7-Day Camper Road Trip: Fly PHL → SEA, Coastal Oregon Sights, Redwoods & Fly Out Sacramento

Day 1: Fly & Drive

Seattle, USA → Portland, USA on September 1, 2025

7:00am

Flight: PHL → SEA

Morning nonstop or single-connection flight from Philadelphia to Seattle–Tacoma, arriving same day after crossing time zones; start of your west-coast week. Book an early flight to maximize daylight for pick-up and driving.
USD350, 6h0m

10:15am

Arrive SEA-TAC & baggage

Clear TSA and collect luggage; SeaTac is efficient but allow extra time if you have checked bags.
USD0, 0h30m

11:30am

Camper pick-up (SeaTac area)

Pick up your reserved camper/RV from a major rental location near SeaTac (many offices open 8:00am–5:00pm); walk the rental orientation and load gear — essential for a smooth trip.
USD1200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Pike Place Market — quick lunch & stroll

Classic Seattle stop: watch fish throws, browse stalls, and have lunch at a market eatery; many vendors operate roughly 9:00am–6:00pm so midday is ideal.
USD20, 1h30m

2:30pm

Drive SeaTac → Portland (I-5 S)

Head south on I-5 toward Portland — about a 3-hour drive with rest stops; this positions you to begin the Oregon coast drive the next morning.
USD0, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner: Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House

Relax with Pacific Northwest pub cuisine and local brews in Portland; open afternoons–evenings, great for a first-night meal after driving.
USD35, 1h30m

8:30pm

Campground near Portland (overnight)

Settle into an RV park or state park campground near Portland (many accept RVs and offer hookups).
USD45, 10h0m

Day 2: Columbia Gorge & Coast

Portland, USA → Cannon Beach, USA on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast: Pine State Biscuits

Hearty Portland breakfast of biscuits and gravy or sandwiches — opens early and great fuel for a day of sightseeing.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Multnomah Falls / Columbia River Gorge

Drive ~30–40 minutes to Multnomah Falls for short walks and viewpoints; the visitor area is generally accessible 8:00am–6:00pm and the 30-minute paved walk to the bridge is iconic.
USD0, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge

A convenient lunch stop with views of the falls; lodge dining is open midday (hours vary seasonally).
USD25, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive Portland → Cannon Beach

Head west toward the Oregon coast (about 1.5 hours), aiming to arrive in the afternoon to walk the beach and check Haystack Rock at low tide if possible.
USD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Haystack Rock & Cannon Beach walk

Explore tide pools and the iconic Haystack Rock formation; the shoreline is best observed between low and mid tide and the beach area is open dawn–dusk.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner: Pelican Brewery or local seafood

Enjoy fresh Pacific seafood or coastal pub fare in Cannon Beach; many restaurants serve dinner from late afternoon through evening.
USD35, 1h30m

8:30pm

Campground at Cannon Beach (overnight)

Park at a nearby RV park or state campground; relax and plan next day's coastal drive.
USD45, 10h0m

Day 3: Northern Coast Highlights

Cannon Beach, USA → Newport, USA on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast: Local cafe in Cannon Beach

Coffee and pastries to start the day before driving south; local cafes typically open around 7:00–8:00am.
USD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive Cannon Beach → Tillamook Creamery (via US-26 W)

A scenic ~1h15m drive to the Tillamook factory area where you can sample cheese and see displays about dairy production.
USD0, 1h15m

11:00am

Tillamook Creamery visit

Factory shop and tasting area; the creamery is generally open ~9:30am–5:30pm and is a fun, family-friendly stop for cheese tastings.
USD10, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive Tillamook → Newport (via coastal route)

Head further south along scenic coastal roads toward Newport to continue your coastal exploration; plan ~1h–1h15m driving time.
USD0, 1h15m

2:00pm

Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport)

One of the coast’s top aquariums with tidepool exhibits and marine displays; open generally 10:00am–5:00pm — arrive in the afternoon for a relaxed visit.
USD30, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dinner: Local Ocean or Rogue Breweries in Newport

Dine with ocean views and regional seafood — Newport has several excellent dinner options open through the evening.
USD40, 1h30m

8:30pm

Campground in Newport/nearby

Stay overnight at a coastal RV park or state park so you’re well positioned for the dunes and central coast tomorrow.
USD50, 10h0m

Day 4: Oregon Dunes & Southern Coast

Newport, USA → Bandon, USA on September 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Newport

Grab breakfast and coffee before heading south toward Florence and the dunes.
USD15, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive Newport → Florence (Oregon Dunes)

Short scenic drive (~1h10m) to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for dune viewpoints and optional guided dune tours; the recreation area is open all day.
USD0, 1h10m

11:00am

Oregon Dunes UTV or dune walk

Choose a guided UTV/adventure tour (operators usually run 9:00am–6:00pm) or hike the dunes for sweeping coastal vistas — a standout coastal experience.
USD80, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Florence

