23-Day Pacific Northwest & Beyond Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Seattle Departure & Southbound Journey

Morning: Depart from Seattle and start your scenic drive south along the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway).

Afternoon: Stop for lunch and explore the coastal town of Olympia for some local sights and dining.

Evening: Arrive near Cannon Beach, enjoy the sunset at Haystack Rock, and relax overnight.

Day 2: Coastal Drive to Eureka

Morning: Continue driving down the stunning Oregon Coast, stopping at Astoria to visit the Astoria Column.

Afternoon: Explore Gold Beach, with opportunities for beach walks and fresh seafood.

Evening: Arrive in Eureka, CA, stroll through the historic Old Town Eureka, and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 3: Redwood National Park Exploration

Morning: Visit the spectacular Redwood National and State Parks, hiking the Lady Bird Johnson Trail.

Afternoon: Drive through scenic forest roads and stop for a picnic among the giants.

Evening: Return to Eureka for a quiet evening or explore local craft breweries.

Day 4: Towards Crater Lake

Morning: Depart early and begin the drive east towards Crater Lake National Park.

Afternoon: Arrive at Crater Lake, take the rim drive and enjoy viewpoints such as Watchman Peak.

Evening: Stay overnight in nearby Klamath Falls or park lodges if available.

Day 5: Crater Lake & Surroundings

Morning: Take a boat tour at Crater Lake (seasonal), or hike the Garfield Peak Trail for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit the Crater Lake Visitor Center and the nearby Sun Notch viewpoint.

Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at local eateries near Klamath Falls.

Day 6: Journey to Lake Tahoe

Morning: Drive southeast heading to Lake Tahoe, crossing through scenic mountain roads.

Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Tahoe, explore the south lake area including Emerald Bay State Park.

Evening: Dine lakeside and enjoy the sunset along the shore.

Day 7: Lake Tahoe Exploration

Morning: Take a morning hike along the Rubicon Trail or rent a kayak for lake exploration.

Afternoon: Visit Heavenly Village for shopping and local attractions.

Evening: Enjoy a casino visit or relax at a cozy lakeside lodge.

Day 8: Cross into Nevada and Drive to Mount Rushmore Vicinity

Morning: Begin a long drive east towards the Black Hills region and Mount Rushmore.

Afternoon: Stop for breaks in towns along the way, such as Salt Lake City.

Evening: Overnight in or near Rapid City, SD.

Day 9: Mount Rushmore & Black Hills

Morning: Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial early to beat crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Custer State Park, including drives like the Needles Highway.

Evening: Relax in the town of Leavenworth's Black Hills area or return to Rapid City.

Day 10: Drive to Leavenworth, WA

Morning: Begin the westward journey across the northern states.

Afternoon: Arrive in Leavenworth, WA, a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascades.

Evening: Enjoy traditional German cuisine and stroll the quaint streets.

Day 11: Leavenworth Leisure

Morning: Hike parts of the Icicle Gorge Trail or visit local shops and markets.

Afternoon: Relax at Waterfront Park or take a river rafting trip (seasonal).

Evening: Attend a local music or cultural event if available, or enjoy a quiet evening.

Day 12-22: Scenic Return & Flex Days

Morning: Use these days to drive slowly back toward Seattle with options to explore additional stops such as Portland, OR, Columbia River Gorge, or Mount St. Helens.

Afternoon: Visit wineries, hike short trails, or enjoy local dining in towns en route.

Evening: Overnight stays in diverse lodging from campgrounds to charming inns as preferred. Flex days allow for rest or extra adventure (e.g. wine tasting near Walla Walla or kayaking).

Day 23: Return to Seattle & Departure

Morning: Arrive back in Seattle and take the morning to unwind or visit any missed highlights like the Space Needle or Pike Place Market.

Afternoon: Final shopping, packing, or relaxing before trip end.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a local Seattle restaurant.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Seattle to Cannon Beach: 3-4 hours drive, Gas ~$40
• Astoria & Oregon Coast stops: 3-5 hours exploration, Free entry
• Eureka & Redwood National Park: 1 day, Park entry ~$15/person
• Crater Lake National Park: 1-2 days, Park entry ~$30/vehicle, Boat tour ~$60/person
• Lake Tahoe activities: 2 days, Kayak rental ~$50, Hiking free
• Mount Rushmore & Black Hills: 1 day, Monument entry free, Parking ~$10
• Leavenworth exploration: 2 days, General sightseeing free, Dining ~$25-40/person
• Additional travel & sightseeing days: Flexible, Gas approx. $150, Activities vary

Total Estimated Cost: ~$500 - $800 (excluding accommodation)

Tips

• Extending the Trip: Add extra days in Lake Tahoe for water sports and relaxing spa resorts, or spend time exploring the vast national parks like Redwood or Crater Lake in more depth.
• Reducing the Trip: Bypass the long eastward stretch to Mount Rushmore by exploring more coastal areas between Oregon and Northern California or skip some inland stops for a more coastal-focused route.
• Consider booking accommodations in advance for popular spots like Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe during peak seasons.
• Carry a National Parks Pass if you plan to visit multiple parks; it can reduce entrance fees substantially.