best scenic drive from portland to seattle 21 Nov best scenic drive from portland to seattle

Best of all, theres no cell service so theyll have to look around to see them . You will then reach the Chehalis River. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! The only Mt. 1 Most Scenic Ocean Drive: Pacific Coast Highway. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a protected estuary spanning 762 acres of natural land. 15 years ago. Thanks for reading, Brianna! It's a 760-acre urban park, which includes a huge zoo and . To be honest, Id opt for the long route you only have one day, and Point Reyes is one of my favorite parts of California. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Head out to explore tide pools, view the puffins that roost on the rock from early-spring to mid-summer, or see the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge. This means traffic shouldn't be a problem anywhere along the route. Thank you for the pointers! I was a truck driver for 29 years and could not drive that road. If your PCH road trip includes the Olympic Peninsula, follow U.S. 101 west and then north along the eastern side of the Olympic Peninsula toward Port Angeles. There are loads of cool things to explore in/around this small PNW town, including Olympic National Park! From Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument to Seattle with side trips is about 208 miles and will take around four hours when done as a straight shot. Again, thanks for great info and advice. Hi We have just 1-day and will be starting in Fortuna and heading to San Francisco. Be sure to check out the remains of the Peter Iredale, a shipwreck that ran ashore in 1906. Thanks for your comment . Can you please give me a list of must sees in Santa Barbara (we could have two full days there). I have one question where is the best place to fly into? The way this segment is routed may be a pretty roundabout way of getting there, but this 140-mile, 3-hour journey will take you past some pretty interesting historical landmarks. Follow Interstate 5 north out of Portland alongside the Columbia River. Always exploring, wherever she ends up, you can be sure she will be out hiking, biking, skiing, and paragliding. I would love to take this vacation but not fall short on money. I had the chance to spend a weekend in Huntington Beach a few years ago and loved the vibe in this surf town. Loren Kerns / Flickr. ?? The top stops along the way from Portland to Seattle (with short detours) are Chihuly Garden and Glass, Pike Place Fish Market, and Space Needle. Weve spent time in SF already so dont need to stay there. Thank so much for putting together a wonderful and comprehensive itinerary of the PC scenic drive. Address: 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516, United States. If you just want the best of the best in Airbnb rentals, this list will get you to the right place. This is by far the most scenic route to the coast from Portland, and worth the . Amtrak operates a train from Portland to Seattle every 4 hours. As the highest peak in Oregon, Mount Hood stands tall as the states geographic symbol of outdoor adventure. To maximize your . Feel free to comment back here if you have questions while planning your trip . A post shared by Kym Janisch (@chi_girl_go). The 90-minute boat trip arrives in Swartz Bay. These cities make a great vacation pair with Mount Rainier, Mount St Helens, Cannon Beach and a lot more to see . After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose. When in doubt, stay on the coast. Great read! Be sure to plan your trip on a day the lighthouse is open for tours, so you can climb the steps down to the lighthouse and lookout beneath the clouds across the sea. Seattle is one of my favorite destinations in the world. Regarding openings, Im sorry but I cant keep up with all of the places and changing restrictions in the various counties and states. You can take the same route back to downtown Seattle. Pismo is a popular camping destination, so the most common amenities youll find if you decide to stay longer than a few hours are camping-oriented. As the tallest lighthouse on the U.S. Pacific Coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is picturesque, and you can view it from several different angles along the nearby coastline. 1. Day 5. Hi Valerie. Start here. Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts. What do you think about making this drive in November? Before you get started, making sure you pay the feebefore you arrive and nail down a mountaineering/climbing permit from the Park Service. . St. Helens RV Resort. My best advice is to take a look at the app Roadtrippers and start plugging in where you might want to go to get a sense of travel time then you can decide whats must-do, what extra you have time for, and what needs to be cut.I hope that helps! Youll still be at the mercy of traffic, but if you want to leave the driving to someone else, hop aboard one of numerous buses shuttling between Portland and Seattle. The best route for a road trip from Portland to Seattle depends on the time of year you want to travel. In the morning, we made the 30-minute drive to Mulmonath Falls. You could see Canada and the river valley. 