7-Day Adventure Itinerary in Oregon

  • Day 1: Smith Rock
    3 hours (170 miles) from Portland

    Start your adventure by heading to Smith Rock, known for its towering cliffs and popular rock climbing routes. Take a hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the landscape. Make sure to pack enough water for the day trip.

  • Day 2: Crater Lake National Park
    3 hours (120 miles) from Smith Rock

    Wake up early and head to Crater Lake National Park. This stunning lake formed in a volcano crater and is surrounded by cliffs and forests. Take a scenic drive around the lake and stop at various viewpoints for photo opportunities.

  • Day 3: Rogue River
    2.5 hours (110 miles) from Crater Lake National Park

    Spend a day rafting down the beautiful Rogue River. You’ll encounter thrilling rapids and scenery along the way. Make sure to bring an extra pair of clothes as you’ll get wet!

  • Day 4: Mount Hood
    4 hours (215 miles) from Rogue River

    Take a scenic drive to Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon. With multiple hiking trails at different difficulty levels, you can choose the best route for your adventure. Make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water for the hike.

  • Day 5: Columbia River Gorge
    1.5 hours (65 miles) from Mount Hood

    Head to Columbia River Gorge for stunning views of the gorge, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Visit Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, with a 620-foot drop. Take a hike to the falls to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

  • Day 6: Painted Hills
    4 hours (200 miles) from Columbia River Gorge

    Explore the stunning Painted Hills with its unique desert-like landscape and striped rock formations. This National Monument is a great place for a hike, picnic, and photo opportunities. Make sure to bring a hat and plenty of water for this trip.

  • Day 7: Bend
    1.5 hours (80 miles) from Painted Hills

    End your adventure in the charming town of Bend. You can explore the Deschutes River, hike to Pilot Butte, or visit the High Desert Museum. Enjoy the local cuisine and craft beer scene before departing for Portland or an onward destination.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Smith Rock (1 day, free)
  • Crater Lake National Park (1 day, $25 per car)
  • Rogue River Rafting (1 day, $150 per person)
  • Mount Hood (1 day, free)
  • Columbia River Gorge (1 day, free)
  • Painted Hills (1 day, $8 per car)
  • Bend (1 day, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($183 per person)

Transportation

For this itinerary, we recommend renting a car to maximize your time and ability to explore. The estimated cost of a standard rental car for seven days is $350, including gas. Plan the driving route for each day based on the itinerary above, and we recommend downloading offline maps via Google Maps or Maps.me as some areas may have limited cell reception.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more time, consider adding a visit to the Oregon Coast for its stunning beaches and lighthouses. For those with less time, adjust the itinerary accordingly by eliminating some activities on the list or shortening the stays at various locations. Don't forget to bring comfortable hiking shoes, layers of clothing, and plenty of water for each excursion.

Airports

The main airport serving Oregon is Portland International Airport (PDX), located in northeastern Portland, approximately 12 miles from the city center. Direct flights are available to many major cities in the US, and international connections are available from various locations. Alternately, the Eugene Airport (EUG) is a regional airport with direct flights to several West Coast cities and is located approximately two hours from Bend.

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