Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Planning the Suitable Oregon road trip itinerary doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming!
Oregon has so much to Provide including lively cities, great wineries, a stunning coastline, astonishing waterfalls, and stunning mountains.
I love to road trip Oregon and have explored the state to the full extent . I never get upset by a single place! If you are making arrangements a trip to Oregon, I am here to assist you!
Highlights of this Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary include:
- Portland
- Multnomah Falls
- Mount Hood
- Willamette Valley Wineries
- Oregon Caves National Monument
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Cannon Beach
My Oregon example itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the state, starting and ending in the Portland area. Feel free to change according to your interests and do it on your own schedule.
Get prepared to plan the finest Oregon Tour itinerary!
Oregon Road Trip Map
To save your time, I Designed this Oregon road trip map. Get through the link below and plug the map into your GPS.
Sometimes having a visual of where you are going is very helpful when planning a road trip!
This Oregon road trip map will assist you plan your stops and get an idea of where they are situated.
Click Here For Oregon Road Trip Map
Bucket-List Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Begin Your Oregon Road Trip By Flying Into Portland
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and also the most approachable to fly into to start your Oregon road trip.
Both affordable international and domestic flights fly into Portland. I suggest checking out Skyscanner to find the finest and most affordable flights. You can simply compare prices.
Alternatively, if you have a less time, I suggest flying into Eugene, Oregon.
Eugene is centrally situated so you can do either the top or bottom half of the state more simply, depending on your schedule and desires. Flying into Eugene can be costly than Portland, however.
After landing in whichever airport you select, you can pick up your rental vehicle and hit the road!
Stop 1: Portland And The Columbia River Gorge
In case you didn’t know, the principle of the city is “Keep Portland Weird” so you really want to stop in Portland for at least a day to check it out before you start your Oregon road trip.
I stayed in Portland for 4 days and used it as a base to explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge but you can pick to fly in, see the city, and then head out to nature if you interested.
There is so much to see and do in Portland!
I recommend visiting the world-renowned Japanese Garden which will transport you to another culture. Washington Park is another notable stop as well if you love the outdoors.
Where Portland really sparks is the food scene. During your time in the city, check out some of the food carts! They have drawn international acclaim and once you take a bite, it is easy to see why!
From sweets and crepes to pho and comfort food, the food carts in Portland will not let you down!
If you have never checked out Voodoo Doughnut, it is a bit touristy but a classic! I assure you it is Mouth-Watering and worth the wait.
The Columbia River Gorge is a exceptional stretch of land about 45 minutes away from Portland! To explore it, you can either camp nearby, stay in Portland, or stay in the nearby town of Cascade Locks.
The Columbia River Gorge is packed with beautiful waterfalls and hikes, making it one of the top Oregon travel destinations!
Best Columbia River Gorge Road Trip Stops
Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is an Oregon itinerary classic! You’ve probably seen at least one picture of this famous waterfall!
Multnomah Falls is the most renowned stop in the Columbia River Gorge area and it is simply accessible from the road. Walk to the base of the falls or take a short hike and cross over the famous bridge.
I suggest taking the short hike as the view from the bridge is pretty!
Latourell Falls. I love Latourell Falls because you can see basalt columns up near and personal.
This is the nearest waterfall to Portland and makes a great first stop on your Oregon road trip.
There is a Latourell Falls hike that is 2 miles, but you only have to walk a few feet from the parking lot to see the actual waterfall so don’t let the hiking distance put you off!
Wachella Falls. I highly suggest a visit to this pretty waterfall!
Wachella Falls is an easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike. It is suitable for families or people who don’t want to hike super far for a great payoff!
Wachella Falls is a great afternoon hike and the shade from the gorge saves you from the sun if it is a hot day. Pack a picnic lunch!
Recommended Time To Spend
Set aside at least one day to explore Portland if you are looking for a city ambience.
Depending on what you want to do in the Columbia River Gorge, I suggest spending 1-2 days exploring the area especially if you want to do a lot of hiking.
If you are on a restricted schedule, you can do the Columbia River Gorge area in one day on your out of Portland. Begin your day early so you have enough time to see everything.
Stop 2: Mount Hood
Mount Hood is the most renowned mountain in Oregon and is actually a volcano! This is such a distinctive stop on Oregon road trip.
It is situated a Just over 2 hours away from Portland and you will travel through the Columbia River Gorge on your way there.
One of my preferred views of Mount Hood is from Trillium Lake. This lake is very simply accessible and a great spot to see the sunset or astrophotography sessions.
If you want to do more hiking, Lost Lake offers a similar view to Trillium Lake but takes more effort to get to.
It is the suitable stop on your eastern Oregon itinerary if you love adventure and the outdoors!