7. Thanks for reading, Jan. Have a great trip! . These birds breed, rest, and winter in freshwater marshes and grassland. Just give yourself more time and end n LA. To ensure accommodations, I was thinking to book all of the hotels in advance. I hate cold! When the bridge was built in 1930, it was the longest cantilevered bridge in the United States, originally serving as a private toll bridge. For bigger cities, there are probably enough options that you can wait until you arrive to book, even during that time of year. I love road trips & he tolerates them so I am looking forward to all these sights to see! Olympia is the capital of Washington located about 60 miles from Seattle. Great article. I am planning a road-trip with my husband along the Pacific coast. Cross the Columbia River and enter Washington. Thanks for your comment, Anthony! Also, I will have 3 weeks to do this, I like small towns, Vegan food, and too out of shape for extended hikes. Portland has loads of great hotels, but my favorite is the, For vacation rental options, consider this. This information is great!!! Hah, sounds like a good bonding experience, Angela! Thank you for sharing! Port Angeles is the place for that one-night stop. Before you head back to Bend, take a scenic car tour around the perimeter of the lake on Rim Drive. Popular activities: Whidbey Island is a popular Seattle day trip for people who love food, drink, shops, and hikes. With colorful historic seaside homes and great hiking trails and other outdoor activities, Mendocino is good for at least an overnight stop dont be surprised if you want to spend even longer here once you arrive! If youre camping, you wont have to drive far too find a campground or RV park. Cherie, thanks for your comment. If you are a baseball fan, you must make a stop at T-Mobile Park even before heading to the city center. Want more? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Return west to U.S. 101 and turn south. Got to save some $$$$$. I am starting from seattle 8/26 down to los angeles taking PCH. The speed limit ranges from 55mph to 25mph theres really no helpful way to give an average! The shoulder seasons can be a great time to visit Mt. I would like to follow the route on the map. Note: mountain route may be unavailable during winter due to road closures. What do you think of Coos Bay/North Bend or better places for overnight, seemed a good split between Seattle and San Francisco? If you need to stretch your legs on your day of driving between Los Angeles and San Diego, Huntington Beach is a great spot to stop. Do you have a version that is just typed up not with pictures? Here, California Highway 1 carves a sinuous path along steep cliffs; the road is beautiful at a price, since mudslides arent uncommon along this stretch of highway, and can close the highway for months. Vancouver to Victoria: 70 miles/3 hours. Have a great trip! Depending on the region of the town, the drive often takes three hours on a good day. I would rather guess on the high side than the low side so Im prepared. After the town of Longview, take Route 504 towards the infamous Mount St. Helens. Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. However, the mountain route is not as suitable for winter use. I hope this helps. The suggested route below zigzags a bit and adds quite a bit of distance. My wife doesnt particularly like high bridges or steep drops (one reason we are driving north), so any advice on where we might avoid such things is appreciated. Its really up to you to decide where you want to end and figure out the closest rental car/airport option from there, but there are airports of all sizes throughout the region. Mountain Route. These seem to be the hardest parts to figure out for this type of trip! 2. 3 Cool National Parks Road Trip Through Crater Lake. National Park Roads from Paradise to Chinook Pass. Thanks, Larissa! Combine a visit to Portland with an adventure down the PCH. Thank you for any other tips. Are people moving about freely or are things locked down with the covid? Tim & Janice, what kind words! A post shared by Becca Nelson Bailey (@beccamakesthings). Astoria has plenty of amazing places to stay, from hotels and Airbnbs to local campgrounds. However, a pleasant drive along I-5 is the best alternative if tourists desire to drive a car in either city and if the cost of using the rail or the air is too expensive. Unless youre driving the lengthy coastal route, youll find the best scenery aboard Amtrak. It may have been in a reply to someone elses comment, but I cant seem to find it now. Well, now we will have to wait to see how this Covid-19 progresses. It also features a boardwalk, boathouse, beaches, trails, an off-leash dog park, and an