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

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale – Arrival & Exploration

Morning: Depart Spokane early and drive the scenic I‑90 east before crossing into Oregon via US‑395. Stop at the Troutdale Riverfront Park for a quick stretch and river views.

Afternoon: Check into your Troutdale lodging and wander the Historic Downtown Troutdale streets, sampling a local coffee and browsing boutique shops.

Evening: Dine at a farm‑to‑table restaurant overlooking the Columbia River and enjoy a sunset stroll along the riverfront trail.

Day 2: Troutdale – Gorge Highlights

Morning: Drive the historic Columbia River Gorge Overlook for panoramic views of the canyon without visiting the crowded waterfalls.

Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Hood River, visit a local orchard for fresh fruit tasting, and relax at a riverside park.

Evening: Return to Troutdale, enjoy a casual dinner at a local brewery, and rest up for the coastal leg of the journey.

Day 3: Troutdale → Tillamook – Coast Arrival

Morning: Set off on US‑26 West, crossing the Cascade Mountains and stopping briefly at the Mount Bachelor Scenic Overlook for photos.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tillamook and tour the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory, where you can watch cheese being made and sample a variety of cheeses.

Evening: Check into a coastal inn, enjoy a seafood dinner at a harbor restaurant, and watch the waves roll in under a starry sky.

Day 4: Tillamook – Air Museum & Coastal Exploration

Morning: Visit the Tillamook Air Museum housed in a massive WWII hangar, exploring historic aircraft and interactive exhibits.

Afternoon: Drive north along Highway 101 to the Cape Meares Lighthouse, strolling the tide pools and spotting seabirds.

Evening: Return to Tillamook, enjoy a relaxed dinner in town, and spend the night at your inn.

Day 5: Tillamook → Bend – Inland Adventure

Morning: Depart the coast and head east on US‑26 toward the high desert, stopping at Smith Rock State Park for a short hike and spectacular rock formations.

Afternoon: Continue to Bend, check into your hotel, and explore the vibrant Downtown Bend area with its art galleries and craft breweries.

Evening: Dine at a farm‑focused eatery and enjoy a sunset view from the Deschutes River Trail.

Day 6: Bend → Spokane – Return Journey

Morning: Visit the High Desert Museum for interactive exhibits on local wildlife and pioneer history.

Afternoon: Begin the drive back to Spokane via US‑97 and I‑90, stopping for a quick lunch in La Pine before crossing the state line.

Evening: Arrive back in Spokane, reflect on the trip over a farewell dinner, and unwind after a memorable road adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Troutdale Riverfront Park – 1.5 hrs – $0
• Historic Downtown Troutdale – 2 hrs – $0
• Columbia River Gorge Overlook – 1 hr – $0
• Tillamook Cheese Factory – 2 hrs – $10 (tasting)
• Tillamook Air Museum – 2 hrs – $12
• Cape Meares Lighthouse – 1.5 hrs – $2 (donation)
• Smith Rock State Park – 2 hrs – $5 (parking)
• High Desert Museum – 2 hrs – $20
• Total Estimated Cost – $49

Tips

If you have extra time, add a night in the charming town of Pacific City to enjoy its famous sand dunes and fresh seafood. To shorten the trip, skip the Smith Rock detour and head straight from Tillamook to Bend, reducing the itinerary to five days while still hitting the cheese factory and air museum highlights.