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

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale

Morning: Depart Spokane early and enjoy a scenic 4½‑hour drive along I‑90 and I‑84, stopping for coffee in the Columbia River Gorge. The rolling hills and river views set a relaxing tone for the journey.

Afternoon: Arrive in Troutdale and wander the historic downtown, where charming shops and the Troutdale Historical Society Museum showcase the town’s pioneer past.

Evening: Dine at a local riverside restaurant and watch the sunset over the Columbia River before settling into your Troutdale accommodation.

Day 2: Troutdale → Hood River → Lincoln City (2‑night stay)

Morning: Drive east along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the vibrant town of Hood River, famous for its windsurfing scene and panoramic river vistas.

Afternoon: Sample local wines at a tasting room and enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading south on US‑26 toward the coast, arriving in Lincoln City by late afternoon.

Evening: Stroll the beachfront promenade, savor fresh seafood at a harbor restaurant, and unwind at your Lincoln City lodging.

Day 3: Lincoln City Exploration

Morning: Walk the sandy shores of Lincoln City Beach, exploring tide pools and spotting seabirds along the coastline.

Afternoon: Visit the Lincoln City Glass Center for a live glass‑blowing demonstration and create your own souvenir piece.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner on the pier and take a moonlit walk along the boardwalk before returning to your hotel.

Day 4: Lincoln City → Tillamook (Cheese & Air Museum)

Morning: Depart for the famed Tillamook Cheese Factory, where you’ll tour the dairy, watch cheese‑making in action, and sample award‑winning cheddar.

Afternoon: Head to the nearby Tillamook Air Museum, housed in a historic WWII hangar, to explore vintage aircraft and interactive exhibits.

Evening: Dine at a local farm‑to‑table eatery and spend the night in Tillamook or the neighboring coastal town of Pacific City.

Day 5: Tillamook → Oswald West State Park → Gearhart

Morning: Drive north along Highway 101, stopping at Oswald West State Park for a short hike to the dramatic Short Sands Beach and stunning ocean views.

Afternoon: Continue to the charming beach town of Gearhart, where you can explore the quiet shoreline and local art galleries.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a seaside café and stay overnight in Gearhart, preparing for the return leg.

Day 6: Gearhart → Vancouver, WA → Spokane

Morning: Cross the Columbia River into Washington and stop at the scenic Vancouver Waterfront for coffee and river views.

Afternoon: Begin the 5‑hour drive back to Spokane, taking brief breaks at viewpoints along I‑5 and I‑90.

Evening: Arrive in Spokane, reflect on the coastal adventure, and relax after a memorable road trip.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Troutdale Historic District – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Hood River Windsurfing Viewpoint – 1.5 hrs – $0 (free)
• Wine Tasting (Hood River) – 1 hr – $25 per person
• Lincoln City Beach – 2 hrs – $0 (free)
• Lincoln City Glass Center – 2 hrs – $20 per person (incl. souvenir)
• Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour – 2 hrs – $15 per person (includes samples)
• Tillamook Air Museum – 2 hrs – $12 per person
• Oswald West State Park (Short Sands Beach) – 2 hrs – $5 per vehicle (park fee)
• Gearhart Beach Walk – 1.5 hrs – $0 (free)
• Vancouver Waterfront Stop – 1 hr – $0 (free)
• Meals (average) – 3 meals/day × 6 days × $20 per person = $240 total
• Accommodation (5 nights) – $130 per night × 5 nights = $650 total
• Fuel (approx. 900 mi @ $3.80/gal, 25 mpg) – $137 total
• Parking & Miscellaneous Fees – $30 total
• Total Estimated Cost – $1,244

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider extending your stay in the coastal region to explore the scenic Nehalem Bay State Park or take a whale‑watching tour from Depoe Bay. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Gearhart leg and head straight from Tillamook back to Spokane, reducing drive time while still enjoying the cheese factory and air museum highlights.