You can drive part of the way up the mountain, but not all the way to the summit and there is a lodge at the top. If you are planning the finest trip to Oregon in the winter or autumn seasons, Mount Hood may have snow and the peak is open for skiing!
In the summer, many of the finest hikes in Oregon begins from the lodge on top of the mountain.
Recommended Time To Spend
I suggest spending at least one night exploring the Mount Hood area. Mount Hood is centrally situated between the Columbia River Gorge and Bend, your next stop, so if you just have to catch it as you pass by, that is okay too!
At a minimum, you should try and visit Trillium Lake for some exceptional mountain views as it is one of the coolest places to see in Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary!
Stop 3: Painted Hills And Smith Rock
Did you expect you would see the desert during your Oregon road trip? The Oregon Desert occupy most of the state. It just doesn’t get much love when public are looking for places to visit in Oregon.
I suggest getting an early start as the Painted Hills are a bit out of the way and it takes about three hours to reach them from the Mount Hood area.
The Painted Hills are unique and in a very rural area of Oregon, so I highly suggest ensuring your gas tank is absolutely full before venturing out.
When visiting the Painted Hills in Oregon, I recommend doing the Painted Cove Trail and the Painted Hills Overlook. The Painted Hills are enjoyable just to drive around if you don’t want to do any of the walks.
This is the desert so if you take visit Oregon In the summer, bring extra sun safety and lots of water!
Finally, don’t ever step off the approved trail as these places are very fragile and even one set of footsteps will ruin the landscape.
If you need to save time on your Oregon itinerary you can avoid the Painted Hills and head straight to Smith Rock.
If you have never heard of Smith Rock State Park, you are in for a real enjoyable location! This is the best desert on your eastern Oregon road trip. It is a hiker and rock climber’s heaven !
I suggest visiting either during sunrise or sunset if you want to escape the heat. Smith Rock is one of the finest locations to see in the state.
Smith Rock State Park is situated just 40 minutes from the lovely city of Bend, Oregon, and about 1 hour from the Painted Hills so it is effortless to do both in one day.
That said, many passionate hikers and climbers choose to spend multiple days exploring Smith Rock State Park during their Oregon trips.
If you aren’t a big hiker, simply visiting Smith Rock and walking around will be adequate. Believe it or not, “the view” is accessible right from the parking lot so you don’t have to go on a long hike.
I was truly surprised that the more famous view could be seen right from the parking lot and pleased about it too!
If you are looking for a hike, the Misery Ridge Hike is a renowned choice. It is quite steep and strenuous so wear proper hiking gear.
This hike will take you to the top of Smith Rock for unforgettable views as far as the eye can see.
When you are completed exploring the area, I suggest spending the night in Bend, Oregon! You will love the brewpub culture, Mouth-Watering food, and cute downtown!
Recommended Time To Spend
I recommend at least one complete day exploring the Painted Hills and Smith Rock State Park. They can both be finished in a day if you leave early.
If you have more time or want to do more hiking and climbing, then you can stay two days in the area.
Stop 4: Oregon Waterfalls And Hot Springs Near Eugene
After Bend, you will move through a amazingly rugged mountain pass that is now a lava field as far as the eye can see. This is a great photo opportunity as lava fields aren’t common in the United States!
Once you cross through the lava field, you will pass from the desert into a charming lush forest. This is one of my dearest parts of this Oregon itinerary and you are going to enjoy it! in this Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary
Proxy Falls
As you descend the mountain pass, you will enter the forest that is abode to the amazing Proxy Falls! This is my preferred waterfall on this Oregon itinerary !
This waterfall is breathtaking in person and you really can’t tell how massive it is until you get up close!
Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a well-trafficked, 2.5-KM[Kilo Meter] trail. It is well-marked and I consider it effortless. It winds through a pretty forest and down along a mossy lava field before you reach at Proxy Falls.
I suggest taking the trail to Lower Proxy Falls which will bring you to the base.
Be warned: the final hike down to Lower Proxy Falls is quite steep and may not be accessible for everybody.
If you can’t hike all the way to the base, there are a few adorable viewpoints where you can see the complete falls without the steep downhill hike.
Sahalie And Koosah Falls
After Proxy Falls, moving next to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. These waterfalls are situated along the crystal-blue McKenzie River and are some of the finest waterfalls in Oregon !
Both Sahalie and Koosah Falls are very simply accessible from the parking lot and there is virtually no hike at all to see these amazing waterfalls!
Sahalie Falls thunders down over a ledge and Koosah Falls ends in a superbly blue pool of water.
Don’t skip these waterfalls because you can see them rapidly and be on your way. Both of these waterfalls make significant stops on an Oregon road trip!
Make sure to check road blocks before moving out to these waterfalls.
Tamolitch Blue Pool
Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of the best places to visit in Oregon if you are looking for something distinctive during your trip!
