Oregon might well be one of the most beautiful states I have visited so far. It offers everything from a rugged coastline to mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, deserts, and much more. I spent 2 weeks exploring this stunning state in a campervan. In this 2-week Oregon road trip itinerary, I want to show you the best of what Oregon offers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely time or an active vacation, you’ll be able to find what suits your needs.
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How many days is enough for road tripping Oregon?
It depends on the speed of your travel and places you want to visit. I would say, spend as much time in Oregon as you can. This beautiful state has a lot to offer. I would recommend at least a week to 2 weeks to explore this gorgeous state. I packed a lot into my Oregon road trip and I feel like I could have spent more time at each location. You also have to consider weather. There might be rainy days that will slow down your travel.
What’s the best time to plan a road trip to Oregon?
The best time to visit Oregon and enjoy all its outdoor attractions is summer, specifically July – August. It is also the busiest. I was visiting in early June and it worked just fine for me. However, I wasn’t able to do all the hikes on my list because some trails and roads were still closed or covered in snow. Nonetheless, I didn’t have to worry about wild fires because the weather was still a bit chilly with nights in 40s F and days in 60s F. June weather was optimal for hiking and the risk of wild fires was low. In addition, I had long days to explore Oregon with sun setting down around 9 pm and plenty of wild flowers in bloom adding to the view.
Oregon road trip map
Below you will find an itinerary map that lists all destinations and places of interests covered in this article. You will find scenic viewpoints, hiking trails, camping spots, and many more to help you navigate Oregon. Click on the larger version of the map to see the itinerary.
2 week Oregon road trip itinerary
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 1: Portland
Saturday Market
If you arrive on a weekend and have a whole day to explore Portland, start with the Saturday Market. The Saturday Market is the largest open-air arts and crafts market in the country. The market is open every Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm when in season. The season typically starts in March and lasts through Christmas Eve. You can buy all kinds of arts and crafts made by artists from all over Oregon and even Washington. You’ll find anything from clothes to jewelry and prints. Support local artists and grab a bite to eat at one of many food booths.
Rose Garden and Japanese Garden
Portland is known as a city of roses and has an impressive Rose Garden. Not only it is vast, it is also free to the public! I felt like the roses went on forever as I explored the garden. It is a popular spot to not only enjoy the pleasant aroma but also take pictures. You’ll find lots of photographers here.
Right next to Rose Garden, you will find Japanese Garden. Even though not free, strolling through this beautiful and well-maintained garden is a very relaxing and peaceful experience. In fact, there are 5 different gardens for you to explore: the Flat Garden, the Strolling Pond Garden, the Tea Garden, the Natural Garden, and the Sand and Stone Garden. You will find a Japanese tea house here, along with winding streams, a waterfall, and a view of Mt Hood on a clear day.
Pittock Mansion
Are you looking for the best spot to see a panoramic view of downtown Portland with Mt Hood in the distance? Stop at the Pittock Mansion. The Pittock Mansion is another photogenic Portland destination, so you will witness many photo sessions here. You can enter the grounds for free during the day. This mansion constructed at the beginning of the 20th century was a private home to Henry and Georgiana Pittock, who were influential figures in Portland’s history. The mansion has been featured in several movies and is available to sightsee daily if you’re interested in taking a peek. If not, come for the views of Portland.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 2: south of Portland
Silver Falls State Park
You can’t miss the waterfalls while on a road trip through Oregon. Oregon has over 200 waterfalls. Take the time to explore some of them. If you enjoy waterfalls, you will enjoy Silver Falls State Park. Silver Falls State Park has a trail that lets you explore 10 waterfalls in one hike! It is a total of 7.4 miles and rated as moderate. The trail is quite impressive. It allows you to walk up to some of the waterfalls and behind several others. In addition, the trail itself is lush green, making you feel like you’re in a rainforest.
I recommend starting your hike from South Falls, as waterfalls on that side of the trail are quite impressive and close to each other. If 7.4 miles seems like a lot, focus on the part of the hike that most interests you or select waterfalls that have easy access from the parking lot. The trail does seem rather lengthy, especially if you’re stopping to take pictures. After reaching Upper North Falls, there is not much left, but the walk itself is quite enjoyable and easy from that point.
Willamette Valley
I finished my afternoon at Willamette Valley, known for its production of Pinot Noir. As a wine fan myself, particularly enjoying dry reds, I wanted to explore Oregon’s finest wine. An evening with a glass of wine overlooking nearby vineyards was an excellent way to finish a long day of hiking. Willamette Valley Vineyards, where I visited, had two selections of wine flights and delicious food. Everything about the experience was excellent. I bought a bottle of wine to take with me for the rest of my road trip.
