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Ultimate Willamette Valley Oregon Itinerary for 2024

Willamette Valley Itinerary & Travel Guide: The Perfect Place to Go Wine Tasting in 2024

If you’re an oenophile or experiential wine traveler with a passion for cooler climate varietals, lush green countryside, unique boutique accommodation, and delicious eats, the Willamette Valley wine region in Oregon’s wine country is sure to accommodate your travel desires.

The Winetraveler team has spent the past couple of months focusing on exposing some of the best Willamette Valley wineries, restaurants, hotels, and things to do in the region. We went out and spoke with regional experts, winery owners, and certified wine professionals in an effort to help our readers craft a Willamette Valley Itinerary tailored to their tastes.

Getting To Willamette Valley

The closest airport to Willamette is Portland International (Airport Code PDX ) . You can get updates on flight deals as they arise here . It’s recommended that you rent a car from PDX , as most of the wineries are within an hour of the airport. Also be sure to check out some of our favorite hotels in the region at this link , although we do make additional recommendations throughout the itinerary below. But first, some background on Willamette Valley and why it should be at the top of your list as a New World wine region to visit this year.

RELATED: Our Picks for Some of the Best Willamette Valley Wineries to Visit This Year

Willamette Valley is producing some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the world…

In 2021, Wine Spectator rated three Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs and two Chardonnays on its Top 100 Wines for the year.

Not only is the Willamette Valley producing some of the finest cool-climate wines, but last year the E.U. awarded Willamette Valley PGI (Protected Geographic Origin) status. The only other wine region with this designation is Napa Valley, and comparable to “Champagne” and “Port” for place and name protection.

Willamette Valley offers travelers an opportunity to explore a unique landscape and diverse visuals dependent upon seasonal preferences…

Whether you’re a fan of the colors of autumn foliage, prefer the lush green colors of the summer months with minimal humidity, or you’re simply trying to escape the heatwave pounding South Florida in mid-December — Willamette Valley has something for everyone.

Take a laid-back country car ride through the rolling hills, stop at boutique cellar doors for wine tastings, pair local wines with the local cuisine or take a horseback ride through the vines.

Exceptional Guided Willamette Valley Tour Options

Explore a vast and diverse wine culture and landscape…

This area offers so much more to do beyond wine tasting. If you’re planning to be in the Willamette region for any period of time, below you can find some of the most highly related experiences and tour options in Willamette from our partners and friends. Many of these are private and guided, or can be customized to your personal travel preferences if there are particular sights or flavors you’d like to experience.

Take a   Willamette Valley full-day tour that departs from Portland , visit 3 – 5 wineries and have lunch included by the vines. This tour focuses on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling and includes transportation.

If you prefer to keep your wine tour completely private yet guided, take a day trip with our buddy Niko from Works4Wine. Transportation to and from Portland is included, and the focus of this experience is boutique wineries throughout Willamette. You can schedule right here .

Visit majestic Mt. Hood and the Columbia Gorge and combine a day of stops at waterfalls, epic mountain views and wine tasting with lunch and transportation included. This is a great option for those looking to do experience the outdoors and do more than taste wine. Schedule ahead of time as this tour tends to sell out.

Prefer to see the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood from the air? Envi Adventures offers a fantastic experience on a private plane for just you and your group.

Visit 3 hand-picked wineries on a guided day trip that departs and returns to Eugene . Includes tastings and small bites along with transport.

If you’re interested in focusing on the fantastic Pinot Noir coming out of the valley paired with local wood-fired pizza, there’s both a half-day or full-day tour option operated by Willamette Valley Tour. This privately guided experience is sure to appease your palate as you indulge in some picture-perfect pairings whilst dining in a vineyard setting.

Willamette Valley offers wine tourism enthusiasts an opportunity to explore one of the quintessential wine regions of Oregon. Being Oregon’s largest AVA, the valley spans over 5,000 square miles between Oregon’s Coast and the Cascade Mountain Range. With about 700 wineries within its borders, no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for – you won’t be bored.

Within the low-lying valley areas, you can witness beauty beyond the grapevines. Hazelnut and berry crops dot the region at lower elevation, with picturesque vine-scapes caressing the hillsides. Given Willamette’s proximity to the Coastal Mountain Range, you can also get some great views of Hood and Adams Mountain – visible from some special wineries such as Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Red Ridge Farms.

With so many things to do, the following Willamette Valley itinerary is designed to help tourists narrow down their options in terms of wineries, routes, hotels, restaurants, and activities.

RELATED: Here’s The Perfect Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary

Touring Willamette Valley by Wine Style

Carl Giavanti is a local winery publicist and wine industry writer and has worked with over 50 wineries in the last 14 years.

“Willamette Valley competes for wine tourism dollars as a relatively small winegrowing region. Its wineries excel at delivering price-quality, accessibility and outstanding hospitality. Wines in Willamette Valley consistently rate highly with critics, while prices remain low compared to Burgundy and California, for instance. I think the thing that’s most impressive to visitors is accessibility – both to wine country from major airports including Portland, Salem and Eugene – but also to the “wine characters” behind the bottle. You still commonly find winery founders, growers and winemakers pouring in tasting rooms, telling their stories, explaining their wine style, and surrounded by talented staff who create memorable and referenceable visits for their guests. Our industry has grown largely by word of mouth and delivering exceptional consumer experiences.”

The Best Seasons to Visit Willamette Valley

This really comes down to personal preference. However, we’ve asked some of the local experts what times they think are best to visit the region.

According to Jeff Knapp, Executive Director of Visit McMinnville — one of Willamette’s sub-appellations — Winter may be the most opportune time for a visit.

“The most popular time to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The weather is the sunniest and the vineyards are waking up. In my opinion the best time to visit is in Winter. Our winters are mild. Traffic at this time of year is slower. You are more likely to spend time with the owner or winemaker at wineries that you visit.  If you love eating, Oregon has year round access to locally grown produce.  In fall through spring we have stellar seafood like dungeness crab, native Oregon truffles and mushrooms to be foraged and on and on.  It is a food lovers’ mecca.”

For those who are okay with a little bit more foot traffic, the Summer and Early Fall can also make for ideal seasonal visits.

While Willamette has unfortunately received a reputation for being a rainy region, this isn’t entirely true. Jeff notes that Willamette really doesn’t receive much rain during the Summer and Early Fall. So if you’re looking to enjoy warmer (but not oppressively hot) weather, the Summer is actually a great time to visit.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to be more immersed in the harvest season, early Fall offers wine fanatics an opportunity to witness and in some cases be involved with the harvest and wine production process. It’s also a beautiful time of year as the leaves are beginning to change color.

RELATED: Southern Oregon Wine Country: Top Wineries & Things To Do

Recommendations for Exploring Willamette’s Sub-Appellations

Wine tourism doesn’t need to be complicated. Luckily for travelers visiting the area, each sub-appellation offers some pre-packaged routes tourists can embark on.

Regions like Chehalem Mountains AVA are ideal for first-time visitors for its close proximity to Portland and the opportunity to discover some hidden gems like Bells Up Winery and Potter’s Vineyard.

If you’re an experienced wine traveler, you might be more inclined to visit the Eola Hills and or Ribbon Ridge since these regions are a bit more off the beaten path. Not only are these areas more secluded, but they also offer some of the best Terroir in the world – specifically, the dirt – for growing Pinot Noir. 

The Dundee Hills region is easily accessible off Highway 99, and features some of the best-known wineries in the valley.

For a more under-the-radar experience, the Van Duzer Corridor AVA summons Winetravelers with its distinctive microclimate shaped by oceanic breezes. This area, renowned for its cool winds that funnel through the Coast Range, plays host to boutique vineyards where the slow ripening of grapes bring a vibrant acidity, particularly in the Pinot Noirs.

Want to try something unique? Consider touring Willamette Valley by Helicopter . Tour deVine, operated by Precision Helicopters offers wine tours throughout 5 of Willamette’s AVAs. For only $399, your group can tour the region by air, enjoy pre-flight festivities, experience 3 unique wineries, have a delicious lunch, get all tasting fees included, and more with this special, immersive experience.

One particular route and activity that is a must for any visitor to Willamette is The McMinnville Wine Walk. The walk offers a great perspective of the charming and historic downtown McMinnville area. Once you’re done tasting, try out some of the local restaurants on foot and continue to sample the local wines from fantastic producers on the wine lists. Jeff Knapp of Visit McMinnville notes that there is a printed map for the Wine Walk available at any tasting room in McMinnville.

Exploring Southern Willamette Valley

For those planning on spending time within the Southern reaches of Willamette — Lane County offers opportunities to try a diverse range of New World and Old World styles of Pinot Noir. In fact, the entire area is roughly on the same latitude as Burgundy, France — famous for Pinot Noir (aka Red Burgundy ).

We asked Travel Lane County’s Stephen Hoshaw what his recommendations were for traversing South Willamette:

“One great way to experience Oregon wine is with the South Willamette Wine Trail – A route designed by Travel Lane County and the South Willamette Wineries Association. This connects over 24 wineries in and around Eugene and is a superb way to explore the wine and food scene in the Willamette Valley.

Many of these wineries can be spotted on a drive down the Territorial Highway (also known as our Territorial Wine Trail) which journeys straight through Willamette Valley wine country. This continues into Eugene and Springfield’s metro areas, which are lined with tasting rooms. Sprinkled throughout the area, visitors will find an array of culinary options for lunch, dinner or snacks. While in the area, visitors can find more farm-to-table eateries along the South Willamette Valley Food Trail !”

Stephen also notes that tastings in Southern Willamette Valley are very well priced. It’s not uncommon to find $10 – $15 flights here. Sometimes tasting fees are waived when a purchase of a bottle is made. He says that visitors can expect great value, with a number of tourists claiming that it’s a great spot to begin a premium quality wine collection without breaking the bank.

If you’d like a crash course into Pinot Noir, Stephen also suggests exploring Pfeiffer Vineyards . Winemaker Robin Pfeiffer hosts a Pinot Clinic, taking guests through a vertical tasting of the winery’s Blue Dot Reserve Pinot Noir. In a 45-minute course, participants learn how to evaluate a Pinot from the aroma to the finish of a glass.

There are also free hourly winery tours at King Estate. This is a spectacular way to see one of the largest wineries in Oregon and the l argest Biodynamic® certified vineyard in North America .

Many of the wineries offer incredible views, but Sarver Winery offers a phenomenal look at hills through the valley and into the mountains in the Cascades.

In general, Willamette as a whole offers a number of settings where travelers can simply relax outdoors at any number of the wineries that have outdoor patios and picnic areas.  Many of the local restaurants also offer outdoor patios to enjoy the beautiful weather.

If you’re looking for an active itinerary throughout the valley, you can tour the region by Hot Air Balloon , go Horseback Riding or explore the region by hiking trail . If you happen to visit Willamette during the Winter season, you can actually go snowshoeing to a number of the waterfalls in the area. During the warmer months, you can fish the McKenzie River.

Golf enthusiast? Stephen suggests playing the incredibly scenic Tokatee Golf Club near the McKenzie River or challenging yourself on more difficult courses like Ocean Dunes or Sandpines in Florence. There’s a golf course for any level of expertise throughout Lane County.

Along the Oregon Coast, Florence is actually home to one of the godfathers of Sandboarding and the dunes there make it a natural home for the sport!

The small town of Oakridge in the Willamette National Forest is known as the Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest with over 300 miles of single-track trail.

The Best Wineries to Visit in Willamette Valley

Stoller family estate.

16161 NE McDougall Rd, Dayton, OR 97114

(503) 864-3404

One of the most highly recommended wineries to visit is Stoller Family Estate according to many regional experts. Not only is Stoller a winery, but it also has guest homes and epic vistas. It’s also the world’s first LEED Gold Certified Winery – a leader in sustainability. There’s also a disc golf course on the property, seasonal running races, a tire swing, and a large food garden.

Elk Cove Vineyards

27751 NW Olson Rd, Gaston, OR 97119

(503) 985-7760

One of the founding wineries of the Willamette Valley, family-owned and operated Elk Cove Vineyards was the first vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Owner/Winemaker Adam Campbell is a second-generation winemaker and a fifth-generation Oregon farmer specializing in Pinot Noir and cool-climate white wines. Elk Cove is 100% estate-grown sourcing fruit from its 6 sustainable vineyards across the northern Willamette Valley.

RELATED: Not Sure which winery or tasting room to visit? Check out our complete list of Willamette Valley winery recommendations here .

15765 SW Muddy Valley Rd, McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 843-1234

Another popular winery and tasting room in McMinnville – Maysara also gives you the opportunity to taste wine in a cave. Embracing the holistic biodynamic approach, this family-operated winery ensures that each bottle not only reflects the rich terroir of the region but also their commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Coeur de Terre Vineyard

21000 SW Eagle Point Rd, McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 883-4111

Coeur de Terre Vineyard offers a personal touch to the wine experience, set amidst an awe-inspiring landscape that elevates each tasting to a memorable encounter. This family-operated gem presents not just panoramic vistas, but a window into the passionate process behind their beloved wines.

Domaine Serene

6555 NE Hilltop Ln, Dayton, OR 97114

(503) 864-4600

This posh-styled winery recently won #2 Chardonnay in the world per Wine Enthusiast. That in and of itself is worth checking out. This is essentially the opportunity to experience the epitome of Oregon’s wine culture at Domaine Serene Winery and Tasting Room , open daily for a range of tastings set against the backdrop of their stunning vine-clad estate. Under the Evenstad’s stewardship, Domaine Serene has been synonymous with top-tier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for a quarter-century.

Domaine Drouhin

6750 NE Breyman Orchards Rd, Dayton, OR 97114

(503) 864-2700

Located high in the Dundee Hills with panoramic views over Willamette Valley, this esteemed family-rooted winery offers tastings that pair the elegance of their Oregon estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with the heritage of their Burgundy vines, providing a unique comparative experience.

Domaine Drouhin welcomes Winetravelers for tastings by appointment each day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Indulge in the winery’s offerings in the gravity-flow facility, on the spacious terrace with sprawling estate views, or within the tranquil confines of the Secret Garden.

Be mindful that this winery observes major United States holidays and remains closed on these dates. All groups must be six people or fewer, and bookings ahead of time are essential to secure your experience.

Bells Up Winery

(Open by Appointment Only) 27895 NE Bell Rd, Newberg, OR 97132

(503) 537-1328

Bells Up Winery o ffers winemaker-led private tastings, one party at a time. You can expect an intimate tasting experience at this boutique winery.

Carlton Winemakers Studio

801 N Scott St, Carlton, OR 97111

(503) 852-6100

Carlton Winemakers Studio is a co-op, where a number of producers work to produce premium Oregonian wine. A good opportunity to taste the breath of Willamette.

Cristom Vineyards

6905 Spring Valley Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304

(503) 375-3068

Cristom Vineyards provides a modern tasting experience and is a premium producer making great Pinot, but also wonderful Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. A true expression of Willamette Terroir’s capability. Located in the premium Pinot Noir region of the Eola-Amity Hills.

Bryn Mawr Vineyards

(Call to Book Reservations): 5935 Bethel Heights Rd NW, Salem, OR 97304

(503) 581-4286

Bryn Mawr is a Welsh name meaning “High Hill.” Winemaker Rachel Rose crafts innovative wines that tell the story of a dynamic, exposed vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Standard Tastings are $20/p or elevate your experience for a Private Tasting for $50/p. Bryn Mawr hosts a range of events including blind tastings, Taco Tuesday, and Drink Pink.

Ghost Hill Cellars

9700 NE Oak Springs Farm Road, Carlton, OR 97111

(503) 857-6070

Images courtesy Carl Giavanti

The Bayliss Family owns and operates  Ghost Hill Cellars  on 234 acres in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. They have been working the land for over 120 years, originally as cattle and wheat farmers, then planting their 22-acre vineyard in 1999. The youngest generation has taken over operations “to keep the farm in the family” and opened a new tasting room in April 2024. The tasting room is open to the public, and no reservations are required Thursday-Monday 12pm-5pm. Looking late night wine tastings? They are open until 9pm weekly for “Friday Night Lights”, and ghost stories.

The Grape Varieties of Willamette Valley Oregon

Pinot Noir reigns king in Willamette. As we mentioned earlier, three producers are ranked in the Top 100 Wines for this varietal – in the entire world. That being said, believe it or not, other grapes do grow here and taste great.

Experts advise keeping an eye out for some of the white grapes as well. There is an abundance of Chardonnay , but many will also advise sampling the excellent Viognier , Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris of Willamette. Riesling does well here too and one winery, Brooks Wine, produces nearly 20 of them. Sparkling wines are also on the rise in this region.

In terms of red wine outside of Pinot Noir, make an attempt to ask Vintners if they produce any Syrah , Tempranillo and/or Gamay. If you’re able to access it – it may be a library wine – you won’t be disappointed. Wine professionals also advise seeking out unique red wines within the Rogue Valley for a breath of fresh air.

Jeff Knapp also notes that although the Willamette Valley’s predominantly planted grape varietal is Pinot Noir, Willamette growers also experiment with and produce other grape varieties as well.

“The Willamette Valley’s hillsides, ancient soils, coastal influence, mild summers and wet winters set the stage for world-class wine production. The climate here is perfect for growing food-focused wines with high acid and delicate complexity.

The Pinot Noir of Willamette Valley

Paul Gregutt has been writing about Willamette Valley wines for the past 35 years. His current project covers the entire Northwest wine industry with in-depth reviews, interviews, and recommendations.

“Pinot Noir put the Willamette Valley (and indeed Oregon) on the global map, and the years have only confirmed the early promise. The vast diversity of sites, soils and clones, as well as the imprinted styles of the individual winemakers, means that there is no single description that accurately covers the region’s wines. In recent years the trend has been to pick when grapes have ripened to the point of physiological perfection rather than aiming for fruity, high sugar/high alcohol wines that emulate California. So current wines are increasingly aromatic, elegant and well-balanced, age-worthy Pinots that may be cellared for a decade or longer. While visiting in the spring and summer be sure to try some of the many Pinot Noir rosés, and be on the lookout for champagne-method sparkling wines from Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay.”

Where to Stay in Willamette Valley Oregon

Depending on your budget and desired travel style, there is an abundance of hotel options throughout Willamette.

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Allison Inn and Spa  is a great option. For a more immersive wine travel experience, check out the guest homes at Stoller Family Estate and Red Ridge Farms . For a unique and lower-cost experience, check out  The Vintages  – which is a trailer resort located in the Dayton area.

Within McMinnville, check out Third St. Flats  – each “flat” is designed differently, so each time you return you can expect a different stylistic experience.

The Willamette Valley Bed and Breakfast is a luxury inn with five guestrooms, located in Newberg, Oregon. You can expect an elevated Willamette Valley experience yet with all the details of home. Each room features a king bed, fireplace, en-suite bath with two-person soaking tub, heated floors, and a separate shower. Additional amenities include a large private deck, individual climate control, 50-inch smart tv, wi-fi, in-room coffee, 10-foot ceilings, compact refrigerator, sitting area and more. Each room is oversized at 420+ square feet.

Youngberg Hill Vineyards 10 minutes outside of downtown McMinnville is a charming 10-bedroom B&B with some stunning vistas of Oregon wine country. All rooms come with fireplaces, some with balconies, and jetted bathtubs. 60 wineries are within a short 20-minute drive of its location. This is a great inn to explore if you’re looking for a private, romantic getaway.

If you’re looking for another unique experience, such as staying in a lodge, cabin, or resort nestled beside giant Douglas trees, sweeping sand dunes, scenic lakes, and rushing rivers — there are a couple of options. Big Bear Campground and Retreat Center and Eagle Rock Lodge offer this style of accommodation complete with nearby nature trails, hot mineral spring pools, and kayak launching areas.

Cottage Grove, Eugene, and Junction City are all towns that offer hotel options very close to wine country in South Willamette. Per Stephen Hoshaw, options that are within wine country include the Blue Rooster Bed and Breakfast  (which is nestled close to King Estate and Iris Vineyards) and Territorial Bed and Breakfast (nearer to the north end of the drive close to Benton Lane, Brigadoon, and more). Both are excellent options for those looking for a bed and breakfast experience with wine to pair.

Where to Eat in Willamette Valley Oregon Wine Country

We left these recommendations to the experts, given their length of tenure here. Jeff Knapp was kind enough to offer our readers a hefty list of some of his favorite restaurants within the McMinnville area.

228 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 472-9623

Thistle is a small restaurant which sources its entire menu from farms within 20 miles of McMinnville. It was named Restaurant of the Year by the Oregonian and has an excellent wine list and the top cocktails in the county.

Humble Spirit on 3rd in McMinnville

411 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 472-6148

Humble Spirit is a celebration of the Willamette Valley’s seasonal abundance, where the menu is crafted with a keen focus on provisioners who embrace practices such as regenerative farming and small-batch crafting.

La Rambla Restaurant & Social Room

238 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128

(503) 435-2126

La Rambla has carved a niche in Oregon’s wine country by marrying the region’s seasonal bounty with the essence of Spanish gastronomy. It features a menu that includes standouts like classic paella, infused with the Northwest’s finest seafood, and tapas paired exquisitely with local Pinot Noirs. Winetravelers typically rave about the distinctive combination of Iberian charcuterie and artisanal cheeses alongside Willamette Valley’s other acclaimed varietals.

Joel Palmer House Restaurant

600 Ferry St, Dayton, OR 97114

(503) 864-2995

The Joel Palmer House is an outstanding restaurant that focuses its menu on wild truffles and mushrooms. It is a favorite wine country destination.

Pastorcillos Taco Truck

103 S Main St, Newberg, OR 97132

(503) 899-5528

Pastorcillos is a well-known eatery in the area. So good in fact that this is a favorite for winemakers themselves to come and enjoy a taco paired with a glass of Pinot Noir.

JORY Restaurant

2525 Allison Ln, Newberg, OR 97132

(503) 554-2526

JORY Restaurant – Fine dining located at the Allison Inn & Spa – offers authentic Pacific Northwest Cuisine with great views of Willamette Valley. Universally this is one of the best known and admired fine dining establishments in the state.

The Painted Lady

201 S College St, Newberg, OR 97132

(503) 538-3850

The Painted Lady in Newberg is Oregon’s only Forbes four-star and AAA Four Diamond dining restaurant.

Tina’s

760 OR-99W, Dundee, OR 97115

(503) 538-8880

Tina’s is located within the Dundee area. It has a seasonal menu but with more New American-style cuisine in an intimate setting complete with a fireplace.

King’s Estate Restaurant & Tasting Room

80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405

(541) 685-5189

Southwest of Eugene, King Estate’s restaurant offers exquisite estate-grown and organically farmed. Dishes are paired with library wines only available on the estate.

296 E 5th Ave, Eugene, OR 97401

(541) 342-3612

Also in Eugene, French-inspired Marche is an excellent option for any meal. Farm to table is no fad with head chef and owner Stephanie Pearl Kimmel, who is a James Beard Award nominee. Marche is also an Oregon Wine A-List restaurant.

Iris Vineyards-Wine Bar

322 Main St, Springfield, OR 97477

(541) 242-6588

Visit Iris Vineyards’ “Wine Bar” on historic Main Street in Springfield. Estate wines and inhouse inspired “Wine Cocktails” served 11:30 am to 8:00 pm Thursday through Sunday. Springfield, home to Ken Kesey and The Simpsons offer lots of dining and shopping options.

Red Hills Market

Since its inception in 2011, Red Hills Market has established itself as a culinary hub in Willamette Valley, offering a menu of seasonal dishes that capitalize on the region’s rich produce. With a lively ambiance, it caters to both serious Winetravelers and casual visitors seeking artisanal pizzas from its wood-fired oven, a selection of local wines, and a convivial space for community gatherings and private events.

Sybaris Bistro

442 W 1st Ave, Albany, OR 97321

(541) 928-8157

Sybaris Bistro offers glasses of local wine and an in-season, farm-to-table dining experience. It’s located in downtown Albany’s historic district. Spearheaded by Chef Matt Bennett, a James Beard House-honored culinary artist, the bistro prides itself on homemade offerings from ketchup to bread, and a dedication to superior ingredients, ensuring a dining experience that embodies the spirit and flavors of the Willamette Valley.

How to Get Around Willamette Valley

Local experts – myself as well – recommend renting a car to get from Portland into Willamette.

Renting a car is also a great method of transportation if you want the freedom to explore this beautiful region. From boutique wineries tucked away in the hills, to fantastic photo opportunities roadside, having flexibility is nice here.

However, if you’re new to the area and/or have a low tolerance, it’s best to consider hiring a tour company as you’ll likely catch a decent buzz throughout your trek. Regional guides also note that using services such as Uber and Lyft are not worth relying on given that their presence hasn’t really permeated the region just yet.

If you’re touring Lane County or South Willamette Valley — visitors are encouraged to drive by rental car from Benton Lane on the north end to Chateau Lorane at the very south end. The entire route only takes about 50 minutes, and the drive through the rolling hills is beautiful.

If you are staying in the Eugene – Springfield area, be sure to visit the new Iris Vineyards Wine Bar , for award-winning wines and in-house craft wine-based cocktails. They are located on historic main street in downtown Springfield.

If your entire crew wants to taste through the trip there are several great wine tour options as well.

If you prefer to play it as safe as possible, the Willamette Valley Visitor’s Association recommends The NW Wine Shuttle — a great way to safely wine taste in the northern portion of the valley.

Other Things to Incorporate into Your Willamette Valley Itinerary

There are a plethora of things to do and places to see away from wine tasting in Willamette:

• Olive Oil tasting is also a favorite thing to do for both locals and newcomers.
• Durant Olive Mill is the only Oliotecca within the entirety of the Pacific Northwest which can be found at Red Ridge Farms.
• The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum , home to an amazing array of historically significant aircraft
• Downtown Shopping in McMinnville
• Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose in McMinnville, housed in the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum
• Wings & Waves Waterpark – Oregon’s largest indoor waterpark.  Look for the 747 on the roof, and try out the 4 waterslides indoors.
• Biking 
• Lawrence Art Galley
• Live Theater

Tips for Planning and Touring Willamette Valley

If you’re traveling on a budget and/or looking to keep costs down – consider visiting some of the sub-appellations that are off the beaten path. Elk Cove and Kramer tend to have lower-cost tastings and tours.

Tasting fees are typically waived when you purchase bottles of wine, and you can also get case discounts.

Try to book your flight out of Willamette Valley with Alaska Airlines. They have a program dubbed “ Wine Flies Free .” Travelers who are part of the Alaska Mileage program can check a case of wine for free when flying from 32 West Coast cities.

Wineries throughout Willamette can be very spread out. Do your research ahead of time and calculate distances with Google Maps.

