watch this video.

Other Road Trips Worth Your Attention

• Tucson To Oregon Road Trip: Enchanting Views
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The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – 7 or 10 days

Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:38 pm

Oregon (pronounced “Ore-gun”, not “Ore-gone”!) is often overshadowed by its extremely popular neighboring state of California in the US. But if you are looking for a road less traveled then you have to take an Oregon road trip. In this blog post, we will share our detailed itinerary including what to see, do, and where to stay.

Below is a map of the route we took on this trip, click here to go to Google Maps. We drove across the state in a clockwise direction but you can do the same in an anti-clockwise direction as well. If you remember we did a similar 7-day road trip in Iceland and trust me when I say that our Oregon road trip was just as adventurous. Don’t forget to check out our post on waterfalls near Portland for more incredible inspiration.

FUN FACT: Oregon is the only other state in the US after New Jersey to have assistants at gas stations to fill gas in your car.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Oregon Road Trip?

We were able to make this a total of the 10-day trip including travel time. If you follow our Oregon itinerary you will have plenty of time to go on hikes, take wine tours, and relax on this road trip.

You can easily make this a 7-day road trip and we’ll tell you how in the modified itinerary below. However, if you have less than 7-days then I suggest visiting only Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood region, & Cannon Beach from the itinerary below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Related Read: SF to LA – An ultimate west coast road trip guide

Starting point 

We flew into Portland and spend 2 days in the city before starting our road trip. TIP: You do not need a car in Portland city so save yourselves some cash by renting a car the day you hit the road.

Portland would be our recommendation as a starting point for all those who are flying into Oregon. For those who are driving from the South i.e. California, the best starting point for you would be either the coast or Crater lake in this loop.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Below is our detailed itinerary is broken out by each day. If you want to do a 7-day road trip then we have listed where it makes the most sense to skip things.

Day 1 & 2 – Portland

After you land in Portland spend 2 days in this funky city. We not only explored the city landmarks but in reality spend the entire weekend food binging in Portland. TIP: If you want to make this a 7-day road trip then spend just 1 day in Portland.

We will be writing a separate post on what to do on a weekend in Portland. But to highlight a few things –

• Eat your heart out in the food capital on the west coast. From food trucks to delicious worldwide cuisines all around town you’re going to return with some additional baggage on your body.
• Check out the largest bookstore in the world – Powell’s Bookstore
• Must eat doughnuts (try both Bluestar & Vodoo doughnuts to give your own verdict no matter what the locals say)
• Take a walking city tour or a Segway tour to learn more about the city
• Check out the Japanese Garden

ACCOMMODATION: It usually nice if you stay in either downtown or the pearl district so you’re walking distance away from all the things –

• Hilton Portland Downtown or the Hampton Inn Pearl District
• The Bidwell Marriott Portland or the Courtyard Marriott City Center

More Places to Stay in Portland, Oregon

Harlow Hotel

Inn at Northrup Station

Day 3 – Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & wineries

Fasten your seatbelts and drive to the Columbia River Gorge which is only 30 minutes away from Portland. If you start driving early in the morning, you’ll easily be able to cover all the stopovers mentioned below in that order. For more details, read our in-depth blog post on Columbia Gorge road trip .

• Portland Women’s Forum vista point (has the best sunrise view if there are no wildfire smoke)
• Latourell Falls (add a short 2.4 mile hike here)
• Multnomah Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls (add a short 1.2 mile hike here)
• Starvation Creek Falls
• Wineries tour in Mt. Hood/Gorge

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in White Salmon, WA or Hood River, OR

Find fun things to do in Oregon during your road trip!

Day 4 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

We spent 2 nights in Mt. Hood region which gave us the time to not only explore but also relax in the most gorgeous setting. There are a ton of outdoor activities to do here so spending only 1 day would be an injustice to this region. We have broken down the activities by each day for you –

• Explore Hood River town which is known as the world’s kite surfing capital, perhaps indulge in some water activity or grab lunch here
• The Gorge White House makes for a great stop for Apple cider tasting and fresh fruit & flower farm
• If you happen to visit in spring don’t forget to check out the “ fruit loop ” trails for spring blossoming trees .
• Drive to the historic Timberline Lodge and either take the chair lift to get to the summit or if you are up for an adventure there are tons of hiking trails behind the lodge. We did a section of the zigzag overlook trail which starts at the lodge parking area. Ask the lodge visitor center for more info on trails. Enjoy a nice early dinner or a cup of coffee with a view.
• If you are not up for visiting the lodge then consider hiking the Mirror Lake loop trail that afternoon. We skipped the mirror lake loop.
• Return to Government Camp for dinner unless you are staying back at Timberline Lodge.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Mt. Hood region. We stayed in a gorgeous farmhouse surrounded by apple & pear orchards booked through Airbnb . Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 5 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

Here’s what to do on your second day in Mt. Hood region –

• Hit the Tamanawas Falls hiking trail in the morning (alternatively, you can do the Mirror Lake loop). Tamanawas trail is amazing, take our word for it.
• Have your lunch at Tamanawas Falls. Pack your lunch with you so you can eat with the waterfall views at the end of the hike.
• After lunch head to Trillium Lake in the afternoon. Walk along the lake trail or rent a kayak and enjoy the serene Mt Hood view from the water. TIP: Book your kayak rental in Govt Camp as there are no rental facilities at Trillium lake. The rental company will bring your kayak to the lake area. Don’t miss the sunset at Lake Trillium!  TIP: Bring mosquito spray, there are like a thousand of them here. You can also rent campgrounds at Trillium lake if you want to camp in this area.

ACCOMMODATION: We stayed back at the same farmhouse Airbnb with the perfect view of Mt. Hood. Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 6 – Smith Rock State Park, Painted Hills & 3 Sisters

As you drive south from Mt. Hood, take a day to explore the desert region of Oregon. You’d be surprised to know that a big part of Oregon is, in fact, desert land. What was really fascinating to us was that our families in India instantly knew about Oregon out of all the places. They were the ones to tell us about Rajneeshpuram.  FACT: Rajneeshpuram (from ‘Wild Wild Country’ series on Netflix) was not too far from this part of Oregon.

TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this section and head straight to Crater Lake from Mt. Hood.

• Stop at Smith Rock State Park as you drive south from Mt. Hood region. and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
• Drive about 2 hours east to see the Painted Hills which are in the deep end of the Oregonian desert.
• Reach Bend and head to Summit Park for a great view of the 3 Sisters volcano peaks .
• If you want to get a better view of 3 sisters then drive 30 mins from Bend to Dutchman Flat Sno Park in Deschutes National Forest.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Bend, OR .

Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon

Element Bend

Campfire Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Day 7 – Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is about 2 hours away from Bend or about 4 hours from Govt Camp. If you leave early in the morning, you can reach Crater Lake just in time to drive around the rim and see the following viewpoints & sneak in one easy hike.

Pick and choose your favorite spots to see in Crater Lake National Park , below are a few that we recommend –

• Sinnott Memorial Outlook at Rim Visitor Center
• Sun Notch (0.8 miles easy hike with views of Phantom Ship)
• Phantom ship overlook
• Discovery Point (2 miles)
• Watchman Peak (1.6 miles moderate steep hike)
• Pumice castle overlook,
• Cloudcap overlook,
• Vidae Falls
• Pinnacles Overlook.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Crater Lake Lodge or campgrounds in the park . If you don’t get a reservation in either of these then consider staying in Fort Klamath or Chemult or Chiloquin which are small towns near Crater Lake. TIP: If you stay at Crater Lake Lodge, then don’t miss the splendid sunset from the lobby’s back patio.

PLEASE NOTE:   The Crater Lake itinerary was a part of our original plan until west coast wildfires & smoke completely ruined the experience. When we arrived at Crater Lake National Park, it became really difficult to breathe without inhaling the fumes. Not to mention, the visibility of the Lake was near zero. We had booked a campground for the night but for good reasons we decided to turn around. As a backup plan, we headed to spend more time on the Oregon coast. PRO   TIP: Watch out for wildfire and smoke reports in Oregon before you head here!

Day 8 – Umpqua National Forest & drive to Eugene

Next morning stop by the Crater Lake vista points that you might’ve missed on the previous day. On your way to the coast of Oregon, you must take a pitstop at Umpqua National Forest for a bonus waterfall & hidden hot springs.

• Drive around Crater Lake in the morning to cover any missed vista points from the previous day.
• Hike the  Toketee Waterfall trail in Umpqua National Forest as you exit Crater Lake. It’s an easy 0.8 miles round trip hike to the gorgeous waterfalls as you can see in our photos.
• If you enjoy natural hot springs , then as you exit from Toketee waterfalls take a left and head to Umpqua Hot Springs . There is a $5/vehicle charge to park at the hot springs. Clothing is not enforced here so consider yourself forewarned. In full disclosure, we did not visit the hot springs due to a lack of time.
• Drive to Eugene from Toketee Falls should take around 2.30 hrs.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Eugene, OR .

Where to Stay in Eugene, Oregon

Comfort Suites Eugene

Maverick Hotel

Graduate Eugene

Day 9:  Oregon Coast road trip

The next morning we headed to Florence from Eugene where we started our Oregon coast drive. The coastal drive takes you on Highway 101 which, in fact, is a continuation of California’s coast to Oregon’s.

Given that we just had one day set aside for this Oregon coast road trip, we only stopped at the vista points mentioned below in bold. We’ve listed some additional awesome pit stops along the way if you have more time.

• Drive past Florence 
• Heceta Head Lighthouse  Scenic Viewpoint (There is a B&B at this lighthouse now) or stop at Sea Lion vista point to see the lighthouse from a distance.
• Cape Perpetua Overlook (Thor’s Well is another stop before turning right to Cape Perpetua overlook)
• Yachats (stop by for a drink or early lunch)
• Newport (If you skip Yachats then stop here for lunch)
• Devil’s punchbowl and Otter Rock
• Tillamook (stop by at the cheese factory or the Tillamook ice-creamery)
• Cannon Beach, get here before sunset to watch the magic unfold

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Cannon Beach, OR .

Day 10: Lewis & Clark National Park OR Evergreen Aviation Museum

We took a red-eye back to the east coast since we wanted to squeeze every second of our last day. TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this part and fly out on your last day.

• We visited the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in the morning but you can choose to visit the Lewis & Clark National Park near Cannon Beach to get an insight into expeditions that were an integral part of US history.
• Head back to Portland to grab an early dinner before heading out to the airport for an evening flight.

Phew, another long guide, isn’t it? But there is so much to see & do here that you have to plan it right and we’ve to give all the right info to do so. And by the way, if Oregon wasn’t on your list, we sure hope it is now!