old-growth forest. Day 1: Seattle, WA to Coos Bay, OR. . To see Oregon's Mount Hood up close, consider the Mt Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour Route Road Trip. is booking hotels on the day or maybe the day before likely to be OK, or should we book well in advance? At this point you should take the exit to CA-1; this is now the Pacific Coast Highway. Both routes avoid large cities until you reach Seattle. Its only 180 miles of interstate between the two cities and even on the interstate, the scenery is beautiful. You can learn more about our editorial policies. Lan Su Chinese Garden is a Chinese botanical garden in Northwest Portland. Id check out the California DOT website for the most up-to-date information. One of the most popular Seattle scenic drives, you don't even have to leave the city for breathtaking views of lush greenery and ancient trees. Ann, thanks so much for your comment. I am going to mostly follow the path you outlined in your 10 day itinerary. Portland? The Inn has a great set of amenities like an indoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, and a gym. Regarding I recommend an automatic car with a low center of gravity but skip the convertible! Theres a nice public parking area near a lake that overlooks the Washington State Capital building. Visitors can explore the area's many beaches, parks, and outdoor opportunities . Hi, My wife and I are planning a 7-day drive from San Fran to Portland in late June of this year. Thanks for reading, Laurie! If I am going to follow your 10 day itinerary from Washington State to San Diego, how many overnight stays can I have? I will be driving from Dallas to Seattle. Im sure someone else has asked this but..When is the best time to travel PCH (traveling Southbound through California to San Diego in hopes of warm days and cool(ish) nights)? We planned to start in Seattle and drive to San Diego. Rainier National Park. Start your visit here at the Astoria Column, a 125-foot-tall tower with a 164-step narrow spiral staircase leading to amazing views of the city and waterfront. My only additional rec for anyone would be to add the Great Tide Pool in Monterrey to check out little worlds of marine life. But take your time: Both Olympia (the capital) and Tacoma (home of the Museum of Glass) are worth a stop. You can sit in the beautiful picnicking area of the park, enjoy your picnic, and watch ferries come and go. The redwoods are a definite. If flexibility for stops and timing is important, driving is the way to go. I appreciate any help you can provide. Los Angeles is the last major city on my list of Pacific Coast Highway stops, and though I have a guide to spending one day in L.A., you can and should spend as much time as you like. Were driving south-to-north. 7 hours 0 minutes. Located in Northeast Olympia, Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary housing birds, lathe animals, amphibians, mammals, and reptiles. This is such a great resource. Liz is a freelance writer and editor who lives on the road. We are just looking to site sea on our way back home from Disneyland I was looking at Hearst Castle and the Elephant Seal Vista Point but dont see much reviews on them with kids. I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. Great content here, thank you! Heres a Pacific Coast Highway map and schedule for 10 days: One of the most popular questions I get about driving the Pacific Coast Highway is about when to drive the PCH. offers numerous daily flights between Portland Airport (PDX) and Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) or Paine Field (PAE), and if you book in advance, you can usually snag a great fare. Thanks for sharing. In the Suburbs of Seattle, you will merge onto Interstate 5 to take you into the city center. If you have some more time, head to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. From Astoria, follow Route 30 inland along the Columbia River. Big Sur is defined as the stretch of coastline and adjacent state park between Carmel and San Simeon. If you'd rather take the scenic route, swing west into the Olympic Peninsula. Thanks so much for any tips you can suggest on having adequate funds! Would you recommend the 7 day to get 2-3 days in Diego? Thank you for the comprehensive narrative! Your email address will not be published. Thank you so very much. its also an excellent day trip out of Seattle. What would be a good hopping on point? Also, we were thinking with the additional days to do a detour over to Yosemite. Likes: 0. Another great option is the Chinaberry Hill Inn, located a bit closer to downtown Tacoma. But my priority for this trip is just going straight down the PCH so that should help me prioritize. But the key here is the ferry ride. St. Helens or the coast. If I were youI would do a leisurely drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles/San Diego. Silver Lake is an exquisite lake that lies in Seaquest State Park in the northwest of Silverlake, an unincorporated