In episode #168 of The Dear Bob and Sue Podcast, we answer a listener who asked our advice on an itinerary for visiting the coasts of Washington and Oregon. She and her husband were unsure how many trips they had left before they would stop traveling for good, so they wanted to know the must-see destinations for their upcoming trip.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the very best of the Pacific Northwest, this two-week road trip itinerary through Washington and Oregon is for you. With national parks, scenic coastal drives, charming small towns, and unforgettable landscapes, this trip blends natural beauty with historical interest—and plenty of room for your own personal detours.

In this post, we’ll walk you through an ideal two-week loop that starts and ends at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac) and includes many of our favorite stops in both states. The trip we’ve outline here can be as active as you’d like, but it’s paced for enjoyment, not exhaustion.

Day 1–2: Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula

Start by driving west from SeaTac to Port Angeles, a great base for exploring Olympic National Park. (We’ve enjoyed staying at the Olympic Lodge in Port Angeles many times.)

Spend two nights here and use the time to explore the northern portion of the park. Hike the trails in the Hurricane Ridge area if open (weather-dependent) and visit Lake Crescent for a peaceful walk to Marymere Falls.

Tip: While a timed-entry permit is not required at the time of this writing, Hurricane Ridge Road can temporarily close if the parking lot becomes full, especially on busy days like summer weekends or holidays. The park recommends arriving before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the worst crowds.

On your way west, then south on Highway 101, away from the Lake Crescent area, you have a couple of choices for visiting a truly Pacific Northwest rainforest.

Check out the rain forests

The first option you’ll come to is the otherworldly Ho Rain Forest. For a brief stop here, consider hiking the easy and magical Hall of Mosses Trail.

Your other option is to continue south, heading toward the Quinault Rain Forest, a lush and less-visited corner of Olympic NP. Drive the 31-mile loop around Lake Quinault and stop at the historic Lake Quinault Lodge, designed by Robert Reamer, who also designed Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn.

If you have extra time, check out one of the Olympic National Park’s wild beaches like Ruby Beach or Rialto Beach on the Pacific Coast west of the rainforests.

Day 3–4: Washington Coast to Oregon – Astoria and Cannon Beach

From Quinault, continue south on Highway 101 to cross the Columbia River into Oregon via the Astoria–Megler Bridge—the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.

In Astoria, enjoy lunch at one of their fantastic breweries and explore Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, where the expedition camped for the winter. Then head to Cannon Beach, just a short drive down the coast. Spend a night or two here and enjoy the stunning coastline, Haystack Rock, and nearby Ecola State Park for short hikes and panoramic views.

Day 5–7: The Oregon Coast Scenic Drive

From Cannon Beach, head south along Highway 101, one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. Spend the next few days enjoying some of Oregon’s famed coastal stops:

• Cape Meares Lighthouse
• Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – with a fantastic CCC-era rock shelter and sweeping coastal views
• Heceta Head Lighthouse and Thor’s Well
• Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor

This part of the coast is dotted with charming towns, fresh seafood restaurants, and stunning hiking opportunities. Take your time—this stretch of the trip is all about slowing down and soaking it in.

Day 8–9: Crater Lake National Park (Optional Add-On)

If you want to add in a national park detour, consider a two-day excursion to Crater Lake National Park. From the southern coast, it’s about a four-hour drive inland.

Crater Lake is one of the most awe-inspiring views in the National Park system—an impossibly deep, blue lake formed in the caldera of an ancient volcano. Drive as much of the Rim Road as is open—snow may close part of the loop until mid- to late July.

Stay: If you can snag a room at Crater Lake Lodge, perched right on the rim, you’re in for a real treat.

Day 10–11: Columbia River Gorge

Begin heading north again toward Hood River, a great base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge.

Multnomah Falls is the star of the gorge, but plan ahead—reservations are required from late May through early September between 9 AM and 6 PM. You can also visit other waterfalls nearby, like Wahkeena, Horsetail, and Bridal Veil.

Beyond waterfalls, enjoy the area’s wineries, breweries, and great food options. You could easily spend two days just enjoying what Hood River and the Gorge have to offer.

Day 12–13: Mount Rainier National Park

From Hood River, head back north and into Mount Rainier National Park via the southern or eastern entrance.

Rainier’s wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and glacier views are spectacular in summer. Consider staying at Paradise Inn or National Park Inn, both inside the park. Lodging inside the park often exempts you from needing a timed-entry permit (when one is required), which is a huge advantage during peak season.

Hiking suggestion

Our favorite hike in the Paradise area is the Skyline Loop. This 5.6-mile trail is moderately strenuous and should take you three to four hours to complete. The scenery along the trail is stunning and is the perfect ending to your Pacific Northwest tour.

Day 14: Return to SeaTac

On your final day, make your way back to SeaTac.

When to Go

If you’re planning this road trip for summer, we recommend the first two weeks of June if you want to avoid the crowds. In Washington and Oregon, public schools typically don’t let out until mid-June, which means you’ll enjoy quieter trails and fewer crowds than July and August travelers.

That said, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic and the Skyline Loop in Mount Rainier National Park could still have snow patches in late June, so you may need to hike lower-elevation trails early in the summer season.

Final Thoughts

This two-week road trip through Washington and Oregon blends wild coasts, lush rainforests, and charming towns. Whether you’re seeking quiet nature, history, or coastal breezes, this itinerary offers it all—and the flexibility to adjust it based on your own pace and interests.

(The cover image for this post is of Rialto Beach along the Pacific Coast in Olympic National Park)

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