If you liked this extensive Oregon road trip planning guide then don’t forget to share it along with family & friends.

More on Travel in the United States:

• America’s favorite road trip – the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Bucket List Arizona Road Trip – The perfect long weekend 4-day itinerary
• Best places to see fall colors in New Hampshire – A Roadtrip through New England
• Ultimate SF to LA Road trip – Best stops along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Happy Traveling!

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23 comments on “ the perfect oregon road trip itinerary – 7 or 10 days ”.

Such a detailed guide. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps this fall my family and I will go to the Oregon. Awesome photos!

Thanks Michael. Hopefully the fires will be in control by then and the smoke out of OR skies. This year the wildfires have been terrible for Oregon.

Wow you really packed a lot in to tour trip. As someone who lives in Oregon, this is a great post. Come back soon!

We would love to!!! 😀

Wow! Mind blowing and eye catching photography. All places are just awesome. Hope to trip to those places in the near future. Stunning! You must (please) take me there when I visit. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place.

You are most welcome and hope you visit Oregon someday 🙂

We did a Northern California road trip in June last year and did a tiny bit of Oregon so that we could try some of the wineries up there. I wish we’d done more of Oregon because it looks amazing and I’m filing your post for our next trip!

There’s always a next time 🙂

I’ve never visited the northwest USA but I really have to get there asap, this road trip looks amazing! 🙂

Yeah the Pacific Northwest is truly magical 🙂

Wow, great itinerary! I hope to come back to USA next year and was just looking into California and neighboring states for potential road trip ideas. Oregon looks an idea place to visit! Love the nature and national parks

Oh yes definitely visit OR if you are coming to CA, you will love it! 🙂

Oregon is such a beautiful state, I can’t wait to spend more time there. This looks like a really good way to see a lot of the state in one well, a great itinerary. I live in Vancouver Canada so this is such a doable trip for me

Oh yeah, definitely easily doable from Vancouver. I believe there is an easy train ride from Seattle to Portland, wonder if there is a train from Vancouver to Portland as well?!

I love a good road trip! Thanks for sharing these great places in Oregon 🙂

Most welcome! There’s nothing like sharing cool places to do a great road trip. 😀

We did a similar trip a few years ago, but looks like we missed the Umpqua National Forest. Oh well! Looks like we just need to head back.☺️ Thanks for the post!

You’ve got to leave something out to return back to such amazing places right?! 😉

I had no idea Oregon was this beautiful! I love the suggestion of seeing the state through a road trip, definitely saving for later 🙂

Yeah, this is one of the perfect States to visit in one road trip 🙂

There is obviously plenty to do in Oregon. My personal goals for almost any trip is to do lots of hiking and visit lots of breweries and wineries. I didn’t know that you could have your gas filled by station attendants there. I think I might plan a trip there for that alone. It would be so cool!

It’s great to learn that you should stay downtown when going on a trip to Portland. My wife and I are looking to travel to Oregon soon and we were wondering where we should stay at in the state. I’ll be sure to let my wife know that we can stay in downtown Portland.

Oh yes, Portland is so close to a lot of nature in Oregon. However, if you want to do a road trip around the entire State then as mentioned above you might have to pick other cities for overnight stay esp when going down south or east.

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The Perfect 10 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Years ago, when I lived in Texas, I decided to visit the beautiful state of Oregon. Since I love exploring mountains and beaches, I decided to make the most of it and do an ultimate Oregon road trip! I fell in love with this state and all that it has to offer, and it was one of the many reasons I moved to the Pacific Northwest. Now I visit this excellent state at least twice a year. I mean, it is so dang close to me now! So I wanted to make it easy for you and highlight my favorite things to do there! Hikes, restaurants, viewpoints, etc. I hope you love Oregon as much as I do after your trip.

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Oregon road trip map.

Below is a screenshot of the route and a Google map you can download and use throughout your trip.

Oregon Road Trip

Day 1 – portland.

What I loved most about Portland was the food! OMG, everywhere that I ate, I was mesmerized. We even found one of the spiciest dishes of our life, and we love spicy food. Some popular things include:

• Drinking a beer at Deschutes Brewery
• Visiting Powell’s Bookstore
• Eat At Voodoo Doughnut for breakfast
• Checking out the International Rose Test Garden
• Check out the Portland Japenese Garden

>>> Book A Portland Tour Here

Where To Stay In Portland

• The Mark Spencer Hotel : An excellent hotel a few minutes away from Powell’s Bookstore and the Japenese Garden. >>>Book Here

Day 2 – Columbia River Gorge

Hikes and viewpoints.

I am in LOVE with the Columbia River Gorge. I go to this area at least once a year now. I am captivated by all the waterfalls, the views of Mount Hood, the wineries, restaurants, and farms. It is such a fun area, and it is the number one thing to do in Oregon. If someone told me there was only one area I had to pick to explore, it would be this one.

The number one thing to do in the Columbia River Gorge is to chase waterfalls. There is a road called the Historic Columbia River Highway, and there are many waterfalls here! Some popular ones include Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Fairy Falls, Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, Ponytail Falls, and Dry Creek Falls.

Read More: The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip

You can also hike around the gorge to get a better viewpoint of the Columbia River. I loved wandering the Mosier Plateau Trail during the spring, as the flowers are all out.

Food And Drinks

Unwinding after some waterfall chasing around the Hood River Waterfront Park is a must. This place is so stunning and relaxing! We grabbed some pizza at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza – Cafe & Bar and took it to the park. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we watched people kayak the Columbia river.

I also loved eating at the Riverside restaurant for brunch and loved Garnier Vineyards as well as the Mt. Hood Winery .

If you want to go kayaking or windsurfing, you can rent it at Big Winds. This is a popular thing to do in the summer in Oregon .

Where To Stay In Hood River (Stay Here For Two Nights)

Hood River Hotel:  Hood River Hotel is the oldest hotel in Hood River, Oregon, and has been updated with a cute modern style. There is a restaurant on-site, and it is pet-friendly. >>>Book Here

Day 3 – Mt. Hood

Mount Hood is such a perfect place to visit in the summer. The mountain is stunning, and there are so many fun things to do outdoors!

I am such a sucker for good fruit! I love visiting local farms, and Mt. Hood has a ton of them. My favorite farm was Kiyokawa Family Orchards, as you can pick your fruit, and it has such a fantastic view of Mount Hood. If you want a map of all the farms in the area, click here .

Great Hikes

• Tom Dick and Harry Trail: Great views of Mirror Lake and Mount Hood and labeled as hard.
• Trillium Lake Loop: Easy trail and great if you want an epic photo of Mount Hood with a lake.
• Tamanawas Falls: Moderate waterfall hike on the east side of the mountain.
• Ramona Falls : Another excellent waterfall hike.

Day 4 – Silver Falls State Park

Trail Of Ten Falls

Silver Falls State Park is one of the most underrated state parks I have ever seen. This park is outstanding, and there are so many waterfalls here! Around 10 of them, and they are all epic. When I heard about this place, I thought one or two waterfalls would be beautiful and the rest would be mediocre, but nope! They were all fantastic and stunning.

The main trail is called the “ Trail of Ten Falls ,”. It is 7.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,200 ft and is rated moderate. When I did the hike, it was closer to 8 miles. This is pretty much an all-day adventure, so pack your hiking equipment and drive to this lovely park. Parking at Silver Falls is $5 per vehicle.

Where To Stay In Salem

• Hotel Hampton Inn and Suites Salem: >>>Book Here Now

Day 5 – Bend

Take a hike.

Some popular hikes in the area include South Sister Summit , and Green Lakes Trail . I will tell you about my all-time favorite waterfall hike, which is a little out of the way from Bend (an hour and a half). It is Proxy Falls, and it is shown below. It is only 1.6 miles with an elevation gain of 147 ft. and I highly recommend it! Get up early in the morning and hike this trail, then drive to Bend, relax and enjoy the rest of your evening :-).

Visit A Brewery

I have been to Oregon many times, and something I have regretted in the past was not spending enough time in Bend. This town is so much fun! It is hip and filled with food trucks, breweries, and wineries.

Bend is known for its breweries, so you have to visit at least one of them! Most have food, so it is still fun to visit even if you aren’t a beer person. Some of the popular ones include:

Where To Stay In Bend (Stay Here For Two Nights)

• Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bend: We stayed at this hotel, and I loved it. It was clean, close to many restaurants, breweries, and had a nice bar. >>>Book Here

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Day 6 – Smith Rock State Park And Painted Hills

Painted hills.

When I explored Oregon for the first time, I was surprised at how much the landscape changed after driving only a few hours. You can go from lush green forests to a desert in a mere few hours. An entertaining and different area to explore is Painted Hills . It is located in Eastern Oregon and is a combination of many hills with red, yellow colors swirling around. You can’t get too close to the red-yellow area, but the Painted Cove Trail features close-up views of the red formations.

Out of everything I experienced in Oregon, this is probably my least favorite thing on this list. So if you are limited on time and don’t want to make the drive here, you can skip it and do an activity much closer.

Pro Tip: Fill up on gas before heading out to Painted Hills as there is not much around there.

After exploring Painted hills in the morning, head out to Smith Rock for sunset. You can hike around this stunning place and do trails like Painted Cove Trail, Misery Ridge, and River Trail , or the Rim Rock trail. You can also rock climb Smith Rock which is what we did and it was a blast!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide To Smith Rock Hiking Trails

Day 7 – Umpqua National Forest

Toketee falls.

If you want something that is more bang for your buck, then check out Toketee Falls ! This waterfall hike is only 0.9 miles with a 167 ft elevation gain. I loved this trail! It was so easy to do, and the trees are lush and green.

Umpqua Hot Springs

One of the most popular hot springs in Oregon is the beautiful Umpqua Hot Springs . There are around eight pools that can fit about 2-4 people. The trail is approximately 0.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 305 ft. The hot springs are only open from sunrise to sunset, so you cannot camp there overnight. Also, the parking lot only holds ten cars, so get there early!

I also want to say that this area is known to be constantly trashed. Please pick up after yourself and don’t leave any items behind. That includes food (seeds and banana peels), and beer cans.

Watson Falls

Watson Falls is another easy trail that has a magnificent waterfall viewpoint. The trail is only 1 mile long with an elevation gain of 524 ft. It is relatively close to Toketee Falls, so make sure you check this waterfall out!

Diamond Lake

Diamond Lake is a great place to stop if you want a great mountain view with a lake. Here you can have a perfect view of Mt Bailey with Diamond lake in the foreground.

