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

Day 1: Spokane → Troutdale

Morning: Depart Spokane and enjoy a scenic drive along the Spokane River before crossing the rolling hills of the Palouse. Stop for coffee in a small town and stretch your legs with short hikes.

Afternoon: Continue eastward, arriving in Troutdale. Explore the charming downtown area, browse local boutiques, and take a stroll along the Columbia River waterfront.

Evening: Check into your Troutdale accommodation, enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant, and relax with a sunset view over the Columbia.

Day 2: Troutdale → Tillamook (Coast)

Morning: Depart early, traveling west on I‑84 and then US‑26, soaking in the transition from forested valleys to coastal landscapes.

Afternoon: Arrive in Tillamook and visit the Tillamook Air Museum, where historic aircraft are displayed inside a massive wooden hangar.

Evening: Take a guided tour of the Tillamook Cheese Factory, sample award‑winning cheeses, and enjoy a farm‑to‑table dinner in town before settling in for the night.

Day 3: Tillamook Coast Exploration

Morning: Return to the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a deeper look at the cheese‑making process and a tasting session.

Afternoon: Drive north along the coast to the iconic Cape Meares Lighthouse. Climb the lighthouse, explore the surrounding nature trail, and spot migrating seabirds.

Evening: Unwind on Tillamook Bay beach, watch the tide roll in, and dine on fresh seafood at a local harbor restaurant.

Day 4: Tillamook → Bend (Inland)

Morning: Leave the coast, heading east on US‑101 and OR‑22 toward the high desert. Enjoy coastal vistas and a brief stop at a tide‑pool park.

Afternoon: Arrive in Bend and explore the vibrant downtown area, with its breweries, art galleries, and the scenic Deschutes River trail.

Evening: Check into your Bend lodging, savor dinner at a downtown eatery, and stroll through the illuminated Riverbend Park.

Day 5: Bend → Spokane (Return)

Morning: Venture north to Smith Rock State Park for dramatic red‑rock cliffs and a short hike with panoramic views of the Crooked River.

Afternoon: Continue east to the Newberry Volcano area, explore the lava fields and the impressive Lake of the Woods viewpoint.

Evening: Drive back into Washington, arriving home in Spokane. Relax with a late dinner and reflect on the adventure.

Day 6: Spokane – Home Base

Morning: Stroll through Riverfront Park, enjoying the iconic Spokane Falls and the historic clocktower.

Afternoon: Visit local museums or take a leisurely bike ride along the Spokane River Greenway.

Evening: Wrap up the trip with a farewell dinner at a downtown restaurant, sharing highlights with fellow travelers.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Spokane River – 1 hour – Free
• Palouse scenic drive – 1 hour – Free
• Troutdale downtown & Columbia River – 3 hours – Free
• Tillamook Air Museum – 2 hours – $12 per person
• Tillamook Cheese Factory tour – 1.5 hours – $8 per person
• Cape Meares Lighthouse – 1 hour – $5 parking
• Tillamook Bay beach – 2 hours – Free
• Smith Rock State Park – 2 hours – $5 per vehicle
• Newberry Volcano area – 2 hours – $10 per person
• Riverfront Park & Spokane Falls – 3 hours – Free
• Meals (average $30/day) – 6 days – $180 per person
• Fuel (estimated 1,200 miles @ $3.50/gal, 25 mpg) – Approx. $168
• Accommodations (average $120/night) – 5 nights – $600

Total Estimated Cost per Person: $1,096

Tips

If you wish to extend the adventure, add an extra night in Bend to explore the high desert wineries or hike the Deschutes River Trail. Conversely, you can shorten the trip by skipping the second night on the coast and heading directly from Tillamook to Bend, reducing driving time and accommodation costs while still hitting the key highlights.