The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – 7 or 10 days

Sep 22, 2019

Last updated on November 20th, 2024 at 08:18 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.

The image is a road trip map of Oregon, outlining a 7-day travel itinerary. The route starts in Portland (Day 1), then heads east to Hood River (Day 2) and Government Camp (Days 3-4), south to Bend and Crater Lake (Day 5), west to Eugene and Florence on the coast (Day 6), and finally north along the coast to Cannon Beach (Day 7) before returning to Portland. Each stop is marked with a house icon, indicating overnight stays.
Oregon 7 day itinerary map
This updated map shows an extended 10-day Oregon road trip itinerary, beginning and ending in Portland. The stops are as follows: Days 1-2 and 10 in Portland, Day 3 in Hood River, Days 4-5 in Government Camp, Day 6 in Bend, Day 7 at Crater Lake, Day 8 in Eugene, Day 9 at Cannon Beach, before returning to Portland. Each overnight location is marked with a house icon. The route follows a clockwise loop through the state, covering mountains, lakes, and coastal areas.
Oregon 10 day itinerary map

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 –

More Places to Stay in Portland, Oregon

Harlow Hotel

Inn at Northrup Station

Lolo Pass

Find Your Perfect Hotel in Portland
This image showcases a scenic, elevated view of Portland, Oregon, with lush green trees in the foreground and the city skyline, rivers, and bridges in the distance. A curved road in the foreground adds depth to the image, drawing the eye toward the urban landscape. The contrast between nature and cityscape highlights Portland’s blend of natural beauty and urban development.

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!

This image captures a hazy, scenic view of the Columbia River Gorge with the river winding between forested hills and cliffs. Tall evergreen trees frame the foreground, while the layered mountains in the background gradually fade into the misty horizon. The natural beauty and vastness of the landscape convey a tranquil, serene atmosphere.
Panoramic view from Portland Women’s Forum
A smiling couple takes a selfie in front of a tall, misty waterfall cascading down a rock face with unique, column-like formations. The person in the background energetically points toward the waterfall, adding a sense of joy and excitement to the natural beauty of the scene. The lush, moss-covered rocks and greenery around the falls create a vibrant, outdoor adventure vibe.
Latourell falls hike
A hand holds a glass of red wine outdoors, with a scenic vineyard in the background. The reflection in the glass captures rolling hills under a clear blue sky, framed by blooming flowers and a wooden barrel planter, evoking a relaxed, vineyard ambiance.
Cathedral Ridge Winery

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.
A couple stands on a gravel path with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera against a rugged mountain backdrop. The clear sky and snow-capped peaks, likely of Mount Hood, suggest a high-altitude, sunny day, capturing the essence of an outdoor adventure.
A person stands with arms outstretched on a rocky path at the foot of a towering mountain, likely Mount Hood, under a clear blue sky. The vast landscape, with scattered boulders and sparse vegetation, highlights the grandeur of the snow-streaked peak in the background, capturing a sense of freedom and awe in nature.

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.

A smiling couple stands in front of a chalkboard sign that reads, “Welcome Gaurav & Richa!” with a large Airbnb logo displayed above. They look excited, capturing the warmth of a personalized welcome at their Airbnb stay.
Our gorgeous AirBnB
A man enjoys breakfast on a sunny patio, raising a coffee mug while seated at a table set with fruit, cereal, toast, and juice. Behind him, a lush garden opens to a view of a distant snow-capped mountain, enhancing the serene, outdoor dining experience.
Breakfast with Mt. Hood views

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.

A person walks across a narrow wooden bridge spanning a flowing river, surrounded by dense, green forest. The bright sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the bridge and creating a peaceful, adventurous scene in the heart of nature.
A scenic waterfall cascades into a rocky pool, with sunlight streaming down to create vibrant lens flares. A person stands near the water’s edge, dwarfed by the towering cliff and lush greenery, capturing the serene beauty and scale of the natural landscape.
This image shows a person kayaking in a vibrant yellow kayak on a calm, clear lake surrounded by lush green forest, with a stunning view of a snow-capped mountain in the background. The foreground includes rocky shores with patches of grass, adding depth to the serene landscape. The setting evokes a peaceful outdoor adventure, likely during a sunny day.

