Fly into the Portland International airport (PDX), which is located in the northwest corner of the state. Alternatively, fly into Seattle International Airport, rent a car, and drive the three hours south to Oregon. Some of the smaller airports you can fly into in Oregon include: Eugene Airport (west & middle of the state), Rogue Valley International Airport (southwest in the state), and Redmond Municipal Airport (east & middle of the state).

To get around, rent a car, take pubic transit (Amtrak, buses, etc), or grab a ride share. Note: roads generally have slower speed limits than they do out east. Travel times can be also be much longer between certain areas since there are lots of remote and isolated areas in Oregon. Some of the outdoorsy locations may take you down bumpy, unpaved, country roads, so be sure to research each location before you go to be best prepared.

Oregon is very active and outdoorsy, so consider renting or purchasing a bike as part of your road trip to get to even more adventures! This is the ebike I currently have, which folds up and stores easily in my car. It’s been amazing for beach, road, mountain, and trail rides!

This is always a tough one for me to answer because each eason offers something amazing and different! But generally the best time to visit is June-August when there are mild, warm summer temperatures and less rainfall.

In spring, it will be exceptionally rainy, BUT the waterfalls will be flowing and look amazing!

In summer, you can pretty much do most activities and enjoy getting out on the many waterways. The biggest downside to summer, however, is Oregon is now prone to wildfires most years so by August it can be smokey, hazy, and generally unpleasant to be there.

In autumn you can enjoy fall color with a bit more rainfall, but the waterfalls won’t be as good as in spring.

Winter in Oregon means snowy adventures – at least up in the mountains! If you are a fan of skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, don’t sleep on an Oregon winter.

Oregon has a mild climate but each season brings quite a variety of conditions and temperatures, and it can drastically vary from the west (forested, oceanic) to the east (desert) half of the state. It’s always best to pack a rain jacket, sunscreen, water, as it is a drier climate than the east.

Spring: Oregon in spring is RAINY, with average temperatures of 40-60° F (sometimes as low as 30° F or high as 90° F). Definitely pack a rainjacket!

Summer: Oregon in summer can be mild or downright hot, but dry. There is relatively little humidity. Temperatures range from 65° F to 90° and up (as hot as 100° F or higher!)

Fall: Fall in Oregon is brisk and it can alternate between sunny and rainy, with increasing rainfall as the season progresses. Temperatures fall around the 35-60° F range.

Water: winter is very rainy in the cities but up in the mountains there is quite a bit of snowfall. Expect temperatures around the 30°s F.

If you are embarking on this full Oregon road trip, I highly recommend you grab some passes to save money. I always have the NW Forest Pass, which covers fees in U.S. Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon where a day use fee is required. At the state parks, you will need to purchase a day pass (check and see if they offer a year pass to save money!), and in winter, you will need a Sno-Park permit in certain areas.

How long should you embark on this trip? I’ve detailed eight main stops and seven bonus stops (feel free to add or cut any to suit your trip better and really make it your own!), so I’d recommend a minimum of 8 days for the full trip. Even with 8 days you’ll be driving long distances most days to get to the next stop, so to have the perfect experiences, I’d highly recommend doing this Oregon road trip in two weeks.

Begin your excursion by flying into the Portland International Airport, or if you are a local, start anywhere along the path (see the interactive map below!). You will definitely need a car and depending on the season, I recommend a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle.

Portland has a myriad of craft beers and restaurants to try in between adventures, and you definitely have to grab some donuts on your way out to hiking. Nature photography abounds from the Japanese Garden to Forest Park, and there’s plenty of architectural photography in any of Portland’s 14 bridges.

• Pittock Mansion
• Portland City Grill
• Powell Butte Nature Park
• Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Mt. Tabor Park

• Grab some books at Powell’s City of Books
• Hike in Forest Park
• See blooms in the Portland International Rose Test Garden
• Walk around the Portland Japanese Garden
• Shop at the Portland Saturday Market

• The Hotel Zags Portland: right in the heart of downtown, it’s a perfect jumping off point to explore all of Portland! My favorite part is their bike rental program.
• Radisson Hotel Portland Airport: if you want to stay close to the airport, this would be my pick! The airport isn’t too far from downtown and it’s closer to the Columbia River Gorge so if you want to prioritize your next stop, stay here.
• The Nines: stay at The Nines if you would like a taste of luxury with your Portland adventures. The Nines boasts amazing views, beautiful artwork, and two on-site restaurants.

• Portland Women’s Forum
• Vista House
• Multnomah Falls
• Latourell Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls

• Drive the historic Columbia River Highway
• Hike to one of the myriad of waterfalls: Bridal Veil, Fairy Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Triple Falls, Wahclella Falls, & more
• Drive across the Bridge of the Gods
• Hike in the Eagle Creek Wilderness & swim at Punchbowl Falls
• Stop in Hood River to enjoy craft breweries

• Skamania Lodge: while this lies on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, it is well worth a stay. Its iconic wood detailing and massive timbers is a nod to the county’s rich timber industry. Stay here for that rustic feel and enjoy some downright incredible views from the hotel.
• Hood River Hotel: Hood River is the perfect base to explore the Columbia River Gorge and the Hood River Hotel is right in the center of breweries and downtown. Stay here to be conveniently located for all of your adventures in the area!
• Columbia Cliff Villas: for a taste of luxury with unparalleled views, stay at Columbia Cliff Villas. My favorite part is the outdoor terrace and that it is also dog-friendly!

