6-Day Road Trip: Spokane, WA to the Oregon Coast (for Two)

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale

Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy the scenic drive through the Palouse hills, stopping for coffee in Pullman. Arrive in Troutdale by mid‑morning and stretch your legs at the charming Troutdale Riverfront Park, which offers river views and easy walking trails.

Afternoon: Explore the historic downtown area, browsing local boutiques and grabbing a bite at a riverside café. After lunch, head to the nearby Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive for spectacular vistas and photo opportunities.

Evening: Check into a cozy B&B in Troutdale, then enjoy a relaxing dinner featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine. Take a sunset walk along the riverbank before turning in for the night.

Day 2: Troutdale → Portland

Morning: Cross the iconic Marquam Bridge into Portland and start with a stroll through the vibrant Pearl District, known for its art galleries and coffee shops. Visit the world‑renowned Powell's City of Books for a literary adventure.

Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a food‑cart pod before heading up to the historic Pittock Mansion, where you can admire panoramic city views and beautifully preserved interiors. Take a leisurely walk through the surrounding forested trails.

Evening: Dine at a farm‑to‑table restaurant in the Alberta Arts District, then explore the lively nightlife with live music or a nightcap at a rooftop bar overlooking the Willamette River.

Day 3: Portland → Columbia River Gorge → Hood River

Morning: Drive east along the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive, stopping at the majestic Multnomah Falls for a short hike to the bridge and photo ops. Continue on to the historic Vista House at Crown Point for breathtaking vistas.

Afternoon: Stop at the charming town of Hood River for a riverside lunch and perhaps a quick windsurfing demonstration on the Columbia. Explore the local boutiques and the historic Hood River County History Museum.

Evening: Check into a boutique inn in Hood River, then enjoy a sunset dinner at a restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and views of the river.

Day 4: Hood River → Cannon Beach

Morning: Depart Hood River and travel west through the coastal mountains, arriving at the iconic Cannon Beach by late morning. Take a leisurely walk on the sandy shore to admire the famous Haystack Rock.

Afternoon: Explore the art galleries and boutique shops in downtown Cannon Beach, then have a seafood lunch at a beachfront eatery. Afterward, drive a short distance to Ecola State Park for hiking among old‑growth forest and coastal cliffs.

Evening: Settle into a cozy seaside cottage, watch the tide roll in, and enjoy a romantic dinner of fresh oysters and local wine.

Day 5: Cannon Beach → Tillamook → Oregon Dunes

Morning: Head south along Highway 101, stopping at the historic lighthouse at Cape Meares for spectacular ocean views. Continue to the charming town of Tillamook for a tour of the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory.

Afternoon: Sample a variety of cheeses and enjoy a complimentary ice‑cream sundae before driving to the expansive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Spend the afternoon sandboarding or simply wandering the towering dunes.

Evening: Overnight at a rustic lodge near the dunes, where you can enjoy a campfire dinner and stargazing on the beach.

Day 6: Oregon Dunes → Spokane (via Mt. St. Helens)

Morning: Begin the return journey north, taking a detour to the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center to learn about the 1980 eruption and enjoy panoramic views of the crater. Walk the short interpretive trail for a close‑up experience.

Afternoon: Continue the drive east through the Columbia Basin, stopping for a quick lunch in the historic town of Kelso. Enjoy the rolling wheat fields and river scenery as you approach Spokane.

Evening: Arrive back in Spokane in the early evening, reflecting on the diverse landscapes and memorable moments from your coastal adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Troutdale Riverfront Park – 2 hrs – $0
• Columbia River Gorge Scenic Drive – 3 hrs – $0 (fuel)
• Multnomah Falls – 1.5 hrs – $0 (parking $5)
• Pittock Mansion – 2 hrs – $10 admission
• Powell's City of Books – 1 hr – $0
• Cannon Beach (Haystack Rock) – 2 hrs – $0
• Ecola State Park – 2 hrs – $5 parking
• Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour – 1.5 hrs – $15 per person ($30 total)
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – 3 hrs – $5 parking
• Mount St. Helens Visitor Center – 2 hrs – $0
• Accommodation (6 nights) – – $150 per night × 2 = $1,800
• Meals (estimated) – – $50 per day × 6 = $300
• Fuel (estimated 1,200 miles @ $3.80/gal, 25 mpg) – – $182
• Total Estimated Cost – $2,852

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in the Oregon Coast to explore the scenic towns of Newport and Florence, or venture inland to the Willamette Valley for wine tasting. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Oregon Dunes and head straight from Tillamook back to Spokane, reducing travel time while still enjoying the highlights of the coast and Columbia River Gorge.