How to plan an unforgettable 7 day Oregon road trip

Oregon has been on my bucket list ever since I moved to Vancouver, BC, back in 2019. Fast forward four years and I finally made it down there! On our 7 day Oregon road trip, we experienced so much – from incredible beaches and sand dunes to roaring waterfalls and the high desert. 

Oregon is such a large and diverse state which can make planning a road trip quite challenging. In this blog post, I’m sharing our exact 7 day Oregon itinerary. You’ll also find optional add-ons in case you want to extend your trip, information on entrance fees, suggestions on where to stay, and more!

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7 DAY OREGON ROAD TRIP: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Oregon. This 7-day Oregon itinerary is based on my own experiences but you can easily tailor this to your own travel style and add or cut any stops you see fit.

7 Day Oregon Road Trip Route Overview

Here’s a quick summary of the 7 day Oregon road trip that we did. You can do this route in either direction. We went anti-clockwise as the weather looked better at the beginning of the trip so we decided to start with the coastal section.

• Day 1: Arrive in Cannon Beach
• Day 2: Cannon Beach, Ecola State Park, and Cape Kiwanda
• Day 3: John Dellenback Sand Dunes, Willamette National Forest, and Bend
• Day 4: Bend
• Day 5: Smith Rock State Park and Mt. Hood
• Day 6: Columbia River Gorge (and Portland)
• Day 7: Travel home

Below you’ll find an itinerary map for this Oregon 7 day road trip which features pins for each day’s scenic stops, hiking trails and places to eat. You can save the map by clicking on the star next to the title and use it to help gauge daily driving distances.

Before we jump in, here are some important things to know about Oregon and this road trip route:

Oregon is a big state

Oregon is a lot bigger than people realize. It’s actually the 9th largest state in the country which means you’re not going to see the entire state in one trip. Here’s a quick overview of the different regions:

• Oregon Coast: 363 miles of beaches, rugged cliffs, sea stacks and quaint towns
• Central Oregon: Home to the high desert and well-known spots like Bend, Sisters and Smith Rock State Park
• Eastern Oregon: This is a vast area that deserves its own road trip and includes the Painted Hills, Pendleton and Hells Canyon
• Mt. Hood: Mt. Hood is the highest peak in Oregon and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts
• Columbia River Gorge: This is the ‘waterfall wonderland of the Pacific Northwest’
• Willamette Valley: The valley is home to vineyards, farmlands and orchards
• Southern Oregon: This is a diverse region where you’ll find Crater Lake National Park, Oregon Caves National Monument and hidden hot springs

We wanted to try and see as much of the different landscapes as we could on our 7 day Oregon road trip. We spent some time on the coast before driving into central Oregon and up to Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.

This itinerary doesn’t include Eastern or Southern Oregon as it was just too far to go on a 7 day Oregon road trip. If you do have more time, I’ve included some suggestions on how to extend this road trip later in the blog post.

Where to start and end your 7 day Oregon road trip

This really depends on where you’re travelling from. We decided to drive from Vancouver so we went straight to Cannon Beach and started our road trip from there. However, if you’re flying in I recommend starting and ending your road trip in Portland. Although it’s in the northwest corner of the state, it’s actually well-positioned for this particular 7 day Oregon road trip. From Portland you can either drive west to Cannon Beach or go east to Columbia River Gorge and do this 7 day Oregon itinerary in reverse.

If you’re planning to do a longer road trip and explore Eastern Oregon as well, I would suggest flying into Portland and out of Bend. This way you don’t have to drive all the way back to Portland.

How to get to Oregon

If you live in British Columbia, Washington or Northern California, you could drive all the way or fly into Portland and rent a car. We looked into both options but it worked out much cheaper for us to hire the car from Vancouver and drive down (we saved $300).

For those coming from further away, I’d recommend flying into Portland and renting a car. I always use Skyscanner to find reasonable rates on flights and use Auto Europe for car rentals as they have great rates.

Do you need to rent a car for this 7-day Oregon road trip itinerary?

You will definitely need to hire a car for this road trip! If you’re flying into Portland International Airport you can pick up your hire car from the airport. Make sure you book in advance to get the best price.

Alternatively, you could rent a campervan instead for this 7 day Oregon road trip. Outdoorsy is the world’s largest and most trusted RV rental market place and have a great selection of adventure vehicles. They take care of liability and collision insurance too so it’s an easy and simple way to book an RV for your trip. My advice is to work out the costs for both options and see what is cheaper. A campervan rental is usually more expensive than a car but you don’t have to pay for hotels which can be pricey. 

