The Open Road Travel

Best Places To Stop On A Washington And Oregon Road Trip

With our ultimate Washington and Oregon road trip taking at least 16.5 hours to drive, you will need to break it into more manageable chunks. There are many great places to stay in the Pacific Northwest, but the following two destinations are easily the best places to stay on an Oregon-Washington road trip.

Seattle, Washington

The largest city you will encounter on our route and the largest in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is an obvious place to make an extended stop on an Oregon and Washington road trip. A lively coastal city where the urban environment harmoniously interacts with the region’s stunning scenery, Seattle is located between Puget Sound and Lake Washington and became a boomtown in the 90s as the birthplace of grunge music and Starbucks Coffee.

It features well-known attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and the lively waterfront area. Visitors can also explore top-tier museums, gardens, parks, and markets, savour fresh seafood, shop in unique boutiques, or catch a ferry across the bay for breathtaking skyline vistas. Encircled by mountains, forests, and waters, Seattle even serves as a fantastic launch point for outdoor activities, including kayaking, whale watching, and hiking in nearby national parks.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Seattle, Washington – Crowne Plaza Seattle – Downtown by IHG

Crowne Plaza Seattle – Downtown by IHG is a modern 4-star hotel ideally situated in Seattle’s vibrant downtown area, boasting an on-site restaurant and lounge, a well-appointed fitness centre, free property-wide Wi-Fi, and stunning views of the city skyline. It is conveniently located within walking distance to major attractions such as Pike Place Market, the waterfront, the Washington State Convention Center, and the Link Light Rail, which allows easy access to popular sites like the Space Needle, Lumen Field, and Climate Pledge Arena.



The hotel's rooms are spacious and contemporary, designed to promote comfort and relaxation, with king or queen bed options. They are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffee and tea-making facilities, mini refrigerators, in-room safes, work desks, premium toiletries, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards, and daily housekeeping services. Numerous rooms feature expansive views of the Seattle skyline, while suites offer additional living space suitable for longer stays or family visits.

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, stands as the largest city in Oregon and the second-largest in the Pacific Northwest. Established in 1845 as the western endpoint of the renowned Oregon Trail, this vibrant city is often referred to as "Bridgetown," due to its impressive array of bridges over the Willamette River, many of which are recognised as historic landmarks.

Frequently underestimated due to its somewhat remote position, it is rich in attractions, history, remarkable architecture, and cultural offerings, all while being encircled by lush forests, mountains, and oceans. With a myriad of venues for film, music, and performing arts, plus galleries, museums, breweries, bars, and restaurants serving the region's unique cuisine, Portland has something to offer every visitor on a Washington-Oregon road trip.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Portland, Oregon - The Benson, A Coast Hotel

The Benson, A Coast Hotel, is a historic establishment located in Downtown Portland, renowned for its exquisite décor, which features crystal chandeliers and marble flooring, along with its distinctive architecture. Every guest room exudes luxury, offering comfortable furnishings and a variety of amenities, including Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making equipment, a flat-screen cable television, complimentary toiletries, and an organic bathrobe and slippers.



In the hotel lobby, the Palm Court restaurant provides a selection of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, tapas, and cocktails, with room service options available. Each morning, guests can enjoy complimentary Starbucks coffee and tea in the lobby, and live jazz performances take place from Wednesday to Saturday evenings. Additional facilities at the hotel include round-the-clock business, conference, and fitness centres, as well as concierge and laundry services.

The 16 Best Things To See On A Washington And Oregon Road Trip

Spokane, Washington

Spokane, Washington’s second-largest city in population and size, is situated in the Inland Northwest. A vibrant city recognised for its rich cultural offerings, stunning scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities, at its heart is Riverfront Park. Featuring picturesque waterfalls, scenic walking paths, a historic carousel, and seasonal events catering to all visitors, it is an attraction not to be missed.

The lively downtown area is a hub of activity, boasting boutique shops, art galleries, craft breweries, and diverse dining options. Landmarks such as the Fox Theater and the Davenport Hotel emphasise the city's historical importance. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Spokane's numerous parks and nearby natural attractions. Centennial Trail is perfect for biking or walking along the Spokane River. Riverside State Park provides opportunities for hiking, boating, and wildlife observation.