Head south from Mt. Hood to venture into the Bend area. A long detour option is to explore the Painted Hills in John Day, a spectacular geological phenomenon. Please be respectful of trails, as walking on the delicate sands of the Hills will take YEARS for footprints to fade away, if they do at all.

Bend has plenty to offer all on its own though as an outdoor-focused city. Hiking, swimming, rock climbing, caving and more await. Smith Rock State Park is a must-see and is a place that is very special to me personally. Sparks Lake is another fantastic photography spot, but make sure to bring your bug spray!

• Smith Rock State Park
• Tumalo Falls
• Boyd Cave
• Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
• Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint
• Painted Hills (outside of Bend)

• Drink craft beer at Deschutes Brewery or one of the many breweries in the area
• Hike South Sister to enjoy epic views or go mountain biking at one of the many, many trails in Bend
• Shop in downtown Bend
• Float down the Deschutes River
• Bonus: ski or snowboard Mt. Bachelor in winter!

• DoubleTree by Hilton Bend: I highly, HIGHLY recommend you stay as close to downtown as possible so you can walk to all the shops and eats. DoubleTree is in such a perfect location to explore from, definitely check it out!
• Hampton Inn & Suites Bend: close to activities like fishing, rafting, and cycling, PLUS complimentary breakfast bags to go, Hampton Inn & Suites is well-priced and located for all your Bend adventures.
• Riverhouse on the Deschutes: for amazing views, spacious rooms, onsite trails, as well as a pool and hot tub, stay at the Riverhouse! I love that they have a patio you can eat outside and soak up all the views.
• Best Western Prineville Inn: if you opt to stop in John Day and see the Painted Hills, this is one of the closest hotels to this area.

South from Bend is one stop you can’t miss: Oregon’s only National Park, Crater Lake. It is the deepest lake in the entire United States (1,949 feet/594 meters), as it is a long-ago collapsed volcano. It is often covered in snow, and winter is especially beautiful and enjoyable to snow-shoe around. One gate is often closed in winter though, so make sure to check out the park’s website for informations on the current conditions. Even further south is a spot that is challenging for photography, but a must-see regardless because of how amazing it is to explore: the Oregon Caves National Monument. Never in my travels have I yet been to caves as spectacular as these!

• Rim Drive:
  • Sinnott Memorial Overlook
  • Watchman Overlook
  • Cloudcap Overlook
  • Phantom Ship Overlook
  • Pinnacles Overlook
• Watchman Peak Trail
• Garfield Peak

• Swim in the lake itself!
• Take a boat tour and see Wizard Island up close
• Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail
• Dine at the Crater Lake Lodge
• Hike to a waterfall: try out the Plaikni Falls Trail
• Bonus: go snowshoeing or cross country ski around the Rim in winter!

• Crater Lake Lodge: you can’t get any closer to Crater Lake than at the Lodge! The Lodge is in the National Park itself, and includes an on-site restaurant so you won’t have to go far.
• Crater Lake Resort: cottages, tents, and glamping abound at Crater Lake Resort, and it’s not too far from Crater Lake itself. If you want to cook for yourself, I definitely recommend checking out a bungalow.
• Shilo Inn Suites Klamath Falls: a little more of a drive away, Shilo Inn is still a great place to stay as it’s in Klamath Falls, a great area to explore and still be close to tons of outdoor activities but not be in the middle of the wilderness. There is not a lot nearby Crater Lake so driving in might still be your best bet!

Head southwest from Crater Lake to one of the most underrated spots in Oregon: the Rogue Valley. I grew up in this area and I’m always suprised by how little it gets explored. The outdoor activities in summer rival those in the north, and the food, wine, & craft beer scene is definitely just as good too. Some of my favorite activies in the area include: white-water rafting, wine tasting, hiking, and more. Make sure to visit all of the top towns: Medford, Ashland, and Jacksonville.

• Roxy Ann Peak
• Table Rock (hike to the top!)
• Lithia Park
• Mt. Ashland Summit Trail
• Grizzly Peak Trail

• Go to the world-famous Shakespeare Festival in Ashland or catch a summer concert at Britt Music & Arts Festival
• Go wine tasting throughout the valley
• Raft down the Rogue River
• Shop at a farmer’s market
• Visit the Gold Rush Town of Jacksonville
• Bonus: ski or snowboard Mt. Ashland in winter!

• Homewood Suites Medford: Homewood Suites is conveniently located right off the Interstate 5, and is close to Medford downtown, wineries, and more. It is one of the newest hotels in the area and also includes breakfast.
• Ashland Springs Hotel: staying at this historic hotel is a MUST. The hotel offers a spa and farm to table dining, which you absolutely must try!
• McCully House Inn: McCully is GORGEOUS and it is located in historic Jacksonville, and you will immediately be transported to goldrush Oregon. Stay here for a unique experience and some aboslutely incredible dining is within easy walking distance.