A note for planning: most wineries close at 6 pm.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 3: Columbia River Gorge
Crown Point Vista House Overlook
Columbia River Gorge is a very picturesque area. The best view of the gorge is from the Crown Point Vista House. It offers fantastic views all day long, whether you want to stop there for sunrise, sunset, or any other time. Other overlooks that are also worth a stop are to the right and left of the Vista House. After checking out the Crown Point Vista House, make your way back to the historic Columbia River Highway and go chasing waterfalls.
Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls
Waterfalls on the Columbia River Highway are easily accessible. They are either right by the road or a short hike away. There are several of them. One of my favorites was Latourell Falls, located conveniently by the road. You can access it by a short walk from a parking lot or take a 2-mile loop if you feel like stretching your legs after being on the road. You can walk up all the way up to the waterfall and even get your feet wet if you’d like.
Nearing the end of the Columbia River is the U.S.’s highest waterfall, Multnomah Falls. It is definitely worth a stop. Multnomah Falls is a very popular tourist destination, so expect a lot of people. If you’d like, you can hike up the waterfall. The hike that is 2.4 miles long is heavy trafficked and rated as moderate. If you hike, you might want to consider taking in other waterfalls near the trail as well. Otherwise, I think the best view is from the bottom. You can see the whole waterfall there and walk up the bridge to really feel its power.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 4: Mt Hood
Trillium Lake
I devoted day 4 of my road trip to Mt Hood, Oregon’s iconic volcano. The day started rather cloudy and chilly. However, I wasn’t discouraged because the weather in the mountains changes quickly, and Oregon weather so far had featured cloudy skies with the sun peeking through. I set on driving south toward Mt Hood, hoping to do some hiking along my road trip route. Unfortunately, the weather kept getting worse and some roads were still closed in early June and full of potholes. Instead of hiking near Mt Hood, I decided to move on to my second destination: Trillium Lake.
Trillium Lake is one of the many lakes surrounding Mt Hood. It is not only a fishermen’s paradise, but it also offers a spectacular view of Mt Hood on a clear day. If you want to do some hiking, you can do a 2-mile loop around the lake. You can also spend the night at a nearby campsite. An established campsite is at the lake, and there are also a lot of places around the lake where you can camp for free. The weather seemed very variable that day, so I decided to relax at the campground, hoping for the skies to clear.
Trillium Lake is a perfect spot to take a break. It offers camping, hiking, and fishing. There is a fee to visit the park. There are also several hikes to take around Mt Hood, depending on the weather conditions. In early June, when I was visiting, plenty of snow still covered the mountain. Be cautious and bring extra layers if you decide to stick around longer.
Attractions near Mt Hood
The Lavender Valley is another place of interest near Mt Hood. June is the perfect time to visit, as the Lavender Valley is strikingly pretty with lavender in bloom before a view of Mt Hood in the distance. Check the opening times, as the farm operates on a five-day schedule. You might also enjoy visiting a winery with vineyards overlooking Mt Hood.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 5: Shaniko and Fossil Beds
Ghost town – Shaniko
On day 5, I woke up at Trillium Lake to a clear sky and saw Mt Hood in its full glory. The sky was perfectly clear, it was rather chilly, and a mist hung over the lake. Nonetheless, a few fishermen were already by the shore and a few more were on a boat. I enjoyed a view of the lake while eating breakfast and hit the road heading toward one of Oregon’s ghost towns, Shaniko.
When I arrived at Shaniko, I felt like I was on the set of an American western movie. I half-expected a cowboy to come out of a nearby saloon. Shaniko was bigger than I’d expected. Some property was private and inhabited, although most businesses were closed. I wandered around for a bit before setting off for my last destination of the day – the John Day Fossil Beds.
John Day Fossil Beds
The John Day Fossil Beds are composed of 3 different units: the Painted Hills Unit, the Sheep Rock Unit, and the Clarno Unit. I was able to see the Painted Hills Unit and explore the Panted Hills Overlook and Trail. The 0.5-mile hike is the most picturesque in the whole park. The hills are covered in layers of colors. The red banks at the bottom of the hills were formed by warmer and wetter climate, while the yellows and tans were formed later, during drier times. If the weather permits, stop by the overlook at sunset for an even more impressive display of colors.