In winter, Mount Spokane transforms into a skiing and snowboarding destination, attracting those seeking winter sports.

Colville Reservation

Located in north-central Washington, Colville Reservation allows visitors to immerse themselves in stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the rich culture of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Spanning upwards of 1.4 million acres, the area is characterised by forests, rivers, lakes, and rolling hills, making it perfect for activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and observing wildlife.

The picturesque Columbia River and its nearby scenery also offer fantastic outdoor recreational options. Visitors are urged to honour tribal lands and local customs during their explorations. Additionally, the reservation's cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and annual events offer an intriguing glimpse into the customs and contributions of the Pacific Northwest region's Native American communities.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is an expansive outdoor sanctuary located on the eastern slopes of Washington's Cascade Mountains. Encompassing over four million acres, it is Washington’s largest national forest and boasts stunning alpine landscapes, pristine lakes, towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests.

Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, take scenic drives, and enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, kayaking, horseback riding, winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing, or simply enjoying the tranquillity. The forest supports a variety of wildlife, vibrant wildflower meadows, and breathtaking viewpoints, making it an ideal destination for both photographers and nature enthusiasts.

North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park ranks among the most stunning yet least-visited national parks in the United States, being the seventh least frequented in the country and second least visited in the contiguous states. It is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, more than 300 glaciers, and vast wilderness. Often called the "American Alps," it features dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, rushing waterfalls, backcountry trails, and dense forests.



This area is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering opportunities to see black bears, mountain goats, bald eagles, and local wildlife. The scenic North Cascades Highway runs through the park, providing beautiful drives and amazing lookout points that require minimal walking. Notable attractions include Diablo Lake, celebrated for its vivid emerald waters, and Ross Lake, a great spot for boating, kayaking, or fishing.

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Spanning over 2.5 million acres, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest ranks as the 14th largest National Forest in the US and the second largest in Washington, just behind Okanogan-Wenatchee. Established on February 22, 1897, it holds the distinction of being Washington's oldest National Forest and the 12th oldest nationwide. Set along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, it features a stunning combination of alpine landscapes, glacial peaks, and rich old-growth forests.

At its centre is Mount Baker, an active stratovolcano famed for its spectacular snow-covered summit and outstanding skiing options at Mount Baker Ski Area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hiking trails, ranging from those that explore the rugged wilderness of the North Cascades to scenic routes that include the Mount Baker Highway, which provides panoramic views of nearby mountains, valleys, and waterfalls.

The forest is rich in wildlife and offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year. In the summer, activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and mountain biking are popular, while winter turns the area into a haven for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The Heather Meadows area comes alive with vibrant wildflower meadows, and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness serves as an ideal spot for backcountry exploration.

Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma, Washington's third-largest city, is known as the home of the University of Washington Tacoma and for its impressive array of art galleries and museums, ranking among the finest in the state. Known as the "City of Destiny," Tacoma was founded as the western terminus for the Northern Pacific Railroad and hosts the largest port in Washington.

These characteristics make it a perfect destination on an Oregon and Washington road trip for anyone with interests in history, transportation, art, or education.

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the nation’s 4^th-oldest national park, behind Yellowstone, Sequoia, and Yosemite. It is situated around a volcano in the Cascade Mountains, featuring an array of waterfalls, meadows, wildlife, and at least 27 significant glaciers. This location evolves throughout the year, as it receives more snow annually than anywhere else on Earth. This means your experience here depends entirely on when you take your Washington-Oregon road trip.



The heavy snowfall during winter transforms it into a picturesque wonderland, perfect for winter sports and activities such as skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and exploring the snowy terrain. Conversely, summer brings an explosion of vibrant wildflowers and diverse wildlife, including deer, goats, elk, bears, marmots, and over 180 bird species, making it a favoured spot for camping, hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing.

Olympia, Washington

Olympia, the capital of Washington and the cultural centre of the South Puget Sound area, is renowned for landmarks like the Washington State Capitol and the historic 1909 Governor’s Mansion. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Percival Landing Park, celebrated for its scenic boardwalk and artistic installations, as well as the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts a wide variety of wildlife, including over 200 different bird species.

Olympic National Park & Forest

Olympic National Park is situated in the northwesternmost region of the contiguous United States. At its heart lies the renowned Mount Olympus, surrounded by diverse landscapes featuring meadows, rivers, steep mountains, subalpine forests, temperate rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.