Embark on the long drive west for my favorite coastal views: the Southern Oregon coast. The drive will take about three hours due to winding roads, unlike further north in Oregon, where the drive to the coast can be just a short hour+. Quick tip here: if you’ve never been to the Oregon coast, it is quite unlike any other coastline, and it is dramatically different in particular from the California coastline. The Oregon coast is often cold & VERY windy, with icy-cold waters and steep cliffsides. Make sure you pack a ton of layers – even in summer I often wear a windbreaker and a sweater to ward off the chill! Make sure you are also cautious as the steep cliffs in certain areas of the Southern Oregon coastline can be quite dangerous – but they are also breathtakingly beautiful. Some of my favorite stops in the Southern Oregon coast include: Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park And Cape Arago State Park, Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and Brookings.

• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Bandon Beach
• Port Orfod
• Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
• Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint

• Camp at Harris Beach State Park
• Ride an ATV up and down the Oregon Dunes
• Drive up highway 101 and enjoy the views!
• See the lighthouse at Cape Blanco State Park 
• Go shopping in the cute coastal towns: Brookings, Gold Beach, Bandon, and Port Orford
• Bonus: take a quick out-of-Oregon detour to see the Redwoods National Park in California, just a short drive over the border from Brookings, Oregon

• Beachfront Inn: enjoy incredible seaside views and be perfectly situated in the southernmost town of Brookings, Oregon.
• Bandon Inn: located centrally in Bandon, this Inn is the perfect jumping off point to explore the southern Oregon coast.
• Edgewater Inn Coos Bay: river views, a hot tub, and an indoor pool – Edgewater is the perfect relaxation hub in Coos Bay.

Once you’ve had your fill of the southern Oregon coast, continue heading up north along the coastline. The Oregon coast is one of the most beautiful and unique coastlines you will ever see. Erosion has led to amazing sea stacks that host local and migratory bird populations. If you are lucky, you may even see a tufted puffin, a close cousin of the penguin. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a must-see along the coastline, as it has a little bit of everything photography-wise: landscape, seascape, wildlife, birds, and macro. You can spend hours exploring the diverse sea life of the tide pools, watch sea lions bark at each other, take in a sunset at the lighthouse, or capture one of the many birds flying in to roost. When you are finished, enjoy some well earned seafood and beer in Newport.

• Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area & Lighthouse
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
• Thor’s Well
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Heceta Head Lighthouse

• Enjoy some incredible seafood in Newport Beach
• Bird watch at Seal Rock
• Take a tour of the Sea Lion Caves
• Lookout for gray whales in Depoe Bay
• Shop in Lincoln City

• The Whaler: with a 1-minute walk from the beach, there’s no doubt The Whaler is my favorite place to stay in Newport. It’s also in a great location to explore many sights in the area!
• Hallmark Resort: ocean views, a salt water pool, and a spa make the Hallmark Resort an incredibly comfortable stay.
• Inn at Nye Beach: if you want to stay at a boutique hotel, check out the Inn at Nye Beach. It has a pool, beach access, and the rooms are SO lovely.

From Newport & Yaquina, drive the rest of the way up the coast. There are countless stops along the coast you can take; I recommend taking as much time as you can to fit in as many stops as you can. Take advantage of viewpoints and hikes, and let yourself get nice and sandy. Tillamook in particular is also a great stop – they are famous for their ice cream and cheese, it’s a must-try! One stop you absolutely cannot miss though is Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach. These three monoliths are a popular sunset spot, and also host bird populations (so please do not drone around these and other sea stacks that have roosting birds!). Other beaches around the north coast are great to explore, so if you have more time, don’t hesitate to go past the typical tourist route on to Astoria and other stops.

• Haystack Rock
• Ecola State Park Overlook
• Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
• Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
• Astoria-Megler Bridge

• Try the ice cream at Tillamook Creamery
• Explore the Peter Iredale shipwreck in Astoria
• See wildlife at Fort Stevens State Park
• Hike in Oswald West State Park
• Catch a sunset on the beach!

• Schooner’s Cove Inn: located RIGHT in the heart of Cannon Beach, Schooner’s Cove is the pefect place to stay. My favorite part? The beachfront lawn, complete with grills and picnic tables.
• The Wayside Inn: a three minute walk from the beach with ocean views, Wayside is a fantastic place to explore Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach.
• Beaches Inn | Puffins Place Cabana: my absolute favorite way to spend time at the beach in Oregon is to rent a vacation home or a little cottage, so Puffins Place Cabana is pretty much perfection, can’t recommend it enough!

Nooo the worst part – the end of the trip! From the northern Oregon coast, make your way back to Portland, a quick 1-2 hour trip, and fly out from there, or spend a few more days to soak up up even more things Portland!

If you made it all the way through this road trip, you will have seen the top sights Oregon has to offer. Now all that is left is to plan your next trip back to see even more!