When is the best time to do this itinerary?

With its diverse landscapes, Oregon offers unique experiences all year-round. That being said, I would recommend doing this 7 day Oregon itinerary in late spring or early autumn.

Spring:

Spring is a great time to visit Oregon as the wildflowers are starting to appear and the weather is warming up. It’s also peak waterfall season as the snow has just melted so they’re incredibly powerful. There are usually fewer crowds but expect weekends to still be quite busy along the Columbia River Gorge. The downside is that higher elevation hiking trails will still be closed and there can be late snowfalls which lead to road closures. When we went, we couldn’t get down to Trillium Lake because the snow had blocked the entrance.

Summer:

As with most places, this is peak tourist season so expect crowds and higher prices for accommodation. However, it’s also the best time for hiking, camping, and exploring the famous Crater Lake.

Autumn:

Early autumn is a nice time to visit. Although the waterfalls won’t be very powerful, the fall foliage is very pretty. The weather can be a bit unpredictable but there are fewer crowds and you can get some good deals on accommodation. I would avoid doing this road trip in late autumn as there are often snowfalls which can make travel more difficult.

Winter:

Winter in Oregon is a magical time and offers great opportunities for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. However, I would personally avoid doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in winter. Some areas on this route may be inaccessible due to snowfall and the mountain passes may even be closed due to winter storms. If you are planning a winter road trip, I would stick to the Oregon coast, Columbia River Gorge, and Silver Falls State Park as the roads in these areas are well-maintained.

Oregon itinerary driving conditions and tips

For the most part, the roads on this 7 day Oregon itinerary are very good. There are a few big pot holes on the road through the Willamette National Forest so watch out for them as some are quite deep. The road to Terwilliger Hot Springs is paved up until the last part where it becomes more rugged.

Some parts of the route are quite remote and you will lose cell coverage. I found that I didn’t have any service in Willamette National Forest and Mt. Hood. It also kept cutting in and out in the Columbia River Gorge. Most of the route is well signed but I recommend downloading offline maps or taking a physical one with you just in case. 

Make sure you stock up on groceries before you set off on day 3 and 5 because there aren’t many stores along the way. The same applies for gas. Fill up before you start the drive through Willamette National Forest and Mt. Hood.

7 DAY OREGON ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

This is quite a jam-packed itinerary so you’ll need to get up quite early each day to account for the long drives in-between some of the stops.

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 1: TRAVEL TO CANNON BEACH

If you’re flying into Portland and hiring a car, it’s a relatively straight forward drive to Cannon Beach. Once you get through Portland, you’ll pick up Highway 26 west to Cannon Beach for 73 miles. At the end of this highway, you’ll merge onto Highway 101 (the Oregon Coast Highway) which will take you to Cannon Beach.

The whole drive from Portland takes around 1 hour 40 minutes. Although today is most likely a travel day, depending on what time you arrive, you may be able to catch sunset on Cannon Beach.

Where to stay in Cannon Beach

There are some lovely places to stay in Cannon Beach, from oceanfront hotels to guest houses and campgrounds. Here are my top picks:

• Tolovana Inn: We stayed here and I can’t recommend it enough! It’s right on the beach but as it’s a bit further down it’s more affordable than other oceanfront hotels. The staff were so helpful and the rooms were modern and so comfortable. In the morning, we walked out of the hotel and straight onto the beach. It was such good value for money. Check prices > 
• Surfsand Resort: This is another oceanfront hotel but it is closer to the haystack so it’s more expensive than Tolovana Inn. If you’re celebrating a special occasion then have a look at their ocean view rooms. Check prices > 
• Wright’s for Camping: This is a great option if you’re planning to drive and camp. It’s a family-run campground offering affordable camping close to the beach. The campground is only open from May to October. Check prices >    

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 2: CANNON BEACH TO LAKESIDE

Wake up early and get ready for a busy day of exploring beaches and sand dunes along the Oregon coast!

First Stop: Cannon Beach

If the weather is on your side, I recommend getting up early and going for a sunrise walk along Cannon Beach. It’s such a lovely way to wake up and means you’ll get to experience the beach before it gets too busy. When we went, sunrise was at 7.15am and we were two of the only people on the beach. Watching the sun light up the famous Haystack Rock was incredible.