Pack heavy rain jackets for your visit. Depending on the time of year, the rain can come down hard.

Expect to taste more Pinot Noir than you ever have (it’s the region’s #1 grape variety).

Willamette Valley offers a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. A stark contrast from a region such as Napa Valley.

Don’t load your itinerary with too many tours. Local sommeliers recommend taking your time, relaxing, and walking the area to get a feel for the local vibe. Willamette is a place to relax and take a load off. Leave your stress at home.

Visiting Red Ridge Farms is also ideal if you’re looking for a place to stay and want to incorporate Olive Oil Tasting.

Soter Vineyards & North Valley Vineyards offer great hospitality and personalized tour experiences. Experiences need to be booked in advance and are by appointment only.

Jeff Knapp notes that many wineries throughout the region will offer complimentary tours with a paid wine tasting arranged in advance. You can also get tasting refunds if you choose to purchase a bottle at many of the wineries or tasting rooms.

Holiday Weekends, such as Memorial Day weekend and Thanksgiving are popular for tourists. During these weekends, a number of small production, boutique wineries only open their doors to tourists on those dates.

Many wineries allow visitors to walk between the vines. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy.

In terms of what to wear — layers of clothing are a good idea as chilly mornings can ultimately turn into beautiful, warm afternoons.

Touring Willamette’s main concept is “slow travel.” Take time to smell the vines, relax and enjoy the moment. The “small town” feel here is special. Jeff notes that there’s often a good chance the person sitting at the table across from you made the wine you’re drinking. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation, ask questions, and put a smile on your face!

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[…] the largest wine tourism-focused website in the U.S., has shared its “Essential Willamette Valley Itinerary & Travel Guide for Wine Lovers” — and Bells Up has made the list of the site’s “Best Wineries to Visit in […]

Thank you for these tips! Looking forward to my weekend here coming up! 🙂

Glad we could be of help :). You’re going to have a grape time!!

I am shocked that you don’t include Rosmarino Osteria Italiana in Newberg on your restaurant list. It was the only restaurant in Oregon chosen for Open Tables top 100 in the nation multiple times since opening in 2021. It is without a doubt the best italian in the region with Saturday wine pairing dinners that are perfectly prepared in a fun and joyful atmosphere that the genuine and charismatic Dario and his family/staff present. Please update your list. You are not including the best the area has to offer. To travel to the area and miss a trip to Rosemarino is a tragic missed opportunity.

Hi Aaron, thanks for the suggestion! We’d be happy to include Rosmarino on our list of suggestions, we are always expanding on and updating this guide as we come across great new restaurants and have several authors and editors based in the area.

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16 Wineries. 4 Days. The Ultimate Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Itinerary

Planning a getaway to Willamette Valley, Oregon’s wine country ? You should.

In just 30 years, this Pacific-Northwest wine region has become known for world-class Pinot Noir . Prior to being one of the top wine destinations in the United States, the agriculture in the Willamette Valley was primarily orchards, Christmas trees, farmland and it is still the largest hazelnut producer in the world. Today, there are more 500 wineries in Willamette Valley and 20,000 acres of vines planted, making it a challenge for wine lovers to pick where to sip.

On my last visit, we spent four days exploring the region and were able to comfortably visit 16 wineries in Willamette Valley, allowing 1-2 hours at each. This four day itinerary will keep you focused and will provide some of the top tasting experiences in Willamette Valley.

To make efficient use of your time, I have grouped wineries into sub regions that can be visited in a day. Schedule your appointments 2-3 hours apart, no more than four appointments per day, starting at 10 am (or 11 on Sundays) and ending around 6 pm. This schedule will allow you to “drop in” on some additional wineries and take time for a picnic lunch.

But first…Where to stay and how to get around Willamette Valley

The small town of Dundee is an excellent base for your wine adventures in Willamette Valley. It is centrally located with a few restaurants and wineries within walking distance. We all know that wine tasting and driving will not mix, so just don’t do it. Be sure to schedule your car and driver well in advance. You will want to be able to completely enjoy this “rigorous” tasting schedule.

I personally recommend Pinotcar.com . They have vehicles comfortable enough for 4-8 persons and excellent, personable staff. If you are traveling with friends I recommend sharing the cost of a private home. For options in the area you can always use your favorite home-share company or, avoid the middle man and book directly with Lifestyle Properties they are the local experts.

When you arrive from the airport, head straight for the Red Hills Market for a substantial lunch. I know it sounds like a place you could stock up the fridge for your rental home, but alas it really is just a restaurant. Or, head into Newberg for grocery shopping. Speaking of shopping… be sure to stop by Northwest Fresh Seafood Market for the freshest selection of local fish. If you are lucky the King Salmon will be in season, it will pair perfectly with one of those bottles of Pinot Noir you will inevitably bring back each evening. Skip the Safeway and head to the Fred Meyer store, also in Newberg, it is really a shoppers’ playground with great produce.

Now let’s get to sipping through wineries in Willamette Valley…

Wine tasting in willamette valley: dundee hills ava, day one & two.

Antica Terra – Appointments only at 1:30 and 3:30 tastings. This is a winery you probably have not heard of, and you may have difficulty finding it even as you are staring right at it! Without solicitation, several sommeliers in Portland raved about this winery and the winemaker, Maggie Harrison. This is a true oenophile experience and collectors’ choice, as you will be tasting Antica Terra wines side-by-side with European wines of excellent pedigree, from importer Neal Rosenthal. All the European wines are limited release and available for sale. The tasting takes place in a beautifully appointed part of the barrel room, dress for cool temperatures. I guarantee the experience will exceed your expectations.

Argyle Winery – Named by the locals as “Best Winery”, I suspect for their sparkling wines. This is a good option for a “drop in” the Tasting House is open until 7 pm. Thursday-Sunday during the summer. If you would like a seated tasting, please call or write for a reservation. Pick up some sparkling wine to serve as your palate-refresher.

Duck Pond Cellars – One of the best value wineries. I predict you will leave here having met your new “week-day” Pinot Noir best friend. Still family-owned and run since 1993. Drop in or reserve the “Vineyard to Glass” tasting experience.

Archery Summit – Schedule a private tour of the gravity-flow winery and the barrel caves with a tasting of exclusive and single-vineyard wines. This winery now sells most of its wine exclusively through their wine club. Membership in this club is highly recommended. The views, on a clear day are fantastic.

De Ponte Cellars – This is one of the Willamette Valley wineries we would not have experienced if it were not for our driver and his local knowledge. There is one picnic table with a beautiful view for you to enjoy your packed lunch with a bottle of lovely Rosé from the tasting room.

Domaine Drouhin – Reserve the “French Soul, Oregon Soil” Comparative tasting experience. You will be able to taste the Drouhin Burgundies from France alongside the Oregon wines. What a tasting discovery. You may be surprised at which will be your favorite. A tour of the winery is also included and you will be treated to a cheese board.

Domaine Serene – Reserve the “Prestige” tasting in the new (opened in 2017), expansive, luxury “clubhouse”. Your dedicated host will provide you a wealth of in-depth information, ours was a master at the geology of the vineyards. Meat and cheese boards are available for purchase. Be sure to try the white Pinot Noir, I totally “geeked out” over this wine.

Willamette Valley Wineries to Sip In Dundee

Four Graces – Purple Hands – Panther Creek Cellars – Dobbs Family Estate – Hawkins Cellars – Evening Land – Dundee Hills

Get the Full Oregon Wine Country Travel Guide

Willamette valley wine tasting: chehalem mountains & ribbon ridge avas.

Bergstrom Winery – Reserve a private, seated tasting of the estate and single-vineyard wines. Your dedicated host will walk you through a great deal of information. You will have more white wines here than at the previous days wineries, what a great start to your day. Dress warm, as the tasting takes place on the open-air patio.

Beaux Freres – By appointment only. Your “classic” tasting will take place standing at the tasting bar in the winery, it will be cool. This tasting is not a very long visit. There are other options for longer, more exclusive wine tastings with winery tours.

Ayers Vineyard – Here you will experience a true “garagista” winery (a winery in the garage). Be sure to contact Kathleen McElroy to arrange a tasting with the winemaker (husband, Ben). You will not have a more personal experience in any tasting room, anywhere. Be sure to come prepared with you most technical winemaking questions, they will surely be answered here. These wines take advantage of the marine sedimentary soils found in Ribbon Ridge vineyards which are dry-farmed according to the rules of the “DRC” – Deep Roots Coalition.

Eminent Domaine – Located at the top of Ribbon Ridge, you will likely be greeted by owner/winemaker Jeff Meader at the newly constructed, contemporary architecture tasting room. I hope you get as excited about these wines as I did. With his recent spate of 90+ point reviews in the Wine Spectator, I recommend joining his wine club immediately, before the wines are sold out forever. This is a great place to enjoy your picnic lunch. The views across towards the ocean are iconic. We would not have found this winery, if it were not for the suggestion of our driver, what a treat!

Ken Wright Cellars- This tasting room is housed in a former train station. Try to schedule this on a day when Ken can greet you. There are a lot of wines to taste through. The variety is a result of numerous single-vineyard bottlings; each showcasing the particular terroir of the area. Ken believes in minimal intervention in each of his wines.

Willamette Valley Wineries in Proximity

Adelsheim – Brick House Winery – Fairsing Winery (spectacular viewpoint) – J Christopher – Willakenzie Estate

Willamette Valley Wine Tasting: Eola-Amity Hills AVA

Van Duzer – You will drive almost an hour from Dundee to reach this winery, be sure to allow plenty of time in your schedule. This winery is all about the Van Duzer corridor; a geological gap in the hills that allows the cool afternoon breezes to reach inland from the ocean to the west. You will probably recognize the Art Nouveau labels featuring Zephyra, the Goddess of the West Winds. Of course, you will find a variety of Pinot Noirs for tasting, but also some lovely white varietals.

Left Coast Cellars – A classic “hippy” winery with wood-fired oven pizzas, made to order. The tasting room staff is quite knowledgeable, although a bit gruff.  Enjoy your tasting with your pizza for lunch.

St. Innocent – If you have the good fortune of sitting down with owner/winemaker Mark Vlossak, you will leave with a wealth of knowledge that will tie all the bullet-points you have collected over the previous days together in a neat package. He shared a cohesive, personal story of the history of the winery along with a tasting of all the wines available that day. You must write to them ahead of time to receive a special visit.

Cristom – Steve Dorner has been the winemaker and vineyard manager at Cristom for over 25 years. I had the pleasure of meeting him at a wine tasting in Colorado and saved his business card. This is an example of how shaking hands can turn into a special experience, that was not necessarily planned ahead of time.

Bethel Heights Vineyard – Redhawk Vineyards – Evesham Wood Vineyard

Things to Know Before You Go Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley…

Make sure to pack a lunch in advance, as there are very few places to purchase food when you are deep in wine country. There are several delis and grocery stores in the town of Dundee and Newberg where you can call something in ahead of time and pick it up on your way out. Or, simply stop into one of the local stores before your day of sipping begins.

A note about tasting appointments; keep them and be on time. These wineries in Willamette Valley are devoting dedicated time and resources to your party, please be respectful. Willamette Valley is unique in its hospitality, you will have a “host” assigned to you and you will receive a quality education at each winery. That is why you will be investing at least an hour at each appointment.

Oregon Wine Country Travel Guide

Come see us at Domaine Roy on your next visit! Cheers!

Great article! Thanks for all the tips.

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The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – 7 or 10 days

Last updated on June 9th, 2024 at 12:35 pm

Oregon (pronounced “Ore-gun”, not “Ore-gone”!) is often overshadowed by its extremely popular neighboring state of California in the US. But if you are looking for a road less traveled then you have to take an Oregon road trip. In this blog post, we will share our detailed itinerary including what to see, do, and where to stay.

Below is a map of the route we took on this trip, click here to go to Google Maps. We drove across the state in a clockwise direction but you can do the same in an anti-clockwise direction as well. If you remember we did a similar 7-day road trip in Iceland and trust me when I say that our Oregon road trip was just as adventurous. Don’t forget to check out our post on waterfalls near Portland for more incredible inspiration.

FUN FACT: Oregon is the only other state in the US after New Jersey to have assistants at gas stations to fill gas in your car.

How Many Days Do You Need for an Oregon Road Trip?

We were able to make this a total of the 10-day trip including travel time. If you follow our Oregon itinerary you will have plenty of time to go on hikes, take wine tours, and relax on this road trip.

You can easily make this a 7-day road trip and we’ll tell you how in the modified itinerary below. However, if you have less than 7-days then I suggest visiting only Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Mt. Hood region, & Cannon Beach from the itinerary below.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Related Read: SF to LA – An ultimate west coast road trip guide

Starting point 

We flew into Portland and spend 2 days in the city before starting our road trip. TIP: You do not need a car in Portland city so save yourselves some cash by renting a car the day you hit the road.

Portland would be our recommendation as a starting point for all those who are flying into Oregon. For those who are driving from the South i.e. California, the best starting point for you would be either the coast or Crater lake in this loop.

Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

Below is our detailed itinerary is broken out by each day. If you want to do a 7-day road trip then we have listed where it makes the most sense to skip things.

Day 1 & 2 – Portland

After you land in Portland spend 2 days in this funky city. We not only explored the city landmarks but in reality spend the entire weekend food binging in Portland. TIP: If you want to make this a 7-day road trip then spend just 1 day in Portland.

We will be writing a separate post on what to do on a weekend in Portland. But to highlight a few things –

• Eat your heart out in the food capital on the west coast. From food trucks to delicious worldwide cuisines all around town you’re going to return with some additional baggage on your body.
• Check out the largest bookstore in the world – Powell’s Bookstore
• Must eat doughnuts (try both Bluestar & Vodoo doughnuts to give your own verdict no matter what the locals say)
• Take a walking city tour or a Segway tour to learn more about the city
• Check out the Japanese Garden

ACCOMMODATION: It usually nice if you stay in either downtown or the pearl district so you’re walking distance away from all the things –

• Hilton Portland Downtown or the Hampton Inn Pearl District
• The Bidwell Marriott Portland or the Courtyard Marriott City Center

More Places to Stay in Portland, Oregon

Harlow Hotel

Inn at Northrup Station

Day 3 – Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & wineries

Fasten your seatbelts and drive to the Columbia River Gorge which is only 30 minutes away from Portland. If you start driving early in the morning, you’ll easily be able to cover all the stopovers mentioned below in that order. For more details, read our in-depth blog post on Columbia Gorge road trip .

• Portland Women’s Forum vista point (has the best sunrise view if there are no wildfire smoke)
• Latourell Falls (add a short 2.4 mile hike here)
• Multnomah Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls (add a short 1.2 mile hike here)
• Starvation Creek Falls
• Wineries tour in Mt. Hood/Gorge

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in White Salmon, WA or Hood River, OR

Find fun things to do in Oregon during your road trip!

Day 4 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

We spent 2 nights in Mt. Hood region which gave us the time to not only explore but also relax in the most gorgeous setting. There are a ton of outdoor activities to do here so spending only 1 day would be an injustice to this region. We have broken down the activities by each day for you –

• Explore Hood River town which is known as the world’s kite surfing capital, perhaps indulge in some water activity or grab lunch here
• The Gorge White House makes for a great stop for Apple cider tasting and fresh fruit & flower farm
• If you happen to visit in spring don’t forget to check out the “ fruit loop ” trails for spring blossoming trees .
• Drive to the historic Timberline Lodge and either take the chair lift to get to the summit or if you are up for an adventure there are tons of hiking trails behind the lodge. We did a section of the zigzag overlook trail which starts at the lodge parking area. Ask the lodge visitor center for more info on trails. Enjoy a nice early dinner or a cup of coffee with a view.
• If you are not up for visiting the lodge then consider hiking the Mirror Lake loop trail that afternoon. We skipped the mirror lake loop.
• Return to Government Camp for dinner unless you are staying back at Timberline Lodge.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Mt. Hood region. We stayed in a gorgeous farmhouse surrounded by apple & pear orchards booked through Airbnb . Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 5 – Explore Mt. Hood Region

Here’s what to do on your second day in Mt. Hood region –

• Hit the Tamanawas Falls hiking trail in the morning (alternatively, you can do the Mirror Lake loop). Tamanawas trail is amazing, take our word for it.
• Have your lunch at Tamanawas Falls. Pack your lunch with you so you can eat with the waterfall views at the end of the hike.
• After lunch head to Trillium Lake in the afternoon. Walk along the lake trail or rent a kayak and enjoy the serene Mt Hood view from the water. TIP: Book your kayak rental in Govt Camp as there are no rental facilities at Trillium lake. The rental company will bring your kayak to the lake area. Don’t miss the sunset at Lake Trillium!  TIP: Bring mosquito spray, there are like a thousand of them here. You can also rent campgrounds at Trillium lake if you want to camp in this area.

ACCOMMODATION: We stayed back at the same farmhouse Airbnb with the perfect view of Mt. Hood. Your other best option is to stay at the historic  Timberline Lodge or hotels in Government Camp , a small town in Mt. Hood region.

Day 6 – Smith Rock State Park, Painted Hills & 3 Sisters

As you drive south from Mt. Hood, take a day to explore the desert region of Oregon. You’d be surprised to know that a big part of Oregon is, in fact, desert land. What was really fascinating to us was that our families in India instantly knew about Oregon out of all the places. They were the ones to tell us about Rajneeshpuram.  FACT: Rajneeshpuram (from ‘Wild Wild Country’ series on Netflix) was not too far from this part of Oregon.

TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this section and head straight to Crater Lake from Mt. Hood.

• Stop at Smith Rock State Park as you drive south from Mt. Hood region. and enjoy the gorgeous scenery.
• Drive about 2 hours east to see the Painted Hills which are in the deep end of the Oregonian desert.
• Reach Bend and head to Summit Park for a great view of the 3 Sisters volcano peaks .
• If you want to get a better view of 3 sisters then drive 30 mins from Bend to Dutchman Flat Sno Park in Deschutes National Forest.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Bend, OR .

Where to Stay in Bend, Oregon

Element Bend

Campfire Hotel

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Day 7 – Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is about 2 hours away from Bend or about 4 hours from Govt Camp. If you leave early in the morning, you can reach Crater Lake just in time to drive around the rim and see the following viewpoints & sneak in one easy hike.

Pick and choose your favorite spots to see in Crater Lake National Park , below are a few that we recommend –

• Sinnott Memorial Outlook at Rim Visitor Center
• Sun Notch (0.8 miles easy hike with views of Phantom Ship)
• Phantom ship overlook
• Discovery Point (2 miles)
• Watchman Peak (1.6 miles moderate steep hike)
• Pumice castle overlook,
• Cloudcap overlook,
• Vidae Falls
• Pinnacles Overlook.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Crater Lake Lodge or campgrounds in the park . If you don’t get a reservation in either of these then consider staying in Fort Klamath or Chemult or Chiloquin which are small towns near Crater Lake. TIP: If you stay at Crater Lake Lodge, then don’t miss the splendid sunset from the lobby’s back patio.

PLEASE NOTE:   The Crater Lake itinerary was a part of our original plan until west coast wildfires & smoke completely ruined the experience. When we arrived at Crater Lake National Park, it became really difficult to breathe without inhaling the fumes. Not to mention, the visibility of the Lake was near zero. We had booked a campground for the night but for good reasons we decided to turn around. As a backup plan, we headed to spend more time on the Oregon coast. PRO   TIP: Watch out for wildfire and smoke reports in Oregon before you head here!

Day 8 – Umpqua National Forest & drive to Eugene

Next morning stop by the Crater Lake vista points that you might’ve missed on the previous day. On your way to the coast of Oregon, you must take a pitstop at Umpqua National Forest for a bonus waterfall & hidden hot springs.

• Drive around Crater Lake in the morning to cover any missed vista points from the previous day.
• Hike the  Toketee Waterfall trail in Umpqua National Forest as you exit Crater Lake. It’s an easy 0.8 miles round trip hike to the gorgeous waterfalls as you can see in our photos.
• If you enjoy natural hot springs , then as you exit from Toketee waterfalls take a left and head to Umpqua Hot Springs . There is a $5/vehicle charge to park at the hot springs. Clothing is not enforced here so consider yourself forewarned. In full disclosure, we did not visit the hot springs due to a lack of time.
• Drive to Eugene from Toketee Falls should take around 2.30 hrs.

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Eugene, OR .

Where to Stay in Eugene, Oregon

Comfort Suites Eugene

Maverick Hotel

Graduate Eugene

Day 9:  Oregon Coast road trip

The next morning we headed to Florence from Eugene where we started our Oregon coast drive. The coastal drive takes you on Highway 101 which, in fact, is a continuation of California’s coast to Oregon’s.

Given that we just had one day set aside for this Oregon coast road trip, we only stopped at the vista points mentioned below in bold. We’ve listed some additional awesome pit stops along the way if you have more time.

• Drive past Florence 
• Heceta Head Lighthouse  Scenic Viewpoint (There is a B&B at this lighthouse now) or stop at Sea Lion vista point to see the lighthouse from a distance.
• Cape Perpetua Overlook (Thor’s Well is another stop before turning right to Cape Perpetua overlook)
• Yachats (stop by for a drink or early lunch)
• Newport (If you skip Yachats then stop here for lunch)
• Devil’s punchbowl and Otter Rock
• Tillamook (stop by at the cheese factory or the Tillamook ice-creamery)
• Cannon Beach, get here before sunset to watch the magic unfold

ACCOMMODATION: Spend the night in Cannon Beach, OR .

Day 10: Lewis & Clark National Park OR Evergreen Aviation Museum

We took a red-eye back to the east coast since we wanted to squeeze every second of our last day. TIP: For a 7-day Oregon road trip, skip this part and fly out on your last day.

• We visited the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in the morning but you can choose to visit the Lewis & Clark National Park near Cannon Beach to get an insight into expeditions that were an integral part of US history.
• Head back to Portland to grab an early dinner before heading out to the airport for an evening flight.

Phew, another long guide, isn’t it? But there is so much to see & do here that you have to plan it right and we’ve to give all the right info to do so. And by the way, if Oregon wasn’t on your list, we sure hope it is now!

If you liked this extensive Oregon road trip planning guide then don’t forget to share it along with family & friends.

More on Travel in the United States:

• America’s favorite road trip – the Blue Ridge Parkway
• Bucket List Arizona Road Trip – The perfect long weekend 4-day itinerary
• Best places to see fall colors in New Hampshire – A Roadtrip through New England
• Ultimate SF to LA Road trip – Best stops along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

Happy Traveling!

Related Posts

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23 comments on “ the perfect oregon road trip itinerary – 7 or 10 days ”.

Such a detailed guide. Thanks for sharing! Perhaps this fall my family and I will go to the Oregon. Awesome photos!

Thanks Michael. Hopefully the fires will be in control by then and the smoke out of OR skies. This year the wildfires have been terrible for Oregon.

Wow you really packed a lot in to tour trip. As someone who lives in Oregon, this is a great post. Come back soon!

We would love to!!! 😀

Wow! Mind blowing and eye catching photography. All places are just awesome. Hope to trip to those places in the near future. Stunning! You must (please) take me there when I visit. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place.

You are most welcome and hope you visit Oregon someday 🙂

We did a Northern California road trip in June last year and did a tiny bit of Oregon so that we could try some of the wineries up there. I wish we’d done more of Oregon because it looks amazing and I’m filing your post for our next trip!

There’s always a next time 🙂

I’ve never visited the northwest USA but I really have to get there asap, this road trip looks amazing! 🙂

Yeah the Pacific Northwest is truly magical 🙂

Wow, great itinerary! I hope to come back to USA next year and was just looking into California and neighboring states for potential road trip ideas. Oregon looks an idea place to visit! Love the nature and national parks

Oh yes definitely visit OR if you are coming to CA, you will love it! 🙂

Oregon is such a beautiful state, I can’t wait to spend more time there. This looks like a really good way to see a lot of the state in one well, a great itinerary. I live in Vancouver Canada so this is such a doable trip for me

Oh yeah, definitely easily doable from Vancouver. I believe there is an easy train ride from Seattle to Portland, wonder if there is a train from Vancouver to Portland as well?!

I love a good road trip! Thanks for sharing these great places in Oregon 🙂

Most welcome! There’s nothing like sharing cool places to do a great road trip. 😀

We did a similar trip a few years ago, but looks like we missed the Umpqua National Forest. Oh well! Looks like we just need to head back.☺️ Thanks for the post!

You’ve got to leave something out to return back to such amazing places right?! 😉

I had no idea Oregon was this beautiful! I love the suggestion of seeing the state through a road trip, definitely saving for later 🙂

Yeah, this is one of the perfect States to visit in one road trip 🙂

There is obviously plenty to do in Oregon. My personal goals for almost any trip is to do lots of hiking and visit lots of breweries and wineries. I didn’t know that you could have your gas filled by station attendants there. I think I might plan a trip there for that alone. It would be so cool!

It’s great to learn that you should stay downtown when going on a trip to Portland. My wife and I are looking to travel to Oregon soon and we were wondering where we should stay at in the state. I’ll be sure to let my wife know that we can stay in downtown Portland.

Oh yes, Portland is so close to a lot of nature in Oregon. However, if you want to do a road trip around the entire State then as mentioned above you might have to pick other cities for overnight stay esp when going down south or east.

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Hello from Gaurav & Richa! An adventurous couple who did NOT quit their corporate jobs to travel the world. On the contrary, we're all about balancing that work-travel life. Our goal is to explore as much as we can in our short vacations and yes, we do go to great lengths to find unique experiences and great food to share with you all. Learn more About Us .

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Four Days in the Willamette Valley

Day One: Portland to Newberg or McMinnville

Welcome to Oregon! If it's been a long flight, you'll probably want to unwind with a glass of wine; fortunately, you're only about an hour away from the heart of Oregon Wine Country-home to more than 700 wineries pouring some of the world's most cherished vino.

From the airport, you'll head south along Interstate 205, west along Interstate 84, and south on Interstate 5-all before turning southwest onto Highway 99W. ( Learn more about what there is to see and do along Highway 99W .) Before long, the Portland suburbs give way to rolling hillsides, never-ending vineyards, and scenic tasting rooms. It's time to draw straws for that designated driver, because you've arrived in the heart of Willamette Valley's celebrated wine country

What to do: More than 100 wineries are based in the area around McMinnville, Newberg, and Dundee; with so much to taste, it can be tough to know where to start-so get started with help from the Willamette Valley Wineries Association . And if you're looking to stretch your legs, stroll the tree-lined Third Street corridor in McMinnville ; the buzzing downtown district hosts tasting rooms, boutique shops, and a variety of eateries to please every palate.