Where To Stay Near Crater Lake (Stay Here Two Nights)

• Crater Lake Lodge: One of the few hotels located in the National Park. >>>Book Here

Read More: Where to Stay Near Crater Lake National Park | Lodging & More

Day 8 – Crater Lake National Park

I dream of revisiting Crater Lake National Park! This place is a gem. I almost took this out of our itinerary years ago, and I am so thankful my husband told me to include it. My jaw dropped when I saw it. I had never seen such a dark, sapphire-blue lake in my life. It is known to be the deepest lake in the United States!

Read More: 14 Best Things To Do at Crater Lake National Park

Things to Do At Crater Lake

• Go to some of the viewpoints: The best ones are Watchman Overlook, Phantom Ship Overlook, and Cloudcap Overlook.
• Drive Around: You can drive around the whole lake to take in its beauty.
• Hike and Swim: There is only one way to swim in the lake and that is by hiking the Cleetwood Cove Trail . We did this, and it was so fun but freezing! Even on the hottest day, the water was chilling.

Day 9 – Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is located on the southern coast of Oregon. It has become one of the most popular Instagram spots in Oregon, and for a good reason. The area is filled with cliffs and waves crashing into them and sea stacks filled with evergreen trees. It is breathtaking!

Most viewpoints are pretty easy to get to, making it a perfect spot to relax or take pictures. No extensive crazy hiking is needed to get these views. Popular viewpoints include the Whaleshead Beach, Cape Ferrelo viewpoint, House Rock Viewpoint, and Indian Sands Viewpoint.

The most popular area is the Natural Bridges which is best to see for sunrise. This area can be a bit difficult to get to. At the parking lot take a right (if you are facing the beach). Then take two lefts when you get to the junctions. The trail is very steep so bring good hiking shoes.

Want To Learn More On Samuel H. Boardman : Check Out My Post On The Best Oregon Coast Road Trip

Where To Stay Near Samuel H. Boardman

Tu Tu’ Tun   Lodge (Gold Beach):  This place is fantastic and nestled in a beautiful forest area. >>>Check It Out Here

Day 10 – North And Central Coast

Exploring the Oregon Coast is a must on your Oregon road trip! There are many cute coastal towns like Cannon Beach (my fav)! If you want to extend your trip to be a bit longer than ten days, then stay a few days on the coast. There is so much to see and to do here.

Some of my favorite stops on the coast include:

There is so much more to do than what I listed above. Those are just a couple of my favorite areas. I do feel like you need more than one day to explore the central and northern coast. But if you are limited on time, I would only stop at Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach is the cutest town and has many hotels and yummy restaurants.

Want To Learn More On The North And Central Coast : Check Out My Post On The Oregon Coast

Where To Stay In Cannon Beach

Surfsand Resort(Cannon Beach):  This is where we stayed the first time we came to Cannon Beach. They have oceanfront rooms and a heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub. I enjoyed our stay here, and I loved that we could walk easily to the beach.   >>>Check It Out Here

Day 11 – Go Home

Such a sad day! Going home is hard. Oregon has some of the most epic sceneries in the country. When I first came to Oregon, I vowed to come back, and what do you know, I moved to the state right next to it. I now visit Oregon at least twice a year, and every time I am still amazed by its beauty.

What To Pack When You Travel In Oregon

• Sunscreen:  Super important and it is part of the ten essentials!   >Buy Sunscreen
• Chapstick:  This one has SPF so your lips won’t get burned!  >Check Out This Chapstick
• Hiking Boots/Shoes:  If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me, I have done it so many times before).  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks:  Having the correct socks helps you prevent getting blisters. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there.   >Buy Hiking Socks
• Water Reservoir:  Water reservoirs help prevent me from getting dehydrated while hiking. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste.  >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water:  Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses:  It can get sunny, so make sure to pack some sunglasses.  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks:  The best snacks are jerky, nuts, and energy bars.  >>>Love These Snacks Here
• Camera:  The Sony A6000 was one of the first cameras I started traveling with. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.    >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit:  This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable.  >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack to carry all your things:  To carry all your gear, water, and food, you need a good backpack. Osprey is known to have some of the best backpacks in the market.  >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Headlamp:  A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get stranded in the dark! It is a lot more portable and easier to use than a flashlight.  >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Leggings or Hiking Pants:  I always wear leggings while hiking because it is what I feel most comfortable with!  >Click For My Favorite Hiking Leggings
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts : Cotton shirts soak up your sweat when hiking, so make sure to wear something breathable.  >Check out this awesome breathable shirt here.
• Mid Base Layer:  It can get chilly in Oregon even in the summer.  >Check Out My Sweater Here
• Sports Bra:  For women.  >Check This One Here
• Jacket:  I always have a jacket in my backpack, even if it is hot. I do it just in case of an emergency.   >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Rain Jacket:  The worst feeling in the world is being wet and cold while hiking. You can get hypothermia, so always carry a poncho or a rain jacket when you hike Oregon.  >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here
• Tripod:  This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures.  >Check out this tripod
• Knife:  I always carry a knife in my backpack just in case.  >Check Out My Knife Here

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7 Day Oregon Itinerary

If 10 days is too long, then I have made a smaller 7 day Oregon road trip. I have only listed my seven favorite spots.

4 Day Oregon Road Trip

Final thoughts on best oregon road trips.

Thanks for reading about road trips in Oregon! If you need other PNW inspiration, make sure to check out my other blog posts:

• The Ultimate Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Hikes In Washington State
• 25 Amazing Oregon Waterfalls You Need To See Today
• The Ultimate Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Road Trip
• The Best Things To Do On The Oregon Coast
• 16 Fun Things To Do In Astoria Oregon

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Home » North America » USA » Oregon

Epic Oregon Road Trip Travel Guide | Best Routes in 2024!

Going on a  road trip in Oregon  has to be one of the best ways to experience the state! With your own car and the freedom of the road, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and see whatever you like in this glorious state.

Oregon is a magical place full of beautiful landscapes, interesting people, and amazing food and drink. There are few other destinations in the world where you can surf and ski in the same day and, for that matter, drink some of the best beer of your life all the while.

There’s a lot to do in Oregon but, make no mistake, this is a big, wide-open state, one that requires plenty of time and patience to see.

Renting a car in a foreign state or country can be intimidating. Travelers may not know where to go or what to do. They may be worried about expenses or spending too much money pointlessly as well.

Don’t worry – we have the insider information you need for an EPIC Oregon road trip.

Written by a road-trip expert and local, this epic guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Oregon by car or campervan.

We’ll show you exactly how to stick to a budget, tell you about the best things in Oregon, and give you plenty of ideas and itineraries so you can easily plan out your entire trip!

So let’s start planning your dream Oregon road trip!

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Oregon Road Trips Costs

Best road trip in oregon.

• The Oregon Coast

The Cascades Itinerary

Eastern oregon road trip, the grand tour oregon itinerary, places to visit in oregon, oregon road trip tips, apartments and hotels in oregon, renting a car or campervan in oregon.

Oregon is about average when it comes to the costs of living, though it is quickly becoming one of the more expensive states. A road trip in Oregon can be affordable or it could be expensive – it all depends on how you want to do it.

We at The Broke Backpacker always try to go on affordable adventures and are always looking for ways to travel cheap ! Even if we are unable to travel for $10/day, as we do in our favorite countries, we can at least help you reduce the prices of an Oregon road trip.

The average daily budget for an Oregon road trip is between $150-$200 – this includes gas, a rental car, lodging, food, drink, and entry into certain attractions. Make note of this number but please do not let it discourage you – we’re going to show how to reduce it to a more budget-friendly amount soon.

Gas will undoubtedly be your largest expense while on a road trip in Oregon. It’s sometimes hard to predict how much gas you will use but it is almost always is more than you expect. Do not take this expense lightly and do you everything you can to limit it.

Other than gas, the costs associated with a road trip in Oregon really come down to how you want to travel, eat, sleep, and drink. These run gamut from driving in a cheap economy car to a gas-guzzling SUV and eating out in expensive restaurants to cooking your own food at a campground.

If you are mostly cooking for yourself, camping, and exploring Oregon’s wild places, you can reduce that cost in half. Traveling with at least one other person will also keep costs much lower.

Think about what you want to do on your Oregon road trip route and then set a budget.

Below is a breakdown of the average costs of a road trip in Oregon.

Average Costs of an Oregon Road Trip

Rental car :  $30-$100

RV rental :  $100-$300

Gallon of gas:  $3.23

Private AirBnB home:  $80

Hotel room:  $120

Hostel:  $25-$30

Campground:  $5-$15 (sometimes free!)

Sandwich:  $6-$9

Beer at a bar:  $5-$7

Coffee:  $2-$3

Bottle of Whiskey from market:  $20

Dinner for two:  $30-$50

• The Oregon Coast – 4 days
• The Cascades – 7 days
• Eastern Oregon  – 10 days
• The Grand Tour Oregon – 14 days

Below is a list of sample Oregon road trip routes. Varying from 5 to 14 days in length, they cover many of the top destinations in Oregon. Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good Oregon road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

The Oregon Coast is probably the most beloved road trip in the entire state and is a popular area for a holiday stay with both locals and out-of-towners. People flock here to get away from the rat race for a little while and tend to just laze about on the beach or in a local diner.

The Oregon Coast itself is not well-known for its warm weather or clear days, but rather its rugged beauty. Dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and sea stacks are the most notable landmarks here – palm trees are markedly absent.

The best part about a road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is that you’ll never be far away from the coast. This route hugs the near entirety of the shoreline and only deviates when passing through an epic forest. For 90% of the way, it’ll just be you and the ocean.

• Bandon by the Sea
• Samuel H Boardman Park
• Ecola State Park
• Cape Perpetua
• Florence Sand Dunes
• Pacific City Camping Resort Yurts
• Windermere on the Beach  (Bandon)
• Ecola Creek Lodge  (Cannon Beach)
• Norblad Hotel  (Astoria)
• McMenamins Gearhart Hotel  (Gearhart)
• Shucking fresh oysters
• Bonfires on the beach
• Surfing at Oswald West
• Whale watching

The entire way.

• Pelican Brewery (Cape Kiwanda)
• The Schooner (Netarts)
• Fort George Brewery (Astoria)
• Local Ocean Seafoods (Newport)
• Mattie’s (Brooking)
• Festival of the Dark Arts in Astoria (February)
• Goonies Day in Astoria (June)
• Newport Seafood and Wine Fest (February)
• South Coast Clambake and Jazz Fest (March)
• Southern Oregon Kite Festival (July)

Oregon’s Cascade Range is not the highest nor the most epic in the USA – these mountains are fairly gentle and draw attention only when there is a volcano around. Hidden in the lush fur of these slopes though are, hands-down, the best waterfalls in the country, not to mention some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Better yet, some of Oregon’s best cabins and treehouses are found here, so book a stay amongst the forests for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Mt Hood and Crater Lake are the Cascade’s most famous landmarks and both are must see places in Oregon. In between these two are countless more treasures, including, but not limited to, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, Clear Lake, and the Three Sisters Wilderness. I’m barely scratching the surface as well.

