Budget-Friendly Honeymoon Road Trip: Exploring Nature in Oregon and Washington

Day 1: Journey to Giants

Redwood National Park, California on April 15, 2025

10:00AM

Drive from San Francisco

Take in stunning views along the Pacific Coast Highway on your drive to the majestic Redwoods.
Take U.S. Route 101 North, enjoy the coast, and expect around a 5-hour drive.
USD70, 5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Tall Trees Grove

Stroll through the grove and stand in awe of towering redwoods, some of the tallest trees on earth.
Head to the Tall Trees Grove parking area from your earlier stop.
FREE, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Picnic Dinner

Enjoy a pre-packed picnic dinner in the park surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Find a picnic area near the Tall Trees Grove.
USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Campfire Under the Stars

Settle around a campfire at your campsite and relish in the serene sounds of nature.
Return to your campsite within Redwood National Park.
USD30 (camp fees), 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature's Embrace

Redwood National Park, California on April 16, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Camp

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit at your campsite.
Prepare your meal at the campsite.
USD5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fern Canyon Hike

Hike through Fern Canyon, marveling at lush greenery and winding trails that feel like a fairytale.
Drive to the Fern Canyon parking lot, just a short route from the campsite.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gold Bluffs Beach

Enjoy a packed sandwich lunch with ocean views along Gold Bluffs Beach.
Drive from Fern Canyon to Gold Bluffs Beach.
USD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Scenic Drive through the Park

Take a leisurely drive through the park, stopping at lookouts to capture stunning landscape photos.
Follow the scenic loops within the park.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Kuchel Visitor Center

Gain insights into the park's ecology and history at the visitor center.
Head towards the visitor center, accessible via park roads.
FREE, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Camp

Prepare a simple but satisfying stir-fry over the campfire.
Return to your campsite to cook dinner.
USD15, 1 hour

8:00PM

Stargazing

Lay back and watch the stars as light pollution is minimal within the park.
Find a quiet spot at your campsite.
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 3: Into the Crater

Crater Lake, Oregon on April 17, 2025

8:00AM

Pack Up Camp

Finish your camping adventure with breakfast and break down your campsite.
Prepare breakfast and pack your gear.
USD5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Crater Lake

Enjoy a scenic drive through a mix of forests and mountain landscapes en route to Crater Lake.
Take U.S. 199 N to OR-62 E.
USD20 (gas), 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit Crater Lake National Park

Take in the breathtaking sights of the crystal-clear lake formed in an ancient volcanic caldera.
Drive directly into the park's entrance.
USD30 (park entrance fee), 2 hours

1:30PM

Pack Lunch at Rim Village

Enjoy a packed lunch while overlooking the lake from Rim Village.
Have lunch at one of the view points within the village.
USD10, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike the Rim Trail

Hike along sections of the Rim Trail to experience spectacular views of the lake.
Start the trail from Rim Village.
FREE, 3 hours

5:30PM

Drive to Medford for Dinner

Head to a nearby town for a well-deserved sit-down dinner after a long day of exploring.
Drive roughly 1.5 hours to Medford.
USD15, 1.5 hours

7:15PM

Dinner at The Grizzly Peak

Relax and enjoy a comforting meal featuring local favorites.
Located in Medford, enjoy the short drive.
USD25, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Drive to the Campsite

Return to a nearby campground for an overnight stay.
Locate a nice camping spot near Crater Lake or Medford.
USD30 (camp fees), 1 hour
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Day 4: City and Nature Blend

Portland, Oregon on April 18, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Camp

Fuel up with a simple breakfast before heading to Portland.
Cook breakfast at your campsite.
USD5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Portland

Travel to Portland, enjoying diverse landscapes along the way.
Drive via I-5 N.
USD20 (gas), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Washington Park

Explore stunning gardens and the Oregon Zoo at Washington Park.
Enter via SW Park Pl.
USD20 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Deschutes Brewery

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local craft beer and pub fare.
Head to Deschutes Brewery, located downtown.
USD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore the Pearl District

Wander through the vibrant Pearl District, filled with shops and art galleries.
Walk around the nearby streets exploring on foot.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Powell's City of Books

Get lost in the world’s largest independent bookstore and find a unique memento.
Head to NW 10th Ave.
FREE, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Food Truck Court

Sample various international cuisines from the food trucks around the city.
Check alleys around downtown for food trucks.
USD20, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Check into Budget Accommodation

Stay overnight at an affordable motel to recharge for the next adventure.
Head to the pre-booked budget motel in the city.
USD70, 1 hour
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Day 5: Majestic Mountains

Mount Rainier, Washington on April 19, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast

Grab a quick breakfast at the motel before setting off for Mount Rainier.
Prepare breakfast with your own supplies or visit nearby cafes.
USD10, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Mount Rainier

Hit the road for a scenic drive to Mount Rainier National Park.
Take I-5 N and merge onto WA-706 E.
USD30 (gas), 3 hours

10:30AM

Visit Mount Rainier National Park

Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems within the park.
Enter through the main southern entrance.
USD30 (park entrance fee), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Paradise Inn

Enjoy a light lunch with splendid views at Paradise Inn’s café.
Drive towards Paradise area for lunch.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Short Hike on the Skyline Trail

Embark on a short hike on the Skyline Trail to get intimate with the lush vistas.
Start from the visitor center nearby.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax and Explore Nearby

Spend the late afternoon exploring more of the park’s breathtaking sites or take in the sights at the visitor center.
Hit different lookout points or trails within the park.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Portland or Stay

Decide whether to head back to Portland for the night or camp near Mount Rainier for added adventure.
Consult maps for nearby campsites if staying, or return to Portland.
USD20 (gas back to Portland or camp fees), 2 hours
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