Where to eat and drink: Since 2013, Pura Vida Cocina has specialized in Latin American cuisine and drinks from the likes of Costa Rica, Cuba, Argentina, and Ecuador-all featuring fresh, local ingredients-in the heart of downtown McMinnville.

In Newberg, Rosmarino Osteria Italiana has earned acclaim for its upscale take on northern Italian fare-including pizza, gnocchi, and pasta; a curated selection of Italian wines rounds out the mouthwatering menu. For something a bit more on-the-go (but no less satisfying), stop by one of the two food carts from Dos Mundos ; the family-run outfit dishes a mix of classic dishes (including tacos and burritos topped with the likes of chicken tinga and carne asada) and creative offerings (such as slow-roasted pork belly tacos and an Oaxacan mole). 

Where to stay: Looking for comfort and class in equal measure? Book a night at The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg; the resort is home to a variety of high-end amenities, including JORY Restaurant (offering a menu that rotates seasonally to spotlight fresh ingredients), live music, an award-winning wine list, and a luxurious spa (with an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, 12 treatment rooms, and more).

And in the heart of downtown McMinnville sits the 36-room Atticus Hotel -home to a suite of luxurious amenities that range from fireplaces in every room to king-sized beds outfitted with locally made mattresses to temperature-controlled wine fridges. For a different kind of stay, head 10 minutes east of McMinnville, toward Dayton and check into an Airstream trailer at The Vintages Trailer Resort ; choose among 35 fully restored trailers, each outfitted with a grill and cruiser bikes.

Day Two: McMinnville to Eugene

Sure, you could  make a beeline for Eugene by doubling back to Interstate 5 and speeding south. But doing so bypasses a leisurely ride on Highway 99W and ignores the markets, farm stands, and farm-to-table restaurants that showcase the region's agricultural bounty. (After all, the Willamette Valley is known for growing several delicacies, including 80,000 acres of hazelnuts each year; taken together, that covers an area roughly the size of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.)

While on Highway 99W, you'll pass through the no-stoplight hamlet of Amity, the city of Monmouth, and the bustling college town of Corvallis. Each could make an overnight stop on their own, and visitors should certainly make pit stops along the way for a peek at the Willamette Valley's vibrant agricultural, culinary, and craft beer scenes.

What to do: The Willamette Valley is an agricultural powerhouse, so get a close-up look at life on the farm with stops along the self-guided Yamhill Farm Loop ; visitors can pick their own flowers and fruits, take behind-the-scenes tours, enjoy farm-to-table fare, pet farm animals, and more along the loop's 12 stops. And if you'd like to get into the Willamette Valley outdoors, consider a hike through forests and oak savannas at Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey . Monks have lived in the abbey for more than 65 years and allow visitors to walk around the property-asking only that hikers check in at the main office and keep silent around the abbey's buildings to respect the monks who are engaging in silent meditation.

Where to eat and drink: Hungry for breakfast? The woman-owned Crescent Caf é   sources fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients for its breakfast dishes from nearby farmers and producers. The restaurant's breads and pastries are made in-house daily, and a rotating menu means there's always something new to try.

Further south, take a 10-minute detour southwest of Amity to Priory of Our Lady of Consolation, where a group of Brigittine Monks produces small-batch fudge and several flavors of mouth-watering truffles . Once you've loaded up on chocolate, unwind with a pint at Grain Station Brew Works along the main drag in Monmouth; the craft brewery draws its inspiration from the Willamette Valley's agriculture and shares that through locally sourced food items and beers whose names pay tribute to life on the farm.

And in Corvallis, 4 Spirits Distillery produces award-winning spirits (including whiskeys, rums, gin, and vodkas) and donates a portion of its proceeds to local programs that help veterans and their families with reintegration support. And if you can snag a reservation, consider dinner at Gathering Together Farm (just outside Corvallis) for globally inspired cuisine with farm-fresh ingredients.

Where to stay: Eugene is chock full of great overnight options and many are in the heart of campus or active city districts. The Inn at the 5th is a Four Diamond Hotel featuring resort-style amenities like private balconies, cozy fireplaces, in-room spa services, and a private butler's pantry for room service. Nearby and newly established The Gordon Hotel is as artsy as they come, featuring it's own creative space, The Art Bar, where you can grab a light snack or create your own masterpiece. The Graduate is a great home base for game day and with a Top Golf Swing Suite you're sure to get active.

Optional Side Trip: Eugene to McKenzie Bridge and the West Cascades

As you head east from Eugene along Oregon Route 126, you quickly leave the big city behind for a trip into the Willamette National Forest. Here you'll follow the banks of the McKenzie River-noted for its remarkable clarity, forested banks, and wide range of outdoor opportunities . The fun out this way includes hiking, drift boating (in watercraft specially designed to tackle the McKenzie's rapids), mountain biking, camping, and fishing. Many of the lodgings, campgrounds, restaurants, and traveler services are centered around the communities of McKenzie Bridge and Blue River. (Just keep in mind that restaurants and attractions may keep limited hours between October and March-and that winter weather can impact operations. If visiting during the slow season, always call ahead to see whether your desired stops are open and operating at full capacity.)

Here's how to make the most of your time along the McKenzie River in the heart of the West Cascades.

What to do: The McKenzie region is known for epic mountain biking, especially along the McKenzie River National Recreation Trail , and whitewater paddling on the scenic McKenzie River. Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters , sitting in the heart of the McKenzie area, has you covered in both realms, with mountain bike rentals and shuttles-not to mention full-day rafting trips on the McKenzie River. A Helfrich Outfitter , meanwhile, offers half-day and full-day rafting trips led by fully trained, certified, and helpful guides. Further north, the Clear Lake area hosts boat rentals, 34 campsites, cabins, and a five-mile hiking trail that passes through lava flows and circles the appropriately named lake.

Where to eat and drink: The McKenzie General Store serves thoughtful takes on popular pub classics, with a spacious backyard patio that routinely hosts live music all summer long. Choose among salads, burgers (crafted with Oregon-raised beef), fresh-caught salmon tacos, locally farmed pulled pork sandwiches, and other filling favorites-all using organic ingredients whenever possible. The general store also offers artisan snacks, craft beers, regional wines, and more to enjoy back at your room or campsite. 

Where to stay: Horse Creek Lodge & Outfitters , just an hour east of Eugene in the heart of the West Cascades, offers a variety of accommodations-from a basic campground (which includes access to the bathroom building, potable water, and outdoor showers) to comfortable cabins. Nearby, McKenzie Riverside Cottages boasts lodge rooms and cottages with wide-open waterfront views, mere steps from the glassy McKenzie River.

Note:  Wildfires scarred the McKenzie River region in 2020 and 2021. Please check to see whether your preferred outdoor recreation opportunities are open, and have a back-up plan in case they remain closed. And while we understand wanting to see the damage up-close, please do so without entering neighborhoods where families and small businesses continue to rebuild their homes and communities.

Day Three: Eugene to Salem

Our driving tour of the Willamette Valley takes us north on Interstate 5 to Salem, the capital of Oregon and the heart of the region. You can make the drive in an hour-but we'd recommend stopping to explore some of the Willamette Valley's historic communities along the way.

Brownsville, for instance, is where scenes from the 1986 classic film "Stand By Me" were shot; each July, the community holds an annual "Stand By Me" Day to celebrate the film's legacy. Further north, Albany showcases its past with four historic districts, several museums, and other educational attractions.

Salem makes a fine destination for the day-and welcomes visitors with Latino-owned eateries; creative craft beer and cider; expansive public lands; and more.

What to do: History buffs should head to Albany , which hosts several museums (including the Monteith House Museum , Albany Regional Museum , and Albany's Historic Carousel & Museum ) and four historic districts for enjoying up-close looks at the region's past.

And if the outdoors are calling, check out Silver Falls State Park . The highlight of the park is the nine-mile Trail of Ten Falls, which passes (and heads behind) up to 10 waterfalls in the midst of a leafy canyon; the footpath is among the most popular in the state, though-so for a quieter experience, check out the park's other  hiking trails, as well as mountain bike paths, picnic areas, and more. We've even put together a guide to Silver Falls State Park to help make the most of your time.

Where to eat and drink: Fuel up for the day with breakfast at Lion & Owl in downtown Eugene; the restaurant dishes a variety of items using fresh, seasonal produce-with fare that draws on the travels of the eatery's owners.

And if you can make dinner reservations, check out Sybaris Bistro -whose globally inspired menu of Pacific Northwest favorites rotates seasonally with whatever's fresh and in-season. If Korean fare sounds good, check out Happy Bibimbap House in Salem; the cozy restaurant specializes in Korean barbecue, soups, noodle dishes, and more.

Where to stay: The Grand Hotel in Salem offers more than a little luxury at the southern edge of downtown; its 193 rooms offer plenty of space to stretch out and relax, with free Wi-Fi, jetted tubs, and easy access to the city's bustling downtown core. And just 15 minutes southwest of town is The Independence Hotel , which sits along the banks of the Willamette River in the buzz-worthy community of Independence. (Did you know, for instance, that cycling around Independence is a popular pastime?)

Day Four: Salem to Portland

Your final day in the Willamette Valley takes you away from Interstate 5-and into the pastoral foothills of Mount Hood. Today, you'll follow Highway 99E and Oregon Route 214 through the likes of Woodburn (home to several Latino-owned businesses), Wilsonville (whose outskirts are covered with vibrant nurseries and flower farms), and Canby (the heart of the area's agricultural community). Be sure to save room in your luggage for souvenirs and delectable bites.

What to do: Enjoy a bit of the Willamette Valley's scenery with a stroll through Molalla River State Park -which sits at the confluence of three rivers, provides critical habitat for all manner of wildlife, hosts an off-leash dog park, and sits near the historic Canby Ferry. Elsewhere, you can meander through farms, wineries, and more along the self-guided South Clackamas Farm Loop , which comprises 20 stops in the foothills of Mount Hood.

Where to eat and drink: Stop in at Issac's in Salem for coffee or tea and tempting toasts and you'll be doing more than grabbing a bite. With every purchase you'll support their mission to train, mentor, and employ youth in an apprenticeship program. If you're looking for lunch as you head north, make time for Luis's Taqueria in the heart of Woodburn; the taqueria has been dishing some of the Willamette Valley's best-loved tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, tortas, ceviche, and more since 1993.

And if you can, try to snag a reservation at The Kitchen at Middeground Farms , which leans on locally sourced ingredients (many of them raised on the farm) and hosts a variety of unique events-including wine dinners, cooking classes, seasonal dinners, and more.

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One Day in McMinnville: A Perfect Day in Oregon’s Wine Country

November 2, 2020 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

Willamette Valley is the mecca of Oregon’s burgeoning wine country. Known nearly exclusively for its fruity, acidic Pinot Noir, the area has quickly been making a name for itself due to its high quality of wine and gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery. When visiting Willamette Valley, there are many charming small towns you can use as your homebase, one of which is McMinnville, Oregon.

McMinnville won Sunset Magazine’s Most Beautiful Main Street award last year and it’s easy to see why. A long boulevard framed by parallel rows of trees stretching across the street and mingling their branches is made even more enticing by the historic buildings standing stately behind the tall trunks.

Those buildings house tasting rooms, restaurants, rooftop bars, high-end accommodations, cafes, and shops. Along the adjacent streets are even more restaurants and wineries.

McMinnville is a close drive to some of the best attractions in Willamette Valley. If you’re short on time during your visit to this gorgeous part of the Pacific Northwest, you still have time to explore both in and around McMinnville. After spending several days in McMinnville recently I’ve put together how to spend one perfect day there with a good dose of wine and cuisine plus some airplanes (yes, airplanes) and nature thrown in.

Quick side note: This post contains affiliate links, which help me to cover the costs of running this site. Thanks for supporting One Day in a City!

Where to Sleep in McMinnville

First, where should you stay? I recommend staying as close to McMinnville’s main street (3rd Street) as you can, preferably right on it.

3rd Street Flats

I stayed at 3rd Street Flats and loved it. It’s located right on Main Street in a building dating back to the early 1900s. The apartments still reflect elements from this era, especially the massive ceilings, but they’ve been updated with modern amenities and décor that switches between eclectic and country chic depending what apartment you’re in. Ours had green walls and a pink chandelier which I was a bit obsessed with. Each apartment in 3rd Street Flats is different and varies from one or two bedrooms, all with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and laundry machines, plus toiletries in the bathrooms.

• Click here for more pictures and prices for 3rd Street Flats .

McMenamins Hotel Oregon

Another option is McMenamins Hotel Oregon. McMenamins is famous in the Pacific Northwest and has several properties all over Washington and Oregon. McMinnville’s main street is home to the historic McMenamins Hotel Oregon and bar, whose building dates back to 1905. The rooms have neat features like the original porcelain sinks and designs etched onto the wall. You also have easy access to its rooftop bar or the whiskey lounge and restaurant downstairs. Note when booking that some rooms a have shared bathroom so be sure to book one with an ensuite bath if that’s important to you.

• Click here for more pictures and prices for McMenamins Hotel Oregon .

Alright, so you’ve figured out where to sleep, now where should you start your day when you wake up in McMinnville?

Breakfast, Coffee, and a Charming Main Street

How about with a farm to table breakfast? Community Plate is a bright and welcoming café with a lowkey hipster vibe (though let’s be honest, that isn’t that hard to find in Oregon). Community Plate stands out due to its large communal style wooden tables (plus some smaller ones) and a long bar where you can order your food and pour yourself a cup of coffee.

After you fill up on a hearty breakfast, refill your coffee to go and stroll down 3rd Street, which is McMinnville’s main street.

3rd Street in McMinnville is lined by historic buildings outfitted in brick façade and curvy windows. Street lamps and stately trees parade down each side of the street and when I was there at the end of December, twinkly lights were strewn across the streets from one treetop to another.

Just about every storefront you pass will have you wanting to get inside, whether it’s to do a whiskey tasting in McMenamins tony lobby (or go up to their rooftop bar if it’s nice out), get ice cream at Serendipity, buy souvenirs or unique gifts at NW Food and Gifts, pop in for a tasting at one of the many wine tasting rooms, grab a yummy pastry or macaroon at Red Fox Bakery & Cafe, or browse books at Third Street Books. Some of these (ahem, the alcohol related ones) you may want to stop back at in the evening.

Tour the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

After you’ve meandered up and down main street, it’s time to hop in your car and head to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum , which is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown McMinnville.

I actually thought this place was going to be kind of boring, but my husband was super excited to go, and I ended up being totally enthralled with it. The museum has such cool planes! It’s a massive complex with a building devoted to air travel and a building devoted to space. In the middle of the two buildings is a theater, which has showings throughout the day about something to do with flight or space, but if you only have a day in McMinnville I recommend skipping this even though it’s included in the price of your ticket unless you’re a huge aviation buff.

The air museum showcases a number of historic aviation equipment, including wooden planes and fighter jets, but the real highlight is impossible to miss as it stretches through the entire middle section of the building: the Spruce Goose. My husband explained before we arrived that it was the largest plane ever built; “Remember, like from the Aviator movie with Leonardo DiCaprio about Howard Hughes?”

I vaguely remembered, but was still shocked at the sheer size of the Spruce Goose. I couldn’t comprehend how it ever got off the ground in the first place! Not only is it massively big, it also just looks so HEAVY. You can tour inside the plane, but my favorite part was really just staring at it from every angle while we walked around the museum and marveling at how gigantic it was.

Our toddler daughter also had a blast at this place. She was just starting to get into planes and there was also a section of the museum with hands-on activities for kids where I took her when she started getting a bit antsy just wandering around pointing at planes.

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is also home to a waterpark (random, I know, but it’s supposed to be cool and plane-themed), which was closed when we were there, but sounds like it would be a super fun way to spend some time if you have more than a day in McMinnville!

But if you do only have a day in McMinnville, I recommend just spending a couple hours at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in the morning; though if you have extra time you could easily fill a few more hours walking around the museums and reading up on air and space travel! But if short on time you don’t want to spend too much time there and miss out on experiencing the main reason people tend to visit McMinnville: the wineries.

Wine Tasting in the Countryside

McMinnville is located in the heart of Willamette Valley, which is home to over 200 wineries. Willamette Valley is known for its Pinot Noir and a flight of Pinot Noir is pretty much all you’ll find on the tasting menu for most wineries there. Since most of my wine tasting up to this point has been in California and Washington, where you’ll find a variety of varietals on tasting menus and it’s not weird to try a cabernet, pinot, and syrah in the same flight, this definitely surprised me. But it was a welcome surprise as Pinot Noir is one of my favorite types of wine – and there’s a good chance it will become one of yours, too, after wine tasting in Willamette Valley.

Pick two wineries that are in the general same region in Willamette. In other words, don’t pick one that is 30 minutes north of McMinnville and another that is 25 minutes south as you’ll waste too much time driving. I recommend heading north as a lot of the wineries up there are known for good wine and incredible views. Here are two of my favorites:

Stoller Family Estate

Stoller Family Estate has a upscale tasting room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking vast vineyards. Stoller actually has the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. The wine is good and the tasting room also has a lawn and patio that is perfect for al fresco sipping or a picnic on a nice day.

Penner-Ash Wine Cellars

The view at this winery is supposed to be gorgeous and the tasting room certainly has the windows to highlight such a view. Unfortunately, it was extremely overcast when I was there to see that view. Luckily, though, the tasting room had a relaxing fireplace and excellent wines so I didn’t feel too sad about missing out on the view.

Remember to drink responsibly and have a designated driver! Or hire a limo to take you around .

Experience Some Nature…and a Glacial Rock

Another good reason to choose wineries up to the north is you can do a short hike to the Erratic Rock State Natural Site after wine tasting.

This hike takes only about 20 minutes roundtrip and involves a hill, but is still a pretty easy hike and the view at the top is amazing. You’ll also be greeted by a 90-ton glacial erratic rock at the top. This rock is leftover from the Ice Age and was deposited here after a flood from Glacial Lake in Missoula, Montana. These “erratic” rock boulders were left all over Willamette Valley and this is the largest one in the area.

Views and a geology lesson! How’s that for a great hike?

After the hike you’ll probably be getting hungry so head back to McMinnville for dinner.

But first…what to pack for mcminnville.

Moving on from what we were just talking about…hiking shoes will be nice to have if you hike to Erratic Rock ( this is my favorite brand of outdoorsy shoes), but you’ll also want to remember to pack these items in your suitcase:

Wine Bags: Don’t risk them breaking in your car or in your suitcase!

• I have a couple bags like this and they are great to have on hand for wine trips.

Water Bottle: If you’re doing wine tasting, make sure you’re drinking plenty of water. Lots of wineries have water dispensers where you can refill your bottle.

• A collapsible one is great for traveling — very easy to pack.

Raincoat: It’s the Pacific Northwest after all — always be ready for rain.

• I have this style and love it since it keeps me dry, but also looks stylish for classy things like…you know…wine tasting.

Hunter Boots: My Portland-based friend told me I had to get these after I moved to the Pacific Northwest from San Diego, so if you are visiting McMinnville during the rainy season (which is basically anytime except the height of summer) then get some of these to feel fashionable while keeping your feet dry.

• I have this color and love them!

Dinner in Downtown McMinnville

After your hike head back to McMinnville for dinner. For such a small town, there are actually several great restaurants to choose from. Here are the two I ate at, both of which I highly recommend:

Nick’s Italian Cafe

This is probably the most prestigious restaurant in McMinnville. Be sure to make a reservation. The cuisine is high-end Italian and a lot of the pasta is made in-house. The setting is intimate with low lighting and white tablecloths, making for a romantic dining choice. And, of course, there is an excellent wine list with many local wineries on it and some Italian labels. (Insider Tip: there is actually a bar in the back of the restaurant with a much more laidback ambiance and which serves up the same menu – might be an option if you don’t get a reservation!) The pasta was delicious, even the spaghetti they recommended for kids. Tom and I gobbled up Lulu’s leftovers. Caveat: the only reason we ate there with a toddler is because we were in McMinnville during their slowest week of the year — between Christmas and New Year’s — and it wasn’t crowded at all. So we felt comfortable to eat there with a two-year-old. This is a great time to visit McMinnville with little kids, which I also talk about more in my Wine Tasting with a Toddler in Tow blog post.)

This restaurant has some of the best Mexican cuisine in Oregon (at least that’s what I was told and after eating there, I believe it). After living in San Diego for over a decade, I became a bit of a Mexican food snob and it is quite difficult to find great Mexican food in the Pacific Northwest. Pura Vida impressed. The taco plate had perfectly seasoned meat and was garnished with delicious salsa (not too spicy or tomatoey) and the perfect amount of cheese. The interior is cool, too, with a bright teal accent wall and local artwork hung on the walls.

Grain Station Brew Works

If we’d had one more night there we would have dined at Grain Station Brew Works since we heard great things about it. It’s more of a gastropub and is located in a renovated timber bar. It also is known more for its beers on tap than a wine list so is a good option for those of you who are wanting to get a taste of Oregon’s famous beer scene while visiting.

Wine Tasting After Dinner at one of the wine bars.

After dinner, do some more wine tasting! There are a number of tasting rooms in downtown McMinnville. Make notes of which ones you want to visit later during your morning walk down 3rd Street or check out McMinnville’s Wine Walk and choose ones that sound most interesting to you.

I really liked Terra Vina Tasting Room , which was conveniently located under 3rd Street Flats. It was comfortable and relaxing to lounge at and also has a lot more wine to offer than just Pinot, so is a good place to head to if you’re getting a bit tired of only drinking Pinot Noir in Willamette Valley.

That wraps up my top tips of spending one day in and around McMinnville. Hope you enjoy your time in McMinnville and Oregon’s wine valley!

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I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

December 21, 2017 at

You definitely should if you love visiting wine regions! But go in summer if you want nice weather. 🙂

Thanks for the tip on the hot springs! Haven’t heard of them and will need to look into it now. And agree that PNW wine culture is great!

November 20, 2017 at

I live in Washington state so I love and appreciate the PNW wine culture so much! I’ve never been wine tasting in Oregon though and it sounds like a blast! I’d love to pair it with some hot springs. If you’ve never been to Cougar hot springs, you should look into them. Amazing! Thanks for all the great recs, that little town looks like a perfect base!

November 19, 2017 at

I love wine regions! Oregon looks so beautiful. This post is making want to go now!!!

November 18, 2017 at

Wow this is such an informative post! I visited Willamette Valley in July and it was beautiful! I love Pinot Noir also. My family lives in Portland so I’m saving this post for when I return to visit them. It looks so quaint!

When I think of Oregon I mostly think of Portland and the coast but it looks like I need to explore a bit further. I had no idea Oregon had a wine region! And this little town looks super cute.

I love the wine from this area! I don’t know why I haven’t visited. Thanks for the inspiration!

Search for a Destination…

Oregon Wine Country

The rugged, emerald terrain of Oregon’s coast has allured generations of travelers in search of mystery. Inland, the sprawling, multi-hued deserts and serene lakes have captivated visitors for centuries. There’s a reason people have been drawn to Oregon since the first pioneers decided to settle: an inescapable sense of wonder and awe. Not sure where to start your journey? Check out Willamette Valley where more than 70 percent of the state’s population lives and you can easily access the quirky, culture scene of Portland or the great outdoors of Eugene .

TOP TIPS FOR OREGON

All of Oregon is on PST, with the exception of the tiny, southeastern corner, which relies on MST.

Rent a car, but stay alert on the winding coastal roads - especially in the colder months.

For a truly remote getaway, an entire vacation can be planned around the Southwest's Malheur Lake.

• Kite The Gorge Learn the ropes of kite surfing with trained professionals, in the splendor of the Columbia River. 1001 Kite Pointe Rd, OR
• Fisherman's Market This eatery has been doling out famous fish ‘n’ chips in a folksy, fun setting for 40 years. 830 W 7th Ave, eugene OR
• Oregon Zoo Animal welfare and conservation are paramount at this iconic, 64-acre zoo, visited by 1.6 million people each year. 4001 SW Canyon Road, portland OR
• Four Graces Winery Estate-crafted wines are made sustainably and bio-dynamically in the heart of the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. 9605 NE Fox Farm Rd, dundee-newberg OR
• Crater Lake National Park The southwest is an unexpected bounty for the eyes, and Crater Lake National Park is intoxicating. , OR

HOTEL Heathman Hotel

Located right downtown, this classy hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, friendly staff, and lots of charm. The accommodating staff will direct you to great restaurants and attractions nearby.

Bed & Breakfast / Inn Youngberg Hill Vineyards & Inn

Take an intimate and romantic getaway to this cozy inn located on beautiful property. You’ll enjoy relaxation, sweeping views, wine tasting, and delicious breakfast.

Inn at the Red Hills

8 Great Oregon Wineries to Visit

Oregon's breweries, 10 willamette valley wineries for newcomers to oregon wines, restaurants.

GREEK Cafe Soriah

Romantic yet casual, this eatery touts a unique menu featuring a fusion of Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

SPANISH La Rambla Restaurant & Bar

This Spanish restaurant provides a warm ambience, tapas, and creative cocktails from its large bar. Order several menu items to taste and share.

Castagna Restaurant

Things To Do

Outdoor Activities Cascadia Expeditions

Regardless of your skill level, adventurous types will enjoy a rafting or kayaking excursion. Your friendly guides will ensure a fun and safe experience.

Arts & Entertainment Hult Center for the Performing Arts

Winery King Estate Winery

This lodge-like winery is located among rolling fields of flowers. Take the tour to learn the interesting story behind King Estate before making your way to the tasting room or restaurant.

Winery Marchesi Vineyards & Winery

Enter the cozy tasting room or relax on the patio beneath the trellis to enjoy views of the vines while tasting Italian style wines. Order a cheese plate to pair with your tasting.

Did you Know?

Many would argue that the birth of modern running began at Eugene’s legendary Tracktown USA, a facility that’s housed famous coaches and dozens of Olympians.

Featured Sponsor

Sponsored ad, more oregon listings.

THINGS TO DO

RESTAURANTS

Map of Oregon Wine Country: Detailed Guide

• Wine Content
• Wine Regions

Bed and Breakfast in Oregon Wine Country: Top Picks

Oregon Wine Country Restaurants: Best Places to Eat

• Oregon vineyard locations
• Oregon wine country map
• Oregon wine tour guide
• Oregon wine trails
• Oregon wine travel tips
• Southern Oregon wine region
• Willamette Valley Wineries
• Wine country driving routes
• Wine Tasting in Oregon

Map of Oregon Wine Country: Start an exciting journey through Oregon’s famous wine areas with our detailed map. It covers the iconic Willamette Valley, known for its amazing Pinot Noir, and more. This guide will show you the best spots on Oregon’s wine trails.

