Top Summer Road Trip Itinerary 2022: Seattle to Oregon

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Here it is: the winning Seattle itinerary for our Summer Itinerary Contest 2022. Out of over 100 entries, Madeline's itinerary stood out to our judges for the detailed descriptions, plethora of options, and for making everyone really hungry while reading it! To test drive Madeline's trip, book your Cabana now.

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Day 1 Pickup in Seattle

Drive to Portland, OR

Drive Time: Approximately 3 hours

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Brunch in Portland

Bar West: Cute trendy brunch spot with a cozy patio. Don’t miss their Almond Buttermilk Pancakes with Marionberry Preserves!
‍Smith Teamaker Tea Cafe: Step into this first-of-its kind café where they offer food and tea pairings. Enjoy handcrafted teas, lattes and iced drinks and light bites. (NW 23rd St.)
‍Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai: These mini donuts are hard to resist. Prepared hot to order with several different sweet and savory toppings. Try with their homemade, small batch chai. ‍
¿Por Qué No?: This fast and easy taco joint with eccentric outdoor seating is great for a quick lunch (3524 N Mississippi Ave).
PSU Farmers Market: If you’re starting your trip on a Saturday, don’t miss your chance to visit the PSU Farmers Market. The market is open year-round and offers a variety of hot food, bakery and produce items.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Voodoo Doughnuts: These two Portland classics are located on the same block in Old Town Portland. Grab yourself a fun doughnut and head down to Stumptown for a pour-over.

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Additional Portland Activities:

Portland International Rose Garden: This rose garden is the oldest, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States - and it’s huge! The garden also offers great views of Mount Hood. Parking is extremely limited, be prepared to spend time looking for a spot. Consider visiting on a weekday or first thing in the morning.
Powell’s City of Books: This bookstore considers itself as the world's largest independent bookstore, and it’s in Portland! It’s easy to get lost in the many rooms of Powell’s Books. Even if you’re not a big book lover, there’s something for everyone at Powell’s.

Head to Tillamook State Forest

Via US-26 W and OR-6 W

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Activities on the way to Tillamook State Forest:

Helvetia Market: Make a quick coffee pit stop at this family farm store. The store also offers a variety of locally farmed produce and other Oregon made pantry staples. Check their website as you plan their trip, they often have special events including farm tours. If you’re a Little People, Big World fan, the Roloff Farms made famous by TLC is right down the road.
Apolloni Vineyards: The outskirts of Portland is home to hundreds of wineries. Stop in for a wine tasting and a game of bocce at Apolloni Vineyards. Reservations recommended.

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Hiking Trails in Tillamook State Forest:

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Camp in Tillamook State Forest

Reservations recommended to camp in Tillamook State Forest.

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Day 2 Drive to the Oregon Coast

Sample Ice Cream at Tillamook Creamery

Tillamook Creamery: It’s never too early for ice cream, right? Choose from one of Tillamook’s 26 flavors of ice cream and shop for cheese and other goods in their market store. You can drop in anytime for ice cream, or make a reservation for a special tour or tasting experience.

Head to the Oregon Coast

Tunnel Beach and Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint: First head to Tunnel Beach to take in the beautiful Oregon Coast. This beach can only be accessed by a short man made tunnel. Then make your way to the Cape Meares viewpoint and visit the lighthouse for scenic views and great wildlife watching.

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Fresh Seafood

Kelly’s Brighton Marina: Stop by this marina for fresh crabs, clams, and oysters - freshly caught and cooked to order. While you wait, enjoy a beer from the convenience store while you look out on the peacefully stunning marina. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can also do your own crabbing - either off the dock or renting a boat.

Camp at Nehalem Bay State Park

Nehalem Bay State Park: The campground at this state park is just a sand dune away from the beach. Check into your campsite early so you can pack a picnic and watch the sunset on the beach. Reservations recommended to camp in Nehalem State Park.

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Day 3 Cannon Beach

Drive to Cannon Beach

Head North on Highway 101 to Cannon Beach.

This beach is widely recognized for its unique Haystack Rock formation. The large beach is perfect for a long walk and people watching. There is no public beach parking (or public bathrooms), keep an eye out for open spots as you drive into town. Most streets lead to public beach access.

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Activities Along the way to Cannon Beach

Viewpoints - Along the way you’ll pass several viewpoints off the shoulder of Highway 101 - including Neahkahnie Viewpoint. If you’re all about the views, be prepared to stop a few times!
Hug Point Beach Walk (make sure to visit at low tide!)

Oswald West State Park:

Beer Tasting in Cannon Beach

Pelican Brewing: This popular restaurant is known for their beer and their food is great too! Reservations recommended. They also offer a variety of beer to-go at the front of their restaurant.

Public Coast Brewing Co: On the northside of Cannon Beach this brewery also serves beer and bites. The Roosevelt Elk are known to roam the north neighborhoods of Cannon Beach, keep your eyes peeled!

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Drive up the Coast to Washington

Activities on the Way to Cape Disappointment Campground

Ecola State Park: This park offers several miles of hiking trails and great vantage points for bird and whale watching. Herds of Roosevelt Elk also frequent this area. Visit the park website to confirm trail availability.

Seaside,OR: In the quaint town of Seaside you’ll find Dough Dough Bakery a perfect stop for a coffee and Marionberry scone. On a nice day, the patio at Finns Fish House is the place to be for lunch or dinner.

Astoria,OR:

Before crossing the Astoria bridge, make your way to Bowpicker Fish and Chips which operates from a stationary boat.
Peter Iredale Shipwreck: In Fort Stevens State Park, check out this rusted steel skeleton of a ship on the beach.

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Camp at Cape Disappointment

Cape Disappointment: Crossing over the Oregon - Washington state line you’ll find this campground on the Long Beach Peninsula. The park includes a variety of hiking trails, a lighthouse and even a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Reservations recommended to camp at Cape Disappointment.

Looking for dinner? Stop in at the cozy Depot Restaurant in Seaview. If you feel like watching sunset, ask them about their to-go wine options. Reservations recommended.

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Day 4 Return to Seattle

Breakfast at Long Beach

Head into the town of Long Beach and make a stop at Dylan’s Cottage Bakery & Delicatessen. This shop has donuts, made to order sandwiches and a variety of other baked goods. It’s a busy spot, consider ordering ahead.

Take your breakfast to-go and head to Long Beach (Bolstad Ave W Long Beach access point). Drive your van right on the beach and find a spot to enjoy breakfast. During low tide, walk the beach to find shallow pools of starfish and other fish.