After spending a day driving on curvy roads, I camped out at a nearby free campsite called BLM John Days, by a town called Mitchell.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 6: Bend and surroundings
Smith Rock State Park
The next day, I headed back out on the road toward Bend, stopping at Smith Rock State Park on the way. I was quite impressed with the scenery featuring a tall rock formation with a river and a valley. It almost felt like I was visiting Utah, not Oregon. I chose Misery Ridge and River Trail, a 3.5-mile hike rated as hard. The views at the park were spectacular in every direction. I chose this trail because I wanted to reach the top of the hills, but there are overlooks all over the park. The beginning of the hike was the hardest because of the steep incline, but after you go downhill, the trail leads by the river and is an enjoyable walk.
Smith Rock State Park is also a great place for rock climbing, especially the Monkey Face rock. The trail does not offer much shade, so bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. It is recommended to bring a 16 oz bottle for each hour of hiking. Don’t be fooled by the sun, as it gets hot even on days that may not seem hot. The top of the hills is rather chilly and windy. On a clear day you can spot the nearby Cascade Mountain range, including Mt Hood.
Bend
From there, I made my way to Bend. Bend is a charming small city with the best craft beer scene in the state, picturesque views of the mountains, and plenty of outdoor activities. Walk around downtown, stop at one of many boutiques, and grab a bite to eat. If you like beignets, stop at 900 Wall, which has the best beignets in town. Hike Pilot Butte for the best views of the city and to catch a glimpse of the sunset. The trail is open all year long but only accessible by car during summer months.
If the weather is nice, get out of Bend and explore its surroundings. Go kayaking on the Deschutes River or explore the many nearby trails. You will also find a few waterfalls. Some of the most popular are Tumalo Falls and Double Falls, viewable on a 2-mile hike. The trail is busy and subject to seasonal closures.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 7: Willamette and Umpqua National Forests
McCredie Hot Springs
Day 7 welcomed me with cloudy skies and lots of rain. Since I spent the previous evening exploring Bend and hadn’t been able to focus on outdoor attractions, I decided check out the hot springs. I selected McCredie Hot Springs in the Willamette National Forest. Oregon has quite a few hot springs. Not all of them were open, and some had road closures. Make sure you check for closures and road conditions. Because of the weather and closures, I opted for the easily accessible hot springs to avoid driving on gravel roads with potholes.
The McCredie Hot Springs are composed of 5 small pools of varied temperature on both side of the creek. The number of pools available depends on the time of year you visit. Two pools are accessible with a 0.2-mile walk from the main parking lot. You can reach the remaining three pools by crossing the river there, depending on the strength of the current, or you can drive a bit further to cross the river by following a 0.4-mile trail. The other side of the river features a better and bigger pool selection, and it’s definitely a place to hang out.
Hot springs etiquette in a nutshell
If you haven’t visited hot springs before, here are some basic rules to know.
- Clothing is optional, so don’t be surprised to see nudity.
- Be welcoming and prepared to share your space with others.
- Leave no trace. Take all your belongings and trash with you.
- Do not use soap. Hot springs are not your bathtub.
- Don’t use your camera unless you’re the only person there.
- Bring water shoes for safety, especially when exploring wild hot springs.
- Keep the noise down.
- Do not bring glass bottles near hot springs.
- Do not pee in hot springs.
Umpqua National Forest
After soaking for a bit in a hot spring, which was extremely relaxing and refreshing, I headed toward Umpqua National Forest. Umpqua National Forest is a beautiful location with a lot of recreational opportunities. It features waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs. You will find Diamond Lake and Lemolo Lake overlooking Mt Thielson and Mt Bailey. You will also find four spectacular waterfalls: Toketee, Watson, Whitehorse, and Clearwater. They are all reachable by short hikes from the parking lot, roughly a mile each. If you want to visit another hot spring, stop by Umpqua Hot Springs. Umpqua Hot Springs are one of the top hot spring destinations in Oregon, and there is a fee to enter.
I camped at a nearby free Lemolo Forebay 2 campsite. The campsite is located by the lake, has pit bathrooms, and fire rings. It is a picturesque location close to waterfalls and Umpqua Hot Springs.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 8: Crater Lake and Jacksonville
Crater Lake
Carter Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in the United States. It is known for its clarity, depth, and blue color. Unfortunately, visiting in early June meant that most of the popular hiking trails were still closed due to snow and road closures. Both Watchman Peak and Garfield Peak Trails were closed, along with Wizard Island. Cleetwood Cove Trail was closed for maintenance. Despite misleading information from different navigation apps, the north entrance to the park was open. I recommend checking the park’s official website for current closures before visiting.