Oregon has over 500 wineries, offering great experiences for wine lovers of all levels. Our map points out the top wine tasting routes . It highlights the best wineries in the Willamette Valley and the top oregon pinot noir wines.

Our map is perfect for a weekend trip or a long wine tasting journey. It reveals the unique land and weather conditions that make Oregon’s wines special. You’ll dive into the rich history and passion behind each Oregon wine .

Key Takeaways

• Explore the diverse wine regions of Oregon, including the renowned Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, Applegate Valley, Umpqua Valley, Columbia Gorge, and Columbia Valley.
• Discover the best willamette valley wineries and their exceptional oregon pinot noir offerings.
• Navigate the wine tasting routes and oregon wine trails with ease using our comprehensive map of oregon wine country .
• Learn about the ideal climate and soil conditions that contribute to the production of high-quality Oregon wines.
• Plan your perfect wine country getaway with the help of our detailed guide, featuring suggested itineraries and must-visit destinations.

Introduction to Oregon Wine Country

Oregon’s wine country is a must-visit for wine lovers and those curious about wine. It has a diverse landscape, a great climate, and a long history of winemaking. From the green vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the rough terrain of Southern Oregon, there’s a lot to see and do.

Overview of Oregon’s Wine Regions

Oregon has four main wine regions, each with its own special wines. The Willamette Valley is the biggest and most famous, making up most of Oregon’s wineries. It’s split into seven smaller areas, each making its own unique wines.

Southern Oregon has five wine areas known for many grape types. The Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley in the east have their own special wines too.

Climate and Soil Conditions Favorable for Winemaking

Oregon’s cool weather and varied soils are perfect for growing many wine grapes. The Willamette Valley is like France’s Burgundy in climate, great for Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Its soils add complexity to the wines.

The state’s varied landscape creates different growing conditions for grapes. These conditions, along with long days and big temperature changes, help make the grapes’ flavors rich and the wines top quality.

Oregon wine country is known for its beautiful views, friendly tasting rooms, and great wines. Whether you want a relaxing vineyard tour, to follow a winery map, or just enjoy tasting, Oregon has something for everyone.

Willamette Valley Wine Region

The Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles from north to south, making it the core of Oregon’s wine scene. It hosts over 700 wineries, which is two-thirds of the state’s total. The valley’s climate is ideal for growing top-notch Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Riesling grapes. This is thanks to its long summer days and moderate temperatures.

Sub-AVAs within the Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley AVA was set up in 1983 and covers 3,428,800 acres. It’s split into eleven smaller AVAs, each with its own unique soil types. These include marine sedimentary, volcanic, and loess soils. Some top sub-AVAs are:

• Chehalem Mountains
• Dundee Hills
• Eola-Amity Hills
• Yamhill-Carlton
• Laurelwood District

Notable Wineries and Tasting Rooms

The Willamette Valley boasts many famous wineries and tasting rooms. Each place offers a special experience for wine lovers. Some top wineries include:

Iconic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

The Willamette Valley is famous for its amazing Pinot Noir, making up about 70% of the area’s grapes. The cool climate and long growing season help the grapes develop complex flavors. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is known for its elegance, with tastes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes.

In 2016, the Willamette Valley was named ‘Wine Region of the Year’ by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. This honor confirmed its status as a top spot for Pinot Noir lovers.

Southern Oregon Wine Region

The Southern Oregon wine region is a place full of diversity and charm. It has over 150 wineries and vineyards. The area is perfect for growing over 70 types of wine, making it one of the most varied wine regions globally. You’ll find everything from the warm Rogue Valley to the cooler Applegate Valley and the beautiful Umpqua Valley.

Rogue Valley AVA

The Rogue Valley AVA has a warm climate, ideal for making full-bodied red wines like Syrah and Merlot. Wineries here, such as Kriselle Cellars, are known for their rich reds and crisp whites. Pebblestone Cellars benefits from the region’s sunny climate, creating wines with intense aromas.

Applegate Valley AVA

The Applegate Valley AVA is cooler and higher, perfect for Chardonnay and Syrah. It’s part of the Applegate Wine Trail, showing off the area’s beauty and great wineries. Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, a leader in organic and biodynamic farming, makes award-winning wines here.

Umpqua Valley AVA

In the northern part of Southern Oregon, the Umpqua Valley AVA is famous for Pinot Noir and Riesling. It’s filled with family-owned vineyards and wineries, like Reustle Prayer Rock Vineyards, known for their top-notch wines. The Umpqua Valley Wine Trail takes visitors through beautiful landscapes and top wineries.

Wine trails like the Applegate, Bear Creek, and Upper Rogue Wine Trail let visitors see the region’s diverse wineries. They offer a chance to taste the best of southern Oregon wine tasting . With its beauty, friendly tasting rooms, and dedicated winemakers, Southern Oregon is a top spot for wine lovers.

Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley Wine Regions

The Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley wine regions sit on the Oregon-Washington border. They offer a wide range of wine experiences. The Columbia Gorge AVA has a cool climate, great for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewürztraminer. The Columbia Valley AVA , on the other hand, is warmer, perfect for full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

The Columbia Gorge AVA, created in 2004, covers nearly 300 square miles across Oregon and Washington. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, winding river, and beautiful vineyards. The Columbia Valley AVA , established in 1984, is mostly in Washington but also includes a bit of Oregon. It spans over 11 million acres and is where 99% of Washington’s vineyards are found.

Visitors to the columbia gorge wineries can enjoy amazing views while tasting local wines. Some top wineries include:

• Cascade Cliffs Vineyard & Winery
• Marchesi Vineyards
• Hood River Vineyards
• Phelps Creek Vineyards
• Wy’East Vineyards

When touring the washington wine country , don’t miss the sub-appellations in the Columbia Valley AVA , like:

Many Oregon wineries use grapes from the columbia valley ava for their bold, flavorful red wines. These wines go well with Oregon’s famous Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. By visiting both the Columbia Gorge and Columbia Valley, wine lovers can enjoy the best of Oregon and Washington’s winemaking traditions.

Map of Oregon Wine Country

Exploring Oregon’s wine regions is easier with detailed maps and interactive tools. These resources are great for both wine lovers and newcomers. They help you understand the state’s wine country layout for planning your visits.

Interactive Online Map Resources

The Oregon Wine Board has an interactive map on their website. It lets you explore wine regions, AVAs, and wineries. You can search for wineries, filter by region or grape type, and plan your trip.

Regional associations like the Willamette Valley Wineries Association and the Southern Oregon Winery Association also have maps. These maps focus on their areas, helping you learn about each region’s unique features.

Printable Wine Trail Maps

For a traditional approach, you can find printable wine trail maps. These maps guide you through Oregon’s scenic wine country. Wineries and tasting rooms often give out their own maps, too. These maps have info on the wineries, their stories, and the wines they make.

Navigating Oregon’s Wine Routes

With a map in hand, you’re set to explore Oregon’s beautiful landscapes and wineries. Remember, many wineries are in rural areas with narrow roads. Plan your travel time and be ready for road closures or detours, especially during harvest.

It’s important to have a safe trip. Designate a driver or use a professional tour service for visiting several wineries in one day. Many companies offer tours and transportation, so you can enjoy the tastings without worrying about driving.

Using maps and planning your wine tasting routes will prepare you for an amazing journey through Oregon wine country.

Planning Your Oregon Wine Country Itinerary

Planning your trip to Oregon wine country can be both thrilling and a bit daunting. With over 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley, it’s smart to focus on a specific area or follow a tasting route. Wineries like WillaKenzie Estate, Soter Vineyards, and Domaine Drouhin offer tastings for $20 to $50 per flight. This gives you a wide range of choices for every budget and taste.

For a deeper dive into the wine experience, consider staying at a winery. Options range from cozy bed and breakfasts like Youngberg Hill and A’Tuscan Estate to the luxurious Allison Inn & Spa. These places let you live among the vines. Dining in Oregon’s wine country is also a treat, with restaurants like Recipe focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and pairing them with wines.

For a hassle-free trip, think about hiring a wine tour service or transportation company. They can guide you through the scenic roads, ensure your safety, and share insider tips on the best wineries. With their help, you can relax and enjoy the stunning views and wines of Oregon’s countryside.

Suggested Tasting Routes and Trails

Oregon’s wine country has many tasting routes and trails to explore. The Willamette Valley’s Dundee Hills are home to top wineries like Domaine Serene and Sokol Blosser. For a relaxed visit, the Chehalem Mountains AVA has both established and new wineries, great for beginners. Other routes include the McMinnville AVA, known for its downtown charm and nearby wineries, and the Eola-Amity Hills AVA , famous for its views and Pinot Noir.

Accommodations and Dining Options

Oregon’s wine country has accommodations for every taste and budget. The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg offers luxury with spa treatments and fine dining. For something more intimate, try bed and breakfasts like Youngberg Hill or A’Tuscan Estate, which provide personalized service and beautiful vineyard views. The Vintages Trailer Resort is another unique option, where you can stay in a vintage trailer among the vineyards.

Eating in Oregon’s wine country is a must. Many restaurants focus on local, seasonal ingredients and work with wineries for perfect pairings. Standout spots include Recipe in Newberg and Red Hills Market in Dundee, known for gourmet picnic foods and wood-fired pizzas.

Winery Tour and Transportation Services

For a worry-free wine tasting trip, consider a winery tour or transportation service. These services offer private luxury tours or group shuttles, letting you tailor your trip to your liking and budget. Companies like Black Tie Tours, A Great Oregon Wine Tour, and Insiders Wine Tour provide guides and transportation between wineries. Choosing a tour means you can enjoy the experience without the hassle of driving, making the most of your Oregon wine country visit.

What are the major wine regions in Oregon?

What types of wine is oregon known for, what are the best resources for finding wineries and planning a trip to oregon wine country, what is the best way to explore oregon’s wine regions, what are some notable wineries to visit in the willamette valley, what is the climate like in oregon’s wine regions, are there dining and accommodation options in oregon’s wine country, become a member, or come by for a tour.

Get in touch with us! Oregon Wine Reserve is a full service Wine Storage facility. Join to take advantage of our membership or send a request with your questions and we will get back to you.

OWR Editorial Team

Related posts.

Oregon Wine Pinot Noir: Discovering the Best

Oregon Wine Club: Best Choices

Best Oregon Wine Tours: Top Picks

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The Perfect Willamette Valley Weekend Itinerary in Oregon

Post Summary: The perfect Willamette Valley weekend itinerary for outdoor lovers

Looking for a great weekend trip from Portland ?

Just a short drive south is the Willamette Valley, filled with gorgeous wineries, relaxing stays, and a little adventure too!

In this post, we’re highlighting some things to do for 3 days in the Willamette Valley to help you plan your next Pacific Northwest getaway!

The Perfect Willamette Valley Weekend Itinerary, Oregon (Wineries, Waterfalls, and Wellness)

This post is in partnership with the Independence Hotel . All opinions, writing, and images are our own.

Where is the Willamette Valley?

The Willamette Valley is a ~150 mile stretch of rich soil in western Oregon that runs north to south, between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coastal Range.

This area is commonly referred to as “ Oregon Wine Country ” with 877 vineyards and 676 wineries covering the valley. The Willamette River flows across the entire valley creating rich, healthy soil throughout.

Several of Oregon’s biggest cities and towns run through this valley, including Eugene , Corvallis, Salem, McMinnville, Portland , Hillsboro, Beaverton, and Gresham. In nearly every town, you can find a local vineyard, winemaker, grower, or a tasting room to try .

The Willamette Valley is the ideal Portland weekend trip for a girl’s weekend, romantic getaway, or a relaxing nature escape from city life.

Wine and agriculture (fresh produce!) tend to be the most common reason people come to visit the Willamette Valley, but there are a plethora of other things to do too! From gorgeous Oregon waterfalls , access to the best Oregon coast beaches and mountain ranges, and even steaming Oregon hot springs , there’s a ton of outdoor adventure to be had!

Keep scrolling for our example itinerary for your perfect weekend in the Willamette Valley !

Day 1: Check into the Independence Hotel

The Independence Hotel is a boutique getaway nestled alongside the Willamette River in the historic town of Independence, Oregon .

It’s the perfect place to stay for an adventurous weekend combined with a little relaxation and luxury . Each room has pretty views of the surrounding area – either the darling downtown area, outdoor amphitheater nearby, or the sleepy flow of the river beyond can be seen from the rooms.

During our Willamette Valley weekend itinerary, we stayed in one of their suites complete with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and office! It was definitely a treat to experience such a grand room. Throughout the room, the walls and decorations were adorned by local Oregon artists and makers which made the place feel unique and special.

While in Independence, try strolling their downtown historic block which is an easy 5-minute walk from the Independence Hotel . Here, you’ll find charming bookstores, coffee shops, chocolatiers, and fun bars ( The Tap Station used to be an old auto garage!).

With in-room bike storage , you can even bring your bike from home to hit the nearby trails for a Willamette Valley tour and keep it in your room at night.

Come back for dinner at the hotel’s restaurant on site, Territory . They locally source their ingredients from growers and makers in the Willamette Valley!

Territory’s Pacific Northwest-inspired artisan dishes are the perfect way to enjoy local cuisine, especially when enjoyed out on their riverfront patio overlooking the creek!

Finally, grab some drinks and head up to the rooftop deck at the Independence Hotel ! Enjoy 360-degree views of the Willamette River, Riverfront Park, and the amphitheater just below.

It’s a peaceful place to wind down your evening and prepare for all the adventures ahead the next day.

Day 2: Hike To Silver Falls State Park

Seeking a little adventure on your Willamette Valley weekend itinerary?

Silver Falls State Park is one of the closest state parks to the Independence Hotel, about a 45-minute drive into the Cascade Mountains. You get to experience not one but several iconic waterfalls in Oregon in just one single park!

For a full day at Silver Falls State Park, consider hiking the famous Trail of Ten Falls , a 7.4-mile loop that tours 10 stunning falls including South Falls, North Falls, and more.

Discover more trails towards the coast: 26 Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes To Try This Weekend

The Trail of Ten Falls is moderate in difficulty, meaning it will take a few hours to complete, and has a bit of elevation change. However, taking the entire loop trail will bring you to some incredible Pacific Northwest gems!

You will experience walking under a few waterfalls , wandering the cool trails on the canyon floor, and maybe even dipping your toes in the creek during your lunch break. It’s a great way to spend a weekend in the Willamette Valley, especially with friends or family !

Read More: The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip Itinerary (5 Days to Two Weeks!)

Seeking even more waterfalls? Here are other Oregon waterfalls near the Willamette Valley:

• Abiqua Falls (east of Salem, OR – requires 4WD Vehicle)
• Drift Creek Falls (towards the coast)
• McDowell Creek Falls County Park
• Downing Creek Falls, Marion Falls, and Gatch Falls (Willamette National Forest)
• A little farther : over 25 Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to explore!

Read More: 150 Incredible Oregon Waterfalls You Must Add To Your Bucket List

Day 3: Go Wine Tasting

What is a weekend in the Willamette Valley without going wine tasting?

This region is widely and commonly compared to the Burgundy region of France . Both climates experience cool conditions with generous cloud cover and have similar factors like weather and climate, each with a touch of soil acidity.

Once Oregon wines were winning awards alongside their famous French rivals, the French winemakers started buying land in Oregon !

Looking for a Willamette Valley wineries map? Click here for a fun and interactive one !

For this particular Willamette Valley weekend itinerary, we visited Johan Vineyards .

Located in the Van Duzer Corridor AVA , this 85-acre winery is a certified Biodynamic Estate. This means that the winegrowers support a holistic farming view , putting energy into microbiological diversity in the soil, sustainable farming techniques, and seeking synergy and natural cooperation with the land.

This future-oriented approach means that Johan Vineyards is constantly experimenting with wine , producing the most honest tastes and combinations that are determined by the seasons and fruits that grow that particular year.

They are constantly trying new things, which means a wine tasting here is an exciting and unique experience in the Willamette Valley. Along with their delicious experiments, you also find fan favorites here, like the Oregon darling, Pinot Noir .

Take your pick of patio space, picnic tables, or Adirondack chairs under the native oak trees that dot the vineyard!

More Vineyards and Wineries in the Willamette Valley (near the Independence Hotel):

Looking for more wineries and vineyards in the Willamette Valley to enjoy?

Here are some of the best Willamette Valley wineries to experience around the towns of Independence, Dallas, and Monmouth.

Each destination provides its own unique set of amenities , including things like restaurants, live music, family-friendly areas, and more for a curated experience just for you!

• Redgate Vineyards & Winery (small bites and live music)
• Ankey Vineyard (pizza, small bites, live music, pet & family friendly)
• Eola Hills Wine Cellars Tasting Room (yoga, food parings)
• Illahe Vineyards (patio with views, pet & family friendly, food parings, vineyard tours)
• Benedetto Vineyards & Tasting Room (vineyard tours, scenic views, patio and picnic areas)
• Salt Creek Cider House (tasting room, patio & outdoor games, hiking, family friendly)
• Left Coast Estate (pizza, vineyard tours, pet & family friendly, hiking)

Read More: The 10 Best Romantic Picnic Spots on The Oregon Coast

How would you plan your Willamette Valley weekend itinerary? Let us know your favorite spots in the area below too so we can add them to future itineraries!

More oregon adventures.

The Complete Oregon Coast Road Trip (45 Stops and 4 Unique Itineraries!)

8 Adventurous Things To Do In Mount Hood Oregon This Weekend

12 Amazing Pacific Northwest Cabins To Refresh Your Soul This Season

The Ultimate Guide To Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor (Best Beaches, Hikes + more!)

15 Incredible Oregon Photography Locations Every Outdoor Photographer Must Capture

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A BLONDE VINTAGE

Girls weekend in oregon wine country.

There’s just nothing like spending quality time with your girlfriends. Whether celebrating a bachelorette party, a milestone birthday, or just a weekend away for no reason at all, and taking time for a girls weekend in Oregon Wine Country? Well, that just has all the elements for a definite good time! Now, I can hardly begin to tell you how excited I was when the stars aligned and me and my girlfriends were finally able to schedule a weekend girls trip in wine country! Honestly, the hardest part of the whole decision-making process was  what weekend?  We already knew we wanted to stay at The Independence Hotel , a new boutique retreat located right along the Willamette River and situated in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley Wine Country. It was the perfect hotel for our weekend away, and the best part? We were able to book their brand new Indy Squad Suite ! It was perfect!

A WARM WELCOME + SETTLING INTO OUR ROOM

The Independence Hotel  definitely knows how to make a first impression. From the moment we pulled up and entered the lobby, we were warmly greeted by staff. We chose to stay in the Indy Squad Suite , which was absolutely amazing! The layout provides for a large patio overlooking the city’s amphitheater, an expansive six-bunk bedroom with two bathrooms, a kitchenette, wet bar, plenty of closet space and a spacious lounge room.  The Independence Hotel knows that the difference is in the details, so we could not help but appreciate the little touches in the Indy Squad Suite  that made it stand above the rest. From the dual vanity’s in each bathroom and the high end local bath amenities to the quality bedding and row of lit vanity mirrors for getting ready, there was no shortage of amenities that made our stay as comfortable and luxurious as could be!

And let’s not forget to mention how much they absolutely spoiled us!  When we walked into the room it was already set with a cheese and charcuterie plate, local sparkling wine and sweet gift bags stuffed with local goodies.

As soon as we unpacked, we settled right in with a glass of Eola Amity sparkling wine and read through the itinerary that the hotel’s concierge services put together for us for the entire weekend! This complimentary service made for such an easy, stress free weekend – exactly how a Girls Weekend should be! Everything was completely planned out for us from dinner reservations, to wine tasting appointments. We were ready for the best weekend ever!

DINNER + A NIGHTCAP AT TERRITORY RESTAURANT

For our first evening, we decided to enjoy dinner and cocktails at the The Independence Hotel’s   onsite restaurant, Territory . I already knew that this was a MUST because not only was the food delicious (the hubs and I ate there during our couples weekend in early June!), but they seriously serve some of the BEST margaritas in Oregon! Inspired by the bounty of the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on fine artisan cuisine and fresh, local ingredients, Territory offers its guests a top-notch, one of a kind dining experience on the banks of the Willamette River. Aside from the food, my favorite part is their brand new atrium, which offers guests a large skylight covered space with views of the river. It’s stunning.

I’d also love to mention how delicious their cocktails are! Being my second time eating at the restaurant, we could not help but order multiple rounds of these delicious made-from-scratch Margaritas – easily some of the best in Oregon!

Not sure what to order? Some of our favorites included the Territory Sprouts, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Northwest Salmon and the Rib Eye! And do NOT forget about dessert! We stayed late, and along with our cocktail nightcap, ordered the cheesecake. Our server raved about it, and it definitely lived up to the praise!

A QUICK VISIT TO THE LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

There are two markets you will not want to miss when staying at The Independence Hotel over a weekend. First is the  Independence Farmers’ Market   which features an array of fresh, locally-grown produce, flowers and hand-crafted products. The second market is the Riverview Market  which is located in the Riverview Park Amphitheater Plaza on Main Street and features fresh, local produce, plants, and other products, as well as music and entertainment. Both markets run from April through November on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.

COFFEE + SHOPPING IN NEARBY MONMOUTH

Before we headed out wine tasting, we decided to pop over to the nearby town of Monmouth (about 10 minutes to the west) to grab coffee and do a little boutique shopping. We had heard about this adorable spot called The Sippery , a coffee and wine bar that had rave reviews on their cozy aesthetics and crafted coffee drinks. In fact, it’s owned by four sisters, who believe whole heartedly in community and bringing people together. It felt like the perfect place to kick off our ladies day!

Once we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised to see they had a ton of options from custom crafted coffee drinks to matcha, chai, protein smoothies and even delicious breakfast options! It was easy for us to all find something to enjoy despite having various diet restrictions. Not one to generally stray from my routine coffee and cream, I couldn’t help but indulge in one of their signature drinks and selected the Pendleton, a delicious combination of chai and two shots of espresso. We even splurged and got a few rounds of mimosas to kick off the morning! Looking around the table at all my girlfriends, it was easy to see that we all loved  our beverages and breakfast items of choice. So definitely mark  The Sippery  as a high priority stop on your next trip to the area!

Afterwards we popped next door to this adorable boutique shop called The Find . A beautiful combination of home goods and dècor, women’s clothing and accessories…we were even pleasantly surprised to find out that this cute shop was owned by small business owner who was local to Monmouth. As big supporters of shopping locally (everyone knows shopping locally is a good way to support small businesses!), we loved the designer and brand name clothing, purses, jewelry, shoes and unique finds. Let’s just say, none of us left empty handed! For a complete list of all the boutique shopping in downtown Monmouth, click here !

WINE TASTING 

For this weekend, we took advantage of the local, expert concierge at the hotel to book our tasting appointments and we were not disappointed with her selections! Both wineries we visited were exceptional.

Varnum Vintners    Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, this boutique winery makes delicious, small production wines with a focus on quality and vintage. It’s a wonderful stop along the Eola-Amity route if you’re looking for sparkling, old vine Rieslings or unique Pinots and I love how ready to drink all their wines are. No need to wait three years before opening a bottle, you can enjoy their wines right away!

During our visit to Varnum Vintners we were taught the art of sabering! If you’re new to this concept, sabrage is a technique for opening a sparkling wine bottle (traditionally Champagne) with a saber. A saber is a type of backsword with a curved blade associated with the light cavalry of the early modern and Napoleonic periods. To open the bottle, the wielder will take the saber and slide it along the body seam of the bottle to the lip to break the top of the neck away, leaving the neck of the bottle open and ready to pour. If you’ve never ever seen it done, it’s FANTASTIC! However, I will warn you, this should only be performed by a trained individual. No one wants a party pooper heading to the emergency room for a missing finger.

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Bryn Mawr  was our second winery stop and is easily one of our favorite wineries in the valley. In fact, in the beginning, wine was made between the owners basement and a former wedding tent for 8 vintages until in 2018, when they were able to open their new winery facility closely followed by a new tasting room in 2019. The new tasting room boasts sweeping views of the Van Duzer corridor all the way to the Cascades and Oregon Coast Range, with rolling hills inbetween. It’s simply breathtaking. They offer whites and pinks which are nervy, acid-driven, and refreshingly crisp even in the hottest of vintages, and reds which are bold, edgy, and dense. Their wines are easily some of the best I’ve had in Oregon and it’s a hands on family affair, which is noticed in every detail, including the quality of their wines. Our favorite during this trip was their Rosè sparkling wine!

During our tasting we enjoyed a cheese and charcuterie board and fresh made paninis they offer to guests. It was delicious and the perfect way to leisurly enjoy the afternoon, view and company.

WALK TO DINNER AT GILGAMESH’S THE RIVER

A five minute walk from The Independence Hotel is downtown Independence, it’s relatively small, but the charming main street has cute shops, restaurants and features a handful of local breweries, including The RIVER.

The RIVER   is the newest spot from Gilgamesh Brewing featuring hand tossed pizzas, sandwiches on handmade bread, delish craft beers and even craft cocktails made from local spirits! Founded by brothers Mike, Nick, and Matt Radtke, Gilgamesh’s first location–called The Campus–is located on Madrona Avenue in South Salem and the second location The Woods is located in West Salem, The RIVER is their third location.

We decided on this spot because of their amazing food, beers and expansive outdoor patio and started our meal with an order of their famous fried pickles and Stoney Fries – handcut fries loaded with peppered bacon, chipotle sour cream, and shredded cheese. Personally, I washed it all down with 20 oz of their Doug Firocious IPA, one of my favorite beers of all time. Bold statement, I know. However, ever since we moved from the Salem area…I’ve been craving this beer non-stop!

ROOFTOP NIGHTCAP

Once we got back to the hotel, we brought the evening to a close with one last nightcap on the hotel’s rooftop. Complete with comfy couches and a firepit, we leisurly enjoyed watching the final rays of light escape the sky while we cozied up around the fire. It was the perfect end to the most perfect day together.

CHECKING OUT

Sunday morning we ordered from the complimentary breakfast menu which featured several delicious options. We all agreed we loved how you simply called down your order (including breakfast beverages!), and pick it up once the restaurant staff indicated it was ready. We were then able to enjoy one last breakfast all together in our Indy Squad Suite  before checking out and heading home.

I am so happy we decided to treat ourselves and enjoy our girls weekend in Oregon Wine Country at The Independence Hotel ,  it was the perfect way to recharge and reconnect!  In fact, The Independence gave me a special promo code to share if you would like to book your own romantic weekend or girl’s getaway, simply use coupon code “ Marissa10 ” for 10% off your future stay ! Such an amazing deal!

