6‑Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Spokane → Oregon Coast

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale

Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy the scenic drive through the Palouse rolling hills, stopping for coffee in the charming town of Spokane Valley. Arrive in Troutdale by midday.

Afternoon: Explore historic downtown Troutdale, strolling along Main Street and visiting the Troutdale Historical Museum. Grab a bite at a local café and admire the Columbia River views from the Troutdale Riverfront Park.

Evening: Check into a cozy boutique inn in Troutdale, then enjoy a sunset walk along the river before a relaxed dinner at a farm‑to‑table restaurant.

Day 2: Troutdale → Columbia River Gorge → Cannon Beach

Morning: Head east toward the Columbia River Gorge, stopping at the iconic Multnomah Falls for a short hike and photo ops.

Afternoon: Continue westward, visiting the Vista House at Crown Point for panoramic vistas. After lunch, drive along the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway and arrive at the coastal town of Cannon Beach.

Evening: Check into a beachfront B&B, walk along the sand to see the famous Haystack Rock, and dine on fresh seafood at a local tavern.

Day 3: Cannon Beach → Tillamook (Cheese Factory & Air Museum)

Morning: Sunrise walk on the beach, then explore the tide pools at Ecola State Park. Grab a quick breakfast at a downtown café.

Afternoon: Drive south to Tillamook. Join the guided tour at the Tillamook Cheese Factory, sampling award‑winning cheeses and learning about the dairy process.

Evening: Visit the nearby Tillamook Air Museum housed in a historic WWII hangar, then settle into a comfortable inn and enjoy dinner at a local brewpub.

Day 4: Tillamook → Newport (Coastal Highlights)

Morning: Depart Tillamook and stop at the Three Capes Scenic Loop, with breathtaking cliffside views at Cape Meares and Cape Lookout.

Afternoon: Arrive in Newport and explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium, then wander the historic Newport Bayfront with its bustling fish markets.

Evening: Check into a seaside hotel, enjoy a sunset cruise on Yaquina Bay, and savor dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Day 5: Newport → Florence (Dunes & Sea Lions)

Morning: Head south along the Pacific Coast, stopping at the striking rock formations of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area for tidepool exploration.

Afternoon: Continue to Florence and enter the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can rent dune buggies or take a guided sand hike.

Evening: Visit the nearby Sea Lion Caves at dusk, then unwind in a rustic lodge with a cozy dinner featuring local oysters.

Day 6: Florence → Return to Spokane (via Bend)

Morning: Depart Florence early and drive inland to the high desert city of Bend, stopping for coffee and a quick stroll through the Old Mill District.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant downtown of Bend and grab lunch before heading east on I‑84, crossing the Cascade Range via U.S. Highway 97.

Evening: Arrive back in Spokane, reflecting on the coastal adventure over a final dinner at a local favorite.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Troutdale Riverfront Park – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Multnomah Falls – 2 hrs – $0 (parking $5)
• Vista House at Crown Point – 1 hr – $0
• Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach) – 2 hrs – $0
• Ecola State Park – 2 hrs – $5 parking
• Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour – 2 hrs – $15 per person
• Tillamook Air Museum – 1.5 hrs – $12 per person
• Three Capes Scenic Loop – 3 hrs – $0
• Oregon Coast Aquarium – 2 hrs – $24 per person
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – 1.5 hrs – $5 parking
• Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area – 3 hrs – $10 vehicle fee
• Sea Lion Caves – 1.5 hrs – $18 per person
• Old Mill District (Bend) – 1 hr – $0
• Fuel (≈1,200 miles @ $3.80/gal, 25 mpg) – $183
• Meals (average $30 per person per day × 2 × 6) – $360
• Accommodation (6 nights @ $130/night) – $780
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,771

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Columbia River Gorge to hike additional waterfalls or spending an extra night in Florence to explore the nearby McKenzie River for kayaking. To shorten the adventure, skip the detour through Bend and drive directly from the coast back to Spokane, or combine the Tillamook cheese tour and air museum into a single half‑day visit.