If you love photography, walk up the steps which are opposite the Haystack Rock (leading up to the houses and beachfront hotels). This will give you a lovely view looking down at the Haystack Rock. It’s a classic view so you’ve probably seen it on Instagram but it really is worth the hype.

After you’ve finished walking along the beach, wander into the town and grab some breakfast. Cannon Beach Bakery and Lazy Susan Café are great options. The town itself is very quaint so it’s worth popping into a few of the local stores.

Second Stop: Ecola State Park

• Driving time: 11 mins (4.6 km/ 2.9 miles)

The next stop is Ecola State Park. It’s only a 10 minute drive north of Cannon Beach and is a lovely area to explore. Set in a lush rainforest, Ecola State Park is home to old-growth trees, pristine beaches and stunning coastal views.

There are a number of great hikes in the park, such as Ecola Point to Crescent Beach (1.25 miles) and Clatsop Loop (2.8 miles). Ecola Point to Indian Beach (1.5 miles) is another lovely trail. If you’re short on time (remember you do have a long drive ahead of you!) or don’t fancy hiking too far, you can drive to Ecola Point. From there, it’s a very short walk to the viewing area where you can see Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach and the smaller sea stacks jutting out of the ocean.

You will need an Oregon State Parks pass, Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, or a $5 day-use pass to park and explore the trails. You can purchase the day pass using the machine at the car park.

Third Stop: Cape Kiwanda

• Driving time: 1 hour 30 mins (106 km/ 66.3 miles)

Now it’s time to head to Pacific City! This area is home to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, one of the most beautiful photography spots on the Oregon coast. It’s known for its stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and rugged beauty. It even has its own version of Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock which you can see from Pacific City Beach.

Travel tip

There are a lot of amazing places on the way from Cannon Beach to Cape Kiwanda. If you have an extra day I recommend splitting day 2 into two days so you can visit these spots along the way:

• Hug Point
• Oswald West State Park
• Elk Flats Trail  

The highlight of Cape Kiwanda is the massive sand dune which separates Pacific City Beach on the south side from McPhillips Beach on the north side. You can climb up to the top for amazing views over both beaches but be warned it is steeper than it looks. Please also pay attention to the signs and do not venture too close to the fragile edges of the cliffs.

If you’re visiting at low tide, you can walk between the sandstone arches on the north side of the cliffs. You can access this area by walking all the way down McPhillips beach towards the sand dune, or by climbing up and over the sand dune from Pacific City Beach. Do not try and access this area when the tide is in as it is incredibly dangerous and you risk getting stranded or caught by sneaker waves. You can check the tide times here.

Fourth Stop: Lakeside (Optional)

• Driving time: 2 hours 44 mins (200 km/ 124 miles)

We really wanted to see the sand dunes on our 7 day Oregon road trip. There are a lot of different sand dunes along the coast but we wanted to see the larger ones which are located further south near Lakeside. If you’re not worried about seeing them you don’t need to drive all the way down to Lakeside. Instead I would stay overnight in Cape Kiwanda. That way, you can take your time driving from Cannon Beach to Cape Kiwanda and explore some of the other stops I mentioned above on day 2 instead.

If you do want to see the John Dellenback Sand Dunes, Lakeside is a good place to stay overnight. The dunes are only open from 7am to 7pm so it’s unlikely you’ll get there in time on day 2 but you’ll be close by for the next day. I recommend stopping en-route and buying some food for breakfast and lunch for day 3. It’s going to be a long day and you’ll want an early start so having things for breakfast will save you a lot of time.

Where to stay in Lakeside

We actually stayed in Winchester Bay as there weren’t many options available but I wouldn’t recommend the place we stayed (Winchester Bay Inn). Instead, I would suggest staying in Lakeside:

• Lakeside Holiday Home: If you’re travelling with a group then this is a great option as it sleeps up to 5 people. It has all the amenities you need including a kitchen, washing machine and dryer, BBQ and Wi-Fi. Check prices > 
• Seadrift Motel & RV Park: This is a good option if you’re travelling with an RV but it is pretty basic. It’s close to the sand dunes and has the essentials. Check prices > 
• Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites: If you prefer hotels, your best option is the Best Western in Reedsport. It’s a bit further away but is still only a 15 minute drive to the sand dunes. Check prices > 

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 3: LAKESIDE TO BEND

Get up and have some breakfast while getting ready for another busy day. Once you’ve fuelled up for the day, it’s time to drive to John Dellenback Sand Dunes. From here, you’ll then drive into central Oregon to explore the Willamette National Forest before heading to Bend for the night. If you haven’t already, I suggest stocking up on food and supplies before you drive through Willamette National Forest. Cell service will be very spotty in this area so you probably won’t have signal for part of today’s drive.   