If you’re looking for more girls trip destinations in Oregon , definitely check out this recent blog post covering all of  the top spa resorts in the area. All you will need to do is call up your best girls, choose your favorite spot, pack a bag or two, and get ready to make some incredible memories.

p.s. Looking for other wineries in the area of The Independence Hotel?  Check out this blog post on the Wine Tasting in the Eola-Amity Hills of Willamette Valley !

Thank you to The Independence Hotel  for sponsoring this post Girls Weekend in Oregon Wine Country!   All opinions are honest and my own and I truly appreciate your support that makes this blog possible! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases as well as other affiliate links found in this post.  Please see my  Disclosure for more information. Girls Weekend in Oregon Wine Country Girls Weekend in Oregon Wine Country

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Oregon Wine Country

$call for pricing, daily distance, 15-45 miles, included activities, cycling (bikes included), wine tasting, evergreen aviation & space museum, included meals, all included.

It was a great experience. We loved the challenge and being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. The guides were fun and easy to be around.

Oregon’s Willamette Valley wine region is home to 500+ wineries. Just 45 minutes southwest of Portland, it’s one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir-producing regions, holding 2016’s ‘Wine Region of the Year’ award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. On this most romantic tour, explore the tranquil back roads, covered bridges, and vineyards of this enchanting area. It’s also ideal for those with differing ability levels or who have limited vacation time. Mouthwatering dining and impeccable lodging, plus a few delightful surprises, make this tour truly special.

Note: Lodging arrangements at Youngberg Hill make this trip ideal for couples or friends willing to share a bed. We will have to charge our Single Supplement fee for anyone traveling solo as there are no rooms with two beds.

Meet in Portland, Oregon. Ride from award winning Anne Amie Vineyards to Willakenzie Estate.

– Lunch – Dinner

Youngberg Hill Inn

+1,010 ft / -869 ft

Meet in Portland. Shuttle to the town of Newburg for a bike fitting. Head out on peaceful rural roads to Willakenzie Estate winery near Yamhill, known as much for its lovely grounds as its wine. After a leisurely lunch and wine tasting at Anne Amie Vineyards, shuttle south to award-winning Youngberg Hill, your home for the week. This is truly a special place of luxury and romance: sumptuous rooms boast stunning views of the vineyards and hillsides; some offer fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Take time to stroll through the 50-acre working estate and vineyards.

Ride to world-class Lawrence Gallery, showcase of fine Pacific Northwest art. After lunch at a winery, it's on to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum.

– Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

+1,473 ft / -954 ft

After feasting on the inn’s tasty breakfast, bicycle from the inn downhill to the valley floor, stopping at the  Lawrence Gallery , an award-winning art center known to collectors and artists around the world. Continue cruising through farmland to another winery for lunch. Hop in the van for a shuttle back to Youngberg Hill, stopping at the Evergreen Aviation Museum for a look at Howard Hughes’ Spruce Goose, a spy plane, and more than 75 historical aircraft.

Savor the offerings on a tour of the Willamette Valley’s finest wineries. Explore turn-of-the-century McMinnville.

Today, enjoy a van tour of some of the best and most interesting wineries in the area, with plenty of time for tasting at each (if you prefer to bicycle, that’s an option as well.) Have lunch at a delightful café in old-town McMinnville and take time to explore its art galleries and boutique shops.

Ride a peaceful road curving along the banks of the Willamette River to Champoeg State Heritage Area. Time for a final toast and delightful picnic lunch before heading back to Portland.

– Breakfast – Lunch

+1,286 ft / -1,852 ft

Ride south through the relatively flat Willamette Valley this morning, past fields of nursery stock, over covered bridges and along peaceful roads. Cross the Willamette River on a small ferry to pedal north through fertile farmland to Champoeg State Heritage Area, once a pioneer town, for a finale celebration and lunch among the oaks and ash trees. Then hop into the van for the shuttle back to Portland.

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Bucket-List Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

March 15, 2024 //  by  Follow Me Away //   45 Comments

Planning the perfect Oregon road trip itinerary doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming!

Oregon has so much to offer including lively cities, great wineries, a gorgeous coastline, amazing waterfalls, and stunning mountains.

I love to road trip Oregon and have explored the state from top to bottom. I have yet to be disappointed by a single place! If you are planning a trip to Oregon, I am here to help!

Highlights of this road trip planner for Oregon include:

• Multnomah Falls
• Willamette Valley Wineries
• Oregon Caves National Monument
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Cannon Beach

My Oregon example itinerary is written in a clockwise manner around the state, beginning and ending in the Portland area. Feel free to modify it for your interests and do it on your own schedule.

Don’t forget to check out my detailed road trip packing list so you don’t forget any essentials!

Get ready to plan the best Oregon vacation itinerary!

Oregon Road Trip Map

To save you some time, I created this Oregon road trip map. Click the link below and plug the map into your GPS.

Sometimes having a visual of where you are going is very helpful when planning a road trip!

This Oregon road trip map will help you plan your stops and get an idea of where they are located.

Click Here For Oregon Road Trip Map

Start Your Oregon Road Trip By Flying Into Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and also the most accessible to fly into to begin your Oregon road trip.

Both affordable international and domestic flights fly into Portland. I recommend  checking out Skyscanner to find the best and most affordable flights. You can easily compare rates.

Alternatively, if you have a shorter amount of time, I recommend flying into Eugene, Oregon.

Eugene is centrally located so you can do either the top or bottom half of the state more easily, depending on your schedule and desires. Flying into Eugene can be more expensive than Portland, however.

After landing in whichever airport you choose, you can pick up your rental vehicle and hit the road!

Stop 1: Portland And The Columbia River Gorge

In case you didn’t know, the motto of the city is “Keep Portland Weird” so you really want to stop in Portland for at least a day to check it out before you begin your Oregon road trip.

I stayed in Portland for 4 days and used it as a base to explore the nearby Columbia River Gorge but you can choose to fly in, see the city, and then head out to nature if you prefer.

There is so much to see and do in Portland !

I recommend visiting the world-famous Japanese Garden which will transport you to another culture. Washington Park is another great stop as well if you love the outdoors.

Where Portland really shines is the food scene. During your time in the city, check out some of the food carts! They have drawn international acclaim and once you take a bite, it is easy to see why!

From sweets and crepes to pho and comfort food, the food carts in Portland will not let you down!

If you have never checked out Voodoo Doughnut, it is a bit touristy but a classic! I promise you it is delicious and worth the wait.

Book Here: City of Portland Tour: Historic and Iconic Sights

Book Here: Portland: All-Inclusive Walking Food Tour

The Columbia River Gorge is a magical stretch of land about 45 minutes away from Portland! To explore it, you can either camp nearby, stay in Portland, or stay in the nearby town of Cascade Locks.

The Columbia River Gorge is filled with beautiful waterfalls and hikes, making it one of the top Oregon travel destinations!

Best Columbia River Gorge Road Trip Stops

Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is an Oregon itinerary classic! You’ve probably seen at least one photo of this popular waterfall!

Multnomah Falls is the most popular stop in the Columbia River Gorge area and it is easily accessible from the road. Walk to the base of the falls or take a short hike and cross over the iconic bridge.

I recommend taking the short hike as the view from the bridge is beautiful!

Latourell Falls. I love Latourell Falls because you can see basalt columns up close and personal.

This is the closest waterfall to Portland and makes a great first stop on your Oregon road trip.

There is a Latourell Falls hike that is 2 miles, but you only have to walk a few feet from the parking lot to see the actual waterfall so don’t let the hiking distance put you off!

Wachella Falls. I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful waterfall!

Wachella Falls is an easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike. It is perfect for families or people who don’t want to hike super far for a great payoff!

Wachella Falls is a great afternoon hike and the shade from the gorge protects you from the sun if it is a hot day. Pack a picnic lunch!

Book Here: From Portland: Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour

Recommended Time To Spend

Set aside at least one day to explore Portland if you are looking for a city atmosphere.

Depending on what you want to do in the Columbia River Gorge, I recommend spending 1-2 days exploring the area especially if you want to do a lot of hiking.

If you are on a limited schedule, you can do the Columbia River Gorge area in one day on your out of Portland. Start your day early so you have enough time to see everything.

Best Hotels In Portland :

• The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Bluebird Guesthouse . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 2: Mount Hood

Mount Hood is the most famous mountain in Oregon and is actually a volcano! This is such a unique stop on a road trip in Oregon.

Mount Hood is located a little over 2 hours away from Portland and you will pass through the Columbia River Gorge on your way there.

One of my favorite views of Mount Hood is from Trillium Lake. This lake is very easily accessible and a great spot to watch the sunset or to shoot astrophotography.

If you want to do more hiking, Lost Lake provides a similar view to Trillium Lake but takes more effort to get to.

Mount Hood is the perfect stop on your eastern Oregon itinerary if you love adventure and the outdoors!

You can drive up Mount Hood itself and there is a lodge at the top. If you are planning the best trip to Oregon during the winter or fall, Mount Hood may have snow and the peak is open for skiing!

In the summer, many of the best hikes in Oregon start from the lodge on top of the mountain.

Book Here: Portland: Mt. Hood Day Tour

We recommend spending at least one night exploring the Mount Hood area. Mount Hood is centrally located between the Columbia River Gorge and Bend, your next stop, so if you just have to catch it as you pass by, that is okay too!

At a minimum, you should try and visit Trillium Lake for some wonderful mountain views as it is one of the nicest places to see in Oregon!

Best Hotels Near Mount Hood:

• Located On Mount Hood: Timberline Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Beautiful, Modern Lodge: Cooper Spur Mountain Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 3: Painted Hills And Smith Rock

Did you think you would see the desert during your Oregon road trip? The Oregon Desert takes up most of the state. It just doesn’t get much love when people are looking for places to visit in Oregon.

I recommend getting an early start as the Painted Hills are a bit out of the way and it takes about three hours to reach them from the Mount Hood area.

The Painted Hills are unique and in a very rural area of Oregon, so I highly recommend ensuring your gas tank is completely full before venturing out.

When visiting the Painted Hills in Oregon, I suggest doing the Painted Cove Trail and the Painted Hills Overlook. The Painted Hills are nice just to drive around if you don’t want to do any of the walks.

This is the desert so if you visit Oregon during the summer, bring extra sun protection and lots of water!

Finally, don’t ever step off the approved trail as these locations are very fragile and even one set of footprints will ruin the landscape.

If you need to save time on your Oregon itinerary you can skip the Painted Hills and head straight to Smith Rock.

If you have never heard of Smith Rock State Park , you are in for a real treat! This is the true desert on your eastern Oregon road trip. It is a hiker and rock climber’s paradise!

I recommend visiting either during sunrise or sunset if you want to beat the heat. Smith Rock is one of the best places to see in the state. Make sure it tops your road trip to Oregon!

Smith Rock State Park is located just 40 minutes from the adorable city of Bend, Oregon, and about 1 hour from the Painted Hills so it is easy to do both in one day.

That said, many serious hikers and climbers choose to spend multiple days exploring Smith Rock State Park during their Oregon trips.

If you aren’t a big hiker, simply visiting Smith Rock and walking around will be enough. Believe it or not, “the view” is accessible right from the parking lot so you don’t have to go on a long hike.

I was honestly surprised that the more famous view could be seen right from the parking lot and pleased about it too!

If you are looking for a hike, the Misery Ridge Hike is a popular choice. It is quite steep and strenuous so wear proper hiking gear.

This hike will take you to the top of Smith Rock for memorable views as far as the eye can see.

When you are done exploring the area, I recommend spending the night in Bend, Oregon! You will love the brewpub culture, delicious food, and cute downtown!

I recommend at least one full day exploring the Painted Hills and Smith Rock State Park. They can both be completed in a day if you leave early.

If you have more time or want to do more hiking and climbing, then you can stay two days in the area.

Best Hotels Near Bend, Oregon:

• Classic: DoubleTree By Hilton Bend . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Budget: Cascade Lodge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 4: Oregon Waterfalls And Hot Springs Near Eugene

After Bend, you will head through a stunningly rugged mountain pass that is now a lava field as far as the eye can see. This is a great photo opportunity as lava fields aren’t common in the United States!

Once you cross through the lava field, you will pass from the desert into a beautiful lush forest. This is one of my favorite parts of this Oregon itinerary and you are going to love it!

Proxy Falls

As you descend the mountain pass, you will enter the forest that is home to the stunning Proxy Falls! This is my favorite waterfall on this itinerary for Oregon!

This waterfall is breathtaking in person and you really can’t tell how large it is until you get up close!

Proxy Falls Loop Trail is a well-trafficked, 1.6-mile trail. It is well-marked and I consider it easy. It winds through a beautiful forest and down along a mossy lava field before you arrive at Proxy Falls.

I recommend taking the trail to Lower Proxy Falls which will bring you to the base. Be warned: the final hike down to Lower Proxy Falls is quite steep and may not be accessible for everyone.

If you can’t hike all the way to the base, there are a few lovely viewpoints where you can see the entire falls without the steep downhill hike.

Sahalie And Koosah Falls

After Proxy Falls, continue to Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls. These waterfalls are located along the crystal-blue McKenzie River and are some of the best waterfalls in Oregon !

Both Sahalie and Koosah Falls are very easily accessible from the parking lot and there is virtually no hike at all to see these stunning waterfalls!

Sahalie Falls thunders down over a ledge and Koosah Falls ends in a perfectly blue pool of water.

Don’t skip these waterfalls because you can see them quickly and be on your way. Both of these waterfalls make noteworthy stops on an Oregon road trip!

Make sure to check road closures before heading out to these waterfalls.

Tamolitch Blue Pool

Tamolitch Blue Pool is one of the best places to visit in Oregon if you are looking for something unique during your trip!

This fascinating water feature is located along the McKenzie River Trail! This pool is crystal clear to the point that it appears to only be a few feet deep. In reality, it is closer to 30-40 feet deep!

Tamolitch Blue Pool is marked as one of the best swimming holes in the world, but this is false and you should beware! The water here, although beautiful, is extremely cold, in the 30s, and is not meant for swimming.

The forest service regularly has to save people who have jumped in and been shocked by the cold water.

Plus, swimming in Tamolitch Blue Pool will ruin it because of the oils on your clothes and skin as well as your makeup or sunscreen.

When visiting, I urge you to look with your eyes and not jump in the water for both your sake and the environment.

Terwilliger Hot Springs

Since I am on a “blue” theme, Terwilliger Hot Springs is an interesting addition to your itinerary.

These Oregon hot springs are tucked away in the mountains in the McKenzie River area and look like something out of a storybook.

They are clear, blue pools heated by the lava underneath the volcanic mountain, and you have a view of the forest while you soak. There are also multiple pools with varying temperatures.

Keep in mind that nudity is allowed at Terwilliger Hot Springs and if you decide to make this a stop, you need to be prepared.

You can wear swimsuits as I did, but other bathers may not so you need to make sure to be respectful.

There are even families with kids at Terwilliger Hot Springs, despite it being a nude hot spring .

Visit Eugene For Brew And Foodie Culture

You will spend the night in Eugene, Oregon, which is the hub of central Oregon.

There are so many delicious places to eat in Eugene, and I particularly love the 5th Street Public Market. It is a unique little area with shops and dining.

Eugene is a college town so there may be a college football game during your stay. This is a very busy time for Eugene so be sure to plan ahead as lodging options can fill up quickly.

I highly recommend spending at least 1 night in Eugene and giving the entire McKenzie River area 2 full days to explore.

You may want to use Eugene as a “base” to explore the next two stops or continue and stay in the heart of each future stop. Since the next two stops are nearby, Eugene may have affordable lodging options.

Best Hotels Near Eugene: 

• Mid-Range: Downtown Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Luxury in Downtown: Graduate Eugene . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 5: Wine In The Willamette Valley

If you love wine, you are going to  love the  Willamette Valley ! It is home to over 500 wineries and is second only to Napa Valley in the United States for the production of wine.

Sounds crazy, right? I thought so too until I saw what a Willamette Valley winery looked like!

The Willamette Valley is 150 miles long and you can either stay in a local bed and breakfast in the valley or use Eugene as your base.

I visited King Estate Winery and was majorly impressed! King Estate Winery is like being in Tuscany, Italy! The landscaping, the vineyards, and the huge manor house all come together to transport you to Italy!

If you are into wine, you can spend a good portion of your Oregon road trip sipping wine and eating cheese and crackers.

Book Here: Willamette Valley Wine Tour

If you want to experience the Willamette Valley on your Oregon road trip and aren’t hugely into wine, you can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the wineries.

If you are a big wine fan, you could easily spend 1-2 full days in the Willamette Valley wine region because there is so much to see and do!

You may even want to skip this stop altogether if wine isn’t your thing.

Where To Stay In The Willamette Valley:

• Beautiful B&B: LANZAROTTA Bed and Breakfast . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 6: Covered Bridges In Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove is a hidden gem along your Oregon trip, and I highly recommend visiting the little town. It is located less than 45 minutes from Eugene. If you want to pop over for a day trip, it is easily accessible.

If you think covered bridges are boring, you are mistaken! They are super fun and a unique piece of history. Plus, Oregon is home to the most covered bridges west of the Mississippi!

Cottage Grove is home to a covered bridge trail. You can choose to either drive or take a bike along the road and visit them all. I recommend driving and getting out at each covered bridge.

There are covered bridges located right in the heart of Cottage Grove and others that you need to see by driving a bit outside of town. You will love all these covered bridges in Oregon !

While in the Cottage Grove area, you can get off the beaten path and visit some lesser-known waterfalls once you are done hunting covered bridges.

Pinard Falls, Spirit Falls, and Moon Falls are all located within 45 minutes of Cottage Grove.

Each waterfall is located down a small dirt road high in the Umpqua Forest and requires a short and steep moderate downhill hike to get to. Find more info about waterfall wandering in Cottage Grove !

Cottage Grove is definetly a great hidden gem for the best Oregon road trips!

I suggest spending at least 1 day exploring Cottage Grove during your trip to Oregon!

If hidden waterfalls and covered bridges don’t sound interesting, you can skip Cottage Grove. But if you want to explore the area, you are going to need at least one full day to do it justice!

Where To Stay In Cottage Grove Oregon:

• Mid-Range with a Pool: Best Western Cottage Grove Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Mid-Range: Cottage Grove Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 7: Oregon Caves National Monument

Did you know there are caves in Oregon? The Oregon Caves are the most detailed cave system west of the Mississippi and something you shouldn’t miss.

The caves can be accessed from the small town of Cave Junction along highway 199. Once you turn off the road, it is quite a long and winding drive up to the Oregon Caves.

Keep in mind that the caves are cold and damp so dress appropriately. If you don’t have warm clothes, the Ranger Center has free jackets you can wear when exploring the caves. 

This is a great stop if you are traveling with kids as they love the caves and there are lots of programs including Junior Ranger programs and Ranger-led walks.

I suggest spending between 1-3 hours exploring the Oregon Caves! That should be enough time to visit the caves and enjoy the Visitor Center. 

Where To Stay In Grant’s Pass [Closest City To Oregon Caves]:

• Mid-Range: The Lodge At Riverside . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Beautifu Hotel with Pool: Redwood Hyperion Suites . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 8: Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor  

The  Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is my absolute favorite part of this Oregon road trip guide! I love this little slice of the Oregon coast and it is essentially a mini-road trip in itself.

There are over eleven awesome stops here and each one has something unique to offer.

My favorite part is Natural Bridges and Secret Beach. I have been back to each of these places multiple times and each time I am stunned at the beauty and scale of each.

If you want to find the top viewpoints at Natural Bridges, check out my article on the best photography locations in Oregon .

If you want to focus more on the Oregon coastline, I also have a detailed Oregon coast road trip itinerary .

Best Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor Stops :

• Arch Rock (Mile 344.8) 
• Secret Beach (Between Mile Marker 344-345)
• Spruce Island (Mile 345.0)
• Thunder Rock Cove (Mile 345.8)
• Natural Bridges (Mile 346.0)
• North Island (Mile 347.4)
• Thomas Creek Bridge (Mile 347.8)
• Indian Sands (Mile 348.6)
• Whaleshead Overlook (Mile 349.3)
• House Rock (Mile 351.2)
• Cape Ferrelo (Mile 351.9)
• Lone Ranch Picnic Area (Mile 352.6)

Some people head through the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor in a single day. I personally think that is way too fast but if you are pressed for time, it is still 100% worth the stop.

If you want a more detailed experience, I recommend between 2-3 days here because there are so many hikes and stops.

I have even spent as long as 4-5 days here so you know that it is just a really fantastic stop when taking a trip along the Oregon coast.

Hotels Near Samuel H. Boardman:

• Affordable: Brookings Inn Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Rental Home with Views: Whaleshead Ridge . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 9: Bandon And Florence Beaches

After you leave Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor located on the southern Oregon coast, you are going to visit some wonderful stops on the mid-southern coast.

This is a stunning part of the Oregon road trip itinerary and Bandon is my second favorite stop along the Oregon coast.

Bandon is such an underrated stop and the beach is everything you would hope for in a Pacific Northwest beach.

Bandon Beach is home to towering sea stacks, sea caves, tide pools, and walking trails. It offers so much to see and do!

If you can, make sure to go at low tide so you can walk into the sea caves. Just be sure to not stay out there too long because you don’t want to be stuck in rising water!

Seeing the sunset on the beach in Bandon is a must-do and I highly recommend it!

Where To Stay In Bandon:

• Mid-Range: La Kris Inn . Check Rates: Booking.com

Once you are done in Bandon, head to Florence which marks the middle point of the Oregon Coast. Florence is one of the quaint towns on the Oregon coast and really evokes a vintage flair.

Another unique location? The Oregon Sand Dunes is located just to the south of Florence! The Oregon Sand Dunes are so much fun landscape to explore.

Finally, make sure to stop at Thor’s Well , about 30 minutes north of Florence, either while you are staying in the town or while you proceed along to the northern Oregon coast. 

I recommend spending one day in Bandon and one day in Florence.

If you don’t have two days, then spend one night in Bandon and drive through Florence with stops at the Oregon Sand Dunes and Thor’s Well.

Where To Stay In Florence:

• On the Beach: Driftwood Shores Resort . Check Rates: Booking.com

Stop 10: Cape Kiwanda And Cannon Beach

Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach are a few hours away from each other and offer similar yet unique experiences.

Cape Kiwanda is famous for a huge sea stack that sits out in the water. Here, you can drive straight onto the beach when allowed and then walk along the sand dunes to explore and hike.

When you visit Cape Kiwanda, I suggest taking your shoes off and walking around in bare feet. If you hike in shoes, they will fill with sand and get bogged down making it uncomfortable and hard to walk.

Where To Stay In Cape Kiwanda:

• Mid-Range: Inn At Cape Kiwanda . Check Rates: Booking.com

Cannon Beach is 1.5 hours north of Cape Kiwanda and is the furthest north you will visit on this Oregon road trip.

Like Cape Kiwanda, Cannon Beach is home to a massive sea stack that sits right off the beach. Unlike Cape Kiwanda, the sea stack here is much closer to the beach so you can really feel the presence of the towering rock.

Almost all Oregon road trip itineraries include Cannon Beach because it is so famous!

I highly recommend adding both of these stops to Oregon driving routes as both beaches are so pretty!

Book Here: From Portland: Oregon Coast Day Trip Cannon Beach Area

I suggest spending a few hours in Cape Kiwanda and then spending the night at Cannon Beach. If you want to do serious hiking at Cape Kiwanda, then schedule more time here.

If you start early, you should have enough time to hit both Cape Kiwanda and Cannon Beach all in one day.

Cannon Beach is a very popular seaside town so it is a great way to end your Oregon road trip with a walk along the beach and some relaxation before flying home.

Where To Stay At Cannon Beach:

• Great Views: Inn At Haystack Rock . Check Rates: Booking.com
• Affordable: Ocean Front Motel . Check Rates: Booking.com

End Your Oregon Road Trip In Portland 

Once you finish exploring Cannon Beach, you have less than a two-hour drive to get back to Portland. This drive is very easy and quite scenic.

I love how you can see the progression as you leave the beachy coast of Oregon and head up through the mountains before coming through a tunnel and arriving back in Portland.

If you didn’t have enough time to explore Portland at the beginning of your Oregon road trip itinerary, now is a great time to have a day or two in the city.

If you are flying out the same day you leave Cannon Beach, the drive from Cannon Beach to Portland is very easy with little traffic so as long as you leave enough time.

Now you know how to plan a trip to Oregon and see all the best towns, slices of coastline, waterfalls, and hidden gems!

I hope you have a great time exploring Oregon by car! Next, check out my tips for traveling to Oregon !

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Reader Interactions

May 4, 2019 at 4:15 pm

this is so helpful! would you be able to share places to stay or where you stayed along the way?

May 5, 2019 at 1:53 pm

We stayed in a variety of Aribnbs and also hotels. If you have a place you are looking at [a city for example] we can try and remember where we stayed! We should update this post with all that information! Sorry we haven’t!

May 6, 2019 at 1:36 pm

planning a july trip. DO you know if we could route this to include Crater lake but keep around the same time frame if we were to skip Eugene, Willamette and Cottage Grove?

May 6, 2019 at 10:04 pm

Yes that is totally doable!!! And keeping it around the same time!

October 8, 2020 at 2:27 pm

Hi. I want to thank you for your great road trip guide. We did this trip in summer 2019 in an Rv in 3 weeks. A beautiful state, very friendly people. Our kids loved it. We liked Omsi science museum in Portland for kids. Kings wine estate was an experience for us and kids to. Did spent lots of time in Powel book store. Thanks again. Warm greetings from Aruba, Joost

October 8, 2020 at 2:39 pm

Enjoy!!!!! It is so much fun! Thanks for commenting!

May 23, 2021 at 2:25 pm

We would like to do this in 10 or 11 days, but thinking of eliminating Eugene for Crater lake as well. We really love Hiking and the animals, photography. With that being said should we eliminate Eugene and replace with crater? Also want to dig for a day for Sunstone so what area would require 2 nts to do so?? . Thanks, Lisa

May 24, 2019 at 12:36 pm

Cannon beach is gorgeous. Stop at Tillamook for some ice cream. Drift Creek Falls is a nice hike to a suspension bridge. Heceta Head Lighthouse, Hobbit trail to the beach. Sisters, Oregon is a cute little town. Trillion Lake. We did so much more in a week. I planned it all thru Pinterest but due to wildfires, Gorge was closed. Can be reached for more info and pics

May 24, 2019 at 1:42 pm

YES! Pinterest is such a great resource!

May 24, 2019 at 8:44 pm

This is an awesome itinerary. Planning to go July mid. Is it a good time to do Oregon? Can I know how many days trip is this? from the day you guys land to when you flew back? What places did you guys spend the nights? We will plan the similar way.