Following a road trip in the Cascades, you will also have the chance to drive up the Willamette Valley, which has some of the finest Pinot Noirs in the world. Nothing really beats a glass of wine or a B&B at a vineyard after spending a week in the mountains.

• Crater Lake
• Columbia River Gorge
• Willamette Valley vineyards
• Lots of waterfalls
• Maverick Inn  (Klamath Falls)
• Pacific Crest Trailhouse  (Cascade Locks)
• Eugene Whitaker House
• Bunk + Brews Historic Lucas House  (Bend)
• Hiking/skiing at Mt Hood
• Rock climbing at Smith Rock
• Swimming at Crater Lake
• Willamette Valley wine tours
• Waterfall photography
• Crater Lake Rim Road
• Highway 138
• Crux Fermentation Science (Bend)
• Sam Bond’s Garage (Eugene)
• Caspian Cafe (Eugene)
• The Painted Lady (McMinnville)
• Ritter’s Housemade Foods (Salem)
• Oregon Country Fair (July)
• International Pinot Noir Celebration (July)
• Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival (April/March)
• Tigard Festival of Balloons (June)
• Bend Brew Festival (August)

If you need more recommendations on where to stay on your road trip, check out these cottages in Oregon .

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

A visit to Eastern Oregon will be a wholly unique experience compared to the Western portion of the state. Deciduous rainforests and beaches are swapped for desert-scapes and hazy mountains. If you wanted to see a side of Oregon that few are even aware, this is the one.

There are lots of things to do in Eastern Oregon. Smith Rock offers some of the best climbing in the country while the Wallowas (AKA the Oregon Alps) offer some of the best skiing and hiking in Colorado . Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert are two of the greatest hidden gems on the West Coast and are known only to adventurous Oregonians.

The culture is also distinct from the rest of the state. Cowboys, whiskey guzzlers, social pariahs; all of these are the types of people you’ll see in Eastern Oregon.

• Painted Hills
• Steens Mountains
• Hell’s Canyon
• Dreamer’s Lodge  (John Day)
• Eagle Cap Chalets  (Joseph)
• Rory and Ryan Inn  (Burns)
• Brewery tours in Bend
• Snowboarding at Mt Bachelor
• Hiking in Wallowas
• Desert scenery
• Cowboys in Pendleton
• Steens Mountain Road
• Scenic Lakes Byway
• Deschutes Brewing (Bend)
• McKay Cottage (Bend)
• Roosters Country Kitchen (Pendleton)
• Arrowhead Chocolates (Joseph)
• Sisters Folk Festival (September)
• Deschutes County Fair (August)
• Pendleton Whiskey Music Fest (July)

This the best road trip in Oregon – hands-down. Hell, this is one of the best drives in the USA ! You see everything and then some! The coast, the Cascades, the deserts of Eastern Oregon; all of these areas will be available to you with this itinerary.

In addition to the grand majority of the locations listed above, you will also have more time in Southern Oregon. This region is one of the most neglected parts of the state, which is unfair considering what it offers. The river rafting is epic, Ashland is one of the most charming cities you’ve never heard of, and the wine is arguably even better than that of the Willamette Valley.

So if you have time to kill and want to see the best of Oregon, look no further than this route. Oregon is beautiful and this is the best way to see it.

• Eastern Oregon
• Timberline Lodge
• Traveler’s House  (Portland)
• The Ashland Hostel
• Columbia Hotel  (Ashland)
• Everywhere else mentioned prior
• Skiing at Mt Hood
• Climbing at Smith Rock
• Rafting in Southern Oregon
• Chilling in Ashland
• Wine and beer tours
• Seafood on the coast
• Hiking in the Wallowas
• Growler’s Taproom (Portland)
• Shalom Y’all (Portland)
• Cartopia (Portland)
• Brother’s Restaurant (Ashland)
• Cafe Broder (Portland
• Everything else mentioned in this guide
• Ashland Shakespeare Festival (February)
• Portland Brewer’s Festival (July)
• Portland Rose Festival and Parade (May/June)
• Portland Waterfront Blue’s Festival (July)
• Pickathon (August)
• Portland MFNW (August)

Below is a list of the best road trip stops in Oregon. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

Road Trip to Portland

The City of Roses. Little Beirut. Rip City. Bridgetown. Stumptown. Call it what you will but few names can actually capture the intangible flavor and uniqueness that Portland excludes in abundance.

For years, Portland was a city of obscurity, full of eccentrics and abject people. For residents, this anonymity was an ideal situation that allowed them to cultivate their weirdness. Portland has only been “discovered” in recent years by the rest of the world and has since developed into a full-on tourist destination.

Portland is not a big city by American standards. There are no large attractions in Portland like a Hollywood Sign or Liberty Bell. Life is simpler (and better) in Portland because people care mostly about good food, good beer, and good health (both physically and spiritually). For these reasons, the best things to do in Portland are to just eat, drink, and go for a walk.

The best districts in Portland to walk around are definitely the Alphabet District , the Pearl, Alberta Arts , Hawthorne , and Laurelhurst . Other neighborhoods like Belmont, Mississippi, Division, and Chinatown are also worth visiting. On either side of the Willamette River are the Eastbank Esplanade and Tom McCall Waterfront , which are both great places to wander around.

A hike through the lush Forest Park makes for a lovely day. Inside and on the outskirts of the large park are some of Portland’s best attractions like Pittock Mansion , the Rose Gardens , and Japanese Gardens .

If there were must-see landmarks in Portland then they’d probably the bridges. Portlandians are in love with their bridges and take great pride in them. St. John’s Bridge is a crowd favorite as is the iron Hawthorne Bridge.

I’d go into more detail on the city, and talk about the many restaurants and bars, but, unfortunately, there is not enough time and space available in this guide. That’s what the our Portland Budget Travel guide is for – blessings!

  And the  coolest places in Portland to go .

  Craft a killer  Portland travel itinerary .

  Read about the  coolest hostels in Portland .

  And book a killer  Airbnb Portland apartment .

Road Trip through the Columbia River Gorge

With endless outdoor opportunities, the much loved Columbia River Gorge is like a playground for adults! Those looking for the best hikes near Portland should head directly to this scenic area. Also, there are some excellent breweries nearby offering crucial post-hike beers.

Starting in Troutdale and driving along the  Historic Columbia River Highway , you’ll first arrive at the Portland Women’s Forum , which has one of the most iconic views of the Gorge. You’ll see the Vista House perched on the walls of the gorge in the distance as well as the Columbia River .

From there you can continue on to picturesque Laurotell Falls and Bridal Veil Falls (see if you can find the elusive Upper Bridal Veil Fall ). Nearby Angel’s Rest is a very popular sunset hike for locals as well.

The next stop is Multnomah Falls, which is arguably the most spectacular waterfall in Oregon. This near-perfect waterfall drops over 500 ft amidst verdant foliage and is one of the most photographed places in Oregon. In front of the falls is an equally photogenic bridge, which makes the scene look like Rivendell.

Beyond Multnomah Falls, you’ll pass by many other superlative portions of the Gorge, notably Oneonta Gorge and Eagle Creek . These are some of the most beautiful places in Oregon as well as the most crowded. Note that this part of the Gorge was damaged recently by a wildfire and that some trails may be closed.

Past Eagle Creek is Cascade Locks, home to the historical Bridge of the Gods, which is where the PCT crosses into Washington. Further along is the Hood River, which is one of the coolest towns in Oregon. Here are, hands-down, some of the best breweries in Oregon in addition to some killer windsurfing and gorgeous views of Mt Hood and Mt Adams.

Road Trip to Mt Hood

Oregon’s pride and joy, the image that most Oregonians can recall from their earliest memories, is Mt Hood. For outdoor enthusiasts and mountain lovers, Mt Hood will be the crowning achievement on their road trip in Oregon.

Getting to Mt Hood is very easy as one of the states main arteries ( Highway 26 ) runs literally right next to it. The drive is gorgeous and a little perilous if you’re visiting Mt Hood in the winter.

If your car is not able to drive in the snow, which is very common beyond December, you can still catch a local shuttle in Sandy to the main alpine settlements: Government Camp and Timberline , the latter of which is famous for appearing in Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining .

Along 26 are several stops that you should absolutely make time for. Trillium Lake and Mirror Lake are local favorites, however, it’s also one of the most famous hikes in the USA , so the trails can be quite crowded.

There are several awesome spots on the eastern and northern flanks of Mt Hood that can be accessed by several forest roads. Cloud Cap , Tamanawas Falls , and Lost Lake are great places to check out.

If you’re a skier, then Mt Hood is unquestionably one of the best places in Oregon to visit in the winter. The skiing here is world-class and runs come in many forms, from tended to the backcountry. If you’re visiting Oregon in the summer, no worries; Timberline Lodge has the longest ski season in the country and is open 365 days a year.

Mt Hood is one of the most climbed glaciated mountains on the planet, second only to Mt Fuji. It is a great introductory peak for beginners and requires only a long day to summit. You will still need the proper adventure equipment to climb in as well as current condition reports.

Oregon Coast Road Trip

The Oregon Coast is not the typical kind of beach getaway – it’s not warm, it’s not very comfortable, and it’s not at all like those tropical postcards.

oRainy, rugged, and utterly romantic, the Oregon Coast is a marvel in its own way. If you’re travelling the USA for the adventure and appreciate a harsher beauty(or possibly like to wear both sandals and sweaters at the same time), you will instantly fall in love with this place.

The Coast is long and nearly 100% accessible via the Oregon Coast Highway 101 . A road trip on this highway will give you tons of opportunities to experience the local attractions. The Oregon Coast can roughly be divided into three parts (North, Central, and South) and between the three, there are, honestly, too many things to see and do.

Starting north you have the top weekend getaways for Portlandians – Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Manzanita. Astoria is mostly famous for being the setting for Steven Spielberg’s The Goonies.

Seaside is a cute town popular with families and is a bit touristy. Cannon Beach is equally as touristy but hosts the stunning Haystack Rock.

Manzanita is the most laidback of the bunch and is aw great base for day trips to Oswald West State Park and Neahkahnie Mountain , both of which offer some of the best Oregon Coast hikes.