First Stop: John Dellenback Sand Dunes

• Driving time: 5 mins (2.9 km/ 1.8 miles)

The John Dellenback Sand Dunes are located in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. These particular sand dunes are the widest stretch of dunes on the Oregon coast so it’s a very unique outdoor experience. What makes them even more special is that they are closed to motorized vehicles. While other areas of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are open to OHVs, this area isn’t so you can walk on them safely.

The best way to explore the dunes is on the John Dellenback Dunes trail head. It’s a 9km loop which takes you through the sand dunes out to the ocean and back but you don’t have to do the whole trail. We knew we had a long day ahead of us so we just did the first couple of kilometres and then turned back.

Day Fee

You need to pay the $5 day-use fee to park here and hike the trail. Despite reading lots of blog posts that said you had to pay in cash (and rushing around trying to find an ATM), you can pay online using your phone. When you arrive, head to the information board and you’ll see the QR code. You can scan that and then follow instructions to get your day pass. Northwest Forest Passes and Interagency Passes are also accepted.

The trail starts from the parking lot and takes you through the coastal forest. After about half a mile, you’ll emerge from the forest onto the sand dunes. Go left and hike up the large sand dune. From here, you’ll get amazing panoramic views over the dune landscape. You can continue on to the ocean or just stay here and take in the sand formations like we did.

Second Stop: Terwilliger Hot Springs

• Driving time: 2 hours 49 mins (244 km/ 152 miles)

After you’ve finished exploring the sand dunes, it’s time to start the long drive up to Willamette National Forest. I recommend stopping in Eugene (approximately 1 hour 45 mins driving time) to get some lunch and break up the journey.

From Eugene, you’ll take Highway 126 (also known as the McKenzie Highway into the forest. After about 50 minutes, you’ll turn right onto Cougar Dam Road and then right again at the next junction. Keep driving along this road until you reach Cougar Reservoir where the road splits. Go right and keep driving until you reach the parking lot for Terwilliger Springs. This part of the drive can be a bit bumpy so watch out for pot holes.

Terwilliger Hot Springs (also known as Cougar Hot Springs) is a natural hot spring located in the forest. It’s open from sunrise until sundown each day and gets very busy so don’t expect to have this place to yourself unless you’re able to go first thing in the morning! To get to the hot springs, you have to hike an easy 0.5 mile trail through the forest. The entrance fee costs $10 per person for 2 hours and is payable by cash or card at the trailhead which is often manned.

There are a few different hot pools with varying temperatures. The upper pool is the hottest but that makes it the most popular so you may want to try some of the lower pools instead. In the US, hot springs are clothing optional so expect some nudity. Be respectful if you’re taking photos and read up on hot spring etiquette before going.

Third Stop: Koosah and Sahalie Falls

• Driving time: 41 mins (50.8 km/ 31.6 miles)

Once you’ve finished soaking, head back to the car and drive back up to Highway 126. Turn right onto the highway and continue driving for about 25 minutes until you see the sign Sahalie Falls on the left hand side. There is a small parking area along the side of the road. You’ll need to do a U-Turn to park there so just be careful as cars drive quite quickly along this highway.

Sahalie and Koosah are two beautiful waterfalls which are located in the Willamette National Forest. The 2.2 mile Waterfalls Loop trail offers incredible views of both waterfalls, as well as the McKenzie River rushing through the canyons. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a blue river before! If you don’t want to do the full hike, you can just walk 5 minutes from the car to Sahalie Falls lookout instead.  

The trail is well-maintained but if you’re doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in spring, I would pack some micro-spikes. There is usually a lot of snow in this area and although the trail will be packed down it can be very icy.

Fourth Stop: Bend

• Driving time: 1 hour 8 mins (91.4 km/ 56.8 miles)

Once you’ve finished at the waterfalls, it’s time to drive to Bend. It should take about an hour but you can always stop in the town of Sisters on the way if you need gas, food or a rest break. You’ll probably arrive in the evening so I recommend checking into your hotel and going out for some food. Tomorrow, you’ll have a more relaxing day and will be able to explore Bend properly.