May 24, 2019 at 11:18 pm

You can do it as long or short as you want. We flew in and out of Portland and took two weeks to do it. Another time we flew into Eugene and did the bottom half of this itinerary and just looped back around in 2 weeks too but we like to spend a long time at each destination. You can do it shorter if you don’t want to spend multiple days seeing each thing!

May 24, 2019 at 10:43 pm

Nancy Can you share your itinerary? We are going for a week and wanted to cover everything in Oregon.

May 27, 2019 at 6:12 pm

Planning a week in June/July, want to see as much as possible, probably skip the eastern Oregon things, can you share itinerary you did? Where should we make sure and see?

May 28, 2019 at 12:42 pm

Great reviews and tips! So many of these places are on my list!

I’m heading to Oregon/CA for 2 weeks this summer with my husband and son and am planning the following… Columbia River Gorge 2 nights, Mt Hood 1 night, Bend 2 nights, Crater Lake 2 nights, Redwoods/Klamath 4 nights, Yachats 2 nights. Then we have a final day to head back to Portland for the flight out… so, question for all… would it be better to continue up the coast from Yachats toward Seaside and spend the last night in the state on the beach or head inland and spend our final day touring wineries in the valley?

June 18, 2019 at 1:45 am

I live in Oregon. I vote go inland.

June 22, 2019 at 4:51 pm

Definitely go inland and explore the Willamette Valley! It’s beautiful during the summer and McMinnville has beautiful wineries and tasting rooms. Go to Durant Farms, the view is stunning!!!

September 20, 2020 at 2:48 am

This is crap. You claim it to be an “Oregon” road TRIP but it is nothing more than a northwest Oregon trip. There is no central Oregon, and there is definitely not anything closely related to eastern Oregon. Stop claiming something

June 8, 2019 at 10:25 pm

This was the perfect itinerary for my trip to oregon – barely did any planning other than reading up on here and a little more for each place! We did a 6 day trip, cutting out a few things but loved every minute of this trip! Thanks for sharing!!

June 8, 2019 at 10:33 pm

That is SO AWESOME to hear! And exactly why we designed it this way! Cut out what you want or don’t have time for and do the rest!

June 21, 2019 at 5:50 pm

You COMPLETELY missed Eastern Oregon!!! And, in my opinion, you missed some of the best gems of the state! i.e. The Steens Mountains! Owyhee Canyon Country! Joseph, Oregon and the Imnaha’s. To bad! More for the rest of us! 🙂

June 22, 2019 at 12:35 pm

We can only write on what we have seen and been to or else it wouldn’t be fair 🙂

December 19, 2019 at 5:23 pm

Agree 100%! There are so many things to see in Eastern Oregon: Jon Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Painted Hills are part of), Pendleton Underground Tours, stunning views along Hwy 395, Wallowa Lake and Mt. Howard, Hells Canyon, Baker City and Sumpter, Rome Pinnacles, Owyhee River Gorge, Steens Mountain (breathtaking!), Alvord Desert, Crack-in-the-ground, Hole-in-the-ground, Newberry Crater National Monument (obsidian flow, lava tube cave, lava cast forest) and so many more! And a side note: we here in Eastern Oregon really don’t consider Bend to be a part of EO; Bend is Central Oregon! 🙂

June 22, 2019 at 3:15 pm

Love this! I will return and print out maps. Thanks so much

June 22, 2019 at 4:49 pm

You should also come and visit McMinnville, Oregon if you’re into wine tastings they have some beautiful vineyards and amazing views if you know where to look! (I don’t live there I just think it’s beautiful.)

October 23, 2019 at 3:39 pm

Hello This is awesome. Just reading about motivated for me to do this road trip. We are planning to do this during the thanks giving time. I know it is not the best time but just want to do it as much as we can. We waited so long to go to Oregon so now we thought we will start off. Do you have any suggestions or recomendations. Thank you

June 23, 2019 at 1:02 pm

We are heading to Eugene in July and will have 5 days do day trips. Eugene will be our hub each night. What do you suggest as must see locations? Thanks. We have seen Florence and Cottage Crove on a prievous trip. I love wine!

June 24, 2019 at 9:47 pm

Oh gosh so many! Def Proxy Falls, Terwilliger Hot springs, Koosah and Salahie. If you can, make it up to Salem and silver falls state park. You can also go to Smith Rock its far but amazing!

July 4, 2019 at 2:28 am

Man, if you ever edit or add to this Ashland has to be on that list. Best small town in Oregon, the food, the hikes, the Shakespeare festival!

July 30, 2019 at 8:26 am

Planning a week in December, want to see the beautiful scenes, probably skip the west part of Oregon . What should be the best place to stay there ?

July 30, 2019 at 2:11 pm

Hello! We recommend hotels for each and every stop on this list! Please let us know if there is a specific area you don’t see! If it isn’t on this list it is probably something we aren’t super familiar with! Thanks1

September 10, 2019 at 2:44 pm

Great information! Planning an anniversary trip in September and want to see the Coast, Columbia River Gorge, and Willamette Valley and whatever else we can fit in to our schedule. Arriving early to Portland on a Thursday morning. Do you suggest we head to the coast right away and head south to avoid crowds there and work our way back to Portland from Bandon to fly home on Tuesday evening? Not sure how to plan our itinerary to dodge weekend traveler crowds. Of course, I am sure we will need to plan another trip to see more of this beautiful state.

October 18, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Can anyone help? We are visiting Portland for only 3 full days. Any ideas for a condensed road trip? We are flying in on a Thursday afternoon. We have Fri-Sun for full travel days and then need to be in Portland to fly out very early in the AM on Monday. This is taking place next week so October. We have already been to Astoria, Cannon Beach and the surrounding areas a few years ago. So we don’t need to hit up those areas. Oregon is so beautiful that we want to go back. And I’m the type of person that usually wants something new and don’t visit a place twice. Love this state!

October 18, 2019 at 4:07 pm

I recommend the Columbia River Groge and Mount Hood. OR Head down to Salem and the amazing waterfalls in that area like Silver Falls State Park! Have fun!

October 22, 2019 at 7:56 pm

It’s November a good month to do this trip?

October 24, 2019 at 2:07 pm

Yes! It will be cooler out but should be a lovely time and very moody and misty!

January 20, 2020 at 1:56 am

Um hello? You forgot Crater Lake! One of the most important bucket list locations in Oregon! I would suggest driving to Grants Pass and the Oregon Caves from Bend via the Crater Lake route/Medford. Much better than cutting through Eugene. From a lifelong Oregonian.

January 20, 2020 at 2:15 pm

Thanks for sharing!! I’ve actually NEVER BEEN to Crater Lake despite all of our trips so I would feel weird suggesting a place in Oregon we had not been!!!

May 23, 2021 at 2:26 pm

May 23, 2021 at 11:04 pm

Totally suggest the eugene area for hiking! So many epic waterfalls nearby! I would eliminate crater lake and go for Eugene region for hiking! lots of good stuff!

May 24, 2021 at 5:33 pm

Thanks! Do you know if we can add the day or half day of digging for sunstone on this itinerary? The one mine is located near Plush Oregon. Lisa

May 24, 2021 at 11:46 pm

I am not familiar with this activity but Plush is VERY far away from anything on this itinerary. It is in the southeast corner of the state. I would suggest skipping it and choosing something else fun!

July 8, 2022 at 11:58 am

Does it make sense to start in Portland, drive to Eugene while doing all the things listed in between Portland and Eugene and then driving back up to Cannon Beach and flying out of Portland all in 6 days? Would that be a good trip or should I add/subtract some?

July 16, 2022 at 5:11 pm

I think it is fine to do all of these things! I would cut off samuel H boardman in 6 days as it is too far south, but the rest is very doable and I have done that exact same trip before!!!! Thank you!

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The ultimate 5 day oregon road trip itinerary.

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Are you ready for the ultimate Oregon road trip adventure? Get ready to explore the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Pacific Northwest as we take you on a 5-day journey through some of the most iconic destinations in Oregon.

From the hip city of Portland to the stunning landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, the charming town of Bend, the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park , and the picturesque Oregon Coast, this itinerary is packed with exciting activities, delicious dining options, and top-notch accommodations.

So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience as we guide you through the must-see attractions and hidden gems of this stunning region. Let’s hit the road and dive into an adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

Day 1: Portland

Embark on your memorable Oregon road trip by starting your journey in the vibrant city of Portland , known for its eclectic culture, culinary delights, and captivating cityscape against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest.

Portland welcomes travelers with its unique attractions and landmarks that showcase the city’s rich cultural diversity. Explore the iconic Portland Art Museum , immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Powell’s City of Books , or wander through the tranquil Japanese Garden for a serene escape.

In addition, the city’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from food carts boasting global cuisines to farm-to-table dining experiences. Whether you’re craving artisanal coffee, artisanal donuts, or craft beer, Portland’s food culture is a delight for the senses.

What to See and Do in Portland

Portland offers a myriad of attractions and activities, including the iconic International Rose Test Garden, the enchanting Lan Su Chinese Garden, and the bustling Pearl District, each contributing to the city’s allure and cultural richness.

Visitors should make sure to explore the vibrant food scene in Portland, which is well-known for its diverse culinary offerings. From food carts and farmers’ markets to gourmet restaurants, the city presents an exceptional array of dining options that showcase the region’s rich flavors and creative gastronomy.

For outdoor enthusiasts, a visit to Forest Park is a must. This urban oasis encompasses over 5,000 acres of peaceful woodlands, winding trails, and scenic viewpoints, providing a serene escape from the city buzz and a perfect setting for hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Where to Eat in Portland

Savor the flavors of Portland’s diverse culinary scene, from farm-to-table delights at restaurants like Le Pigeon and Tusk, to the exquisite wine tasting experiences offered in the nearby Willamette Valley, creating a gastronomic journey that complements your Oregon road trip.

Portland’s vibrant food culture extends beyond its renowned restaurants and wineries. The city’s food carts offer an eclectic array of culinary creations, from delectable fusion dishes to traditional ethnic cuisines .

Meanwhile, local markets like the Portland Farmers Market showcase the region’s fresh produce and artisanal products, allowing visitors to indulge in farm-fresh flavors.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, cooking classes and food tours provide a hands-on approach to understanding the city’s food scene.

The Columbia River Gorge boasts a bountiful array of local wineries with picturesque views, offering a scenic backdrop for wine enthusiasts.

Day 2: Columbia River Gorge

Continue your Oregon adventure by exploring the breathtaking wonders of the Columbia River Gorge , where majestic waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and exhilarating outdoor activities await amidst the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest.

The Columbia River Gorge, known for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, offers an array of scenic drives that showcase the stunning landscapes, from the iconic Rowena Crest to the historic Columbia River Highway. As you journey through this picturesque area, you’ll encounter mesmerizing waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls, plunging dramatically into moss-covered basins, and the ethereal mist of Latourell Falls cascading over dramatic cliffs.

The recreational opportunities are abundant, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to partake in hiking, biking, and windsurfing, while the tranquil waters of the Columbia River provide a perfect setting for kayaking and paddleboarding.

What to See and Do in the Columbia River Gorge

Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge, where the iconic Multnomah Falls , the historic Vista House , and the exhilarating hiking trails of the Gorge Trail #400 beckon to create an unforgettable outdoor escapade amidst the natural treasures of Oregon.

The Columbia River Gorge offers a myriad of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, with its picturesque national parks like the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and the Mount Hood National Forest . These are perfect spots for a day of exploration and relaxation, whether you’re exploring the lush greenery of the area or setting off on a scenic drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway .

For those seeking more adventure, the Gorge boasts a network of stunning hiking trails, such as the Eagle Creek Trail and the Oneonta Gorge , each offering its own unique natural wonders and breathtaking views. Don’t miss the chance to witness the beauty of the Columbia River from the Crown Point Vista House , providing an unparalleled panoramic view of the Gorge. Wind down your day with a relaxing picnic at Trillium Lake , surrounded by the serene beauty of the Mt. Hood .

Where to Eat and Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Discover delightful camping spots and picturesque photography locations in the Columbia River Gorge, complemented by the cozy accommodations and charming lodges nestled amidst the stunning landscapes, offering a serene retreat during your Oregon road trip.

The Columbia River Gorge presents numerous camping options that cater to various preferences, from rustic sites nestled in the woods to RV-friendly facilities with scenic mountain views. Photography enthusiasts can capture the majestic Multnomah Falls, the vibrant wildflower meadows in the spring, and the breathtaking sunsets along the river.

For those seeking comfortable lodging, there are charming cottages, boutique inns, and riverside cabins that provide a perfect blend of modern amenities and proximity to the natural wonders of the Gorge.

Day 3: Bend

Journey towards the captivating city of Bend , nestled in the heart of Oregon’s picturesque mountains, offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, cultural charm, and breathtaking landscapes that define the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience.

As you approach Bend, you’ll be mesmerized by the cascade of snow-capped peaks that surround the city. The Cascade Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop, inviting visitors to explore their rugged beauty through a plethora of outdoor activities. From hiking and mountain biking to skiing and rock climbing, the adventurous spirit of Bend thrives in harmony with nature.

But it’s not just the mountains that captivate; Bend’s cultural scene is equally compelling. The city boasts a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues, offering an eclectic mix of creative expressions. The Old Mill District is a testament to Bend’s rich history, blending historical buildings with modern amenities, creating a dynamic hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Featuring an array of museums, including the High Desert Museum and the Deschutes Historical Museum , Bend showcases its cultural heritage through captivating exhibits and engaging educational programs. The city hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its diverse traditions and fostering a strong sense of community.

What to See and Do in Bend

Explore the hidden gems and iconic attractions of Bend, such as the striking peaks of Smith Rock State Park, the pristine waters of the Deschutes River, and the vibrant cultural scene at the historic Old Mill District, each contributing to the city’s allure and adventurous spirit.

Bend also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking along the expansive network of trails to kayaking and paddleboarding on the tranquil waters. The city’s proximity to Mount Bachelor provides exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences during the winter months, attracting adventure enthusiasts from far and wide. Visitors can indulge in the region’s renowned craft beer and culinary delights at local breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.

Moreover, Bend hosts various festivals and events that showcase its rich artistic and cultural heritage, including the Oregon Winterfest and the Bend Summer Festival. Alongside these, the High Desert Museum and the Bend Ale Trail offer unique opportunities to delve deeper into the area’s history and thriving craft beer culture.

Where to Eat and Stay in Bend

Indulge in the culinary delights and scenic beauty of Bend, where charming cafes, local breweries, and cozy accommodations nestled near the Oregon state parks create a delightful fusion of gastronomy and nature, enhancing your Oregon road trip experience.

Visitors can explore Bend’s diverse dining scene, ranging from farm-to-table eateries to innovative fine dining establishments offering delectable Pacific Northwest cuisines. For nature enthusiasts, accommodations near Smith Rock State Park provide easy access to hiking trails, rock climbing, and breathtaking views of the Crooked River.

In terms of travel tips, taking a scenic drive along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway offers an unforgettable experience, showcasing pristine alpine lakes, meandering rivers, and lush forests. For those seeking a unique stay, the Tumalo State Park yurts provide a cozy and memorable overnight accommodation amidst the natural beauty of central Oregon.

Day 4: Crater Lake National Park

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the mesmerizing Crater Lake National Park, renowned for its deep blue waters , ancient volcanic peaks, and pristine wilderness, creating an awe-inspiring destination that captivates the senses and enriches your Oregon road trip.

Steeped in geological significance, Crater Lake National Park boasts the mesmerizing beauty of its namesake lake, which sits within a caldera formed by the collapse of a volcano thousands of years ago. The surreal blue hue of the water, the sheer cliffs that plunge into the depths, and the rugged terrain surrounding the lake make it a sight to behold.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the park’s natural wonders by exploring the numerous trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake, with Wizard Island emerging as a striking feature. The diversity of flora and fauna coupled with the serenity of the landscape creates a tranquil haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The park offers various opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boat tours, all of which allow visitors to fully experience the captivating allure of this natural wonder. Whether it’s marveling at the picturesque sunsets or stargazing under the dark skies, Crater Lake National Park delivers an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its unique and enchanting realm.

What to See and Do in Crater Lake National Park

Discover the unparalleled beauty and activities of Crater Lake National Park, from the iconic Rim Drive offering panoramic vistas, to the invigorating hiking trails like the Garfield Peak Trail, each encapsulating the park’s grandeur and providing a fulfilling Oregon travel experience.

Visitors to Crater Lake National Park can’t miss the fascinating boat tours on the azure waters of the lake, offering unique perspectives of the sheer cliffs and the island, Wizard Island, rising from the center. The park’s rich history is on display at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, a picturesque location to savor breathtaking sunsets.

Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in activities like fishing, camping, and bird-watching, immersing themselves in the tranquility of the park’s natural beauty.

Where to Eat and Stay near Crater Lake National Park

Unwind in the comfort of lodges and accommodations near Crater Lake National Park, where the serene ambiance, romantic retreats, and enchanting dining experiences elevate your Oregon vacation and create a memorable getaway for couples and travelers alike.

In terms of lodging options near Crater Lake, the Crater Lake Lodge offers a charming retreat with its historic architecture and breathtaking views of the lake. For a more secluded experience, consider the cozy cabins at Diamond Lake Resort , surrounded by lush forests and tranquil surroundings.

In terms of dining, indulge in a romantic evening at one of the local restaurants overlooking the lake, such as the Prospect Historic Hotel , where you can savor delightful cuisine in an intimate setting.

For a romantic twist on your vacation, consider taking a moonlit lake cruise or enjoying a scenic hike to experience the unparalleled beauty of Crater Lake, creating lasting memories with your loved one.

Day 5: Oregon Coast

Conclude your 5-day Oregon trip with the breathtaking allure of the Oregon Coast, where the rugged cliffs of Cape Kiwanda, the enchanting tide pools at Ecola State Park, and the iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach define the coastal splendor and scenic grandeur of the Pacific Northwest.

The Oregon Coast offers a spectacular array of attractions that make it a must-visit destination. Capture the stunning vistas along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway as you drive past charming coastal towns and breathtaking lookouts. Discover the rich marine life and fascinating coastal ecology at the Oregon Coast Aquarium and embark on unforgettable whale watching tours. Indulge in the laid-back vibe of seaside villages like Depoe Bay and Newport, known for their fresh seafood, local art galleries, and vibrant maritime culture.

The Tillamook Cheese Factory presents a delightful pit stop for cheese enthusiasts and foodies, offering delicious samples and interactive exhibits. No trip is complete without exploring the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area , where ancient forests, dramatic rocky shores, and spouting horns create an awe-inspiring experience. Whether you seek outdoor adventures, tranquil beachcombing, or simply breath-taking views, the Oregon Coast promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.

What to See and Do on the Oregon Coast

Immerse yourself in the picturesque beauty of the Oregon Coast, where the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse , the captivating Cape Lookout State Park , and the mesmerizing Devil’s Punchbowl beckon, offering a remarkable tapestry of sightseeing and photography opportunities that epitomize the coastal charm of Oregon.

Traveling north, you’ll encounter the majestic Heceta Head Lighthouse , standing proudly atop a rugged cliff, providing a postcard-worthy scene against the backdrop of dramatic coastal cliffs. The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint nearby is a photographer’s paradise, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline.

Further south, the Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua is a natural wonder that enthralls visitors with its powerful, churning waters and provides an excellent subject for captivating photographs.

As you continue your journey, don’t miss the Seal Rock State Recreation Site , where the unique rock formations and resident seals create a stunning setting for nature photography. For a glimpse of rugged coastal beauty, visit the Ecola State Park , which boasts stunning viewpoints, enchanting trails, and the iconic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse on the horizon.

Where to Eat and Stay on the Oregon Coast

Experience the coastal flavors and outdoor allure of the Oregon Coast , where family-friendly dining options, vineyard experiences in the Oregon wine country, and a myriad of outdoor activities create an enriching and adventurous retreat to conclude your Oregon road trip on a high note.

Sample some of the freshest seafood at the charming coastal restaurants, where culinary talents are showcased in Oregon Coast’s signature dishes. From crab cakes to clam chowder, these dining venues offer a delectable array of flavors to savor.

Explore the picturesque vineyards in the region, indulging in wine tasting and cellar tours to appreciate the Oregon wine country’s rich viticultural heritage. As the day unfolds, outdoor enthusiasts can delve into a myriad of activities, including beachcombing, hiking along scenic trails, kayaking through tranquil waters, or simply relishing the breathtaking coastal landscapes. The Oregon Coast truly embodies a perfect blend of gastronomic delights, wine country experiences, and exhilarating outdoor escapades for a fulfilling family road trip.”

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As your 5-day Oregon road trip draws to a close, reflect on the diverse attractions, natural wonders, and travel insights that encapsulate the essence of Oregon , inviting you to discover its hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and enriching travel experiences that define the timeless allure of the Pacific Northwest.

Imagine winding through the lush forests of the Columbia River Gorge and being mesmerized by the captivating beauty of the Multnomah Falls. Then, picture yourself exploring the vibrant city of Portland, renowned for its eclectic food scene, artsy neighborhoods, and lively cultural events. Don’t forget the breathtaking vistas along the Oregon Coast, where rugged cliffs meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean . As you bid adieu to this extraordinary state, the memories of its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and inspiring adventures will surely linger in your heart.

Also check out our article on Hidden Gems of Alabama !

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the ultimate 5 day oregon road trip itinerary.

The Ultimate 5 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary includes a detailed route, recommended stops and activities, and suggestions for accommodations and dining options.

How long does the road trip take?

The road trip itinerary is designed to be completed in 5 days, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule and pace.

What are some must-see attractions on the road trip?

Some must-see attractions on the Ultimate 5 Day Oregon Road Trip include Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, and the Oregon Coast.

Is the road trip suitable for families?

Yes, the road trip itinerary is family-friendly and includes activities and stops that are enjoyable for all ages.

Can I customize the road trip itinerary?

Absolutely! The road trip itinerary is a guide and can be personalized to fit your preferences and interests.

What is the best time of year to take this road trip?

The road trip can be taken year-round, but the best time to visit Oregon is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry.

Chris Curtiss

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The Ultimate 4 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

From the enchanting coastline to the pine forest mountains, the lush vineyards of Willamette Valley to the beautiful waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge; Oregon is a gorgeous state that is best enjoyed outside! On this Ultimate 4 Day Road Trip Itinerary you will have plenty of opportunities to explore all the natural beauty Oregon has to offer.

Follow along below to plan your next road trip vacation!

Day 1 - Portland to Crater Lake

Distance : 300 miles

Drive Time : 5.5 hours

The Route : I-84 East to Hood River, OR-35 South to US-26 East to Bend, US-97 South to Crater Lake National Park

Notable Stopping Points : Columbia River Valley Waterfalls, Hood River, Mt Hood National Forest,  P.S. Ogden Scenic Viewpoint Bungee Jumping, Bend, Crater Lake National Park

Columbia River Valley

Be sure to leave Portland early this morning, as it’s going to be a long day full of driving and adventuring! The quickest route from Portland to Crater Lake takes just over 4 hours, but I recommend the 5.5 hour route we took. The first hour of the drive is one of prettiest sections of the route. You will be driving alongside the Columbia River and have multiple opportunities to stop for a quick hike or to view a waterfall.

The most famous waterfall in the area is Multnomah Falls , partly due to its grand height and partly because it’s right off of the road, no hike required. The parking lot and viewing area can get very crowded, so I recommend visiting during the week. We visited at 8:30am on a Thursday and we didn’t have trouble getting a spot, but it was filling up quickly.

The other fall we visited was Bridal Veil, which required a quick hike down to see it. It was much less crowded than Multnomah, but probably only half the height. I would still recommend it as a stopping point though!

There are many many more falls in the area including Horsetail, Wahkeena, Latourell and dozens more. If you have time, I recommend stopping at a few more, but we only saw Multnomah and Bridal Veil because we didn’t want to get to Crater Lake too late.

P.S. Ogden Scenic Viewpoint

This was a completely unplanned stop, but we saw a sign on the highway for a scenic viewpoint and we swerved to get off. It’s basically a rest stop, but next to the this beautiful gorge.

The photo above is the current highway bridge, and the photo below shows the old highway bridge that you can now walk across. There’s also another activity if simply walking across doesn’t give you enough adrenaline. You can bungee jump off of the old bridge, which is exactly what my crazy sister decided to do on a whim.

We found out this is the tallest commercial bungee jump in the country , and bungee jumping is on my sister’s bucket list so she decided to go for it! It was a wild experience that was so fun to watch. How many people can say they bungee jumped at a highway rest stop in the middle of Oregon as a completely last minute decision?

Bend would be a great stopping point for lunch, or an afternoon snack. We stopped and walked around for a bit, and I thought the town was so cute and it seemed like there was a lot to do. I wish we could have spent more time here.

If you have extra days for your road trip, I’d recommend spending one night in Bend. If you’re just passing through on the way to Crater Lake, Bend is the last large town you’ll see. If there are any specific items you need that you can’t find at a small grocery store or gas station I would buy them here.

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park inspired our whole trip to Oregon! After I decided I wanted to visit Crater Lake I realized how isolated it was, so I came up with the mini road trip idea. Crater Lake is a unique place and I really do recommend a visit! Visit the official Crater Lake National Park website for up to date information on entrance fees, lodging, and wintertime road closures.

We stayed in the park and I do think it’s the best option as there’s not much to do or places to stay near the park. We chose to stay in The Cabins at Mazama Village which were around $180/night. The other two options are the Crater Lake Lodge which was much more expensive than the cabins, or to camp at Mazama Campground. You will need to reserve your lodging in the park a few months in advance as they fill up quickly.

The main activities in Crater Lake are looking at the lake (lol!) and hiking. The 33 mile Rim Drive around the lake is a great starting place for both. It has many scenic pullover spots for lake viewing, and several great hiking options. Another way to view the lake is to take a boat tour, but unfortunately they were not operating the boat tours in 2021 due to the pandemic.

If you follow this road trip itinerary you probably wont have time to do a whole lot by the time you arrive at Crater Lake. We decided to just eat dinner at Annie Creek Restaurant, near our cabin at Mazama Village, and to play cards in our room. My hiking recommendations for the park are in the Day 2 section below.

Day 2 - Crater Lake to Eugene

Distance : 125 miles

Drive Time : 2.5 hours

The Route : US-97 North to OR-58 West

Notable Stopping Points : Morning hike in Crater Lake National Park, numerous hikes and scenic lakes in Willamette and Umpqua National Forests, Eugene

More Crater Lake!

The driving time is short today, so enjoy some extra time in Crater Lake before heading to Eugene with a hike or two. We chose to hike to the highest point in the park, Mt Scott at 8,938 feet, and down to the surface of the lake via the Cleetwood Cove Trail.

