Oregon to Washington Nature Road Trip Itinerary with Crater Lake and Painted Hills

Day 1: Explore Portland

Portland, Oregon

8:00AM

Breakfast at Blue Star Donuts

Start your day with a delicious artisan donut and coffee at Blue Star Donuts, known for their unique flavors and high-quality ingredients.
Head northwest on SW Stark St.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Washington Park

Discover the beautiful scenery in Washington Park, featuring the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.
Drive to Washington Park; park your car at the designated parking area.
USD 10 for parking, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pine Street Market

Enjoy a variety of local eats at Pine Street Market, where you can choose from a selection of vendors offering everything from ramen to tacos.
Drive to Pine Street Market, located in the Pearl District.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Powell's City of Books

Spend your afternoon browsing the shelves at Powell's City of Books, the largest independent bookstore in the world.
Drive to Powell's located in downtown Portland.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Walk Along the Willamette River

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying views of the river and the city skyline.
Head to the waterfront park entrance.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The Evergreen

Wrap up your day with dinner at The Evergreen, featuring locally sourced ingredients in an upscale pub atmosphere.
Drive to The Evergreen, located along the Columbia River.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Crater Lake Exploration

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Diner

Fuel up with breakfast at The Diner in central Portland, where you can enjoy delicious pancakes and hearty breakfasts.
Drive south on I-5 for about 2 hours.
USD 12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Crater Lake National Park

Proceed to Crater Lake National Park to witness the stunning blue waters of the deepest lake in the U.S.
Continue on OR-62 E to the park entrance.
USD 20 for vehicle entrance, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Rim Drive

Take a leisurely drive around the scenic Rim Drive, offering breathtaking views and numerous pullouts to take photos.
Follow the marked Rim Drive route.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Crater Lake Lodge

Enjoy a delicious lunch with views at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, where you can relax and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Dine at the lodge restaurant.
USD 20, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking the Watchman Peak Trail

Hike the Watchman Peak Trail for panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, a must-visit spot for all nature lovers.
Start the trail directly from the parking area.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Rustic Grill

After a day of exploration, head to The Rustic Grill in nearby Klamath Falls for a relaxed dining experience.
Drive to The Rustic Grill, about 1 hour away.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Painted Hills Adventure

Painted Hills, Oregon

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Deli

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at The Deli in Klamath Falls, where you can grab sandwiches and fresh coffee.
Drive northeast to Painted Hills, approximately 1.5 hours.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Painted Hills Unit

Explore the stunning Painted Hills, famous for their vibrant colors and unique landscapes, ideal for photography and walking trails.
Follow the signs to the Painted Hills Unit.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Painted Hills BBQ

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch with locally sourced ingredients from The Painted Hills BBQ food truck nearby.
Find the food truck in the designated parking area.
USD 15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Trails at Painted Hills

Continue to wander along the walking trails and take in the stunning views of the colorful hills.
Follow trail markers for the available hikes.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit John Day Fossil Beds

Make your way to John Day Fossil Beds National Monument to learn about the intriguing fossil history and explore the scenic landscape.
Drive to John Day Fossil Beds, about 30 minutes away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Sumpter Valley Diner

Wrap up your day with dinner at The Sumpter Valley Diner, serving home-cooked meals in a rustic setting.
Drive approximately 1 hour to Sumpter for dinner.
USD 20, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

8:00AM

Breakfast at Eggers

Start your day with breakfast at Eggers, known for their hearty omelets and fresh coffee in the gorge area.
Drive to Cascade Locks, where Eggers is located.
USD 10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Multnomah Falls

Explore the stunning Multnomah Falls, a scenic waterfall boasting a beautiful view and hiking trails.
Drive to Multnomah Falls Visitor Center.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Hiking at Angels Rest

Hike the scenic Angels Rest trail for breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge from the top.
Drive to Angels Rest Trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Cascade Locks Historic Hotel

Enjoy lunch at the Cascade Locks Historic Hotel, featuring local craft brews and gorgeous river views.
Drive to the hotel; park in the nearby lot.
USD 20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Hood River

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Hood River, known for its quaint shops and waterfront activities.
Drive to Hood River, about 30 minutes from Cascade Locks.
Free to explore, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza

Indulge in delicious wood-fired pizza at Solstice while enjoying the view of the Columbia River and the surrounding mountains.
Walk or drive to Solstice from the waterfront.
USD 25, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Urban Seattle

Seattle, Washington

8:00AM

Breakfast at Biscuit Bitch

Kick off your final day with a tasty breakfast sandwich at Biscuit Bitch, famous for its Southern-style biscuits.
Head to Pike Place Market area, where Biscuit Bitch is located.
USD 12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pike Place Market

Spend your morning exploring the iconic Pike Place Market, renowned for local produce, crafts, and the famous fish-throwing vendors.
Walk around the market area.
Free to explore, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ivar's Acres of Clams

Savor seafood at Ivar's Acres of Clams, located on the waterfront with beautiful views of Elliott Bay.
Walk to Ivar's, located near Pike Place Market.
USD 30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Olympic Sculpture Park

Stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park, enjoying diverse art installations set along the waterfront.
Drive or walk to the park, just a mile from downtown.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Space Needle

Conclude your trip with a visit to the iconic Space Needle, taking in the breathtaking views from the observation deck.
Take a short drive or rideshare to the Space Needle.
USD 37, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Canlis

End your adventure with an unforgettable dinner at Canlis, known for its fine dining and spectacular views of Lake Union.
Drive to Canlis for an upscale dining experience.
USD 100, 2 hours
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