This captivating water feature is situated along the McKenzie River Trail! This pool is crystal clear to the point that it appears to only be a shallower.
Tamolitch Blue Pool is considered as one of the best swimming holes in the world, but this is fake and you should beware! The water here, although charming, due to it’s frigid water, and is not meant for swimming.
The forest service frequently has to save people who have jumped in and been shocked by the cold water.
In addition to, swimming in Tamolitch Blue Pool will ruin it because of the oils on your clothes and skin as well as your makeup or sunscreen.
When visiting, I urge you to see with your eyes and not jump in the water for both your sake and the environment.
Terwilliger Hot Springs
Since I am on a “blue” theme, Terwilliger Hot Springs is an fascinating addition to your itinerary.
These Oregon hot springs are secluded in the mountains in the McKenzie River area and look like something out of a storybook.
They are clear, blue pools warmed by the lava underneath the volcanic mountain, and you have a view of the forest while you soak. There are also several pools with unstable temperatures.
Remember that nudity is allowed at Terwilliger Hot Springs and if you decide to make this a stop, you need to be ready.
You can wear swimsuits as I did, but other bathers may not so you need to make sure to be reverent.
There are even families with kids at Terwilliger Hot Springs, regardless it being a nude hot spring.
Visit Eugene For Brew And Foodie Culture
You will spend the night in Eugene, Oregon, which is the pivot of central Oregon.
There are so many Mouth-Watering places to eat in Eugene, and I particularly love the 5th Street Public Market. It is a distinct little area with shops and dining.
Eugene is a college town so there may be a college football game during your stay. This is a very busy time for Eugene so be sure to plan ahead as lodging options can fill up rapidly.
Recommended Time To Spend
I highly suggest spending at least 1 night in Eugene and giving the total McKenzie River area 2 full days to explore.
You may want to use Eugene as a “base” to explore the next two stops or continue and stay in the center of each future stop. Since the next two stops are close by, Eugene may have affordable lodging options.
Stop 5: Wine In The Willamette Valley
If you are interested in wine, you are going to love the Willamette Valley! It is dwelling to over 500 wineries and is next to Napa Valley in the United States for the production of wine.
Sounds crazy, right? I thought so too until I saw what a Willamette Valley winery looked like!
The Willamette Valley is 241KM long and you can either stay in a neighborhood bed and Breakfast in the valley or use Eugene as your base.
I visited King Estate Winery and was mainly impressed! King Estate Winery is like being in Tuscany, Italy! The landscaping, the vineyards, and the huge manor house all come together to transport you to Italy!
If you are into wine, you can spend a well portion of your Oregon road trip sipping wine and eating cheese and crackers.
Recommended Time To Spend
If you want to experience the Willamette Valley on your Oregon road trip and aren’t largely into wine, you can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the wineries.
If you are a huge wine fan, you could easily spend 1-2 full days in the Willamette Valley wine region because there is so much to see and do!
You may even want to skip this stop altogether if wine isn’t your prior thing.
Stop 6: Covered Bridges In Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is a great addition to your Oregon trip, and I mostly suggest visiting this little town. It is situated less than 45 minutes from Eugene. If you want to go quickly for a day trip, it is simply accessible.
If you think covered bridges are dull, you are wrong! They are super enjoyable and a distinct piece of history. as well as, Oregon is abode to the most covered bridges west of the Mississippi!
Cottage Grove is abode to a covered bridge trail. You can select to either drive or take a bike along the road and look them all.
There are covered bridges situated right in the heart of Cottage Grove and others that you need to see by driving a bit outside of town. You will admire all these covered bridges in Oregon!
While in the Cottage Grove area, you can get off the beaten path and visit some unpopular waterfalls once you finish hunting covered bridges.
Pinard Falls, Spirit Falls, and Moon Falls are all situated less than 45 minutes of Cottage Grove.
Each waterfall is situated down a small dirt road high in the Umpqua Forest and needs a short and steep moderate downhill hike to get to.
Cottage Grove is surely a great hidden gem for the best Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary!
Recommended Time To Spend
I suggest spending at least 1 day exploring Cottage Grove during your trip to Oregon!
If hidden waterfalls and covered bridges don’t sound interesting, you can skip Cottage Grove. But if you want to explore the area, you are going to requires at least one full day to do it equity!
Stop 7: Oregon Caves National Monument
Did you know there are caves in Oregon? The Oregon Caves are the most detailed cave system west of the Mississippi and something you unmissable.
The caves can be accessed from the small town of Cave Junction along highway 199. Once you turn off the road, it is quite a long and sinuous drive up to the Oregon Caves.
Remember that the caves are cold and damp so dress appropriately. If you don’t have warm clothes, the Ranger Center has free jackets you can wear when exploring the caves.