Moving south we head past Tillamook , the cheese capital of Oregon, and past Cape Kiwanda, one of my favorite places in Oregon, before arriving in Newport , famous for the highly-regarded Oregon Coast Aquarium . Beyond Newport is ultra-rugged Cape Perpetua , home to the Devil’s Churn, Thor’s Well, and Sea Lion Caves.

After Perpetua, we drive to Florence and the epic Oregon Sand Dunes , which originally inspired Frank Herbert to write the sci-fi masterpiece, Dune . Quad biking on the dunes is one of the most popular things to do on the Oregon Coast, though there are plenty of other places to go for a nice walk.

Saving the best for last, we wrap our Oregon Coast road trip in the south. The stretch between Bandon and Brookings is superlative with state parks like Face Rock, Samuel H. Boardman, and Pistol River all providing amazing settings. Some of the best hikes on the Oregon Coast are also around Boardman.

Willamette Valley Road Trip

The Willamette Valley is the breadbasket of Oregon and the source of much of its delicious produce. It also hosts some of the most respected wineries in the USA, which produce some of the finest Pinots in the entire world, not to mention a number of interesting towns and natural attractions.

The Willamette Valley runs for about 150 miles from Portland south to Eugene . The largest highway in Oregon, Interstate 5 , runs through the Willamette Valley meaning you can travel by car to California .

I5 itself doesn’t really have a lot of great views and the drive itself is pretty boring. Deviate slightly from I5 and there’s lots more though.

There are over 500 wineries spread throughout the Willamette Valley. The greatest concentration of wineries is around Highway 18 near McMinnville, Salem, and Newberg . You could easily spend an entire day touring these vineyards and trying some of the best wine in the country but please remember to drive safely.

To the west of the Willamette Valley, you’ll the see the Cascade Range rising. The Cascades, running all the way from Washington to California, are like the geographic spine of the state and heavily influence the weather.

Hidden inside of the Cascades are some more great waterfalls, which make for great day hikes close to Portland.

Silver Falls State Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Oregon because it offers great scenery and easy trails. Nearby is the much more intimate albeit difficult Abiqua Falls , which has become a local favorite.

Penetrate even deeper into the Cascades and you’ll find hidden gems like Olallie Lake, Bagby Hot Springs, Jefferson Park, Marion Falls, and Three Fingered Jack.

Eugene is worth dropping by if you have a moment. Eugene was once considered the “hippie capital” of Oregon though it’s more gentrified now. You can still get a taste of the counterculture in the bluesy Whitaker District.

Road Trip to Bend

Located on the other side of the Cascades in the High Oregon Desert, Bend is, in a lot of ways, like a foil to Portland. Bend is smaller, more rural, more politically conservative, and even more laid back than “big city” Portland.

Bend still has that quintessential Oregon charm though and ultimately makes for an awesome stop on any Oregon road trip route.

You’ll have to cross the Cascades in order to arrive in Bend. You can cross the Cascades via several passes and each offers their own set of attractions. I personally enjoy driving along Highway 20/126 because I have a chance to visit some of my favorite places in Oregon including Koosah Falls, Clear Lake, Tamolitch Falls, Proxy Falls, and Linton Falls . Note that only the larger highways like 26 may be open in winter.

Bend mostly gets attention for the surrounding landscape, which you’ll be introduced to on the drive in. The city itself is really cool though and actually a really fun place in Oregon to hang in, so it’s definitely worth staying in Bend for a couple nights. If you need ideas for places to stay in Bend, consider checking out one of the incredible vacation rentals . The local breweries, like Deschutes and Crux , are some of the finest in the state and the food ain’t bad either.

People usually head outdoors immediately upon arriving in Bend. Around the city are some of the best mountain biking, skiing, climbing, and hiking in Oregon, making the area a paradise for outdoors people.

Nearby Mt Bachelor is one of the best places to visit in Oregon in winter as the snow is legendary. North of Bend is the holy Smith Rock , which is often considered the birthplace of American rock climbing. East is endless sagebrush.

I definitely suggest driving on the Cascades Lakes Byway in the summer. You can visit local favorites like Tumalo Falls and Sparks Lake , all the while being afforded views of the Three Sisters . South Sister is a popular and relatively easy climb.

Road Trip to Crater Lake

Oregon only has one national park but it is easily one of the most stunning parks in the USA . Crater Lake is a marvel, an enormous body of water held high in the air on top of a collapsed volcano. The water is one of the deepest shades of blue that you will ever see and, officially, some of the clearest. There’s simply nothing else like it in the world.

Crater Lake is located a couple hours south of Bend in the Cascade Mountains. There are several entrances to the park but only one, Munson Valley via Highway 62 , is open (sometimes) in the winter. You’ll have to pay to enter the park though rates change depending on the time of year (summer: $25 winter: $15).

There is a lot to do at Crater Lake, though most people just stand there and stare in awe at it. You can hike, climb to one of the many surrounding peaks, descend down to the lake’s edge for a very cold swim, or simply drive around the rim in the summer on the Rim Road.

Several times in the year the road is closed to vehicular traffic so that bikers and pedestrians may enjoy the park without being disturbed, which is a really nice touch.

Though there is more to do in the summer, the best time of year to visit Crater Lake is in the winter. During this time, there are very few people, tons of snow, and just a powerful stillness to the place. The silence in the winter is almost total and you’ll be shocked, maybe even scared at how serene it is.

You can, of course, camp at Crater Lake though campgrounds can fill really quick. If you strike out camping, the nearest large town is Klamath Falls and it has plenty of lodging.

An Eastern Oregon road trip is a must for anyone who wants to get the full Oregonian experience. Some of the USA’s most beautiful places are found in this part of the state and anyone interested in a more rugged adventure will enjoy Eastern Oregon very much.

A lot of people often imagine Oregon covered in trees and being rained on 24/7; few realize that almost two-thirds of the state is actually a mix of desert terrain and stark mountains.

Lying on the other side of the Cascades, Eastern Oregon is, contrary to the common image, arid, hot, and sometimes bitterly cold. This austere landscape is gorgeous though and only solidifies Oregon as one of the most geographically diverse states in the USA.

The most popular place in Eastern Oregon is probably the kaleidoscopic Painted Hills , located in the John Day Fossil Beds . These hills are a geologic wonder and famous for their bright colors.

Surrounding the John Day area are the Ochoco, Malheur, and Umatilla forests as well as the Blue Mountains and Strawberry Mountains . Fun fact: the Blue Mountains are home to the world’s largest organism – a 2400-year-old fungus that covers over 2,000 acres.

In the far northeastern corner of the state are the Wallowa Mountains aka “The Alps of Oregon.” The Wallowas are an outdoor wonderland that offer great skiing opportunities and some of the best hikes in Oregon.

Most of the Wallowa Mountains fall within the Eagle Cap Wilderness though local townships like Joseph and Enterprise are worth visiting as well.

Nearby to the Wallowas is the historically significant Snake River and Hell’s Canyon , the deepest canyon in the entire United States.

There are many more hidden parts in Eastern Oregon that are really out in the middle of nowhere. To learn more about some of these remote locations among others, refer to the section below where we talk about secret Oregon.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Off The Beaten Path Oregon Road Trip Ideas

Oregon has so many hidden treasures for you to discover! To see something different, start with these relatively unknown locations, which are among the most uniques places to visit in Oregon.

1. Steens Mountains

The epitome of off-the-beaten-path in Oregon; these mountains are located in the far southeastern corner of the state and it takes a real journey to get here. Drive to the top of the mountains via the astounding Steens Mountain Road .

Be on the lookout for wild horses and, in the autumn, the golden aspens. On the other side of the Steens is the Alvord Desert – a surreal playa that is popular among both artists and off-roaders who like to go for joy rides.

2. Owyhee Canyonlands

One of the last untouched desert frontiers in America, full of hoodoos, stone towers, and delicate ravines. The Owyhee Canyonlands are often compared to the national parks and landscapes of Utah  albeit not as extensive.

Popular among hikers, rock climbers, and river rafters though not many people actually make it out this far due to rough and remote roads. Definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places to visit in Oregon.

3. Southern Oregon Road Trip

Though not exactly hidden, Southern Oregon often receives far less attention than the rest of the state. People usually visit to attend the famous Shakespeare Festival in charming Ashland or when passing through on a road trip from California, but there is a lot more happening than most are aware of.

The Rogue Valley has a burgeoning wine and beer scene that will soon rival the Willamette Valley. In terms of natural attractions, there is the Rogue River with its world-class rapids as well as the rugged Siskiyou Mountains and Oregon Caves , all of which make for great adventures.

Oregon Roadside Attractions

Americans have a weird affinity to the strange landmarks that are usually found out in the middle of nowhere. The roadside attractions in Oregon have become so admired that many people go on a trip just see them!

Below is a list of some of the most interesting roadside attractions in Oregon. Did we mention that a lot of these stops are among the best cheap things to do in Oregon as well?

• Peace Candle of the World (Scappoose) – A former silo that was filled with wax and painted red to resemble a giant candle. Promotes world peace.
• Enchanted Forest (Salem) – An amusement park filled with fairytale-themed rides and attractions. Whimsical and a little creepy.
• The Oregon Vortex (Gold Hill) – Place where the laws of physics are purportedly non-existent due to paranormal activity.
• Short Bridge Ghost Town (Short Bridge) – A seemingly derelict town that is actually a very well designed prop.
• Octopus Tree (Tillamook) – An old spruce tree that came to be shaped like an octopus by unknown means.
• Prehistoric Gardens (Port Orford) – A series of lifesize dinosaur recreations in the coastal rainforest. Intended to look like a prehistoric zoo.
• Peterson Rock Garden (Redmond) – An estate full intricate statues and structures made from rocks and stones.
• Oregon Corndog (Rockaway Beach) – Home to the world’s largest (artificial) corn dog. There’s also a bucking mechanical corn dog ride complete with a saddle.
• Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (McMinnville) – Holy ground for anyone interest in aviation. Hosts a large collection of planes, most importantly the Spruce Goose, one of the largest planes ever designed.
• Oregon State Hospital Museum of Mental Health (Salem) – A real mental institution that was used for filming One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Now displays important artifacts from the movie as well as archaic therapeutic techniques.

Oregon Scenic Drives

Everywhere you look in Oregon, there’s beauty; much of it can be seen from the seat of your car! Those who want a glimpse of the state’s splendor from behind the wheel should definitely check out these scenic drives in Oregon.