Fresh seafood or casual café fare right by the Siuslaw River; good refuel point before more driving.
USD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Heceta Head Lighthouse viewpoint

Iconic lighthouse with dramatic coastal views; grounds and viewpoint accessible during daylight (tours of the keepers’ house are seasonal).
USD0, 1h0m

5:00pm

Drive Florence → Bandon

Coastal drive south toward Bandon (approx. 2.5 hours); plan for daylight stops if you want additional viewpoints.
USD0, 2h30m

8:00pm

Dinner: Bandon Fish Market or local seafood

Bandon's Old Town and waterfront offer excellent seafood — a relaxed dinner after a long driving afternoon.
USD30, 1h0m

9:30pm

Campground in Bandon (overnight)

Overnight at a Bandon RV park or beachside campground to rest for the next day's deeper Redwood drives.
USD50, 9h30m

Day 5: Drive to Redwoods

Bandon, USA → Klamath/Crescent City, USA on September 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Bandon

Quick breakfast and coffee before a longer driving day toward the northern California Redwoods.
USD15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive Bandon → Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor stops

Coastal driving with scenic pullouts; plan brief stops for overlooks and photos — this stretch is famous for sea stacks and viewpoints.
USD0, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch en route (Gold Beach or Brookings)

Stop at a coastal cafe for lunch and to stretch legs before continuing into Redwood country.
USD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Trees of Mystery (Klamath)

A family-friendly attraction showcasing towering redwoods and interpretive trails with a gondola — typically open ~9:00am–6:00pm.
USD25, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive to Redwood National/State Parks (near Crescent City)

Short drive to park access points where you can enter old-growth redwood groves and scenic drives; park lands are open 24/7, visitor centers have limited hours.
USD0, 0h45m

5:30pm

Short hike: Lady Bird Johnson Grove

A 1–1.5 mile loop through old-growth redwoods offering a peaceful introduction to the cathedral-like groves; trails open dawn–dusk.
USD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner in Crescent City

Casual seafood or diner options in Crescent City; a good place to rest before tomorrow’s Avenue of the Giants drive.
USD35, 1h0m

9:00pm

Campground near Crescent City (overnight)

Overnight at a beachfront or forested RV campground to be refreshed for the next day's drives.
USD50, 9h0m

Day 6: Avenue of the Giants

Crescent City, USA → Humboldt Redwoods, USA on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Crescent City

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast — plan for a scenic driving day through the tallest trees on the planet.
USD15, 0h45m

9:30am

Drive Crescent City → Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)

Drive south along US-101 to Arcata/Redway/Mad River areas, then into the Avenue of the Giants — allow ~2–2.5 hours depending on stops.
USD0, 2h30m

12:30pm

Founders Grove walk & picnic

Short, flat boardwalk through very large redwoods — a perfect midday stop for photos and a picnic (area accessible dawn–dusk).
USD0, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lunch in Garberville or local café

Casual lunch in a small Humboldt town — you’ll be in the heart of redwood country with local, relaxed dining options.
USD20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Scenic drive through Avenue of the Giants

Leisurely 31-mile drive through massive redwoods with safe pull-outs and notable groves; plan several stops for photos and short walks.
USD0, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner in Eureka or Fortuna

Historic waterfront restaurants in Eureka offer a pleasant final coastal-style dinner before the inland leg to Sacramento.
USD35, 1h0m

8:30pm

Campground near Fortuna/Eureka (overnight)

Stay local to shorten tomorrow’s drive into the Central Valley toward Sacramento.
USD50, 10h0m

Day 7: Return & Fly Out

Humboldt/Eureka, USA → Sacramento, USA on September 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and pack

Quick breakfast and final campsite checks before the last driving leg to Sacramento; plan for 4–5 hours driving depending on route (I-5 faster).
USD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Sacramento (I-5 inland route)

Longer drive (approx. 4–5 hours) southeast on I-5 — this is the most direct route to Sacramento where you will return the camper and catch your flight.
USD0, 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch in Sacramento

Arrive mid-day and enjoy lunch in Old Sacramento or Midtown — a good chance to stretch and see a little city charm before returning the RV.
USD20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Camper return at Sacramento rental depot

Return the camper to the rental agency; confirm depot hours (many are 9:00am–5:00pm) and pre-book a one-way drop fee if required.
USD250, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Old Sacramento / State Capitol

If time allows, walk Old Sacramento’s wooden boardwalks or see the California State Capitol grounds — museums and capitol tours typically operate ~9:00am–5:00pm.
USD0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner near the airport or Old Sacramento

Final California meal — many airport-area restaurants near Sacramento International are open for dinner service to wrap up the trip.
USD35, 1h0m

7:30pm

Flight: Sacramento (SMF) → Philadelphia (PHL)

Evening flight home; typical direct or one-stop flights eastbound take ~4–5 hours flying time (plus time zone change). Aim for a late evening departure after returning the RV.
USD300, 4h0m
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