Unforgettable Pacific Northwest Road Trip: 7 Days of Waterfalls, Mountains, and Scenic Wonders

The Pacific Northwest is a region of unparalleled beauty and ecological diversity, where lush rainforests meet rugged coastlines, towering mountains give way to crystalline lakes, and waterfalls cascade through moss-covered canyons. From the volcanic landscapes of Crater Lake to the glacier-carved peaks of North Cascades, this seven-day road trip through Oregon and Washington showcases some of the most breathtaking and diverse natural wonders in the United States. Whether you're hiking through ancient forests, marveling at alpine vistas, or chasing waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, this adventure promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the PNW.

📍 Start & End: Portland, OR

🚗 Total Distance: ~1,500 miles

Day 1: Portland → Silver Falls State Park → Crater Lake

🚗 Drive time: 5.5 hours

Kick off your trip with a morning drive to Silver Falls State Park, home to the famous Trail of Ten Falls, where you can walk behind stunning waterfalls. Spend a few hours exploring before heading south to Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s only national park.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Silver Falls State Park – Hike to South Falls, the most iconic of the ten waterfalls.✅ Crater Lake Rim Drive – 33 miles of jaw-dropping views around the deepest lake in the U.S.✅ Watch the sunset at Rim Village – One of the best viewpoints in the park.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay at Mazama Village Campground or Crater Lake Lodge (if available).

Day 2: Crater Lake → Columbia River Gorge

🚗 Drive time: 5.5 hours

Start the day with sunrise views at Watchman Overlook, then drive north toward the Columbia River Gorge, a waterfall-lover’s paradise along the Oregon-Washington border.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Rowena Crest Viewpoint – A stunning overlook on the way into the Gorge.✅ Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s most famous waterfall (easy 5-minute walk).✅ Latourell Falls or Wahclella Falls – Both are quick but stunning waterfall hikes.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay in Hood River, OR, or at Cascade Locks along the Columbia River.

Day 3: Columbia River Gorge → Mt. Rainier National Park

🚗 Drive time: 4.5 hours

Head into Washington and make your way to Mount Rainier National Park, home to wildflower meadows, glaciers, and epic mountain views.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Paradise Area – The most famous area of the park with stunning views of Mount Rainier.✅ Skyline Trail to Panorama Point – A 5.5-mile loop with incredible alpine scenery.✅ Myrtle Falls – A short, iconic waterfall hike with Rainier in the background.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay at Paradise Inn, National Park Inn, or camp inside the park.

Day 4: Mt. Rainier → Olympic National Park (Hoh Rainforest & Rialto Beach)

🚗 Drive time: 4.5 hours

Time to explore Olympic National Park, one of the most diverse parks in the country, featuring rainforests, beaches, and mountains.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Hoh Rainforest – Walk the Hall of Mosses Trail and experience one of the lushest rainforests in the U.S.✅ Rialto Beach – A stunning coastal beach with massive sea stacks and tide pools.✅ Hole-in-the-Wall – A short hike along the beach with incredible rock formations.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay in Forks, WA, or camp at Kalaloch or Mora Campground.

Day 5: Olympic NP (Hurricane Ridge & Lake Crescent)

🚗 Drive time: ~2.5 hours

Explore the mountainous side of Olympic National Park before making your way toward the North Cascades.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Hurricane Ridge – A breathtaking overlook with 360-degree views of the Olympic Mountains.✅ Lake Crescent – A stunning alpine lake where you can hike to Marymere Falls.✅ Port Angeles – Grab a meal before heading toward North Cascades.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay in Port Angeles or camp near Lake Crescent.

Day 6: Olympic NP → North Cascades National Park

🚗 Drive time: 4 hours

Head to North Cascades National Park, known as the “American Alps.” This park is one of the least visited in the U.S., meaning fewer crowds and incredible hikes.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Diablo Lake Overlook – One of the most famous viewpoints with vibrant turquoise water.✅ Blue Lake Trail – A moderate 4.6-mile hike with some of the best alpine scenery.✅ Rainy Pass – A beautiful roadside stop with access to stunning hikes.

🏕️ Overnight: Stay in Winthrop, WA or camp at Colonial Creek Campground.

Day 7: North Cascades → Portland (Scenic Drive Back)

🚗 Drive time: 6 hours

On your last day, enjoy the scenic drive back to Portland, stopping for final views along the way.

🛑 Stops & Highlights:✅ Washington Pass Overlook – A jaw-dropping mountain viewpoint.✅ Leavenworth, WA – A charming Bavarian-themed town (great for lunch).✅ Mount St. Helens (Optional Detour) – If time allows, visit the famous volcano blast zone.

Arrive back in Portland to wrap up your incredible 7-day adventure!

Trip Summary & Key Tips

✅ Best Time to Go: Late June – September for the best weather & road conditions.✅ Total Drive Time: ~30 hours total (spread over 7 days).✅ Recommended Vehicle: Any car works, but an SUV is best for comfort & optional dirt roads.

This loop itinerary hits six iconic locations without feeling rushed, giving you time to experience everything from waterfalls and mountains to rainforests and beaches. 🚗🌲🏔️