Epic Week Long Itinerary in Oregon
Oswald State Park
I lived in Oregon for four years while I went to university. The pnw will forever have a little piece of my heart. The only reason I decided to move away to the sunshine state is simply because I couldn’t handle the constant rain during the winter and spring months. I truly loved my time there and will find any excuse to go back and visit! The lush waterfall hikes, drives to the coast, and moody rainforest feel makes this state one of the most beautiful in the US.
I felt like I got to go to most of the places I wanted to and drove multiple times up and down Highway 101. If I were to go back and spend a week long road trip through Oregon here is what I would do over and over again!
Best Time to Visit
You really can’t beat the summer months June to August are truly the best months for warm weather! I went in February for a week trip and it was great because it is the off season and we were still able to car camp and find some cheap places to stay. It was just a little cold and rainy as per usual in the winter months, but the dramatic pnw vibes were immaculate.
What to Pack
Rain Jacket
Blundstones
Lots of Hiking Gear
Swimsuit
Waterproof hiking boots
We full sent on packing a stove to cook meals (jetboil would work great)
Sleeping bag
Sleeping Pad
Tent if you don’t want to car camp
Stop at Winco for some snacks (the bulk section iykyk)
How To Get Around
Rent a Car! We rented a 4 runner and slept a couple nights in it so the investment is worth it! I’ve always had great experiences with Budget Car rental and Avis since I can get a little flight attendant discount!
Get ready for a sunset to sunrise itinerary of my favorite hikes, food, places to stay, and stops on an epic road trip through Oregon!
7 Day Itinerary in Oregon
Day 1 - Portland
Fly into Portland (PDX)
Get coffee at either Good Coffee, Case Study, or Stumptown
Go to Powells Book Store and get lost in the infamous bookstore
Sunset at Pittock Mansion
Eat at Knobb Hill Food Trucks
Stay at a Tiny home from air b n b (most of them are in Northeast Portland)
Multnomah Falls
Day 2 - Mt. Hood
Drive to Multnomah Falls for a quick stop to see the quintessential waterfall
Head to Mt Hood
Hike to Mirror Lake (4.2 miles)
Hike Trillium Lake for sunset (2 miles) It was so cloudy when we went so Mt hood wasn’t visible
Eat at Mt. Hood Brewing Co
Camp at Nottingham Campground
Day 3 - Bend Oregon
Misery Ridge Trail
Drive to Bend Oregon
Head to Smith Rock State Park
Hike Misery Ridge Trail (2.6 miles)
Tumalo falls can either hike or drive straight to it
Honestly to save time I would drive cause the trail was mainly flat and near a road
Float the river in you’re there in the summer months
Eat at Spork
Camp at Tumalo State Park
Tumalo Falls
Day 4 - Umpqua & Crater lake
Umpqua Hot Springs
Drive to Umpqua Hot Springs and soak in the natural springs
Remember to leave no trace when enjoying
it is clothing optional so you’re not in for a shock when you get there
Drive to Toketee Falls which is right next to the hot springs
Drive to Crater Lake National Park
Hike the Garfield Peak Trail for sunset (3.5 miles)
Cook a yummy camp meal! My go to is tacos!
Stay at Mazama Campground
Toketee Falls
Day 5 - Brookings
Drive to Brookings
Make stop along Samuel Boardman Scenic Corridor
Hike the natural bridges (less than a mile to get to the main photo spot)
Take a walk on Secret Beach
Whaleshead
Arch Rock
Thunder Rock Cove
Eat at Superfly
Stay at Harris Beach State Park (also a beautiful sunset spot on the beach near the campsite)
Day 6 - Oregon Coast
Pacific City
Drive up highway 101 and soak in every moment (this drive never gets old)
My Favorite Stops from Brookings all the way to Cannon Beach
Port Orchard
Bandon
Coos Bay
Florence
Newport
Lincoln City
Pacific City (my safe place when I was in college)
Get to Cannon Beach for Sunset
Eat at Pizza Afetta
It’s harder to camp here so an air b n b near Seaside will be the best bet
There are so many spots along the coast so if you can sneak in another day along the coast I highly recommend it!
Cannon Beach
Day 7 - Cannon Beach & Home
Soak in the last moments at Cannon Beach
Get coffee at Insomnia
Drive back to Portland to fly out
Silver Falls State Park
If you can extend your stay here are some extra spots to add into the itinerary:
Wahclella Falls
Silver falls state park - half hour from my college so this was another one of my escapes
Oswald West State Park near Cannon Beach
God’s Thumb hike in Lincoln City
Ecola State Park
Trillium Hot Springs
Redwood National Park outside of Crescent City in California
Just writing this and reminiscing on old photos from my time in Oregon makes me want to immediately plan a trip back here! Lmk if you end up in Oregon and have any other suggestions or questions. Happy exploring!