• Highway 101 – A road trip on Oregon Highway 101 is a great way to experience the best of the Oregon Coast. Most of the Oregon coast’s top attractions are within a stone’s throw from the highway as well. Highlights include the views from the slope of Neahkahnie Mountain, driving past the Oregon Dunes , and seeing the sea stacks of Bandon and/or Cannon Beach . This highway also makes for a natural transition when road tripping from California as the 101 runs all the way up the West Coast to Washington .
• Interstate 84 – Drive through one of Oregon’s greatest points of pride: the Columbia River Gorge. With high walls and dense woods, the Gorge is like something out of Scandinavia. Aside from being gorgeous by itself, the Gorge has lots of hiking opportunities as well as some of the best waterfalls in Oregon.
• Highway 138 – One of my favorite scenic drives in Oregon. Depart from Crater Lake and head northwest through the Cascade Range. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of the prettiest and most unique places in Oregon, including Mt. Thielsen (aka the Lightning Bolt) and Toketee Falls . 138 eventually enters the Umpqua River Valley, which is equally remarkable.
• Highway 26 – A great commute that affords road trippers glimpses of the tableau that is the Oregonian landscape. On this scenic drive through Oregon, you’ll have the chance to experience the state’s amazing geographic diversity. Start on the coast (Cannon Beach) and drive east through the city of Portland, the alpine forests at the base of Mt. Hood, and then down to the Oregon High Desert. 26 goes all the way to Boise, Idaho but the Painted Hills are a great place to stop.

Why Visit this Part of the World

Oregon is one of the brightest and quirkiest places in all of the USA. It is a spectacular state that provides everything that makes for an awesome road trip: great food, gorgeous natural attractions, engaging people, and best of all, an easygoing culture that loves to enjoy itself.

Due to its relative isolation, Oregon has always been a hideaway for the abject in society, which has shaped both its history and demographgics for better or worse .

In short, many people – the eccentric, unaccepted, burnt-out, adventurous sorts – who felt confined in conventional American life all fled to the farthest corner of the US, that is the Pacific Northwest . The result of this migration is now an established culture that champions the strange and alternative.

Oregonians are very proud of their eccentricities. You’ll often see people in the cities of Portland and Eugene doing, saying, and wearing whatever they want, sometimes to a bombastic level.

Libertarianism and separatism are very popular concepts in Oregon, both among urban and rural centers. Regardless of politics though, Oregonians are very outspoken people.

And why shouldn’t they be outspoken? Oregon has some of the most fantastic landscapes in the USA, a mostly forward-thinking society, and a people that really give a shit. Quality, ecologically-friendly products are of the utmost importance here and social progressivism is often at the forefront of people’s lives here.

There are very few places as interesting or as enthralling as Oregon. Between the hugely varied landscapes and the larger-than-life personalities, this is a state that grips you and doesn’t let go. It plants a seed and takes root in everyone’s mind and everyone has a hard time ending an Oregon road trip.

Getting Insured

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of Oregon road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel efficient so you’ll save on fuel. Use apps like ViaMichelin to find cheap gas, which, seriously, always ends up being one of the most surprising and costly expenses on a road trip.
• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal in Oregon, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, pack the car with your camping essentials . Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive in Oregon. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove. Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free things to do in Oregon! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. You can get started with this awesome guide to free activities in Portland from OregonLive. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in Oregon.
• Pack a travel water bottle: It’s good for your wallet and the environment.

Sometimes you need a roof over your head and your own shower to clean all that grime away from camping. Luckily, there are a whole range of accommodation types in Oregon catered to all sorts of travelers.

It might be a good road trip idea in Oregon to stay at a lodge once or twice for a recharge. Sticking to a budget while not staying in a dump will still require a bit of research.

There are plenty of budget hotels and motels in Oregon but they suffer from a drab and uninspired design that is endemic to most cheap American lodging.

You can check into a cheap hotel in Oregon for a night, and will often have to, but don’t expect much. At more than $60/night minimum, staying in these cheap hotels can start to feel like a waste very quickly.

Although the USA’s hostel scene is lacking outside the major backpacking destinations, you can find hostels in Oregon that are affordable and fun.

AirBnBs in Oregon are often cheaper and far more intimate than generic hotels. There are some really crazy AirBnB rentals out there as well! I’ve seen yurts, teepees, tree houses, renovated barn houses, and much more listed for rent in Oregon.

These would certainly be among the best places to stay in Oregon when visiting.

To save the most money on your road trip through Oregon, consider sticking to hostels and campgrounds. Hostels in Oregon are quirky and full of character not to mention the most affordable form of accommodation.

If you’re feeling lucky, you could also try your hand at finding a host with Couchsurfing! Lots of people use this though so competition is quite high in Oregon.

Best Places to Stay in Oregon on a Budget

Camping in oregon.

Camping is absolutely one of the best ways to sleep on a road trip through Oregon because

• It’s cheap and…

There’s nothing better than a night outdoors with a car full of goodies, a roaring fire, and a good pint of camp whiskey. Americans love it, Oregonians especially love it, and so should you!

There are campgrounds everywhere in Oregon and in all sorts of varieties. There are standard sites, primitive sites, RV parks, glamping, something called “treetop camping” and many, many more types that just get more and more ridiculous. You can even stay the night in a fire lookout , which has to be one of the coolest places to stay in Oregon.

You can use this search engine to find a campground in Oregon . Be sure to keep your eye an AirBnB as well – there are lots of interesting private camps listed.

Campgrounds in Oregon offer a range of amenities and at a range of prices. Most facilities will require a small fee to be paid, which goes toward keeping the grounds tidy and clean.

You can sometimes pay online but most of the time there will be a form at the actual site that you need complete on your own. Even though registrations from these are not always checked, please be respectful and pay the nominal fee for your stay.

If you intend on staying at a campground near of the more famous attractions in Oregon, like the Painted Hills, Smith Rock or Crater Lake, then you definitely consider reserving a space ahead, especially in the summer months. Campsites can fill up very quickly in Oregon.

If there appears to be no space leftover at your prospective campsite, there may still be walk-up sites available. Get to the grounds as early as possible to snag these spaces.

Camping in Oregon – Gear Checklist

Camping is one of the best ways to experience the USA, and Oregon has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while road tripping in Oregon, but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun.

Having a good-quality camping tent  will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list .

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Free Camping in Oregon

Those on a road trip in Oregon should totally take advantage of the many free campgrounds spread throughout the state. Note that electricity, bathrooms, and running water are not guaranteed at any of these. Also be aware that many free campgrounds in Oregon may require a 4×4 vehicle to reach.

Refer below for a list of some of our favorite free campgrounds in Oregon or this website for a complete archive of free campgrounds.

Books to Read during your Oregon Road Trip

These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Oregon. Read one or two and you may have some great road trips ideas for Oregon…

• One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest – One of Ken Kesey’s most famous novels, thanks in part to the film of the same name. Paints a picture of mental health and conformity through the lens of a man who’s just too full of life.
• Sometimes a Great Notion – Ken Kesey is a literary demigod in Oregon and this is arguably his greatest novel. A tale of a hardheaded logging family that goes on strike, leading the town to drama and tragedy.
• The River Why – A quintessential American coming-of-age tale, both for the protagonist and the nation the book represents. Set in Portland and the Oregon Coastal Range.
• Night Dogs – Vietnam War vet deals with violence in the streets and in himself. An excellent if not authentic crime novel.
• The Lathe of Heaven – A man wakes up one day to discover that his dreams can affect reality itself. A novel exploring human creation and destruction. Set in Portland, which was the ultimate home of the author, sci-fi legend Ursula K Guin.
• Dies the Fire – All electronics are rendered useless by a magnetic storm, resulting in humanity’s return to the Dark Ages. Brutality, desperation, and sword fights in Portland follow.
• Lonely Planet: Washington, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest – It’s sometimes worth traveling with a guidebook.

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around Oregon. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices from individual companies. We personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan and travel by way of vanlife , which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various wascampete and water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

Make sure you also purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your rental vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

We suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads in Oregon are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of Oregon’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the state and the Cascades, will the roads be so bad that you need 4×4 or at least high clearance.

If you’re on a road trip in Oregon during the winter and want to go to the mountains, you will definitely need all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• We mentioned before that you can reach out to vehicle relocation services, like immova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals. Pursue these as best you can as they can save you a lot of money. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

The best time to visit Oregon really depends on what you want to do. With lots of activities year round, you could go on a road trip in Oregon and always have something to do. Drinking beer is, of course, something that happens 365 days of the year.

There are several different climates in Oregon. Generally speaking, everything west of the Cascade Mountains is maritime e.g. there’s a lot more rain and mild temperatures. East of the Cascades is much drier and prone to extreme temperature shifts, which is a characteristic of the high desert.

Precipitation occurs almost always in the winter months regardless of location.

• Summer is a great time to visit Oregon because the skies are almost always clear and rainfall is sporadic. There are lots of festivals during this time of the year and most Oregonians spend their free time outdoors. What little rain does fall in the summer is usually the result of occasional storms, which sometimes come in the form of thunderstorms. Thunderstorms often cause forest fires, which have become more common in recent years due to increasing summer temperatures and decreasing rainfall.
• Spring and autumn are lovely seasons to visit Oregon but are somewhat brief. Summer usually goes into September and winter often feels very long (November-March).
• Winters in Western Oregon are notoriously dreary as rain falls almost every day and the skies are almost always overcast. Being the tortured souls that they are, Oregonians love to be homebodies and stay warm with a beer at this time.

Luckily, the Cascades and parts of Eastern Oregon receive plenty of snowfall in the winter, giving winter athletes plenty of opportunities. In fact, Oregon has some of the best slopes on the West Coast.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Food in Oregon

Oregon is often ranked as one of the top foodie states in the country by several major publications; more often than naught, it’s #1. Thanks to a thriving farm-to-table scene and a population with a real culinary passion, Oregon has, seriously, some of the best food that you’ll ever eat.

Nearly every part of Oregon offers some amazing local product. To the east is grade-A cattle; to the west are the sublime bounties of the sea; and in the middle is the Willamette Valley, a hugely prosperous agricultural area.

When on a road trip in Oregon, there are so many ways to satiate your appetite. You can visit one of the many authentic farmers’ markets, swing by a roadside diner, book a table at a eclectic restaurant or eat at a food cart.

For those on a budget road trip in Oregon, I highly recommend eating at the small hole-in-the-wall joints and food trucks to save to money.

Hands down, the best food is found at the many food carts , for which Oregon is famous for. The food here is affordable, inventive, sometimes revolutionary, and always delicious.

Food carts are often labors of love, which means the food is extraordinarily cared for. If given the choice, I will always choose a food cart over a restaurant.

Like the anonymous food carts, the mom-and-pop restaurants found in bumfuck nowhere are also among the best things in Oregon. Simple as they may be in offerings, the ambiance and loving meals they provide are one of a kind.

I can think of many places that are so good they warrant road trips themselves. The gigantic burgers of Helvetia Tavern or the soothing ice cream of K & R Drive In are certainly worthy, if not sweet memories for me.