Where to stay in Bend

There are plenty of options to choose from in Bend. Here are a few ones that I’d recommend:

• The Riverhouse on the Deschutes: Located just north of the town centre on the river, the Riverhouse is a great place to stay if you’re visiting Bend and want somewhere peaceful to relax. We stayed here on our 7 day Oregon road trip and I can’t recommend it enough. Check prices >
• Campfire Hotel: This boutique hotel is a great affordable option if you’re travelling on a budget. The rooms have everything you need and there is also an outdoor pool, hot tub and fire pit. If you’re looking for a more sociable atmosphere then this is a good place to stay. Check prices >
• Springhill Suites Bend: Located in the Old Mill District, Springhill Suites is another great place to stay while visiting Bend. It’s also walking distance to the town centre (15 minutes) so you can easily explore on foot and not worry about driving or parking. Check prices >  

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 4: BEND

After a busy few days of driving, today will be a much slower day so you can relax and rest before hitting the road again tomorrow. Known for its outdoor recreation, craft beer scene, and vibrant arts culture, Bend is a great town to explore. It offers ample opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and river rafting depending on the time of year you visit. Here are a few fun things to do in Bend:

Explore the town

Bend’s downtown area is bustling with unique shops, art galleries, and local eateries serving up delicious farm-to-table cuisine. Explore the town centre and then wander down to Drake Park and walk along the river. Check out the Old Mill District and grab a coffee from Sisters Coffee.

Try local beers

Bend is known for its microbreweries, making it a popular place for beer lovers. Deschutes Brewery is renowned for its iconic Black Butte Porter and offers tours and tastings. For something a bit different, try Boneyard Beer which has lots of innovative brews. 10 Barrel Brewing Co. is another great spot offering a lively atmosphere and wide selection of beers. Other notable breweries include Silver Moon Brewing and Bend Brewing Co.

Hike up Pilot Butte

This large, cinder cone is visible from almost anywhere in town. Formed over 190,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption, Pilot Butte offers panoramic views of Bend and the surrounding Oregon landscape. It’s a 2 mile round trip and usually takes about an hour to hike there and back. If the weather is on your side, aim to hike up Pilot Butte for sunset and enjoy 360 degree views in golden hour.

Visit Tumalo Falls

Located about 20 miles outside of Bend, Tumalo Falls is a stunning, 89-foot tall waterfall. To get there, take Skyliners Road from Bend and follow the signs. The falls are visible from the parking lot and a short hike will take you down to the base of the falls. For a longer hike, take the Tumalo Falls Trail, a 7.5 mile loop that offers beautiful views of the waterfall and surrounding wilderness. The trail is moderately challenging and you’ll enjoy lush forests, cascading creeks, and panoramic vistas on the way.  

Check out Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor is a stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of Central Oregon. In winter, it offers world-class skiing and snowboarding on its expansive slopes. It’s also a great spot for snowshoeing, snow tubing and dog sledding. In summer, the mountain transforms into a playground for hiking and mountain biking.

For more things to do in Bend, check out Visit Bend’s website.

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 5: BEND TO HOOD RIVER

Today is going to be quite the adventure! If the weather is nice, get up early, grab some breakfast and head to Smith Rock State Park for a sunrise/ early morning hike. Consider packing some breakfast to eat on the trail and some food for the drive through Mt. Hood as there aren’t a lot of places to stop.

First Stop: Smith Rock State Park

• Driving time: 30 mins (42 km/ 26 miles)

Located just 30 minutes from Bend, Smith Rock State Park is one of the most unique spots on this 7 day Oregon road trip. The park is one of the 7 wonders of Oregon and boasts towering rock formations carved by the Crooked River, creating a dramatic landscape of cliffs and canyons. The park’s unique geology makes it a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.

Important information about Smith Rock State Park

You need to pay the $5 day-use fee to park here and hike the trail. When you arrive, head to the information board and you’ll find the pay machine.

There are rattlesnakes in some parts of the park, particularly near the river, so keep your eyes peeled. In summer, they will hide under rocks to keep cool so just be mindful. I also recommend reading up on trails before you hike and checking in with the visitor centre as people report snake sightings to them. Seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten.

The best way to experience the park is to do one of the hiking trails. Rim Rock Trail (0.5 miles) is a great easy hiking option and circles the ridge of the park. You’ll get sweeping views and the trail is relatively flat so it’s a good one for kids. Another good option is Canyon Trail (1.5 miles) which takes you down to the river.

