A two day road trip Portland to San Francisco takes you between two of the most populous cities in the Pacific Northwest.
A 670-mile two day road trip Portland to San Francisco takes you down the Pacific coast of the United States, through the states of Oregon and California. As you drive through the Pacific Northwest, you will pass through stunning National Parks and Forests, historic cities and towns, and world-famous wine-making regions, en route to “The Golden City”, San Francisco.
To plan the perfect travel itinerary for a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco, we highly recommend reading on.
A Two Day Road Trip Portland To San Francisco: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take, & What Is The Best Route?
The shortest route for a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco covers 635 miles and takes 10 hours to drive. There are also some more scenic routes which are far longer, although they may be unsuitable for people who only have 2 days to spare. The route we are providing is what we find to be the perfect choice for a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco. It covers 670 miles and takes 11 hours to drive.
You begin by heading south on I-5 and following it 110 miles to Exit 188 in Eugene, Oregon. Join Oregon Route 58 (also known as Willamette Highway 18) where it begins and drive its 86.75-mile duration, then merge onto US Route 97 and keep heading south. When it concludes in Weed, California, merge back onto I-5, which you will follow 230 miles to Sacramento, California.
Briefly use US Route 50 to begin heading west, then merge onto I-80, still going west, which will take you the rest of the way to your destination in San Francisco, California.
Best Time For A Two Day Road Trip Portland To San Francisco
The best time for a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco is from early June to the middle of August. This window is when the Pacific Northwest experiences some of its warmest, driest weather. It also avoids the peak of California Wildfire season, which runs between late August and the end of November.
Best Place To Stop On A Two Day Road Trip Portland To San Francisco – Redding, California
The largest city in California north of Sacramento and located just past the halfway point on our route, Redding, California, is a perfect overnight stop on a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco.
Founded in 1874, Redding was the northernmost European settlement in the state at the time and was intended to be the western terminus of the Central Pacific Railroad. Its name has changed back and forth between Redding and Reading through the years, due to debates over whether it is named after early settler Benjamin Bernard Redding or beloved local pioneer Pierson Barton Reading.
It eventually established itself as one of the major boom towns of the California Gold Rush. The diversity and density of the town’s population rose and fell in line with the economy of the mines, before stabilising after their closure. This led to it becoming the economic core of the Shasta Cascade region, a designation it retains to this day, and blossoming into a destination filled with cultural, historic, and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Those seeking a comprehensive guide to the city can find our best things to do in Redding article here.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Redding, California – Sheraton Redding Hotel At The Sundial Bridge
The Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge is an excellent 4-star accommodation, ideally situated to provide breathtaking views and convenient access to several of the city’s premier attractions. A pet-friendly establishment, visitors will discover delightful, cosy rooms that all feature a variety of high-end amenities.
With communal facilities that include a swimming pool, hot tub, restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, and ATM, you should have all the necessities you need at your convenience during your visit. Complimentary internet is available in public spaces, while private parking is also available.
Top Attractions On A Two Day Road Trip Portland To San Francisco
Salem, Oregon
Salem is Oregon’s second-largest and second most populous city, behind Portland in both metrics. The capital of the historic Oregon Territory from 1851 until it was admitted to the Union in 1859, it has served as Oregon’s state capital ever since. This rich history is reflected in its impressive array of churches, museums, theatres, and the Oregon State Capitol building, positioning Salem as an ideal stop for those keen on exploring Oregon’s history.
There also exists a splendid assortment of parks, allowing visitors to appreciate the area's natural beauty as easily as possible during their visit.
Eugene, Oregon
The third-largest and third most populous city in Oregon, Eugene ranks among the most naturally stunning cities in the nation, as well as one of its most important sporting cities. It is home to the University of Oregon and its notable athletic department, which has garnered it the title “Track Town, USA,” the birthplace of Nike, the venue for the 2022 Track & Field World Championships, and a hot spot for activities such as running, cycling, rafting, and kayaking.
Individuals not particularly interested in sports will appreciate attractions such as the Fifth Street Public Market, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and its vast array of gardens, parks, and trails.
Willamette National Forest
Willamette National Forest in Oregon is an expansive natural haven spanning over 1.6 million acres of picturesque wilderness in the Cascade Range. Visitors love its remarkable blend of volcanic summits, verdant old-growth forests, and over 300 lakes, as well as attractions like the Three Sisters Wilderness, Mount Jefferson, and the McKenzie River, which provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and white-water rafting.
Scenic routes such as the McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway highlight waterfalls, lava fields, and stunning mountain vistas. Outdoor adventurers will discover countless avenues for exploration, ranging from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing and snowshoeing during the winter.
The forest’s numerous campgrounds and hot springs, including the well-known Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs, offer tranquil natural escapes. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe deer, elk, and bald eagles, while photographers will appreciate the striking landscapes and vibrant autumn hues.
Crater Lake National Park
Created in 1902, Crater Lake National Park is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States. At 500,000 annual visitors, it is the 25th least visited National Park in the nation, and 16th least visited in the lower 48 states, while its 183,224-acre area ranks 34th among US National Parks.
Situated within a caldera on Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is best known for its unbelievably bright blue water. The deepest lake in the nation, as well as one of the clearest, it provides habitat for a diverse array of birds, fish, and mammals. The park's ever-changing climate makes it suitable for a variety of activities throughout the year, which vary depending on the season of your visit.
An endorheic lake without inlets or outlets, several notable landmarks are found across its expanse. These features include Wizard Island, the Phantom Ship, and "The Old Man," a hemlock tree that has been floating upright on the lake’s surface for over a hundred years. It is also the setting for the 2019 video game “Days Gone,” so it is a can’t-miss opportunity for fans to visit some of the real-life locations featured in the game.
