Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy the scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge, stopping at vista points for photos. The journey to Hood River takes about 4½ hours, offering plenty of landscape views.
Afternoon: After checking into your lodge, explore the charming downtown of Hood River, strolling along the waterfront and browsing boutique shops. Grab a casual lunch at a river‑front café while admiring the Columbia River.
Evening: Dine at a local farm‑to‑table restaurant and watch the sunset over the river from the town’s popular viewpoint. Relax with a nightcap at a nearby brewpub.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the rewarding Rowena Crest Trail, offering panoramic vistas of the gorge and the river below. The trail is moderate and takes about 2 hours round‑trip.
Afternoon: Visit the renowned Cathedral Ridge Vineyard for a tasting session, followed by a short drive to Marchesi Vineyards for a second tasting and a light snack. Both wineries provide stunning views of the valley.
Evening: Return to downtown Hood River for dinner at a waterfront eatery, then enjoy a leisurely walk along the historic Columbia River Highway.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the coastal drive on US‑101, stopping at the coastal town of Seaside for a stroll on the boardwalk and a quick coffee. The beachside atmosphere provides a pleasant break from the drive.
Afternoon: Continue south to Astoria, checking into your hotel and exploring the historic riverfront. Visit the Astoria Riverwalk and enjoy views of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific.
Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a local harbor restaurant, then take an evening walk through the illuminated streets of Astoria’s historic district.
Find HotelsMorning: Tour the Columbia River Maritime Museum, learning about the region’s maritime heritage and viewing historic vessels. The museum offers interactive exhibits and a short film.
Afternoon: Head to Fort Stevens State Park for a walk along the historic fort grounds and a beach walk on the Pacific side. Keep an eye out for the famous “Fort Stevens Ghost” legend.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a historic tavern in Astoria, then relax at your hotel or catch a sunset from the Astoria Riverwalk.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Astoria and stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a self‑guided tour and sampling of award‑winning cheeses. The visit includes a short walk through the production area.
Afternoon: Arrive in Newport and explore the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, climbing the historic lighthouse and spotting tide pools teeming with marine life.
Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant on the Newport Historic Bayfront, sampling local clam chowder and fresh fish while watching the harbor lights.
Find HotelsMorning: Embark on a whale‑watching tour from Newport’s harbor, with a chance to see gray whales breaching along the coast. The tour lasts about 3 hours.
Afternoon: Begin the return drive north, taking I‑5 for a quicker route back to Spokane, with optional scenic stops at small towns along the way.
Evening: Arrive back in Spokane, drop off the rental car, and reflect on the coastal adventure over a relaxed dinner at a local restaurant.
Find HotelsIf you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding an extra night in Newport to explore the nearby Devils Punchbowl and enjoy a sunset kayak tour. To shorten the itinerary, you can skip the afternoon wine tastings in Hood River and combine the Seaside stop with the drive straight to Astoria, saving a few hours of travel.