If you’re a keen hiker and are up for something more challenging, I highly recommend the Misery Ridge and River Trail (4 miles). It is an uphill grind but it will take you up to Misery Ridge where you’ll get panoramic views over the park and out to the Cascade Mountains. This is a great hike to do for sunrise or sunset depending on when you visit.

Second Stop: Trillium Lake (Seasonal)

• Driving time: 1 hour 44 mins (137 km/ 85.3 miles)

Head north on Highway 97 for about 10 minutes and then merge onto Highway 26. This will take you all the way to Mount Hood National Forest. It’s a beautiful drive through dense forests and towering peaks. Home to the iconic Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon, this area is a popular spot for hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. On this 7 day Oregon road trip, you’ll only have time to explore Trillium Lake. However, if you have more time you could add on an extra day and explore more of Mount Hood.

Trillium Lake has a beautiful view of Mount Hood and is incredibly picturesque. This is a great place to have lunch and stretch your legs. There are vault toilets and picnic tables. If you feel like it, you can also do the easy 2-mile Trillium Shoreline Look Trail.

If you’re travelling in spring, be aware that the road may not be accessible. When we went in March there was a lot of snow along the highway and it was blocking the entrance down to Trillium Lake. We weren’t able to make it down to the lake even though we had a SUV. Before starting your trip to Mount Hood, check the National Weather Service’s website for up-to-date information on current snow conditions.

Third Stop: Hood River

• Driving time: 59 mins (68 km/ 42.3 miles)

Now it’s time to head north to Hood River! This will be your final destination for the day, but if you’re making good time, feel free to stop at any other points of interest along the way.

Hood River is a picturesque city located on the Columbia River and is renowned for windsurfing, kiteboarding, hiking and mountain biking. Aim to arrive here by late afternoon so that you can explore the area before dinner. The Indian Creek Trail and Hood River Waterfront Trail are both lovely walks. Another great option is Panorama Point. This park is handicapped-accessible. You can drive up to this viewpoint and enjoy panoramic views of Hood River Valley, including Mount Hood and the numerous wineries and orchards.

There are also plenty of vineyards and tasting rooms such as Phelps Creek Vineyards, Cathedral Ridge Winery, and Hood Crest Winery. For a fun evening activity, book a wine and bike tour with MountNbarreL.

If you’re doing this 7 day Oregon road trip in June or July, don’t miss the Hood River Lavender Farms. They grow and produce local and organic lavender products such as essential oils and soaps. The lavender usually blooms in late June and you can pick your own lavender for $10.

Hood River is also home to Mount Hood Railroad. This is one of the best attractions in Hood River for kids and adults alike. You can take the hour-long train ride from downtown into Hood River Valley. It’s a scenic journey through the Columbia River Gorge past orchards and vineyards.

Where to stay in Hood River

Hood River has a range of accommodation options. Here are a few recommendations:

• Hood River Hotel: This historic hotel is one of the oldest spots in Hood River. Located in the centre of downtown, Hood River Hotel is a great base for exploring the local restaurants, breweries and wineries. They’re actually the sister hotel of Campfire Hotel in Bend so you may be able to get a discount if you book both. Check prices >
• Sunset Motel Hood River: This is a great option if you’re travelling on a budget. Sunset Motel Hood River is a bit further from the town but is located close to the highway which makes it an ideal place to stay. Check prices >
• Tucker Park Campground: If you’re looking to camp, Tucker Park Campground is a good option. All campsites at Tucker Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis between May 1 and October 31. The campground is closed between November 1 and April 30. Check prices >

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 6: HOOD RIVER TO PORTLAND

You’ll be exploring one of my favourite parts of Oregon today – the Columbia River Gorge. Spanning over 80 miles, Columbia River Gorge serves as a natural boundary between Oregon and Washington. It’s another of Oregon’s 7 wonders and for a good reason! The Columbia River Gorge is home to unique geological features and scenic vistas. With over 90 waterfalls scattered throughout the area, the Gorge is often referred to as the ‘waterfall wonderland of the Pacific Northwest’.

There are so many incredible waterfalls on today’s drive along the I-84. Some are very accessible (viewpoints close to the parking lot) while others require you to hike in. You can stop at as many as you like but here are my suggestions based on our own 7 day Oregon itinerary.

Waterfall permits

If you’re visiting between May and September, you will need a timed permit to visit most of these waterfalls. You can find more information here. 