This is a fantastic stop if you are traveling with kids as they love the caves and there are lots of programs including Junior Ranger programs and Ranger-led walks.
Recommended Time To Spend
I suggest spending between 1-3 hours exploring the Oregon Caves! That should be adequate time to visit the caves and enjoy the Visitor Center.
Stop 8: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is my absolute favorite part of this Oregon road trip guide! I love this little chunk of the Oregon coast and it is fundamentally a mini-road trip in itself.
There are over eleven amazing stops here and each one has something distinct to offer.
My beloved part is Natural Bridges and Secret Beach. I have been back to each of these places countless times and each time I am amazed at the beauty and scale of each.
Best Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor Stops:
- Arch Rock (Mile 344.8)
- Secret Beach (Between Mile Marker 344-345)
- Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
- Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
- Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
- North Island (Mile 347.4)
- Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
- Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
- Whaleshead Overlook (Mile 349.3)
- House Rock (Mile 351.2)
- Cape Ferrelo (Mile 351.9)
- Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)
Recommended Time To Spend
Some people head through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in a one day. I personally think that is way too rapid but if you are pressed for time, it is still 100% worth the stop.
If you want a more precise experience, I suggest between 2-3 days here because there are so many hikes and stops.
I have even spent as long as 4-5 days here so you know that it is just a really fabulous stop when taking a trip along the Oregon coast.
Stop 9: Bandon And Florence Beaches
After you leave Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor situated on the southern Oregon coast, you are going to visit some amazing stops on the mid-southern coast.
This is a amazing part of the Oregon road trip itinerary and Bandon is my second favorite stop along the Oregon coast.
Bandon is such an underrated stop and the beach is everything you would expect for in a Pacific Northwest beach.
Bandon Beach is abode to towering sea stacks, sea caves, tide pools, and walking trails. It offers so much interesting things to see and do!
If you can, ensure to go at low tide so you can walk into the sea caves. Just be sure to not stay out there dragging because you don’t want to be stuck in rising water!
Seeing the sunset on the beach in Bandon is a essential and I mostly suggest it!
Once you are done in Bandon, move to Florence which marks the middle point of the Oregon Coast. Florence is one of the quaint towns on the Oregon coast and truly evokes a vintage flair.
Another distinct location? The Oregon Sand Dunes is situated just to the south of Florence! The Oregon Sand Dunes are super fun landscape to explore.
Finally, check yourself to stop at Thor’s Well, about 30 minutes north of Florence, either while you are staying in the town or while you proceed along to the northern Oregon coast.
Recommended Time To Spend
I suggest spending single day in Bandon and single day in Florence.
If you don’t have enough time, then spend one night in Bandon and drive through Florence with stops at the Oregon Sand Dunes and Thor’s Well.
Stop 10: Cape Kiwanda And Cannon Beach
Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach are a few hours away from each other and offer similar yet distinct experiences.
Cape Kiwanda is famous for a large sea stack that sits out in the water. Here, you can drive straight onto the beach when permitted and then walk along the sand dunes to explore and trek.
When you visit Cape Kiwanda, I recommend taking shoes off and walking around in bare footed. If you hike in shoes, they will fill with sand and get stuck in mud making it uncomfortable and hard to walk.
Cannon Beach is 1.5 hours north of Cape Kiwanda and is the uttermost north you will visit on this Oregon road trip.
Like Cape Kiwanda, Cannon Beach is abode to a massive sea stack that sits right off the beach. Unlike Cape Kiwanda, the sea stack here is much nearer to the beach so you can really feel the presence of the towering rock.
Almost all Oregon road trip itineraries include Cannon Beach because it is so renowned!
I mostly suggest adding both of these stops to Oregon driving routes as both beaches are so lovely!
Recommended Time To Spend in Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary
I recommend spending a few hours in Cape Kiwanda and then spending the night at Cannon Beach. If you want to do dedicated hiking at Cape Kiwanda, then schedule more time here.
If you start early, you should have enough time to hit both Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach all in one day.
Cannon Beach is a very renowned seaside town so it is a fantastic way to end your Oregon road trip with a walk along the beach and some relaxation before flying home.
End Your Oregon Road Trip In Portland
Once you done exploring Cannon Beach, you have less than a two-hour drive to get back to Portland. This drive is very simple and quite scenic.
I love how you can see the movement as you leave the beachy coast of Oregon and going up through the mountains before arriving through a tunnel and coming back in Portland.
If you didn’t have enough time to explore Portland at the starting of your Oregon road trip itinerary, now is a wonderful time to have a day or two in the city.
If you are flying out the same day you leave Cannon Beach, the drive from Cannon Beach to Portland is very simple with little traffic so as long as you leave enough time.
Now you know how to plan a trip to Oregon and see all the best towns, chunks of coastline, waterfalls, and hidden gems!
I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Oregon-Road-Trip-Itinerary by car!