This park is among the most pristine areas in the country, offering opportunities for visitors to ascend Mount Olympus or wander through unspoiled wilderness teeming with wildlife, such as mountain goats, elk, deer, and a multitude of marine creatures and bird species.



Salem, Oregon

The capital and second-largest and second-most populous city in Oregon, Salem has maintained its status since 1851, when it was part of the Oregon Territory. The city's vibrant history is evident in its numerous churches, museums, and theatres, along with the Oregon State Capitol building. Salem also boasts an impressive array of parks, making it a perfect destination for those who wish to explore Oregon's historical and natural attractions.

Eugene, Oregon

Eugene, the third-largest and third-most populous city in Oregon, stands out as one of the US's most beautiful and significant sports destinations. It is home to the University of Oregon, recognised for its distinguished athletic program that has earned the nickname "Track Town, USA." Additionally, Eugene is the birthplace of Nike and hosted the 2022 Track & Field World Championships.

This makes it a prime location for sports enthusiasts on an Oregon-Washington road trip who enjoy activities like running, cycling, rafting, and kayaking. Among its many attractions are the Fifth Street Public Market, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, and numerous gardens, parks, and trails.

Willamette National Forest

Spanning an extensive 1.6 million acres, Oregon’s Willamette National Forest is a remarkable wilderness area nestled within the Cascade Range. This natural haven attracts numerous visitors due to its impressive mix of volcanic mountains, verdant old-growth forests, and over 300 lakes.

Key features include the Three Sisters Wilderness, Mount Jefferson, and the McKenzie River, an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. The McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass National Scenic Byway is a scenic route featuring waterfalls, lava fields, and stunning mountain vistas. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities ranging from summer hiking and mountain biking to winter sports such as skiing and snowshoeing.

Within the forest, several campgrounds and hot springs are available, with the popular Terwilliger (Cougar) Hot Springs serving as a serene getaway. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe deer, elk, and bald eagles, while photographers will appreciate the extraordinary landscapes and vivid colours of fall.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park was founded in 1902 and covers 183,224 acres. It ranks as the fifth-oldest and 34^th -largest national park in the US, with annual visitor numbers reaching around 500,000. Nestled within a caldera formed by Mount Mazama, Crater Lake is renowned for its stunningly clear and vibrant blue waters. As the country’s deepest lake, it supports a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, fish, and mammals.

The park's dynamic climate results in a shift in available activities with the changing seasons. An endorheic lake, lacking inlets and outlets, it features several notable landmarks, such as Wizard Island, the Phantom Ship, and "The Old Man," a hemlock tree that has remained afloat in an upright position for over a century.



Additionally, it serves as a picturesque backdrop in the 2019 video game "Days Gone," providing a unique opportunity for fans to explore real-world locations depicted in the game.

Umpqua National Forest

Covering 983,000 acres, Umpqua National Forest is renowned for its diverse wilderness areas that support over 250 animal species, including bats, elk, black bears, cougars, deer, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, as well as a variety of birds and fish. Its low visitor traffic further enhances its appeal, making it one of the top destinations for nature enthusiasts in the country.

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Covering 1.8 million acres, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest stretches over the Siskiyou, Klamath, Cascade, and Oregon Coast mountain ranges. Recognised as one of the most picturesque national forests in the United States, its expansive wilderness features numerous waterfalls, meandering rivers, ancient forests, and the largest ponderosa pine tree globally, towering at 268 feet (82 meters).

This remarkable setting provides a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure and exploration on their Oregon and Washington road trip.

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument

The final stop on our Washington and Oregon road trip, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is a renowned wilderness area characterised by its mountainous landscape, which extends across the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges. This diverse landscape encompasses forests, grasslands, striking rock formations, meadows, and numerous trails for exploration. Its remarkable biodiversity also makes it an appealing spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Final Thoughts On A Perfect Washington And Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

That concludes our guide to planning the perfect Washington and Oregon road trip itinerary. You should now have everything you need to make the drive perfect, including the best route, when to travel, the duration, and where to stay and what to see along the way. 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 want to consider joining one of our other road trips where this one ends. These include:

A Seattle to San Francisco road trip

A Seattle to San Diego road trip