community in Washington. The reason I recommend doing your Pacific Coast Highway road trip north to south is that youll be on the coastal side of the road. My wife and I have been to Cali a couple of times, our daughter once from Diego to Fran (Berkeley) and loved it, and just us once to Seattle and Portland, but flying in and out only. My blog posts likely contain affiliate links, including for the Amazon Associates program.If you click, book, or buy from one of these links, I may earn a commission. From Seaside, it takes 13 minutes to go to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. It is enormous and offers a ton of sights and activities. Northeastern Rustic LLC, 2761 U.S. Rte 2, Smyrna Mills, ME 04780, USA. There are no reasonable alternatives for some of the routes like the one across Bixby Canyon Bridge (shown above). Route 8 will lead you directly into Olympia, where you will need to merge with Interstate 5. Cruise across the lake's sapphire waters, kayak or join a whitewater rafting trip. Unfortunately, you cant climb the lighthouse steps as it has been closed for restoration since 2001. When you hit the California coast, its like driving in a postcard. I want the most scenic route but RT 1 on the cliffs seem risky ? The Best Stops to Make on a Seattle to Crater Lake Road Trip . It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. Did you try searching my site using the search in the sidebar? Pacific Coast Highway Directions: South of Humboldt Redwoods, theres a junction where California Highway 1 (CA-1) begins. So if picturesque fields of flowers and amazing farmland sound like something you want to see, the Skagit Valley is only a short drive from Seattle. When you picture the Pacific Coast Highway, its Big Sur that comes to mind. Where: State Route 11. We would be flying from GA, so I guess I go fling to Seattle, and the book one home for San Diego? Hi V& VDid you make hotel reservations in advance for your overnight stops? In Tillamook, pick from any number of hotels or Airbnbs. If you want to make a stop midway through your journey, Seaside may be the perfect place. Where is the Pacific Coast Highway? Save. Next, youll pass through Point Reyes, which again seems underwhelming. It's a quick trip into the city, though traffic can build in the early . I agree, go north to south. Eventually, youll reach and cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge into Washington. of the PCH? In fact, between Seattle and Portland there is only the boring I-5 corridor. Take the road all the way to the dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and keep an eye out for gray whales in the water below. This is the nearest national park to Portland, Oregon and, on clear days, the mountain is even visible from Portland. Thanks Teena. Wifey and I did the PCH trip a while ago, shortly after we got married. Youve put together one awesome road trip! Learn more about our editorial policies here. Have a great trip! Is this going to be a big disappointment? Travelers can take various pathways between Portland and Seattle. So if youre looking forward to hiking, scenic drives, sights seeing or mountain climbing this a spot you have to see. Congrats on the trip, Michael! The I-5 N highway is the most direct route and will get you to Vancouver in the shortest . Thank you, Archimedes. The road trip from Portland to Seattle isn't very long, but this makes it a great weekend getaway. Book well in advance, and youll find the best dealsas in $1 ticketswith BoltBus. The ability to access Oregon's diverse natural beauty, as well as historical and cultural sites, has earned it 29 designated Scenic Byways and Tour Routes. Cant say enough how appreciative we are. We are planning on a 7 days trip in Dec 2021. Be sure to check out my Ebook: USA Wine Guide For Travelers. If you see an error, please contact me. I hope you have an epic time; Patrees such an amazing host! The drive from Portland to Seattle is one I've made numerous times. This will take you through Nehalem County Park and eventually to the coast. From the perspective of California Highway 1, it might seem like just a few buildings alongside the road. Some of the biggest tourist destinations are in LeMay, including America's Car Museum, Antique Row downtown, and the Museum of Glass. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: Continue along CA-1 to San Diego, your final stop on this PCH road trip. flickr/ jdegenhardt. I love that the Pacific coast has those little hideaways! Crescent City! Unlimited stops, edit, share, find recommended places of interest and campgrounds, manage budgets, print or export directions and more. My favorite place is Mendocino if the skies are clear! Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are doing a quick Pacific Coast Highway road trip, head south from Olympia along I-5 to Portland. It was also formed by wave erosion, and now the huge hole is a beautiful vista or hiking spot. I am not a family travel expert so I dont have advice there! Aretta, thanks for your comment! Where is Crater Lake? One day, I would LOVE to make this road trip. The city is a great stopover for history buffs while traveling from Portland to Seattle. With that in mind, you cant go wrong with a drive from Washington Park Arboretum to Seward Park. If you go as big as a Suburban or Tahoe, youll be way to big and clunky to enjoy the road! We plan a trip to San Jos, California because of its diversity, beautiful scenery, and exceptionally high outputs. Seaside is a picturesque coastal town, a western interpretation of the East Coast summer destinations along the Atlantic. I didnt want to make all my reservations, but just go with it for one time in my life. Remain on Highway 101 as it takes you around Willapa Bay. Hi, we are flying into Seattle 7/27 and out from San Diego 8/7, we are visiting colleges in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and San Diego for my daughter. To those of us in Washington, this has become a pretty normal part of our everyday existence. These stops are numbered to match my Roadtrippers map and trip above (click here to open the trip in a separate window). Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air offers numerous daily flights between Portland Airport (PDX) and Sea-Tac Airport (SEA) or Paine Field (PAE), and if you book in advance, you can usually snag a great fare. We have lived, collectively, in exactly three cities. Pacific Coast Highway Directions: If you are on a shorter Pacific Coast Highway road trip, continue south along I-5 to Grants Pass, then turn southwest to Crescent City (#11).If you are taking a longer PCH drive, turn west out of Portland along Oregon Highways 99W and 18 to connect with U.S. 101 near Lincoln City. It has 18 rooms and 31 RV lots. 3. Sounds like youve got a great itinerary planned! I was curious about which one you suggest if you were to slim down this itinerary by 1 day (ex. 5. Thank you for this wonderful review. Read more in my Privacy Policy. Heres one more spectacular spot to drive in the city. Just starting to think about a 1st time road trip from Az to Washington and back among the PCH!!?? Also wondering if you can tell me where I could get a printable version of your article. 2. A road trip from Portland to Seattle is short but mighty. Hope to rent a car there? Anyway, we are looking to do the very same drive. Only question I have is how much money would you recommend someone having for a trip like this and staying in a 3 star hotel each night? However, the area around the National Park is also bewitching. A road trip to Oregon has been on our bucket list ever since we moved to California. Thats it! Plan, edit, save, and share your custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross-country adventures. 1 question: weve booked hotels at both end (Seattle and LA) and would prefer not to book hotels until were on route and know how far were along and how long we want to stop in each place. San Diego is high on my must-visit-longer list, so Im again a bit short on recommendations here. During these days, you have time to experience the highlights of the coast, and whet your appetite for another future trip! And there are plenty of options along the north shore of the Colombia River that offer stunning views and a relaxing stay. Weve daydreamed about a lot of different trips we would take one day, and a flight from the southeast US to Seattle and PCH drive to San Diego was one of them. Donna, thanks for your comment! Whats the best time of year to do this? Ive never been to CA and I know the prices are high. Are we likely to hit snow in the northern stops? Along the way we plan to stop at the Benbow Inn near Garberville, CA and in Newport. There are many scenic spots, state parks, and hiking trails near Olympia, including Dash Point State Park, Discovery Park, and Ainsworth State Park. The Lotte Hotel has the perfect combination of location, price, and luxury to make your stay in Seattle very memorable. I am currently planning a road trip from Phoenix to Vancouver, WA to visit family and weve decided to come back home via the PCH. Your article was just what I needed!! Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Itinerary Options, How to Choose a Car for the Pacific Coast Highway, Step-by-Step Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Directions, this gorgeous 3-bedroom oceanfront property, plenty of experiences to choose from in San Diego, https://www.valisemag.com/california-coast-road-trip/, Wandering the Olympic Peninsula - Valerie & Valise, https://www.theoutbound.com/theoutbound/camping-along-the-pacific-10-seaside-campsites-for-your-west-coast-road-trip, https://www.valisemag.com/visit-san-juan-islands/, https://www.valisemag.com/3-days-seattle/, https://www.valisemag.com/3-days-san-francisco/, https://www.valisemag.com/portland-city-guide/, https://www.valisemag.com/pacific-coast-highway-guide/.

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