6‑Day Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Spokane → Oregon & Oregon Coast (2 People)

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration – Troutdale

Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy the scenic 4‑hour drive through the Palouse, arriving in Troutdale by midday. Check‑in to your accommodation and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll along Troutdale Riverfront Park to take in the Columbia River views, then wander the charming Historic Downtown Troutdale boutiques and cafés.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant, savoring Pacific Northwest cuisine while watching the sunset over the river.

Day 2: Columbia River Gorge & Astoria

Morning: Drive east to the Rowena Crest Viewpoint for panoramic gorge vistas; continue to Hood River for a quick stop on the Hood River Fruit Loop and sample local apples.

Afternoon: Begin the coastal leg toward Astoria, crossing the historic Astoria–Megler Bridge. Arrive in Astoria and settle into your lodging.

Evening: Explore the waterfront, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak up the small‑town atmosphere of Astoria.

Day 3: Astoria Highlights

Morning: Climb the iconic Astoria Column for sweeping views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean, then wander the nearby historic district.

Afternoon: Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to learn about the region’s rich maritime heritage, followed by a leisurely walk along the Astoria Riverwalk.

Evening: Dine at a harbor restaurant, perhaps trying the famed Astoria sourdough and local craft beer.

Day 4: Coastward to Newport (via Tillamook)

Morning: Depart Astoria and drive south along Highway 101, stopping at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour and tasting of award‑winning cheeses.

Afternoon: Continue to Newport, checking into your hotel before exploring the lively Newport Historic Bayfront with its sea‑lion spotting decks and boutique shops.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachfront eatery, relishing Pacific salmon or Dungeness crab while watching the tide roll in.

Day 5: Newport Exploration & Travel to Florence

Morning: Spend time at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, discovering marine life from the nearby Pacific waters.

Afternoon: Head to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area for a short hike to the lighthouse and tide‑pool exploration.

Evening: Drive the short stretch to Florence, settle into your lodging, and wander the charming Florence Historic Old Town for a relaxed dinner.

Day 6: Florence & Return to Spokane

Morning: Join a guided kayak tour on the Siuslaw River estuary, spotting wildlife and enjoying the tranquil waterways.

Afternoon: After lunch, begin the return journey eastward, taking I‑5 and I‑84 back to Spokane, with scenic stops as desired.

Evening: Arrive back in Spokane, concluding the adventure with memories of coastal cliffs, river gorges, and charming towns.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Troutdale Riverfront Park – 1 hr – Free
• Historic Downtown Troutdale – 1 hr – Free
• Rowena Crest Viewpoint – 1 hr – Free
• Hood River Fruit Loop (tasting) – 2 hr – $15
• Astoria Column – 1 hr – $5
• Columbia River Maritime Museum – 2 hr – $10
• Astoria waterfront dinner – 2 hr – $30
• Tillamook Cheese Factory tour – 1.5 hr – $8
• Newport Historic Bayfront – 2 hr – Free
• Oregon Coast Aquarium – 2 hr – $25
• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – 2 hr – $5 (parking)
• Florence Historic Old Town – 2 hr – Free
• Siuslaw River kayak tour – 2 hr – $40
• Lodging (5 nights, mid‑range) – – $750
• Meals (average $30/day per person) – – $180
• Fuel & tolls – – $200

Total Estimated Cost: $1,300

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, add an extra night in Newport to explore the nearby Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site or a day trip to the Oregon Dunes. To shorten the itinerary, skip the Hood River Fruit Loop and combine Day 4 and Day 5 activities by staying in Newport for both nights, reducing the final return drive to a single day.