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

Find Your Perfect Hotel in Bend
This image showcases the Painted Hills, a striking geological formation with vibrant layers of red, yellow, orange, and gold hues, set against a deep blue sky. The undulating terrain and contrasting colors create a mesmerizing display of natural beauty. Sparse vegetation in the foreground adds texture, highlighting the arid yet scenic environment.
Photo Credit: Our dear friend Varun Jain

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 –

  1. Sinnott Memorial Outlook at Rim Visitor Center
  2. Sun Notch (0.8 miles easy hike with views of Phantom Ship)
  3. Phantom ship overlook
  4. Discovery Point (2 miles)
  5. Watchman Peak (1.6 miles moderate steep hike)
  6. Pumice castle overlook,
  7. Cloudcap overlook,
  8. Vidae Falls
  9. 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.

This image captures a hazy view of a crater lake with a small, forested island rising prominently in the center, surrounded by calm, deep blue water. The rocky foreground is dotted with sparse vegetation, adding contrast to the muted tones of the lake and surrounding terrain. The haze lends a mysterious and tranquil atmosphere to the scene.

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

Find Your Perfect Hotel in Eugene
This image features a picturesque waterfall cascading into a deep, emerald-blue pool surrounded by lush green vegetation and moss-covered cliffs. The vertical basalt rock formations on the sides add a dramatic texture to the scene, while tall evergreen trees frame the view. The vibrant colors and tranquil setting create a serene and captivating natural landscape.
This image depicts a forested canyon bathed in soft light, with the sun faintly visible through a hazy sky, likely due to mist or smoke. Towering evergreens line the steep cliffs, and a small river winds its way through the lush valley below. The scene conveys a peaceful and moody atmosphere, highlighting the rugged beauty of the wilderness.

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.

This image features a smiling person in a yellow top and blue jeans posing against a stone wall overlooking a stunning coastal landscape. The background showcases a winding road, lush evergreen forests, and a rugged shoreline with waves crashing against the rocks under a bright blue sky. The vibrant colors and joyful expression highlight a scenic and cheerful outdoor moment.
This image showcases a scenic coastal view with a historic lighthouse perched on a grassy cliff surrounded by evergreen trees. The rugged rocks below contrast beautifully with the deep blue ocean, which extends to the horizon under a clear sky. The serene setting emphasizes the charm and solitude of the lighthouse in its coastal environment.
This image captures a stunning sunset at a beach with Haystack Rock prominently rising from the sand and water. The golden-pink hues of the sky reflect on the wet sand, creating a mirrored effect that enhances the tranquil atmosphere. Small groups of people in the distance add a sense of scale to the majestic rock formation.

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.
This image shows a museum display featuring vintage aircraft, including a shiny, silver US Air Force jet with yellow accents in the foreground. The spacious hangar is filled with various military planes and aviation exhibits, lit by natural light streaming through large windows. The reflective floors and sleek aircraft designs emphasize the preserved history and engineering marvels of aviation.

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:

best Oregon road trip itinerary

Happy Traveling!

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25 comments on “The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary – 7 or 10 days”

  1. My husband and I followed this itinerary in early October. We only had 8 days so we skipped Portland and started in Hood River. The trip was fabulous. We enjoyed all of the sights that were highlighted and did several of the hikes. If you are thinking about following this itinerary, do it! One of our best trips ever. (We are senior citizens so it’s not just for young people!)

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  4. 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.

    Reply

  5. 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!

    Reply

  7. 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

    Reply

  8. 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

    Reply

    • 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?!

      Reply

  10. 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!

    Reply

  12. 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!

    Reply

  13. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

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