First Stop: Wahcella Falls

• Driving time: 25 mins (37 km/ 23.3 miles)

This was probably my favourite waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. The short 1.9 mile out-and-back hike leads you through the lush canyon to the two-tiered waterfall. It’s a fun and scenic hike but it can be quite slippery if there has been a lot of rain so make sure you have shoes with good grip. It costs $5 USD to visit. You can pay online by scanning the QR code once you arrive at the car park.

Second Stop: Multnomah Falls

• Driving time: 11 mins (14.8 km/ 9.2 miles)

Head back onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and drive 10 minutes west to Multnomah Falls. This is one of the most accessible waterfalls in Columbia River Gorge so it can get quite crowded. The parking lot can fill up quickly in the summer months and on weekends so you may have to drive to another waterfall and try again later.

From the car park, cross over the road and the viewing platform is straight ahead of you. This two tiered waterfall is an iconic sight and is the tallest waterfall in Oregon. If you want a different perspective you can hike 0.2 miles up to the Benson Bridge or 1.2 miles to the top of the falls. We decided to just enjoy the view from the main viewing area as we wanted to see quite a few different waterfalls.

Third Stop: Latourell Falls

• Driving time: 12 mins (9.5 km/ 5.9 miles)

The final waterfall on today’s list is Latourell Falls. You can walk down to the base of the waterfall (less than 5 mins) or you can opt to do the 2.4 mile round trip hike to see the upper falls as well. At the base of the waterfall there is a lovely bridge which is great for photos with the waterfall in the background. This particular waterfall can be very busy as it’s one of the closest ones to Portland so be prepared for crowds in the summer and at weekends.

Fourth Stop: Portland

Once you’ve finished exploring the Columbia River Gorge, it’s time to drive back towards Portland. If you’re flying out of Portland, it makes sense to stay here overnight and explore a bit of Portland before you leave. However, if you’re travelling back to Vancouver or Washington, you might want to drive further north and stay closer to Seattle. We decided not to stay in Portland and instead continue up to Olympia for two reasons. Firstly, accommodation was a lot cheaper and secondly, we wanted to shorten the long drive back to Vancouver. It’s completely up to you and will depend on where you’re travelling back to.

Where to stay in Portland

If you decide to stay overnight in Portland, here are a few hotel options:

• The Mark Spencer Hotel: Located in Portland’s Pearl District, this boutique hotel is just steps from all that Downtown Portland has to offer. Check prices >
• Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center: This hotel is also in the Pearl District. It’s on the pricier side but has fantastic amenities and is also pet friendly. Check prices >
• Econo Lodge City Center: Located further south, this is a great budget option. It’s close to Portland State University and is good value for money. Check prices >

OREGON ROAD TRIP DAY 7: TRAVEL HOME

It’s time to head home! Depending on where you’re travelling back to, you could explore Portland in the morning before your flight home. If you’re driving back to Washington or Vancouver, you could stop in Seattle or explore some beautiful spots in Washington, such as Snohomish, Bellingham or Chuckanut. If you have a few extra days, I highly recommend extending your road trip and visiting Olympic National Park in Washington. With ancient rainforests, rugged coastal beaches, and unique ecosystems, it’s an amazing place to explore.

MORE THINGS TO DO ON AN OREGON ROAD TRIP

This 7 day Oregon road trip will give you a taste of the state’s epic scenery. If you have more time and want to see more of Oregon, you could continue on to some of the below destinations:

• Silver Falls State Park
• Umpqua National Forest (Toketee Falls and Umpqua Hot Springs)
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Crater Lake National Park

PLANNING A 7 DAY OREGON ROAD TRIP: FINAL THOUGHTS

Oregon really does have it all and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of this state. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Oregon road trip. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

Where to explore next?

If you’re looking for more North America travel inspiration, have a look at these guides:

Utah

• A complete guide to Capitol Reef National Park
• Exploring Zion and Bryce Canyon: An epic 3-day road trip itinerary
• How to spend a weekend in Bryce Canyon

British Columbia

• 7 Amazing places to visit on Vancouver Island
• North Vancouver Island: An amazing 4-day road trip itinerary
• The ultimate Vancouver to Banff road trip itinerary

Alberta

• The Best of Banff: The complete 4-day itinerary
• How to explore Banff and Jasper without a car
• Driving the Icefields Parkway: The stops you can’t miss

Love from Steph

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