Get your Buzz On

Whether it’s because of the demand for alcohol during those depressing winter months or because the region produces some of the finest hops, grapes, and other botanicals for making beverages, makes no difference; Oregon loves to produce and consume booze in all of its forms.

Oregon makes some of the best wine, beer, and spirits in the USA and that is a fact that locals will defend with a fiery passion. (Go Pinot Noir, not California Cab.)

Agricultural epicenters like Hood River, the Willamette Valley, McMinnville, and Medford consistently produce the best booze in the state. Amongst these regions are dozens if not hundreds of wineries, distilleries, and breweries that offer countless alcoholic varieties.

Throw in the fact that many of these sites are located in gorgeous, bucolic settings and you have some of the most fun places to stay in Oregon.

If you had to choose one place to sample local wares or go party for that matter, it’d definitely be Portland. You cannot throw a rock in this city and not hit a bar; they’re simply everywhere.

Nearly every type of bar as well: dives, speakeasies, country haunts, beer halls, urban wineries, clubs, and many more. Strip clubs are particularly well represented in Portland, so much so that the city actually has the highest concentration per capita in the country beating out both Orlando and Las Vegas.

No piece about getting buzzed in Oregon would be complete without talking about the marijuana, which is 100% legal in the state. Like alcohol consumption, you must simply be over a certain age (21) and only smoke it in certain places like on your property or away from businesses. You can buy weed a local dispensary , which only requires you to bring an ID and cash.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Oregon

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your Oregon road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles, and be very, very aware of fire bans. Forest fires are an enormous problem in Oregon and are often caused by reckless campers.

Oregonians are also very conscious of the environment and like to take care of it, as should you.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a  tough and cool travel water bottle . You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Help save the planet, and pick up a water bottle here.

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

Make Money Online Whilst Traveling in Oregon

Want to stay in the USA longer? Worried that you don’t have enough cash for a longer Oregon road trip? One idea is to make money while traveling!

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills!

It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start  teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I came upon this site searching for travel points,budgeting, anything Oregon and you hit it right on the button. This is the best well written and organized site I’ve read. I bookmarked it. Thank you so much.

Stumbled upon your awesome Oregon site while looking for things to see here in the great state of Oregon when the COVID-19 quarantine is lifted. I’ve only lived here for four years, but have been coming here all my life to visit family, so I’m familiar with a lot of the state. Thank you for such a comprehensive and thorough site about travel in Oregon.

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Home / Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

For some reason, when people elsewhere in the country refer to the Pacific Coast, particularly California, it’s apparent that they think it’s a land of kooks, an overbuilt suburban desert supporting only shopping malls, freeways, and body-obsessed airheads. All this may be true in small pockets, but the amazing thing about the Pacific Coast—from the dense green forests of western Washington to the gorgeous beaches of Southern California—is that it is still mostly wild, open, and astoundingly beautiful country, where you can drive for miles and miles and have the scenery all to yourself.

Planning a West Coast Road Trip

Road Trip USA’s Pacific Coast route begins at the northwest tip of the United States at Port Townsend near Olympic National Park, and remains within sight of the ocean almost all the way south to the Mexican border. This 1,650-mile (2,655 km), mostly two-lane route takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert. Most of the Pacific Coast is in the public domain, accessible, and protected from development within national, state, and local parks, which provide habitat for such rare creatures as mountain lions, condors, and gray whales.

Heading south, after the rough-and-tumble logging and fishing communities of Washington State, you cross the mouth of the Columbia River and follow the comparatively peaceful and quiet Oregon coastline, where recreation has by and large replaced industry, and where dozens of quaint and not-so-quaint communities line the ever-changing shoreline. At the midway point, you pass through the great redwood forests of Northern California, where the tallest and most majestic living things on earth line the Avenue of the Giants, home also to some of the best (meaning gloriously kitsch) remnants of the golden age of car-borne tourism: drive-through trees, drive-on trees, houses carved out of trees, and much more. The phenomenally beautiful coast-line of Northern California is rivaled only by the incredible coast of Big Sur farther south, beyond which stretches the beachfronts of Southern California. The land of palm trees, beach boys, and surfer girls of popular lore really does exist, though only in the southernmost quarter of the state.

Along with the overwhelming scale of its natural beauty, the West Coast is remarkable for the abundance of well-preserved historic sites—most of which haven’t been torn down, built on, or even built around—that stand as vivid evocations of life on what was once the most distant frontier of a new nation. While rarely as old as places on the East Coast, or as impressive as those in Europe, these diverse sites include the Spanish colonial missions of California, Russian and English fur-trading outposts, and the place where Lewis and Clark first sighted the Pacific after their long slog across the continent.

Last but certainly not least are the energizing cities— Seattle and Portland in the north, San Francisco in the middle, and Los Angeles and San Diego to the south—that serve as gateways to (or civilized respites from) the landscapes between them. Add to these the dozens of small and not-so-small towns along the coast, with alternating blue-collar ports and up-scale vacation retreats, and you have a great range of food, drink, and accommodations options. Local cafés, seafood grills, and bijou restaurants abound, as do places to stay—from youth hostels in old lighthouses to roadside motels (including the world’s first, which still stands in lovely San Luis Obispo, California) to homespun B&Bs in old farmhouses.

10 Best Pacific Coast Highway Stops

For more insight into each stop along a West Coast road trip, our content is arranged by state, with California’s coastline broken into its northern, central, and southern sections. Here are ten major sights along the Pacific Coast Highway where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

• Olympic National Park, Washington – Combines the features of Maine’s rocky coast, the snowy peaks of the Rocky Mountains, and the unique rainforests of the Pacific Northwest
• Astoria & Fort Clatsop, Oregon – Part of the extensive Lewis and Clark National Historic Park, Fort Clatsop is just outside the oldest American city west of the Rockies
• “Dune Country,” Oregon – Hop out of the car and into a dune buggy to travel through some of the tallest sand dunes in the world
• Redwood National Park, California – Stretch your legs with a walk through Lady Bird Johnson Grove
• Mendocino, California – One of the prettiest towns on the California coast, and extra fun for fans of the TV show Murder, She Wrote
• San Francisco, California – Easily one of the most enjoyable cities in the US and a great place to start, end, or spend a weekend along the Pacific Coast Highway
• Monterey, California – Home to the excellent Monterey Bay Aquarium and the internationally famous Monterey Jazz Festival
• San Simeon, California (Hearst Castle) – One of the truly unique attractions to see on a classic Highway 1 road trip
• San Luis Obispo, California – A lively college town with a beautiful 18th-century Spanish mission to tour, and the Madonna Inn, one of the quirkiest places to spend a night
• Los Angeles, California – Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and an intersection with another storied road trip: Route 66
• San Diego, California – Beautiful beaches, grand buildings, and home to the San Diego Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in the world

Related Travel Guides

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

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17 Best Road Trip Stops from Portland To Bend, Oregon

If you’re heading to the Pacific Northwest and you have a weekend to spare, a road trip from Portland to Bend, Oregon should be on your to-do list. This drive is so much fun to do!

Many travelers headed to Bend, OR as their final destination tend to fly into PDX in Portland, OR. From there, the drive from Portland to Bend (or vice versa) can easily be tackled in 3 hours.

But why would you want to make that drive without stopping to see some of the awesome spots, hikes, and sights in between? The drive from Portland to Bend is so scenic.

You’ll pass by various types of scenery, starting with the densely forested atmosphere of the Portland area all the way to the high desert flora and fauna of Central Oregon. 

To help you make the most of your trip, we’re sharing a complete list of our favorite stops to explore along the way from Portland to Bend. So without further ado, let’s dive right into it!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

ROUTES FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

There are a few routes you could take to get to Bend from Portland (or Portland from Bend), but this list focuses on the stops along these two main routes— taking US-26 all the way down and passing Mount Hood vs. taking I-84 east through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, then down to US-26.

What’s the difference? Well first off, let’s review what you’ll see along both routes.

• I-84 to US-26 – You’ll be going through the Columbia River Gorge to Hood River, where you’ll then take the 35 down to US-26 E and finally along US-97 S to Bend. This route is longer and more time consuming than the more direct path below.
• US-26 – More of a straight-shot to Bend from Portland, which will save you time and miles on your car. You won’t be passing the Columbia River Gorge or Hood River, but you’ll pass Mount Hood and everything thereafter.

The mileage and duration of your trip will depend on which route you take. If you go with the longer, more scenic route of I-84, you’ll be adding on another 50 miles, but a 50 miles well worth it. The total travel time really depends on how long you stop at each of the pitstops on your itinerary!

I’d recommend going the longer route if you haven’t had the chance to explore the Columbia River Gorge or the town of Hood River yet. If you’ve been blessed to have explored the Columbia River Gorge before, then why not take the US-26 route and check out some new sights along the way?

17 BEST ROAD TRIP STOPS FROM PORTLAND TO BEND

I doubt Portland needs a formal introduction. But if you were so keen to read one — Portland is a bustling city in Oregon and is one of the greenest cities in the world. Portland prides itself on embracing weirdness, which makes this city so fun to explore!

There are tons of quirky neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere and charm. The food truck scene is popping, as are the coffee and craft beer scenes.

If you’re starting (or ending) your road trip in Portland, make sure you have at least three extra days to eat, drink, and explore the city of Portland!

I personally love Portland so much that I opted to live there for a month in an Airbnb during the C-19 days when wfh was mandatory. It was easily some of the most memorable weeks of those crummy years!

With all that said, Portland gets a huge thumbs-up from me. Definitely allocate a couple of days to exploring the city!

MCMENAMINS EDGEFIELD

McMenamins Edgefield is so much more than a historic hotel. This property is 74-acres large and located only 20 minutes away from downtown Portland. Formerly a poor farm during the Great Depression, McMenamins is a wonder to see and explore. It’s so expansive there is even a visitor’s guide and map of the property available to visitors.

Seriously, the estate is huge! You could easily spend a few hours wandering about the extensive gardens (glass of wine or a pint of beer in hand), play golf, visit the glass/pottery shop, distillery, and winery, take a seat and enjoy one of the many bars, eat lunch in the outdoor courtyards, watch a recent-run movie in the theater, listen to live music, and explore the gift shop. Tons of stuff to do!

If you’re a hotel guest here, you can also take advantage of the beautiful soaking pool next to the tea bar.

COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

The Columbia River Gorge is so beautiful and packed with jaw-dropping waterfalls, overlooks, and hikes that they named it a National Scenic Area. The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is actually considered one of the most scenic drives in the country!