Both trails are rated strenuous according to the park brochure, but at 4.4 miles and 2.2 miles round trip respectively, both are doable in a single morning. I find this National Park Guide book helpful when trying to select which hikes to do and generally take it to every National Park I visit!

The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only legal access to the lakes surface. If you would like to jump in the cold water, this is the only place to do it! It is also where you board the boat tours if that is something you chose to do.

Oregon's National Forests

We didn’t make any stops between Crater Lake and Eugene, as we were pretty exhausted from our hikes. However if you’re looking for more places to explore you will pass through one or both of Umpqua National Forest and Willamette National Forest depending on your route. Both areas have countless hiking trails, lakes, and other beautiful areas to explore.

Eugene was not originally on my radar as an Oregon destination, but my husband requested that we add it as a stop. He was really excited to visit because he is an avid runner and Eugene seems to revolve around running. Read below for Andrew’s first (hopefully of many) mini features on the blog!

“When we arrived in Eugene Friday night the first thing I needed to do was check out the new Hayward Field. Opened exactly a century ago and named for Oregon’s famed first track & field coach, Bill Hayward, this is the Mecca for track & field fans. It has hosted 8 USA Track and Field Championships this century, the Prefontaine Classic annually since 1975, and countless NCAA Track and Field Championships. The stadium recently underwent a $270 million renovation to handle the increased capacity needed to host the 2022 IAAF Track & Field World Championships. The renovations include a 30,000 seat capacity and underground practice facilities for pole vault other jumping events, and throwing events. The crown jewel of the new Hayward field is the 10-story tower designed to look like the Olympic torch (pictured above). The tower features track and field exhibits and multiple levels for viewing the track.

 “Saturday morning I ran on Pre’s trail, a 3.4 mile loop located in Alton Baker Park. The dirt and wood chip trail was created as a memorial to Steve Prefontaine a few months after his passing in 1975. The trail is just a short walk across the Willamette river from the downtown area and was a nice scenic route bordering Oregon football’s Autzen Stadium.” – Andrew

OK it’s Kailyn again! My only note here is that the trails are lovely for a walk as well, if you’re not into running, but beware – the trails will make your shoes absolutely filthy.

In the evening we chose to explore the Whiteaker neighborhood. There are many restaurants hear and in the downtown neighborhood, so pick either area and you’ll be sure to find a great place for dinner.

First we tried a flight of beers at Ninkasi Brewing beforer dinner (pictured above.) We really enjoyed the beautiful outdoor area at Ninkasi, and the large variety of beers they had. It’s a family friendly brewery and they even brew their own kombucha which my younger sister ordered.

For dinner we went to Izakaya Meiji Co which was so delicious, and I would definitely recommend! They serve traditional Japanese food, small plate style and have an extensive cocktail menu. Going with a group of four people was ideal as it allowed us to try many different dishes. My favorites were the tonkatsu (left) and the spicy tuna cocktail.

Day 3 Eugene to the Coast

Distance : 115 miles

Drive Time : 2.5 hours (plus a lot of stopping time)

The Route : OR-126 West to US-101 North

Notable Stopping Points : Sea Lion Caves, Yachats, Heceta Head Lighthouse and Cape Creek Bridge, Thor’s Well, Newport

Here is where my actual itinerary and my suggested itinerary veer apart. I thought it would be a good idea to drive from Eugene, up the coast and over to Portland in one day. It was not a terrible idea, but it definitely was not the best idea. It ended up being too much driving time for one day and we didn’t have enough to time to explore along the coast. This is why this itinerary is set up to drive from Eugene to the coast, stay overnight along the coast, and then hit Portland the next day.

Since we did not have a lot of time, the only places we explored along the coast were the Heceta Head Lighthouse area and the little town of Yachats where we stopped for lunch. We ate at Luna Sea Fish House in Yachats which seemed to be a famous local spot for fresh fish. Our group tried the fish and chips, simply grilled salmon, and fish tacos and we enjoyed everything.

Even though we only made two stops, there are dozens of beaches, state parks, and scenic viewpoints that I wish we had time to stop and visit along US-101. You could easily fill up a whole day even though it’s officially only 2.5 hours of driving time on the schedule.

There are plenty of vacation rentals along the coast but Waldport, Newport, and Depoe Bay are good places to start looking for accommodations for the night.

Day 4 - The Coast to Portland

Distance : 190 miles

Drive Time :  4 hours (plus a lot of stopping time)

The Route : US-101 North to US-26 East for more coastal adventures or US-101 N to OR-18/OR-22 to Willamette Valley for winery tours 

Notable Stopping Points : Tillamook Bay, Cannon Beach, Willamette Valley, Portland

More Coastline Viewing or Willamette Valley

Continue up the coast, stopping anywhere that looks interesting to you, until you reach Cannon Beach where you can see the famous Haystack Rock. Here you will turn off the coast and take US 26 back into Portland.

Another option if you’ve seen enough of the coast or are an oenophile is to cut over early on OR 18 or OR 22  to Willamette Valley before heading back to Portland. You will find over 500 wineries located in this fertile valley along with some great farm to table restaurants.

Book your wine tasting in the Willamette Valley through Viator below!

In our short time in Portland we mainly focused on eating and  shopping (hello no state sales tax!) The Pearl District, NW 23rd Ave, and Hawthorn are areas that we explored that are great places to do both of those things. There are also too many breweries to name in these areas. The only one we had time to try was the Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House.

We stayed in Portland for two nights which I think was enough time to see the city. I preferred the other places we stayed in Oregon more, but I’m still glad I got to experience Portland.

Salt & Straw is an ice cream shop with locations all over the West Coast, so it’s not unique to Portland, however if you’re not from the West Coast you should definitely give it a try. It’s kind of pricey as far as ice cream goes but they have really interesting flavors, some of which rotate with the seasons. We visited the 23rd Ave location, but there are several others in the city as well.

Pine State Biscuits , also located on 23rd Ave, is a must try for breakfast or lunch. They have a huge variety of these monster biscuit sandwiches (below) that were sooo decadent and good! They also have yummy breakfast cocktails and other homemade pastries. There will probably be a long line to get in, but wait it out, it is worth it! 

Portland is famous for its food trucks, and they have a ton spread all around the city. We decided to check out Hawthorne Asylum on our last night of the trip, which is an outdoor area with a dozen or so food trucks with shared seating all around. It’s a good place to try a variety of cuisines, and everyone can find something they’ll like.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Booking travel or buying something through my links enables you to support my work at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

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[…] National Park a few years ago. I think that’s what originally put the idea in my head. Click here to check out what she had to say about […]

I’m so glad to see Andrew contributed to this post! I can’t believe I never spent more time in Oregon when we lived in Seattle, but I really want to go back now. I’m surprised at how big Crater Lake is, and I’d definitely want to hike there (plus do the boat tour)!

I’ve had a couple great trips to Portland but haven’t explore much of Oregon beyond that. I really want to see Crater Lake so I might actually follow this itinerary some day. I can’t believe your sister went bungee jumping on a whim!! I’d forgot that Eugene was such a running destination, but remember it being mention in Kara Goucher’s book. How fun to have Andrew pop in!

You got some good sites there. The deep blue water in Crater Lake is absolutely stunning. As a history buff, I also enjoyed the Oregon Trail sites, the Lewis & Clark sites and the Astoria column.

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Washington / Oregon Road Trip: West Coast Itinerary from Seattle Southward

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: April 8, 2022  - Last updated: January 13, 2024

Doing a Washington / Oregon road trip is so much fun, and it’s so easy to plan! Our itinerary from Seattle to the Oregon/California border is ideal for anyone looking to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. Stops in Mount Rainier National Park, the famous Columbia River Gorge, Willamette Valley wine country and the Oregon Coast make this a bucket list road trip.

There’s no doubt that the West Coast of the USA is an awesome place full of diverse people, sights and nature.  The cities of the West Coast are really progressive and each gives a totally different experience.  We’re going to share with you how you can get the full West Coast road trip experience from the Canadian border to Mexico and have an incredible time.

A West Coast road trip is great for families or couples, or even a really awesome solo journey.  It was actually our first road trip as a couple (just Chris and I) as well as our first road trip with kids back when Oliver, our oldest, wasn’t even a year old.  Some of our best memories come from this Washington / Oregon road trip plan; maybe you can find some great stories of your own!

Note :  we recommend a dedicated two weeks to be able to experience the full West Coast from tip to tip, and in light of that have broken the entire trip into two sections: Washington/Oregon and then California .  If you can spend more time on your West Coast road trip, do it, but know that whatever you can conquer will be awesome!

Washington / Oregon Road Trip Part 1:  Seattle and the Puget Sound

We always recommend people to begin their West Coast road trip in Seattle, especially if your focus is going to be a Washington / Oregon road trip vs the whole PCH.  SeaTac International Airport (SEA) is a great hub to start at and you can get a direct flight here from almost anywhere in the USA or Canada, and now there are more international flights to Seattle than ever before.

Exploring the Seattle Area

Take some time touring the Emerald City and getting out on Puget Sound.  Pike Place Market is the prime attraction in Seattle and why wouldn’t it be?  Fish being thrown through the crowds, the diner where Tom Hanks and Rob Reiner ate clams in Sleepless in Seattle , and the original Starbucks store?  It’s a must stop.

Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill is also another fun activity to add to a day in Seattle .  Volunteer Park is home to a beautiful conservatory, the Seattle Asia Art Museum, countless festivals throughout the year, and an antique water tower that you can climb for a 360 degree view of the city and water.

Tip :  if you’ll be spending more than two days in Seattle, be sure to get the CityPASS .  It it an awesome deal for the big attractions of Seattle, including the Space Needle, EMP/MoPOP, the Seattle Aquarium and more.

Where to Stay in Seattle

W e recommend the Hyatt Olive 8 in downtown ( book it here !).  It’s centrally located for activities in the downtown core or in the outlying neighborhoods.  This is a great place for a longer Seattle visit as well if you’re touring without a car. There are plenty of high end and family friendly hotels around Seattle, but the city tends to book out and get expensive at the last minute, so book in advance .  

We actually prefer the Hyatt family of hotels when we’re in Seattle since they have such a great loyalty program and we find good deals through them. Check out our favorite Hyatt Hotels in Seattle to see our top picks.

Another random and wonderful hotel in Seattle is the EVEN Hotel in South Lake Union. EVEN Hotels are a really cool brand that focuses on convenience and fitness. If you want to stay active when you’re in Seattle, book the EVEN Hotel .

Puget Sound Area Small Towns to Visit

Beyond Seattle there are several adorable towns and destinations that will give you the true taste of Pacific Northwest life, and they’re integral to a Washington / Oregon road trip.  Bainbridge Island is a ferry ride away and is full of good food, beautiful views, breweries and the Bloede l Reserve (the Downton Abby of the Puget Sound).  

Tip :  we actually have an itinerary specifically for touring the Puget Sound area if you want to experience the whole region.

Continuing off Bainbridge and you can easily head to Poulsbo (little Norway basically) and onto Port Gamble, Port Ludlow and Port Townsend .  Each of these towns is picturesque with its own unique vibe, all with great food.  Port Townsend is our favorite for its Victorian design and incredible Fort Worden State Park (including a lighthouse).

Exploring the Olympic Peninsula

The Olympic Peninsula , where Port Townsend is, is home to Olympic National Park and the Dungeness Spit .  You’ll have tons of opportunities for experiencing Pacific Northwest nature on the OP and may even decide that you need to move here (we loved living here!). Feel free to wander off course a bit, as that’s how you’ll get to visit places like Salt Creek with its sea stacks and Cape Flattery , the northwesternmost point of Washington.

Olympic National Park really is the main attraction and is collectively the best of Pacific Northwest nature. You’ll love hiking at Hurricane Ridge , exploring Ruby Beach , and wandering through the unbelievable Hoh Rainforest . Olympic National Park also has beautiful waterfalls, like Sol Duc Falls , and the most epic windy road around Lake Crescent. Olympic NP is so pretty!

Tip :  make time for hiking when you’re on the Olympic Peninsula. There are tons of great kid friendly hikes you can easily add to a West Coast road trip.

Where to Stay on the Olympic Peninsula

I f you can book it (very popular destination), find a nice bed and breakfast on the Olympic Peninsula.  We recommend Domaine Madeleine in Port Angeles for an itinerary that includes Olympic National Park. There are several others, including the George Washington Inn that looks just like Mount Vernon in Virginia . Anything in the Sequim / Port Angeles area will get you close to Hurricane Ridge .

Visiting Northern Puget Sound

North of Seattle you’ll find Anacortes and Whidbey Island .  Both areas are charming and thrive off the sea that surrounds them.  Anacortes is also where you’ll start a trip through the San Juan Islands, which are their own vacation that’ll take you more than a week of trolling and island hopping.  The San Juans may not be a part of this particular Washington /Oregon road trip for you, but they’re worthy of your time at some point in life. Kayaking in the San Juan Islands is amazing!

Tip :  if you want to experience the San Juan Islands with a shorter trip, book a seaplane flight out of Seattle up to Orcas Island or San Juan Island.  You can see more beautiful clear water, spot orca whales and dine like a king.  Awesome side-trip!

Another idea if you’re exploring this part of Washington is to take a trip into North Cascades National Park . You’ll find some of the most epic hiking and out-of-this-world views in Washington here. Not all of the park is open year-round, but whenever you’re visiting, you’ll still be able to enjoy at least some of this less-visited park.

Where to Stay in Anacortes / Whidbey Island

In the Anacortes/North Sound area, the Majestic Inn is comfortable, pretty and is a perfect spot to launch loads of day trips ( book it here !). In Coupeville or Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island, you’ll find all kinds of B&Bs and hotels, so book what’s right for where you want to wake up each day.

Part 2: Visiting Mt Rainier National Park

While we prefer to camp at Mt Rainier National Park, a day trip from Seattle or adding it as a stop on a Washington / Oregon road trip is also a choice, or you could even stay at one of the National Park lodges.   Mt Rainer National Park is known for its accessibility and hikable mountainside, but it’s also the best place in the Pacific Northwest to go waterfall hiking.

If you just want to drive through and see some crazy beautiful sights, that’s an easy way to add Mount Rainier to your road trip. Enter the park at the Nisqually Entrance (southwest) and drive the park road, called Paradise Road, past waterfalls and to the Paradise Inn and Henry M Jackson Visitors Center. You’ll get epic views and then can continue on your road trip.

Best Hikes at Mount Rainier: North Side

If you’re driving from the Seattle area, the North Side of Mount Rainier National Park is the closest and easiest to access. You can drive the crazy dirt road to Lake Mowich, which is amazingly beautiful, to hike from and go up to the famous fire lookout at Tolmie Peak. Here you’ll look out across the alpine Lake Eunice at Mount Rainier, unobstructed.

The other place we LOVE LOVE LOVE on the north side of Mount Rainier National Park is the Sunrise area. Here you can take your pick of hikes, all with really, truly epic views of the mountain. Our favorite hike in the Sunrise area is Frozen Lake. Such crystal blue water, an up-close view of Mt Rainier, and countless mountain goats make this a fantastic hike with kids. It’ll be your favorite stop on you Washington / Oregon road trip.

Best Hikes at Mount Rainier: South Side

Our favorite easy hike with kids is out of the Ohanapecosh Visitors Center through the woods to Silver Falls .  Hiking through mossy forests and crossing a raging gorge on a log bridge, it’s the perfect hike to relax and re-energize you for the rest of your West Coast road trip, and the series of waterfalls at the end is beautiful unlike any other. 

Also nearby is the Grove of the Patriarchs , which is an awesome old growth forest with a suspension bridge you have to cross. Here you’ll see some of the largest trees in Washington State. Between ancient fallen trees and tower maples, the Grove of the Patriarchs is a Ferngully-type magical place.

Where to Stay at Mount Rainier National Park

If you do choose to stay over in Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll find that options within the park book far into the future. You can book a hotel room at the National Park Inn in Longmire or at the Paradise Inn up on the mountain.

Are you camping at all on your Washington / Oregon road trip? If so, there are plenty of options for camping in Mount Rainier National Park. Cougar Rock is the best campground on the south side, maybe even in the whole park, with lots of spaces, services, and even a great hiking trail going out of the campground.

Tip :  if you want to camp at Mt Rainier, you typically need to make reservations at least two months in advance.  It’s a very popular National Park and space is limited.

Outside of the park there are several lodging options in the towns of Packwood or Ashford . Depending on your overall road trip itinerary, you may want to drive south a bit when you exit Mount Rainier National Park, so consider places to stay in the Columbia Gorge too.

Part 3: the Columbia River Gorge

As we continue our Washington / Oregon road trip southward down the West Coast, the Columbia River lies between Washington and Oregon.  The scenery here is incredible and you wont see anything similar as you get to the coast. This is also the point in our road trip itinerary where we cross from Washington into Oregon.

Highway 14 on the North Side of the Columbia Gorge

Jutting off from Interstate 5 is Highway 14, or you may be joining it from Highway 97 or one of the incredible Forest Service roads that go past Mount St Helens and Mount Adams. The drive from Mt Rainier to the Gorge is one of my favorites in the whole Pacific Northwest.

Once you get to Highway 14, i t’s a narrow, winding highway that takes you along the northern banks of the Columbia River.  Surrounded by buttes and sweeping views, the road is actually really distracting… so know that it’s dangerous if you’re not paying attention.  Along the way though, you’ll find loads of great wine tasting and small hikes to break up a day’s drive.

The Klickitat River meets up with the Columbia River in the town of Lyle, Washington.  The town is tiny, but the beauty is awesome.  You can head up the Klickitat to check out its beautiful gorges and the smaller waterfalls feeding it, or just spend an hour at the Balfour-Klickitat picnic area having lunch and watching eagles.  FYI:  bald eagles love to hang out at the confluence of two rivers wherever that may be.  

To get a break from the winding road, head up the hill toward Underwood (use your GPS) and stop into AniChe Cellars .  It’s one of our favorite wineries in Washington, both for its really delicious and unusual wines AND because it’s totally kid friendly!  From outdoor toys and games to cool wine making stuff, kids will enjoy a stop just as much as adults.

Plan a hike at Falls Creek Falls to add some activity to the day. One of the most unique waterfalls you’ll encounter on your Washington / Oregon road trip, Falls Creek Falls is pretty easy and promises an incredible sight at the end. A multiple cascade / chute waterfall, after a good rain or during the snowmelt, it it BRIMMING!

Columbia Gorge Waterfall Area

We have spent so much time here in general over the years that now when we do our own road trip through Washington and Oregon we skip these spots, but that’s only because we visit them so frequently. They are awesome though and we do still enjoy stopping.

If you’re not from the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want to be sure to start in Hood River and drive west on Interstate 84 until you see a sign directing you to Historic Oregon Highway 30 (you can approach from Portland too).

This tiny two lane road winds you around the cliffs and hillsides, allowing stops for hiking or general waterfall viewing, including a stop at Multnomah Falls , which may be the prettiest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge , and it’s certainly the most famous waterfall in Oregon.

Most of the hikes in the Columbia Gorge waterfall area are kid friendly, but not all are.  The prettiest spot you can’t  really do with tiny kids:  the Oneonta Gorge.  This narrow cut through the cliffs is covered in moss and lichens and the hike is done IN the creek.  It’s really fun and beautiful, but scaling slippery logs and huge boulders isn’t for everyone.

Where to Stay in the Columbia River Gorge

Depending on which side you want to sleep on, you’ll have quite a few picks. On the Washington side you’ll find the Skamania Lodge , which is located in Stevenson, Washington. It’s got a fantastic spa, the Waterleaf Spa .   Another great pick on the Washington side is in the town of Bingen: the Society Hotel. Built in an old school house and then cabins added, the Society is really unique in both its accommodations and it’s indoor/outdoor plunge pools and mineral tubs.

Book the Society Hotel here!

If you’re on a budget for your Washington / Oregon road trip, stay on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge over in Hood River where there are tons of choices.   Make Hood River your home base for your time in the Columbia Gorge, as it’s got lots of lodging options and is a cute town in general.  Mt Hood is easily accessible if you’re staying in Hood River and there is really wonderful agritourism to experience here too.

One of the nicest places to stay in Hood River is the Columbia Gorge Hotel and Spa . It’s very vintage (Victorian) and is just off the river. There are lots of other places to stay in Hood River, including plenty of travel brand hotels, but the Gorge hotel is just super cool.

Part 4: Visiting Portland and the Willamette Valley

It seems like Portland has tripled in popularity in the last fifteen years. It’s such a cool city and shopping is TAX-FREE !  It’s tough to tell you what you have to check out in Portland beyond just saying “Go for walks and explore downtown and the neighborhoods.”  Portland is all about being a city of neighborhoods.  

Exploring Portland Neighborhoods

The Pearl District is loaded with cool shops and great food.  If you want to get away from the walkable spots, drive or rail over to Northeast Portland.  The vibe is still super cool/hip but with less tourists.  From a Finnish spa day to cutting edge Laotian food, Northeast Portland sealed the deal for us on why the City of Roses is such a gem and worth at least a day’s stop on a West Coast road trip.  The diversity is incredible with a food scene to match.

Visiting the Oregon Zoo and OMSI

What we love about the Oregon Zo o is how beautiful it’s setting is, and it’s enclosures are some of the largest and most thoughtful of any zoo we’ve visited. Directly next to the Oregon Zoo you’ll find the World Forest Discovery Center and then the rest of Washington Park. There’s an arboretum and Japanese Garden, and then nearby are the Pittock Mansion and even the hike to the Witch’s Castle in Macleay Park .

The OMSI, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry , isn’t too far away either. With rotating exhibits, lots of awesome science stuff and even a planetarium this is a great place to visit on a rainy Portland day.

Touring the Willamette Valley Wine Country

Can you even visit the Portland area without trying one of the famous Pinot Noirs? The Willamette Valley starts at the edge of Portland and continues southward almost to Eugene, and west towards the coast. Whether you want to drive just a half hour out of the city or have a whole day of family friendly Willamette Valley wineries , you can easily plan a tasting trip.

To keep it simple for your larger Washington / Oregon road trip plan, I would stay in the realm of the northern wineries, just as far south as Newberg. These wineries are all under an hour from Portland proper and are easy to visit. Rex Hill Winery in Newberg, Adelsheim Vineyards , and Trisaetum Winery are all three in Newberg and they offer a variety of wine country experiences (including with kids).

Where to Stay in Portland, Oregon

The Hotel Vintage is cool  ( book it here !).  It’s cooler than us, so staying there made us feel like we were doing Portland right.  Great location and Kimpton is great at making guests feel welcome.  It’s a nice splash of class on your West Coast road trip. There are every other brand of hotels in downtown Portland that you can think of, so if you don’t care too much about location, just look for a good deal.

Part 5: Oregon Coast Beaches and Lighthouses

“Why didn’t we drive down the Washington Coast on this trip?” While places like Lewis and Clark National Park and the Long Beach Peninsula of Washington are really cool and fun, you’ll enjoy this part of the Washington / Oregon road trip more since you haven’t already been beached out.

Check out our VERY detailed Oregon Coast Road Trip for a more intense coastal plan.

Oregon’s Lighthouses

There are so many lighthouses on the Oregon Coast .  Starting in Cannon Beach and heading south to the California border you’ll be able to check out nine beautiful lighthouses on the coast (there are actually 15).  You cannot visit all of them due to some being located out from the beach, but you can see them all.

The easiest lighthouses to visit on the Oregon Coast are:

• Cape Meares Lighthouse
• Yaquina Head Lighthouse
• Haceta Head Lighthouse
• Coquille River Lighthouse

While the most epic of all Oregon lighthouses is the Cape Arago Light, and the nearby Shore Acres State Park is phenomenal, visiting these spots is really far out of the way. If you feel like you can’t end your Washington / Oregon road trip without seeing enormous waves crashing into cliffs and without staring at a far-off lighthouse dreaming about a different life in a different time, then visit, but it’s far.

Tip :  the Cape Meares Light in Oceanside, Oregon is really easy to access and you can get really close to the lens.  It’s a favorite of ours.

Hikes and Beaches on the Oregon Coast

Besides the lighthouses, you can do tons of hiking along the Oregon Coast.  While we tend to do the hikes that bring us down to the beach or out to a head in the water, there are several state parks that have trails leading up through the coastal forests.  Cape Kiwanda has some beautiful hikes (Cannon Beach) as does Pistol River (Gold Beach).

Florence and Newport are both good sized towns that really capture the Oregon Coast vibe.  Newport actually hosts the largest wine event in Oregon, the Newport Seafood and Wine Festival .  It’s pretty new but after two years it’s already gotten some great success and press.  And you cannot forget Sea Lion Caves!!  This is a must-stop if you’ve never taken an elevator through a cliff to a huge seaside cavern full of sea lions.

Where to Stay on the Oregon Coast

Y ou know we’re going to tell you to camp if you are into it, and preferably do it in Seaside (or grab a hotel here ).   Seaside is in the northmost part of the Oregon Coast, so if you’re not planning on doing the whole highway to the California border, it’s fine. The Astoria/Seaside area has tons to do and LOTS of camping and hotel options.

If you want to keep it easy, Cannon Beach is really built up for tourism and you’ll be able to find a hotel to book quite easily.  If you would prefer to stay to the South (we do!) check out the Pacific Reef Hotel in Gold Beach  ( book it here !).  We loved our two story beachfront condo that was perfect for our family of four!

Other towns that are easy to find accommodations in include Pacific City, Florence, Coos Bay and Brookings.

Ending a Washington / Oregon Road Trip

Once you’ve hit the Oregon / California border, you’ll have a few options. You can continue down the California Coast , stopping at the Redwoods and other national parks. You could also loop back up through the Cascades and Southern Oregon , visiting Oregon Caves National Monument .

From here you could also cut over to eastern Oregon where you’ll find Bend , Smith Rock State Park , the Painted Hills and so much more. We’ve actually got another road trip plan that covers a huge range of adventures on the great Oregon bucket list . 10 Day Oregon Loop Road Trip Plan here!

How to pack for a West Coast road trip

Before you even get in the car and head out, be sure that you’re prepared for whatever may befall you. The West Coast can have strange weather that both can impact travel and basic road conditions, so take stock of your supplies to be successful on your West Coast road trip. And if you’re doing a trip in southern Canada, like from Calgary to Vancouver , the same packing and planning principles apply.