Weed, California
Weed, California, is a delightful small town at the foot of Mount Shasta. Once a historic lumber settlement, it was named after its founder, lumber mill owner Abner Weed. Weed now invites visitors with a blend of outdoor activities, unique attractions, and natural beauty, as the town boasts breathtaking vistas of Mount Shasta from nearly every angle.
Weed is also a gateway to hiking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby Siskiyou area. Downtown Weed then has a laid-back, rustic vibe. Locally owned cafés, shops, and the well-liked Weed Alehouse & Bistro embrace the town’s whimsical name. Small museums and festivals showcase Weed’s logging history, culture, and local community spirit.
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Shasta-Trinity National Forest is an amalgamation of two previously separate national forests that were combined in 1954. Covering more than 2.2 million acres, it is the largest National Forest found solely in California (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is larger, but the vast majority of its area is in Nevada). Its main attractions are the namesakes of the forest: the 14,179-foot (4,322-metre) high Mount Shasta, the 30,000-acre Shasta Lake, and the 165-mile (266-kilometre) long Trinity River.
As Shasta Lake is the largest artificial lake in California and the forests boast many other mountains, lakes, and rivers, along with roads, trails, forests, and wilderness regions, it serves as a favoured destination for hiking, camping, backpacking, climbing, wildlife viewing, and many other outdoor activities.
Lassen Volcanic National Park & Lassen National Forest
Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park and National Forest admittedly requires a small detour from our route. However, if you are feeling adventurous during your time in Redding, it is more than worth the trip. Established in 1916, Lassen Volcanic National Park covers an area of 106,589 acres, meaning it’s the 11th oldest and 24th smallest National Park in the United States, as well as the 17th least visited National Park in the nation.
Named in honour of Peter Lassen, an early settler in the region, the park was established to preserve the volcanic terrain. Featuring the largest lava dome volcano on the planet, a minimum of one example of every kind of volcano, hydrothermal features like fumaroles, boiling pools, and bubbling mud pots, and a diverse array of wildlife that includes various mammals and more than 200 bird species, it serves as an excellent destination for all kinds of nature enthusiasts.
The surrounding Lassen National Forest then offers a glimpse at the region’s slightly less rugged natural beauty. A vast wilderness full of mountains, Cottonwood and Aspen forests, hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and more, makes it a popular spot for activities like camping, fishing, and winter sports. It is also a common stop on Northern California fall foliage road trips.
A more detailed analysis of the area can be found in our Lassen Volcanic National Park guide, here.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento ranks as California’s sixth-largest city, serving as the state capital and the primary centre for government and finance. As one of the most rapidly expanding cities in the U.S., it features a remarkable Chinatown and great LGBT neighbourhoods, along with the State Capitol building and numerous amenities.
Sacramento is most recognised for the Old Sacramento riverside area. Filled with 19th-century architecture, cobblestone pathways, and attractions such as museums, galleries, steam train excursions, and horse-drawn carriage rides, it provides an enjoyable and informative destination. The history of this area also makes it one of the best places in the United States for those interested in ghost tours.
A detailed guide on the best things to do in Sacramento can be found here.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a globally renowned wine area celebrated for its picturesque vineyards, undulating hills, and Mediterranean-like climate. Home to numerous esteemed wineries in various settings, from historic mansions to small-scale vineyards, it offers enthusiasts a chance to partake in wine tastings alongside farm-to-table dining and gourmet cuisine.
Moreover, the valley’s breathtaking natural splendour provides attractions such as scenic drives, hot air balloon excursions, hiking paths, opulent spas, and quaint towns like Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga to discover.
Vallejo, California
Vallejo sits on the northeast coast of San Pablo Bay. Although it is one of the smaller towns in California, Vallejo still boasts several attractions that consistently bring visitors to the region. One major highlight is Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, a large amusement park that offers a variety of rides, roller coasters, and animal exhibits. With over 40 different attractions, Discovery Kingdom is a place that provides enjoyment for the entire family.
Another notable site is Mare Island Naval Shipyard, a California Historical Landmark constructed in 1854. It was the first U.S. Navy base established on the West Coast. Following its closure, it has transformed into a fascinating stop for those interested in the history of America’s naval forces.
Vallejo also has a rich history that makes it a captivating stop for many visitors. This includes being home to one of the oldest LGBT communities in the nation, as well as playing a pivotal role in the narrative of the Zodiac Killer, the notorious serial murderer from the 1960s who was never caught.
Oakland, California
Oakland sits across the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge from San Francisco. California's 8th most populous city, it is rich with attractions, including music venues and arts and culture establishments, such as museums and galleries.
Aside from the wealth of experiences it offers, what particularly distinguishes it from San Francisco and contributes to its status as one of the fastest-growing tourist spots in the nation is its affordability. Given that San Francisco is notoriously costly, Oakland provides an opportunity to enjoy a similar ambience and setting for a considerably lower cost.
Final Thoughts On A Two Day Road Trip Portland To San Francisco
That concludes our guide to planning the perfect travel itinerary for a two day road trip Portland to San Francisco. You should now have everything you need to make the drive perfect, including the best route and time to travel, the duration, and where to stay and what to see along the way. We also have separate guides on where to stay and what to see in San Francisco, to help you out there, too.
All that’s left is to decide what to take with you, and then you can start booking and budgeting everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible. Anyone looking to continue their journey may appreciate our selection of road trips from San Francisco. This includes:
A road trip from San Francisco to the Grand Canyon
A road trip from San Francisco to Yellowstone National Park
A road trip from San Francisco to Las Vegas
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