Along this 70-mile highway, you will have the chance to see several historic buildings, monuments, fish hatcheries, the Oneonta Gorge, and numerous waterfalls including Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahclella Falls, and Fairy Falls. Given recent fires over the years, it’s best to check their website to check for trail closures.

MULTNOMAH FALLS

It’s likely you’ve visited or at least heard of this popular waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge before. If you haven’t, it’s a must-see as you travel along the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway.

It’s a quick stop off the highway and you can walk right up to marvel at the falls without even breaking a sweat. Talk about bang for your buck! You can grab lunch, ice cream, coffee, and other refreshments here as well.

Note: Sadly, during peak tourist season, Multnomah Falls can get very crowded, and there may be a limit on the number of visitors allowed at any given time to manage crowds and ensure visitor safety.

Check the Multnomah Falls website for the most up-to-date updates/conditions. You may need to make reservations to visit.

Continue along the scenic byway running alongside the Columbia River to reach your next stop, the charming town of Hood River. Hood River, also known as the windsurfing capital of the world, hosts a good amount of wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

This is the perfect place to stop for a meal or a cup of coffee. If you’re not feeling hungry, you should still get out of the car to stretch your legs, walk through the town, and peruse the lifestyle/home decor stores and gift shops.

LAVENDER VALLEY

I love this little off-the-road travel attraction! There’s nothing better than visiting a lavender farm during the summer season and attending an annual festival dedicated to ALL things lavender. I mean, talk about unique, right?

At Lavender Valley, you can wander the lovely lavender fields, cut and pick your own lavender, and explore the little gift shop after you’ve enjoyed your stroll through the grounds.

The view of Mt Hood is as intoxicating as its fragrant fields! No lie, the view by far is the best thing here and certainly does not disappoint.

If you’re looking for an alternative, there are other lavender farms in the area including Hood River Lavender Farm.

Address: 5965 Boneboro Rd, Mt Hood, OR 97041

RAMONA FALLS

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the entire Northwest is just a quick hike away on your route from Portland to Bend.  The iconic 7-mile roundtrip hike on Ramona Falls Loop Trail provides stellar views of Mt. Hood and the grand Ramona Falls.

The trail itself is relatively easy, but the hike requires either crossing the Sandy River on fallen logs, rock hopping, or trudging through the river. If river crossings aren’t your thing, maybe skip this stop. It’s quite an adventure and totally worth it when you get to feast your eyes on Ramona Falls flowing down 120 feet of sheer basalt rock.

GOVERNMENT CAMP

Government Camp sounds much more formal than what it is–a home base for people visiting Mount Hood and exploring the national forest that surrounds the area. “Govey,” as the locals call it, is a quaint alpine village that has plenty of eateries, watering holes, and an abundance of small-town charm.

It’s an excellent place to stretch your legs and use the restroom before continuing on your road trip from Portland to Bend!

TIMBERLINE LODGE

As you approach the south side of Mount Hood, take note of the signs for the Timberline Lodge (you’ll be making a left to get there). Timberline Lodge is a magnificent historical mountain lodge, built during the Depression Era. This is yet another great place to grab a bite to eat with a side of awe-inspiring views.

This National Historic Landmark is perhaps most known as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining . It’s less than 15 minutes from Government Camp and you can expect to spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.

TRILLIUM LAKE

Just 10 minutes south of Government Camp, you’ll find the picturesque Trillium Lake sitting beautifully among the great outdoors. This lake is all about the view–featuring Mount Hood towering overhead nearby. This creates an amazing mirrored view of its snow-capped peaks, especially on a clear day.

If you have some to spare, consider doing the 1.9-mile loop hike around the lake, kayaking/paddling, fishing, or packing a picnic to enjoy here. Since motorboats are not allowed here, you’ll get an even more peaceful, enjoyable experience!

INDIAN HEAD CASINO / WARM SPRINGS INDIAN MUSEUM

A bit further south on the 26 will bring you to the Indian Head Casino as well as the Warm Springs Indian Museum .

Their proximity to each other will allow you to test your luck with slot machines or table games, AND experience the rich history and culture of this region afterward.

This is an awesome stop if (1) you need to stretch your legs and (2) you’re down to weave in some history/education to your road trip.

Visitors of The Museum at Warm Springs will experience firsthand the sounds of ancient songs and languages, the mastery of traditional craftsmen, and the sights of various cultures that make up the Confederated Tribes of The Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. The collections of the museum are rotated throughout the year.

PETER SKENE OGDEN STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT

Located just 9 miles north of Redmond, Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint is a cool roadside attraction. This brief stop boasts a dramatic view of the canyon against the Crooked River.  The two sides are connected by historic bridges that create a dramatic glimpse of central Oregon’s geological and historical features.

The parkland was once owned by the Oregon Trunk Railway and was later acquired by the State between 1925 and 1930.  Eventually, the park was named after explorer Peter Skene Ogden, who entered the Crooked River Valley in 1825.

This viewpoint is perfect for photography lovers! Another good reason to stop? There are restrooms and picnic areas in case you need a scenic break that doesn’t involve seeing the inside of your car.

SMITH ROCK STATE PARK

If you enjoy scenic views of towering canyons or rock climbing, Smith Rock State Park is the place for you. Rock climbers from all over the country flock to Smith Rock State Park to experience the thousands of climbing routes in the park. Here you’ll find dynamic routes that are ideal for various types of climbing and bouldering.

If climbing isn’t your thing, Smith Rock SP is still worth visiting. It’s great for trail running, hiking, wildlife spotting, and mountain biking as well. If you’re looking for a place to camp, the park also has a walk-in area for tent camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pro Tip: Smith Rock State Park is a popular attraction, and with that comes potential challenges with parking, especially during the peak season and on weekends. If you want to beat the crowds, visit on a weekday or try to get there before 8am on weekends. The parking/day-use fee costs $5.

CRESCENT MOON ALPACA RANCH

I added this to the list in hopes that anyone reading this is also in love with alpacas as much as I am. At the alpaca ranch, you’ll get the chance to feed the adorable alpaca as well as enjoy the alpaca boutique. It’s only 8 minutes away from Smith Rock, how can you say no?

It’s a fun place to stop, especially if you love animals or are traveling with children. You can expect to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour here.

We missed this on our last road trip, but we’re definitely making it a priority the next time we road trip to Bend, OR!

Redmond is a hub in the high desert along the 26 with a rejuvenated downtown, a growing beer scene, and lots of recreational activities to enjoy.

Head to Downtown Redmond for a light stroll among fine dining restaurants, boutiques, bookstores, and cafes. You’ll also find a few breweries in Redmond including Kobold, Initiative, Cascade Lakes, and Wild Ride .

For family-friendly fun, check out Splash Park or the ice rink in the heart of the city. Near the airport is the Deschutes Fair & Expo Center , which hosts a wide range of events, concerts, trade shows, automobile shows, and more.

Redmond is also where the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo is held in August. It’s a big deal, so if you’re planning a road trip during the month of August, try to make this one!

Looking for another high desert town to explore? When you pull into the Old West town of Sisters, OR, you’ll feel like you’ve just been transported back in time.

This friendly little town in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains attracts visitors for its natural beauty as well as annual celebrations like the Sisters Rodeo (June), the Sisters Quilt Show (July) and the Sister Folk Festival (September).

Take a stroll down the main street, hike the nearby trails, and enjoy the Wild West village atmosphere of Sisters.

Welcome to Bend, you made it through your road trip! If you didn’t know, Bend, Oregon is an absolute outdoor haven all year round.

Personally speaking, I am obsessed with Bend. If I was made of money, THIS would be where I would buy a house. Easy decision!

I absolutely love how green and friendly the entire town of Bend is. The plethora of hiking trails, waterfalls , and in-town things to do still steals my heart to this day. (Someone, buy me a house here already!!)

Summers are ideal for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water sports, while winters are perfect for skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Bachelor. It’s the ultimate land of outdoor adventure, and you can’t forget about the craft beer tasting! Seriously, the sheer amount of fun you can have here is unreal.

There’s a lot to do within the city limits and even more to do outside of them. Check out our full list of 30+ best things to do in Bend here .

WHERE TO STAY IN BEND, OR

We love staying in Bend whenever we get the chance! Our top recommendations include these super-stylish and affordable hotels:

• LOGE Bend – Features stylish, rustic rooms; LOGE provides city bikes that are complimentary for use and offers evening entertainment and a shared kitchen.
• Riverhouse on the Deschutes – A clean, spacious, pet-friendly hotel featuring a restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and a bar. Downtown Bend is 5 minutes’ drive away.
• Pine Ridge Inn – Located 2 miles from Downtown Bend, Pine Ridge Inn is just 1 mile away from the Old Mill District. They offer very open and spacious suites with king-sized beds and a sofa bed. They are pet-friendly and offer an awesome free breakfast.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: RENTAL CARS

If you don’t have a car or don’t have a reliable car you trust to get you out of Portland and back in one piece, I suggest you pick up a rental car for your road trip.

Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using  Rentalcars.com . Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!

Don’t Forget About The Pass!

A lot of the best adventures around Oregon will require a day-use fee. The better deal? Get yourself a Northwest Pass or an  Interagency Annual Pass . You can easily get one delivered straight to your door. Order one before your trip!

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: LODGING/HOTELS

If you’re a planner like me, you’re probably going to want to book all your lodging before you leave. I don’t know about you, but the thought of not having a place to stay (or paying an arm and a leg to get a room last-minute) just makes me uneasy.

Be sure to book your lodging before you leave, or as soon as possible really, especially if you’re planning on staying at a specific hotel or yurt that you’ve been eyeing for some time.

If you are more of a spontaneous traveler, get the  HotelTonight   app. HotelTonight offers steeply discounted hotel prices for those last-minute bookings, perfect for spontaneous road trippers.

ROAD TRIP PREPARATION: ROAD CONDITIONS

Right before your trip, check Google Maps or  TripCheck  (by the Oregon Department of Transportation) before you hit the road.

We actually like TripCheck a little bit more for this exercise, because not only does it provide you with live road condition information, but it also gives you live weather alerts as well. There are even live cameras you can check out to see exactly how snowy a mountain pass may be or how bad the traffic is in the city. Though not as detailed as within Oregon, the highway condition information even extends to nearby states!

The Best Neighborhoods To Visit In Portland, Oregon

30+ Fun and Exciting Things To Do In Bend, Oregon

10 Epic Waterfalls In Bend, Oregon You Need To See For Yourself

Things To Do In The Columbia River Gorge For A Perfect Day Trip

9 Epic Weekend Road Trips From Portland, Oregon To Take This Year

Trail Of Ten Falls: How To Hike This Epic Trail In Oregon