Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

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

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy the scenic drive across eastern Washington, crossing the Columbia River at the historic Spokane Bridge. Arrive in Troutdale by mid‑morning and check into your lodging.

Afternoon: Stroll through Troutdale Historic Main Street, sampling local coffee and browsing boutique shops. Visit the nearby Columbia River Gorge Visitor Center for an overview of the region’s natural highlights.

Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant overlooking the Columbia, then relax with a sunset walk along the Troutdale Riverwalk before turning in for the night.

Find Hotels

Day 2: Troutdale → Hood River → The Dalles → Bend

Morning: Drive north along the Columbia River to Hood River, where you can explore the vibrant waterfront and sample fresh apple cider at a local orchard.

Afternoon: Continue east to the iconic Rowena Crest Viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the gorge, then head south to The Dalles for a quick lunch and a look at the historic Dalles Bridge.

Evening: Arrive in Bend, check into your hotel, and enjoy a dinner at one of the city’s renowned farm‑to‑table restaurants, followed by a walk through the lively downtown area.

Find Hotels

Day 3: Bend → Smith Rock State Park → Newport

Morning: Take a short drive to Smith Rock State Park for a moderate hike to the Misery Ridge Trail, offering spectacular rock formations and sweeping desert views.

Afternoon: Depart for the Oregon Coast, arriving in Newport by mid‑afternoon. Settle into your seaside accommodation and begin exploring the bustling Newport Bayfront.

Evening: Savor fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, then enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbor, watching the lights reflect on the Pacific.

Find Hotels

Day 4: Newport – Coastal Highlights

Morning: Visit the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, climbing the historic lighthouse and exploring tide pools teeming with marine life.

Afternoon: Spend a few hours at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, marveling at the kelp forest exhibit and playful sea otters.

Evening: Return to the Bayfront for sunset views, then dine at a local eatery known for its clam chowder and craft brews.

Find Hotels

Day 5: Newport → Heceta Head → Oregon Dunes → Florence

Morning: Drive south along Highway 101, stopping at the picturesque Heceta Head Lighthouse for photo opportunities and a short walk on the coastal trail.

Afternoon: Continue to the expansive Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, where you can take a guided dune buggy tour or simply wander the rolling sands.

Evening: Arrive in Florence, check into your lodge, and explore the charming Florence Historic District with its antique shops and riverfront dining.

Find Hotels

Day 6: Florence → Return to Spokane

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Florence before beginning the long drive north. Stop briefly at the scenic John Day River Canyon for a coffee break and photo ops.

Afternoon: Continue east through the high desert, passing through Burns for a quick lunch and a stretch of the historic Route 20.

Evening: Arrive back in Spokane by nightfall, concluding your Pacific Northwest adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Troutdale Historic Main Street – 1.5 hrs – $0 (shopping optional)
  • Columbia River Gorge Visitor Center – 1 hr – $0
  • Hood River Waterfront – 2 hrs – $0
  • Rowena Crest Viewpoint – 1 hr – $0
  • Dalles Bridge – 30 min – $0
  • Smith Rock State Park (Misery Ridge) – 3 hrs – $5 parking
  • Yaquina Head Lighthouse – 2 hrs – $5 entry
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium – 2.5 hrs – $30 admission
  • Heceta Head Lighthouse – 1 hr – $5 parking
  • Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (buggy tour) – 3 hrs – $45 tour
  • Florence Historic District – 2 hrs – $0
  • John Day River Canyon – 1 hr – $0
  • Meals (average $30 per person per day × 2) – 6 days – $360
  • Accommodation (average $150 per night × 5 nights) – $750
  • Fuel (approx. 1500 miles @ $3.80/gal, 25 mpg) – $228

Total Estimated Cost: $1,863

Tips

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider adding an extra night in Bend to explore the Deschutes River Trail or the High Desert Museum, and a day in the southern coast around Bandon for its iconic rock formations. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the dune buggy tour and spend less time in Bend, focusing more on the coastal highlights for a faster return to Spokane.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version