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From towering snow-capped peaks to glistening coastal inlets and quirky, edgy cities, it’s hard not to instantly fall in love with Oregon. Undoubtedly one of the prettiest states in the U.S., Oregon is also one of the most diverse.
With such eclectic scenery, the only way to experience the best of Oregon is to cover as much ground as possible. This is why an Oregon road trip is always a good idea. Renting a car and meandering your way along the highways and byways of the Beaver State allows you to discover the Pacific Northwest’s distinctive character that you’d easily pass by on a city break.
Our ultimate Oregon road trip whisks you from the state’s northern shores to its southern peaks. Through charming small towns and cities like no other, you’ll see a side to the U.S. you never knew existed.
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Before you go: When’s best for an Oregon road trip?
Given the diverse landscape, the weather can change dramatically during the course of your Oregon road trip. Western Oregon, closer to the coast, is often far milder than the mountainous east. The far south of Oregon, which borders California, tends to be drier and warmer.
Unless you’re planning on enjoying some winter sports during your visit, the best time to visit Oregon is between June and September. These months see higher temperatures and, generally, less rainfall. There’s less chance of travel disruption through the mountains and the scenery is at its best.
The ultimate Oregon road trip
We’ve based our Oregon road trip itinerary on traveling north to south. If you’re coming from California, it works just as well in reverse.
Day 1: Astoria & the North Oregon Coast
Morning
A fitting starting point of our Oregon road trip, its northernmost coastal city, Astoria is also Oregon’s oldest. Founded by a British explorer in 1811, Astoria quickly grew as a hub for the fur trade. Even before its establishment, Astoria served as home to Lewis and Clark on their mammoth expedition of America’s new-found west.
Travel tip: To get the most from your Oregon road trip, spend a night in Astoria before setting off. Hotel Elliott is our top pick in town with a prime central location and river views. For a great value alternative, Norblad Hotel is an excellent choice.
Kick off your day in Astoria with a visit to the Oregon Film Museum. If you hadn’t heard of Astoria, you’ll be surprised at just how many locations around the city have appeared on TV and film. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Goonies and The Great Race are just a few of the big name movies shot here.
If you’re a Goonies fan, you’ll love this sightseeing tour of Astoria. You’ll get the chance to take photos at some of the most famous locations along with Fort Astoria and the Hanthorn Cannery Museum, another of Astoria’s must-see museums.
Afternoon
Before heading across the Youngs Bay Bridge, make one last stop at The Bowpicker for a delicious fish and chip lunch. The next stop on our Oregon road trip is just across the bridge. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park occupies the site of Fort Clatsop which has been lovingly restored to showcase their experiences over 200 years ago.
Working your way south along the coast, this afternoon brings some of the most beautiful scenery of this Oregon road trip. Head for Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach. For the best views, park at Indian Beach and walk north through the park. You won’t be disappointed.
If you can manage to draw yourself away from the clifftop, try to reach Cannon Beach in daylight as the views from our base tonight are a close rival to Ecola. The charming resort of Cannon Beach has a bunch of hotels and restaurants; through the height of summer, it’s buzzing with surfers, once they’ve packed up for the season, it becomes a favorite weekend hideaway for Portland locals.
Where to Stay in Cannon Beach
Our favorite Cannon Beach hotel, Lighthouse Inn, is a hidden gem with the warmest welcome and rooms to match. If you’re looking to ride the waves during your stay, Surfsand Resort is our top recommendation. For a lighter on the wallet option without compromising on quality, look no further than Inn at Haystack Rock.
Day 2: Portland
Just a two-hour drive inland, through stunning Clatsop State Forest, no Oregon road trip would be complete without a stop in Portland. A hub of the hipster revival, Oregon’s biggest city is an edgy, indie paradise and we love it.
Travel tip: Although one night in Portland is ideal on a road trip, if you have the luxury of adding an extra night, you won’t regret it. There’s more than enough in Portland to fill two days.
On the road into Portland, make Pittock Mansion your first stop. The hillside former home of English newspaper magnate Henry Pittock, the man behind The Oregonian which is still published today, the mansion is the closest you’ll get to an English country house in Oregon. On a clear day, the sweeping panorama of the city skyline is just as impressive as the house and serene landscaped gardens themselves.
During your afternoon in Portland, don’t miss a visit to Powell’s City of Books. Famous amongst book lovers the world over, Powell’s have over four million books in stock. The Oregon Historical Society is a must for history buffs and Portland’s Old Town is the perfect place to unwind after an evening stroll along the banks of the Willamette River.
The best places to eat in Portland
There are few certainties in life, but one assurance we can make is that you will never leave Portland hungry. A foodie paradise, Downtown Portland has restaurants for every taste and more food trucks than you can shake a stick at.
Food Truck Park is home to the largest collection of food trucks in the city. There’s everything from classic American cheesesteaks to divine tacos and the tastes of Asia. Go for lunch and the chances are you’ll probably be back for dinner.
Where to stay in Portland
With just one night in Portland during your Oregon road trip, it’s worth staying as close to the center as possible. The Old Town and Pioneer Courthouse Square are the best areas to base yourself. Check out our handy guide to the best Portland hotels to help you choose.
