5-Day Road Trip Itinerary for Vancouver, WA

Day 1: Explore Portland

Portland, OR

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Blue Star Donuts

Begin your day with the famous gourmet donuts at Blue Star, a local favorite known for its unique flavors.
Drive 15 minutes to Portland from Vancouver.
USD10, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Powell's City of Books

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the world's largest independent bookstore, where you can easily spend hours browsing.
Walk (5 minutes) from Blue Star Donuts.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Grassa

Indulge in delicious handmade pasta at Grassa, a cozy spot known for its fresh ingredients.
Walk (10 minutes) from Powell's.
USD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Portland Japanese Garden

Experience tranquility at the Portland Japanese Garden, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and traditional tea houses.
Drive (15 minutes) from Grassa.
USD19, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Walk Across the Hawthorne Bridge

Take a scenic stroll across the historic Hawthorne Bridge, enjoying views of the city skyline and Willamette River.
Drive (10 minutes) back towards the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Doug Fir Lounge

Wrap up your day with dinner at the Doug Fir Lounge, known for its laid-back atmosphere and local music scene.
Drive (10 minutes) from the bridge.
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Adventure in Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge, OR

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Egg & I

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at the Egg & I, known for its variety of omelets and pancakes.
Drive (30 minutes) from Portland.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hike to Multnomah Falls

Embark on a short hike to the stunning Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon.
Drive (30 minutes) from breakfast.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Multnomah Falls Lodge

Enjoy a scenic lunch at the lodge while overlooking the waterfalls.
On-site at Multnomah Falls.
USD20, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center

Learn about the Gorge's natural and cultural history at this informative center.
Drive (15 minutes).
USD10, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Dam Viewing at Bonneville Dam

Witness the impressive Bonneville Dam and learn about its significance to power and salmon migration.
Drive (15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at Skamania Lodge

Dine at Skamania Lodge, which boasts beautiful views of the Columbia River and the surrounding mountains.
Drive (30 minutes).
USD30, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens, WA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Country Cousin

Start your day at this homely restaurant, famous for its hearty breakfasts and friendly atmosphere.
Drive (1 hour) to Mount St. Helens visitor center.
USD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center

Gain insight into the history of this geological wonder at the visitor center.
On-site.
USD8, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Hiking the Johnston Ridge Observatory Trail

Experience breath-taking views of the crater and surrounding landscapes on this exhilarating hike.
Drive (30 minutes to trailhead).
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center

Refuel with a light lunch at the Coldwater Ridge Café, surrounded by nature.
Drive (30 minutes from trailhead).
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Spirit Lake

Take in the serene beauty of Spirit Lake, with options for peaceful walks or simply relaxing by the shore.
Drive (30 minutes to the lake).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at the Cascade Grill

Enjoy dinner with a view at the Cascade Grill, offering delicious local dishes and signature cocktails.
Drive (1 hour back towards the visitor center).
USD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Visit Astoria

Astoria, OR

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Fort George Brewery

Kick off your day at this local brewery that offers a delightful breakfast menu amid a unique brewery atmosphere.
Drive (1.5 hours to Astoria).
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Go to the Astoria Column

Climb to the top of the Astoria Column for stunning panoramic views of Astoria and the Columbia River.
Drive (15 minutes from breakfast).
USD5, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit the Maritime Museum

Explore the rich maritime history of the Columbia River through interactive exhibits at the Maritime Museum.
Drive (5 minutes).
USD10, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bowpicker Fish and Chips

Taste the legendary fish and chips served from a converted fishing boat at this local gem.
Walk (5 minutes).
USD12, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Wander along Astoria Riverwalk

Take a leisurely stroll down the scenic Riverwalk and soak in the views of the waterfront and passing boats.
Walk (15 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Goonies House

Cap off your day by seeing the iconic Goonies House, a must-see for fans of the classic film.
Drive (10 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner at The Sea Anchor Restaurant

Enjoy a casual dinner at The Sea Anchor Restaurant while watching the sunset over the bay.
Drive (10 minutes).
USD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Return to Vancouver

Vancouver, WA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar

Savor a delicious breakfast at The Breakfast Bar, known for its inventive brunch items.
Drive (1.5 hours back to Vancouver).
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Fort Vancouver

Explore the historic Fort Vancouver, a reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post and military outpost.
Drive (10 minutes from breakfast).
USD7, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Stroll through Esther Short Park

Enjoy the beauty of Esther Short Park, the oldest park in Vancouver, great for a leisurely walk.
Drive (5 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at La Bottega

Relish a delightful Italian lunch in a charming café with an array of fresh pasta dishes.
Walk (15 minutes).
USD18, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Pearson Field and the museum

Discover airplanes and aviation history at the Pearson Field, adjacent to the Fort.
Walk (15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Relax at Vancouver Waterfront Park

Spend your final afternoon relaxing at the scenic Vancouver Waterfront Park with views of the river.
Walk (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours
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