Here’s an easy checklist to be sure you and your traveling buddies are all set for an epic adventure even if you’re not camping your way down the coast:

• Phone and camera chargers – car and wall
• A printed itinerary or highlighted map – GPS sometimes fails
• Flashlights
• A few blankets
• Chains – if you’re heading into the mountains any time of year
• Proper spare tire and tools
• Cash – you’re traveling to small towns and remote places, so be ready

This is enough to get you started on planning your West Coast road trip through Washington and Oregon.  There are so many side trips you can take as you head south from the Seattle area, but just sticking to our plan is also a great way to guarantee an incredible experience.  

…and for your Pinterest planning…

Thursday 26th of October 2017

We are planning our honeymoon and had the idea for a coastal Oregon trip.. then we thought about Washington. I think we will likely use this itinerary! :) Thanks for the thorough post.

Saturday 18th of March 2017

The Oregon Coast lighthouse is a wonderful place to experience and a definite must-see during a West Coast road trip.

Excellent advice and info! I ❤2 traveldads and the adorable lovebugs too!!

Sunday 12th of March 2017

Wow! What a picturesque post. Certainly full of colour and detail. Good choice of vehicle - there's only so much you can cram into a Mustang!

Saturday 11th of March 2017

I love road trips for precisely this reason,...you get to see so much more and that too, at your own pace. This one seems quite an epic one for you and I see that the kids are so happy too.

Where to find 6 unique wine experiences in and around Portland: Peak Northwest podcast

• Published: Aug. 29, 2024, 6:00 a.m.

Equestrian Wine Tours offers guided wine tasting on horseback through the Dundee Hills. Riders hitch the horses for a stop at Durant Vineyards on August 26, 2024. Teresa Mahoney/The Oregonian

• Vickie Connor | The Oregonian/OregonLive

It’s no secret that the Willamette Valley has several epic wine spots and vineyards. But some places are going above and beyond to offer unique experiences in addition to their tasting selections.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we are joined by engagement editor, Julie Evensen and video editor Teresa Mahoney, to chat about six of the coolest spots to drink wine in and around the Portland area.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Portland offers wine experiences where you can get tarot card readings along with your tasting.
• Ride horseback through several wineries — no car needed.
• Enjoy your glass with epic views in the Gorge.
• Create your own adventure by choosing your camp site near a winery.
• An unassuming wine spot at a garden center.

Here’s the full episode:

Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts .

-- Vickie Connor

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Check out the three best catamaran boat charters on Kauai that serve food, drinks, snorkeling adventures, and more! Great for families of all ages. ... Captain Lani has been offering cruises of the Kauai coast for 31 years. His catamarans normally carry between 18-20 passengers. They sail from Port Allen on the southwest coast. Rates vary from ...

Kauai, Hawaii. Half-Day Raft and Snorkel Adventure to Na Pali. 1,330. Free Cancellation. English. 5 hours 30 minutes. from $206.55. Nature and Wildlife Tours in Kauai: Check out 149 reviews and photos of Viator's Kalapaki Kai 2 Catamaran.

Snorkeling Catamaran Tours in Kauai. 1. Ni'ihau and Na Pali Coast Snorkel Boat Tour. Duration: 8 hours. Includes: Breakfast, lunch, drinks (including beer and wine after the snorkeling), snorkeling gear rentals. If I could only pick one of the Kauai snorkeling tours, it would ABSOLUTELY be this one. Much like almost all of the other catamaran ...

Ultimate Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Kauai (Na Pali, Waimea), Hawaii. 55. from $16.99. Per group. Kauai, Hawaii. Kauai North Shore Private Guided Tour with Hotel or Port Pick-up. 5. from $1,114.25. Price varies by group size.

The finest fleet in Hawaii! Our 65' Star Class Catamarans are our newest luxury sailing yachts. Our spacious and beautifully appointed Northern Star and Southern Star offer stable sailing and several unique spaces to enjoy, including an air-conditioned interior lounge and bar area with beautiful floors, granite countertops, and tiled bathrooms.

Sunset Cruises. Whale Watching. Raft adventures. Featured Tours. 5.5 hours (may vary) Ages 3+ ... our 40-foot Express Catamaran. Experience the beauty of Kauai and encounter marine life! Daily - 7:45a. Receive 15% off your adventure on the 'Imiloa Express!

tel: 1-800-451-6133. [email protected] . Blue Ocean Adventure Tours. Kikiaola Small Boat Harbor. Kekaha Rd. Kekaha HI, 96752. CONTENT PROVIDED BY: @REDEFINED.MEDIA and @JONNYTSUNAMI808_. Blue Ocean Adventure Tours offers rafting, scenic boat, and private tours of Kauai's Na Pali Coast. Discover the hidden wonders of the coastline ...

Holo Holo Charters - Napali Sunset Dinner Tour. Price: Adults from $210; kids from $190. Duration: 3.5 hours. If a sunset sail is at the top of your Hawaii to-do list, consider this cruise ...

Join the legendary Kauai Beach Boys aboard their new 50′ catamaran on a scenic and relaxing sunset cruise of the historically significant areas of Kalapaki Bay, Nawiliwili, Haupu Mountain Range, Hulei'a River and Ninini Point. When the ocean is calm we cruise the waters beyond Nawiliwili Bay where sightings of dolphins, turtles and North ...

As the Catamaran Sunset Cruise in Kauai embarks on its journey through scenic and cultural highlights, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants is a top priority. The crew prioritizes passenger safety by implementing strict safety measures and emergency procedures. Below is a table outlining some key safety aspects onboard:

Soak up the island's tropical beauty on a relaxing catamaran cruise. Depart Poipu aboard a luxury 55-foot (16.8-meter) Gold Coast Yacht catamaran, and then sail along the scenic southern coast toward the beaches of Maha'ulepu and Kipu Kai. Savor the island spirit as you sip on tropical 'Sneaky Tiki' cocktails, beer, wine or nonalcoholic ...

A Hawaii cruise offers a convenient way to island-hop as you experience Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the island of Hawaii from both sea and land — but what exactly should you do while ashore?. Choosing a cruise shore excursion in Hawaii can be tough due to the wide range of activities, such as snorkeling and whale watching, visits to historic landmarks and sacred Hawaiian sites and scenic ...

San Francisco To Seattle: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

• Road trippers can choose between two main routes from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.
• The more direct route follows I-5 and takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving.
• The coastal route along the Pacific Coast Highway is more scenic but takes longer, with a total trip time of approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes.

The majority of people are used to the most famous road trip in the United States, from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Road-tripping individuals will have the chance to behold the unique views on the Pacific Coast Highway in California . With several stops on their way, allowing them to see the beautiful nature, relaxed beach towns, busy cities, and unique attractions, commuters will experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that they have never gone through before.

However, another road trip that allows visitors to the western side of the US to explore the Pacific Northwest is equally attractive to the Los Angeles-San Francisco drive . That journey consists of the Drive from San Francisco to Washington's largest city, Seattle. Many people wonder what the best stops from San Francisco to Seattle are, and there are plenty.

UPDATE: 2023/08/06 02:46 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

More To Know When Planning A Roadtrip From Boston To San Francisco

There's always more to add to create the perfect road trip itinerary. This article has been updated with additional route details, including maps, stop suggestions, and highlights in California, Oregon, and Washington. Have fun, and be safe!

Related: Road Trip Patagonia: Driving Scenic Ruta 40 From Esquel To Bariloche

Best Routes From San Francisco To Seattle

There are two main routes for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, each with its own advantages and unique views.

The more direct route follows I-5, stopping through Redding, California, Portland, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington on its way to Seattle. When venturing along the I-5 highway, the trip takes approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes of non-stop driving, much of which is through the granite Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. However, if one wants to enjoy most of the attractions along the San Franciso-Seattle road, they must spend at least an extra 5–7 days.

San Francisco to Seattle Via I-5

• Distance: 819 miles
• Time to Drive: ~12 hours 45 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 5–7 days
• I-5 Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Mt. Shasta, California → Ashland, Oregon → Eugene, Oregon → Portland, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

For a more meandering drive from San Francisco to Seattle, The famous Pacific Coast Highway, the most well-known California road trip, turns into Highway 101 and extends into Oregon and Washington before connecting with Highway 30. Travelers follow Highway 30 until they reach I-5, which returns them to the north-south route until Seattle.

This coastal route from San Francisco to Seattle is arguably the most scenic but does take longer to complete. The entire trip takes approximately 17 hours and 10 minutes non-stop. A coastal road trip from San Francisco to Seattle also demands a slightly longer time frame, taking 7–10 days to fully enjoy.

San Francisco to Seattle Via The Pacific Coast Highway

• Distance: 901 miles
• Time to Drive: ~17 hours 10 minutes
• Recommended Road Trip Time: 7–10 days
• Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington) Road Trip Route Outline: San Francisco, California → Fort Bragg, California → Crescent City, California → Gold Beach, Oregon → Astoria, Oregon → Olympia, Washington → Tacoma, Washington → Seattle, Washington

Related: 10 Best Routes To Take On The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip

Planning For A Drive From San Francisco To Seattle

A trip from San Francisco to Seattle involves driving for 800 or more miles along the Pacific Northwest and watching the most attractive views while on the way. Before hopping onto the automobile, visitors must rent a car from legitimate and affordable sources, such as RentalCars.com , which offers rentals from various car brands. Another better option is to rent a Campervan or an RV from Outdoorsy to make one's life easier regarding accommodation. A crucial step to take is to issue a car insurance policy to hedge against any sudden accidents.

• Cost of a Campervan: depending on its size, a Campervan costs an average of $130 per night to rent.

Top Road Trip Stops In California

The first stop on the San Francisco to Seattle drive is the Town of Sausalito, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxing atmosphere. People can go on hiking trips in Sausalito and learn about the natural habitat and the preserved seashore, among other activities.

Next on the road is the Muir Woods National Monument, which boasts 600-year-old, 246-foot-long redwood trees and diverse wildlife. Another stop worth embracing is the picturesque wine region of Sonoma. The iconic Napa Valley in California is the most famous stop on the San Francisco to Seattle road trip.

Additionally, a lot of visitors head to Domaine Chandon to taste the US's best sparkling wines. People on a high budget go to world-class Michelin-starred restaurants, such as The French Laundry or Auberge Du Soleil, to eat in Napa Valley. The Coast of California offers even more unique stops, perfect for a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. An artistic stop full of galleries in the coastal town of Mendocino that boasts a gallery in a water tower. The most beautiful city to visit on the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle is Fort Bragg, famous for its Glass Beach in the Noyo Headlands Park, which boasts mesmerizing views of the Pacific Ocean.

Another popular stop is the marvelous Shasta Lake, surrounded by mountains with barren trees that create a magnificent effect with the lake's crystal clear waters and the blue color of the sky. It is also worth stopping at Crescent City to visit Redwood National and State Parks.

Related: Need A Day Trip from Las Vegas? Try Off-Roading In The Mojave Desert

Unique Stops In Oregon And Washington

Visiting Crater Lake National Park is a must when on a road trip from San Francisco to Seattle. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US and was formed by a super-volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago. Next is a stop at the most beautiful waterfall in Oregon, the unique Toketee Falls.

Eugene City, the birthplace of NIKE, is next on the list and is best to visit during summer for hiking trails. Another good stop for hiking is in the city of Bend in Oregon. A gem of the Pacific Northwest is the Willamette Valley, known for its 1300 wineries and vineyards. Additionally, visiting the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum would be a good idea when in Willamette Valley. Flying kites on the beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, is fun during the road trip.

Next, people usually stop in Tillamook to have ice cream and cheese tasting. They can also visit The Tillamook Creamery for free. The jewel of the Pacific Northwest, the city of Portland is a popular stop for nature and hiking lovers and foodies. For those taking the coastal route through Oregon, the port city of Astoria is arguably the best road trip stop in the Pacific Northwest , offering ocean views, hiking trails, and a unique downtown vibe consistent with traveler's favorite Oregon cities.

Next comes Washington in the road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, where most commuters stop at the iconic Mount Rainier National Park and the Gig Harbor for a couple of calming and relaxing days. Washington also has a number of short detours for those looking to get outdoors on their road trip adventure, including nearby Olympic National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the US .

Next: Every Wine Aficionado Needs To Visit These Napa Valley Vineyards

10 hot river cruises to book this year

There are classic river itineraries — the Danube, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Nile — that anyone who appreciates the ease and camaraderie of river cruising can book with most of the top cruise lines. But those aren't your only options.

The most exciting river cruises to book this year are the new offerings that go off the beaten path, explore an unsung river or combine a standard seven-night sailing with a novel land tour.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are 10 new itineraries for 2024 and 2025 that are taking river cruising beyond the familiar, including several on recently launched or soon-to-debut river ships.

AmaWaterways' 7-night Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia

Love South America but have already cruised the Amazon? Consider AmaWaterways ' newest ship, AmaMagdalena. Debuting in January 2025, the 60-passenger ship will sail two alternating seven-night itineraries year-round on Colombia's Magdalena River, traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla and vice versa.

With the Wonders of Colombia itinerary , you'll board AmaMagdalena in coastal Cartagena, a popular Caribbean port on Panama Canal transits that you can now also enjoy on a river cruise. Arrive a day early or book a two-night precruise add-on to see sights such as the historic Walled City, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Gold Museum.

Following a sunset sail away, immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes of Colombia via a local music experience in Palenque, the first "free town" in the Americas after a 1713 decree from the Spanish crown freed residents from slavery. You can also check out 19th-century Calamar on a paola (a two-person bicycle taxi) and the jazz music and local handicrafts available in Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox.

El Banco and Magangue round out the list of port calls before the cruise ends with a tour of the floating village of Nueva Venecia and an evening Carnival celebration in the seaside port of Barranquilla.

Choose the Magic of Colombia itinerary , from Barranquilla to Cartagena, and you'll visit the same ports, just in a different order. Rather than end your cruise with the Carnival celebration, you'll experience it on your first day. You can also book several precruise and postcruise land tours, including three nights precruise in Medellin, three nights postcruise in Panama or both.

AmaMagdalena will be joined in June 2025 by 64-passenger AmaMelodia. Both vessels will offer spacious (237- to 516-square-foot) staterooms and suites, as well as a heated pool on the sun deck and two dining options: the main restaurant, serving Latin American cuisine and Western favorites, and an intimate alfresco dining experience.

Related: Best river cruise lines around the world

American Cruise Lines' 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers

American Cruise Lines ' itineraries on the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington already attract travelers who appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, but now the cruise line has a 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary that takes scenic appreciation to another level.

The trip combines an eight-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers with a seven-night land tour to three national parks: Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. The itinerary visits five states and begins or ends in either Portland, Oregon, or Jackson, Wyoming, depending on whether you do the land or cruise portion first.

What will you see on this cruise? If you start in Portland, you'll overnight before boarding one of the company's modern, 180-passenger river ships: American Jazz, American Harmony or American Song. Your first day will be spent enjoying scenic cruising along the Columbia River, with Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens as a backdrop, as you head to Astoria, Oregon. The historic seaside city is known for its beautiful Victorian houses and red trolleys.

Geology enthusiasts and anyone who remembers the devastating May 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens will be fascinated by the port call in Kalama, Washington, where you can take an included guided excursion to the National Volcanic Monument. The following day will be spent cruising the Columbia River Gorge before you arrive in Stevenson, Washington, where a visit to 620-foot Multnomah Falls is a highlight. The final two days feature views of the dramatic landscapes of the Snake River in eastern Washington as you call on Richland before disembarking in Clarkston.

The guided national parks tour begins with a drive to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, for a lake cruise followed by an overnight in Kalispell, Montana. Once in Glacier National Park, you'll navigate Going-to-the-Sun Road and dine at the historic Lake McDonald Lodge.

The tour continues on to Yellowstone National Park, where your adventure guides will offer insight as you explore Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Tower Fall and Old Faithful, among other highlights. A visit to Grand Teton National Park and its Jackson Lake Lodge follows, with your final day spent admiring the park's incredible mountain vistas and abundant wildlife.

Related: The best US river cruises

American Cruise Lines' 50-night The Great United States

If 15 nights aren't enough to satisfy your wanderlust, American Cruise Lines offers a 50-night version of The Great United States program for 2025.

The 2025 sailing encompasses three cruises. It takes the 15-night National Parks & Legendary Rivers itinerary described above and adds a 21-night Mississippi River cruise from New Orleans to St. Paul, Minnesota, aboard 180-passenger American Serenade, which will call on 21 ports in six states. Along the Mississippi, you'll have a chance to visit Civil War battlefields in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Mark Twain's boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri; and the landmark Gateway Arch in St. Louis. You can also enjoy legendary blues music on Beale Street in Memphis.

That segment will be followed by a 14-night, 14-port cruise along the coast of New England on 125-passenger American Pioneer (debuting in 2025). The ship will sail round-trip from Boston and visit scenic coastal ports in Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including the quintessential New England islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.

Tour options will include visits to the Maine Botanical Garden in Boothbay Harbor and Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, an SUV adventure along the dunes of Provincetown on Cape Cod and a tour of the gilded mansions of Newport in Rhode Island.

In total, you'll check off 15 states from your must-visit list during this river cruise. That's an impressive number of destinations to visit in a single trip.

Avalon Waterways' 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro

Portugal's Douro River Valley is beloved by oenophiles. Over the past few decades, it has also attracted river cruisers seeking a relaxing itinerary punctuated by sleepy small towns and the daily enjoyment of local food and wine.

In March 2024, Avalon Waterways added the Douro River to its offerings when it debuted 102-passenger Avalon Alegria sailing an itinerary called Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro . The seven-night cruise is round trip from Porto, where there's time at the start and end of your cruise to explore this colorful city's historic port-wine cellars, churches and bridges (including the Ponte de Dona Maria Pia, designed in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel).

Noteworthy stops range from an afternoon call on Porto Antigo, with included excursions to monasteries and churches in Braga and Guimaraes, to a call at Peso de Regua, where sightseeing and wine tasting go hand in hand. You'll even have an opportunity to add an optional excursion from Pinhao to the elaborate 18th-century Baroque palace Casa de Mateus (of rose wine fame).

Save time for the onboard activities, too. After a full-day excursion from Barca d'Alva to Salamanca, Spain — a city known for its mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles — you can learn how to paint azulejos (Portugal's famous blue-hued handmade tiles) or enjoy a pastry-making demonstration on the ship the next morning.

Related: The best river cruises in Europe

CroisiEurope's 7-night A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys

Germany is known for its scenic river valleys, and a new itinerary from French river cruise line CroisiEurope doesn't skimp on beautiful vistas. Called A Cruise Through Four Exquisite European Valleys , the seven-night, round-trip sailing departs from Strasbourg, France, and visits the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar river valleys.

The ship for this itinerary, 81-passenger Elbe Princesse II, is one of CroisiEurope's three paddle river boats. It normally navigates the Elbe River between Berlin and Prague. However, from July to October 2025, the ship will be cruising the Rhine and its tributaries.

This river cruise kicks off on the Saar River, famous for the Great Bend at Mettlach (the river equivalent of a hairpin turn), and overnights in the town of Saarburg, Germany. After a morning scenic cruise onto the Moselle River, you'll visit Trier, Germany, known for its ancient Roman structures and its photogenic medieval buildings, before continuing on to Cochem, Germany, where you can enjoy an afternoon visit to the hilltop Reichsburg Castle.

Larger cities like Koblenz, Germany, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers and home to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, are also on the itinerary. The trip features a stop in wine-centric Rudesheim, Germany, as well, so you can sample some vino and enjoy a ride on a scenic train while in the Rhine Valley.

The final day calls on a trio of German ports on the Neckar River. In the morning, you'll visit Mannheim and disembark for a coach transfer to Heidelberg, home to pink-hued Heidelberg Castle, historic churches and atmospheric beer halls. You'll then reboard Elbe Princesse II in Heidelberg and sail to Eberbach, a medieval city with an abundance of half-timbered homes and ancient fountains. The ship will overnight as you enjoy a final gala dinner before disembarking in Strasbourg the next morning.

Riverside Luxury Cruises' 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery

With the March 2024 debut of 110-passenger Riverside Debussy, Europe-based newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises has added more than a half-dozen new three- to 21-night itineraries, with options on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube rivers. In October 2024, the ship will sail an 11-night Danube and Main River Discovery itinerary from Budapest to Frankfurt that combines the highlights of two rivers and visits four countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

You'll embark Riverside Debussy in Hungary's capital before cruising past the illuminated Hungarian Parliament Building on your way to Bratislava. The capital of Slovakia is home to a hilltop castle, a walkable pedestrian zone and pubs serving local beer.

The next day, discover the history and artistry of Vienna with visits to its Hapsburg-era palaces, 16th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral and numerous museums. Charming Durnstein, Austria, is known for its medieval castle and a riverfront abbey with a pretty blue-and-white spire, while the golden-hued abbey in nearby Melk, Austria, celebrates the flavor of apricots in preserves and liquors.

As you reach Passau, Germany, which sits on the confluence of three rivers, you'll enter Bavaria and discover a walkable city with a domed 17th-century Baroque cathedral. The next day on the Main River (a Rhine tributary), you'll tour Regensburg, Germany, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center, before spending two days exploring Nuremberg, Germany, which has a notably complex history.

Rounding out the cruise are calls on Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, Germany, with bustling Frankfurt — where historic remnants of the Middle Ages meet modern skyscrapers — serving as the departure port.

Related: River cruise packing list: What to pack when traveling by riverboat

Scenic's 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe

If you have two months to spare, a fascination with history, a love of fine wines and a generous budget, you can explore the rivers of Europe in one epic trip with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. The new 66-night Scenic Cruising Through Europe journey — available on two dates in 2025 ( May 4-July 9 and Aug. 16-Oct. 21 ) — explores more than a half dozen major rivers and waterways and calls on almost 60 ports in 13 countries.

The first part of the journey begins in Bucharest, Romania, with an overnight in a luxury hotel before you set sail on one of Scenic's 163-guest Space-Ships from Giurgiu. You'll cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers all the way to Belgium and the Netherlands, then backtrack along the Rhine to Basel, Switzerland, taking some time to explore towns along the Moselle River.

This portion of the trip will take 36 days, and you'll explore ports in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland. You'll spend two days each in Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam, and scenic highlights include Austria's Wachau Valley and Germany's Rhine River Gorge, with its many hilltop castles.

After a flight from Zurich to Paris, you'll start the next leg of your trip when you board 124-passenger Scenic Gem for a 10-night cruise on the Seine River. Visit historic Rouen and Honfleur or take excursions to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and the WWII beaches at Normandy.

Next, you'll fly from Paris to Bordeaux and board 149-passenger Scenic Diamond for a 10-night journey along the Garonne and Dordogne rivers in the heart of France's Bordeaux wine region.

On day 57, you'll fly from Bordeaux to Porto, Portugal, to board 96-passenger Scenic Azure on the Douro River for the final 10-night leg of your trip. You'll explore the legendary port cellars of Porto, taste wine amid the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley and venture into Spain for a day trip to Salamanca. Your river cruise — and this epic 66-night journey — concludes back in Porto with an overnight, allowing you more time to experience this exceptional city.

Tauck's 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris

Tauck's newest river offering in Europe for 2025 is its 13-night Romantic Capitals: Prague to Paris itinerary. This multiriver and land journey is available from April to October on Tauck ships Joy and Savor.

You'll start your journey with two nights at the Fairmont Golden Prague Hotel and enjoy ample time to take in sights such as Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. You'll then transfer to Regensburg, Germany, for a nine-day cruise to Trier along the Main, Rhine, Moselle and upper Danube rivers, as well as the Main-Danube Canal.

Ports and cities visited on excursions include Frankfurt, Koblenz, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim and Boppard, Germany. Exclusive experiences available to Tauck guests range from a private reception and dinner at Schlosshotel Kronberg near Frankfurt to a visit to the legendary Nurburgring racetrack near Koblenz.

You'll continue your trip on land with a quick stop in Luxembourg for a walking tour of its capital city. Afterward, you'll board a train to Paris, where your journey will conclude with a two-night stay at L'Hotel du Collectionneur.

Uniworld's 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added a new 13-night Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul itinerary to its 2025 journeys. The two-week cruise offers you the chance to experience these two legendary cities, visit landmarks along the Seine River and then travel by luxury sleeper train for five nights from Paris through six additional countries to Istanbul. A 14-night reverse itinerary from Istanbul to Paris is also available.

If you begin your journey in Paris, you'll board Uniworld's 128-passenger Joie de Vivre for a seven-night Seine River cruise. Highlights include visits to Claude Monet's home and gardens at Giverny and Normandy's medieval capital, Rouen, known for its 11th-century cathedral and Joan of Arc history. A second stop in Rouen gives you a choice of excursions to the beaches of Normandy. This portion of the trip concludes with a stop at Versailles and an overnight in Paris.

You'll then transfer to Gare de Lyon and board the Golden Eagle Danube Express. First stop: the vineyards of Champagne for a tasting. The next day, the majestic scenery of the Austrian Alps are a daytime highlight, while dinner and a private classical concert in Vienna are on the evening agenda. After a morning exploring the city, you'll be back on board as your train heads to Postojna, Slovenia, where you'll enjoy a nighttime tour of the intricate Postojna Caves.

A visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade rewards you with a traditional feast, while the next day's stop in Sofia, capital of Bulgaria, offers architectural and archeological gems in a city dating back 7,000 years. Upon disembarking in Istanbul, you'll spend a night at the luxurious Four Seasons Sultanahmet and have time to explore nearby sights, which include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

Viking's 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer from Nuremberg to Basel

Viking 's newest itinerary for 2025 is the 10-night Rhine & Main Explorer , which cruises from Nuremberg to Basel (or vice versa) from May to November and visits cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. It's a new mix of ports for Viking, including some lesser-known historic towns in Germany's Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria regions.

You'll board one of the cruise line's 190-passenger Viking Longships in Nuremberg, where an overnight offers time to learn about the city's medieval structures and past as a staging ground for Nazi rallies. More medieval architecture awaits in Bamberg, famous for its river-spanning Altes Rathaus (Town Hall) and its rauchbier (smoked beer). If wine is your preferred spirit, you're in luck, as Wurzburg, a city in Germany's Franken wine region, is also on the itinerary.

As you continue your cruise, you'll see the vibrant half-timbered houses and sample the hearty Bavarian cuisine (think: bratwurst and pork knuckle) of Marktheidenfeld, Germany. A visit to bustling Frankfurt, which provides a stark contrast between historic and modern Germany, is also in order after an afternoon spent sailing past the Main River's castle-topped hillsides.

France's Alsace region gets its turn when you call on Strasbourg, known for its beautifully preserved Old Town encircled by the Ill River. The itinerary also includes a stop across the Rhine in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to the Black Forest and a town full of vineyards. You'll end your journey with a full day of exploring charming guild house-lined Marktplatz, history-rich streets and more than 40 museums in Basel.

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