Day 3: Mount Hood & Salem
Before heading out of town, make The Grotto your final stop in Portland. Somewhat out of place, this atmospheric Catholic shrine occupies one of the best vantage points in the city. Take the elevator up the cliff face to the upper gardens for unparalleled views of Portland from serene surroundings.
Continuing our Oregon road trip, head west towards the towering peaks of the Cascades. Mount Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak is an active stratovolcano standing at 11,244 feet.
Stop off in Mount Hood Village for lunch at Wrapitude. This spot is home to some of the best burgers and wraps around. You can then take a pause at Rockwood Viewpoint. A little further along the road, Little Zigzag Falls is one of the most scenic spots on this Oregon road trip. The short hike from the parking area to the falls is well worth the effort.
This afternoon, continue the scenic drive through the Cascades, looping around the base of Mount Jefferson to reach Detroit Lake. A reservoir contained by the impressive Detroit Dam, the lake is built on the old Oregon Pacific Railroad which closed in the 1950s. If the weather’s on your side, stop off at Mongold for a dip in the lake or try your luck with a spot of fishing.
An evening in Salem
Despite being Oregon’s state capital, Salem often flies under the radar of many visitors. As a result, there isn’t a massive selection of hotels, but what Salem lacks in choice, it makes up for in quality. Holman Riverfront Park Hotel is, unequivocally, the top spot in town. With great river views, modern rooms and delightful staff, you won’t regret a night here. Another great choice, and equally well located, is The Grand Hotel.
Restaurants is one thing Salem isn’t lacking a selection of and, here too, it’s all about quality. Whilst Portland has long been a hotbed of world cuisine, it wasn’t many years ago that Salem’s food scene was devoted to American comfort food, and whilst that’s no bad thing, the city has recently seen a flurry of new restaurant openings. Our favorites include Happy Bibimbop House, Wild Pear who serve North-western staples with a Vietnamese flair and Azul’s for the best tacos in town.
Day 4: Eugene
Morning – Salem
Kick off Day 4 of your Oregon road trip with a leisurely stroll around Riverfront Park. Lining the banks of the Willamette River in the heart of Downtown, pause to admire the Giant Globe and futuristic Gerry Frank Amphitheatre.
Before bidding farewell to Salem, stop by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Next to the Oregon State Capitol, the museum showcases the work of Oregonian artists throughout the centuries and has a fascinating exhibition on Pacific North-western history and culture.
Afternoon – Eugene
Heading south to continue your Oregon road trip, avoid the interstate and stick to the more scenic 99W to make a stop at Peavy Arboretum. You can hike the leafy trails before continuing past Corvallis to Oregon’s second city, Eugene.
Famous as the U.S.’ track and field running capital, Eugene is Portland if it slowed down to take a reality check. Just as quirky, just as artsy, but with a whole load of small town charm thrown in. Eugene is perfect for when you want to unwind.
Kick off your Eugene stopover with a visit to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Next up, head to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, home to an amazing collection of Asian artwork.
Cultural immersion complete, no visit to Eugene would be complete without a relaxing sunset wander along the Willamette. Head to Alton Baker Park, accessed via a footbridge from Downtown.
If Hayward Field isn’t your thing, spend your evening in Eugene diving into the local food scene. I love this local-led neighborhood food tour. It’s honestly an ideal way to discover the city’s top food trucks and craft breweries.
Where to stay in Eugene
The university means Eugene has a steady influx of visitors all year round, so there’s no shortages of hotels to suit all budgets. We’re always on the look out for quirky boutiques, and The Local Motel certainly ticks those boxes. It has all the charm of a classic motel without all the drawbacks of a classic motel, plus there’s a Japanese vending center attached and free parking making it ideal for an Oregon road trip. If you prefer a more traditional full-service hotel, look no further than Inn at the 5th; their location is unbeatable.
Day 5: Klamath Falls
The final day of our Oregon road trip takes us to within a few miles of the Californian border. Head west from Eugene, passing Diamond Peak to make your first stop of the day at Crater Lake. Formed by a volcanic eruption almost 8,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S.
From the U.S.’ deepest lake, head south to the world’s longest miniature railroad. Train Mountain has over 13 miles of track and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks as you trundle through the beautiful Oregon scenery on a tiny train.
Arriving in Klamath Falls, head for Klamath County Museum which tells the story of the city from its foundation in 1867 to the modern day. Next, make a stop at the Favell Museum, devoted to Native American culture.
Where to stay in Klamath Falls
Our top pick in Klamath Falls, the Cerulean Hotel is in a perfect location, with an outdoor pool which is the ideal spot to relax having reached the end of this Oregon road trip. Alternatively, check out Cimarron Inn, a short walk from Downtown.
For dinner, Girasol Family Mexican Cantina is a great spot for tacos and fajitas with a relaxed atmosphere. If you want to celebrate the end of the road in style, Roosters Steak & Chop House is the place to go. Their cuts are the perfect way to round off your time in Oregon.
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