Take a road trip to Seattle and Oregon and take your time exploring along the way. The direct drive usually takes 2.5-3 hours, but we suggest making stops at various places to enhance your journey.
Four days for Seattle and Oregon might seem short, but if, like us, you’ve got just a weekend to spare, this itinerary is your go-to. It’s packed with adventures, from the Oregon Coast to Seattle’s top spots and a National Park in between.
In these 4 days, you’ll get a delightful taste of everything the region has to offer. Fly into and out of Seattle for this precise plan, but if you’re okay with skipping Seattle, kick off your trip by flying into Portland for extra Oregon exploration!
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Before You Begin Your Adventure
Gotta be real here – this itinerary is seriously jam-packed! Every day, you’re off to a new spot, crashing in a different place. But hey, it’s a whirlwind tour that covers a big chunk of Oregon and Seattle.
If you’ve got a few extra days in your pocket, consider slowing down. I’d totally suggest more time at the Oregon Coast, Crater Lake National Park, and Seattle.
Honestly, a week at each sounds about right to truly dig into more than just the “top sights.” Still, this speedy trip hits the major attractions, and we had a blast zooming through!
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Our 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrive in Seattle – the earlier, the better, giving you max time to explore.
Grab a Rental Car – we’ve found Turo often beats traditional rentals, especially for unlimited daily miles.
Hit the Road to Portland & Explore – it’s a 2.5-3 hour drive straight through, but we highly recommend making stops along the way.
Check Out Portland’s Highlights – venture into the Columbia River Gorge, take in Multnomah Falls & Latourell Falls, then wrap up the day at Valley Public House for dinner and drinks. (Psst! Consider this 4-hour hiking tour for the best waterfalls and overlooks.)
Day 2 :
Head to Eugene or snag a spot along the Coast – but first, don’t miss Genie’s Cafe in Portland for a fantastic breakfast!
Drive Ideas – We took the scenic route (a bit out of the way, we admit). If we could redo it, we’d stay on the Oregon Coast for a couple more days – the coastline is jaw-dropping!
Top stops included Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site (quieter than Cannon Beach), Devil’s Cauldron (a short trail to an incredible overlook), Rockaway Beach (home of the Original Pronto Pup!), and the Tillamook Creamery (ice cream flights, anyone?). (Psst! Consider this full-day tour of the Oregon Coast – no parking stress!)
Day 3 :
Off to Eugene or find a cozy spot along the Coast – but first, grab a fabulous breakfast at Genie’s Cafe in Portland!
Drive Suggestions – We took the scenic route (admittedly a tad out of the way). If we had a do-over, we’d linger on the Oregon Coast a bit more – seriously, it’s breathtaking!
Must-visit spots: Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach, Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site (quieter than Cannon Beach), Devil’s Cauldron (a short trail to a mind-blowing overlook), Rockaway Beach (where the Original Pronto Pup was born!), and the Tillamook Creamery (yes, they have ice cream flights!). (Psst! Think about this full-day tour of the Oregon Coast – zero parking stress!)
Day 4 :
Hit the road to Seattle – but seriously, consider adding a few extra days here too. The areas we checked out are packed with things to do, and if time’s tight, you can catch the majority of Seattle’s top sights in just one day.
Seattle Must-Dos – Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Exhibit are a quick combo (get a discount with this combo ticket). Don’t miss a “Seattle Dog” at Dog in the Park (they come with cream cheese!).
Head down to explore Pike’s Market – spot the Gum Wall, grab the famous Blackened Salmon Sandwich at Market Grill (totally lives up to the hype!), and taste a variety of flavors with the Chowder Sampler at Pike’s Place. And hey, don’t forget to grab coffee at the “First Starbucks.”
Time to Head Home – Wishing you an amazing trip! Hit us up if you’ve got any questions! 🙂
FAQs
How many days do you need on the Oregon Coast road trip?
The ideal duration for an Oregon Coast road trip depends on how much you want to explore. A minimum of 3-5 days allows for a good taste of the stunning coastal scenery, but extending to a week or more lets you delve deeper into the attractions and coastal towns.
How many days in Oregon is enough?
For a comprehensive exploration, plan around 7-10 days in Oregon. This timeframe covers major attractions like Portland, the Oregon Coast, Willamette Valley wine region, and some of the beautiful national parks, providing a well-rounded Oregon experience.
How many days is enough for a Seattle trip?
A well-rounded Seattle trip typically requires around 3-4 days. This duration allows you to explore the city’s iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, museums, and nearby attractions such as Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park.
Is there a scenic drive from Seattle to Portland?
Yes, the drive from Seattle to Portland along Interstate 5 can be scenic in parts, but for a more picturesque route, consider taking the more leisurely and scenic drive along the Pacific Coast or through the Cascade Mountain Range via routes like US-101 or SR-14. These routes offer stunning vistas and attractions along the way.
Greetings, fellow explorers! Nicholas Clark here, leading expeditions with “Trip Traveling Guides.” With a keen eye for adventure and a heart for discovery, I’ll guide you through landscapes unknown. Let’s create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