As you enter from the north gate, you will have plenty of opportunities to stop at different pullovers by the road to take pictures. I found Discovery Point Trail to be a great alternative trail due to major trails being closed. This heavily trafficked, 4-mile trail features a lake with Wizard Island in the distance and many picturesque locations to enjoy the view and snap a few pictures. You will find snow clearly visible at different locations. As the trail goes higher, there is more snow on the road. Be cautious as you hike and bring extra layers to stay warm.
Jacksonville
In the afternoon, I headed toward the historic town of Jacksonville. Jacksonville is a cute little town near Medford surrounded by hills. It is the perfect spot to take a break before getting back on the road. Just stroll through town and grab a coffee or a bite to eat. If you want to stick to the area for a bit longer, you will find wineries and lavender fields here.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 9: California and Brookings
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Nearing Oregon’s south border and the coast, I made a stop at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in California. I know it’s not technically Oregon, but it was so close – and definitely worth a stop!
This park is home to the world’s largest trees. There is a lot of unspoiled nature at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, making it a perfect place to hike and camp. The weather wasn’t super cooperative, as California welcomed me with cloudy and rainy skies. Nonetheless, I decided to visit anyway. The park has some dirt roads and can be bumpy due to potholes.
I took a scenic drive through the park and took a short hike despite the rain opting for the Simpson-Reed Trail. It is a heavily trafficked 0.9-mile loop. I enjoyed the hike, covered with floors of ferns and redwood trees. For a longer alternative, consider Fern Falls via Boy Scout Tree Trail. This 5.3-mile, heavily trafficked, out-and-back trail is rated as moderate. Other than the majestic redwoods and ferns, it also features a waterfall.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor: Natural Bridges
Next, I headed back north back to Oregon and stopped at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor near Brookings. This is a state park with a beautiful, rugged coastline that does not disappoint. The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor features many lookouts, beaches, and trails. No matter where you stop, you’ll be in awe.
Make your first stop at Natural Bridges. One of the most famous features of this corridor are the natural bridges, which are visible from a viewpoint by a parking lot. To take a closer look, follow signs for the Coastal Trail to the right of the parking lot. Part of the trail gets quite steep, so stay on the path and explore with caution.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 10: Oregon coastline
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
I was so impressed with the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor that I continued exploring it the next morning. A few points of interest that are worth stopping at:
- Secret Beach. A short hike from a parking lot will take you to Secret Beach. Consult a tide schedule to see when the best time to access the beach is. Part of the beach can be hard or impossible to access at a hide tide.
- Indian Sands Trail. This short 1.1-mile trail rated as moderate features not only interesting rock formations but also beautiful wildflowers. It is well worth exploring.
- Arch Rock Viewpoint. Arch Rock Viewpoint is one of several lookout locations. It is also one of my favorite viewpoints. You do not have to walk far to see beautiful views of the coastline.
Sisters Rock State Park
After leaving the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, I got back on 101 North and stopped by Sisters Rock State Park. Sisters Rock State Park is just north of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. It features the Sisters Rock. The weather was a bit moody; walking toward the Sisters Rock felt as if I was in Ireland.
Bandon
After a brief stop at Sisters Rock State Park, I went to the small beach town of Bandon. As you explore Bandon, stop by the Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint. It might be tricky to spot the Face Rock, but think outside the box, and you’ll find it. Dig your feet into the sand, explore tide pools at low tide, or catch the sunset at the beach. Bandon also features a small lighthouse that is a good location for sunset viewing. While you’re strolling through town, check out art exhibits at Washed Ashore that feature unique art made of items that washed up on the shore. It is a great way to educate the public about plastic pollution in the oceans.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 11: Oregon coastline
Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area
In the morning, I got coffee at the Bandon Company Café and headed toward the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area. Oregon Dunes stretches from North Bend to Florence. There are different ways to explore the dunes: stopping at the viewpoints, hiking, visiting the beaches, and driving ATVs. ATV rentals are quite popular in this area and one of the most fun ways to explore the dunes.
I recommend an ATV rental with direct access to the dunes for the smoothest experience, such as Torex ATV near Dunes City. However, any location is fine, as rental places provide transportation to the dunes. An hour gets you accustomed to driving the vehicle if you haven’t done that before. Two hours gives you enough time to explore more of the dunes. None of the rentals come with insurance, so you explore at your own risk after watching a short safety video. Reservations are recommended but not required, and walk ins are welcomed.
Sea Lion Caves
After exploring the dunes, I headed toward the nearby Sea Lion Caves. They are the largest caves featuring sea lions in the wild in the United States. Sea Lion Caves are a part of a private property and require an admission fee. The property is open 7 days a week until 5 pm. Unfortunately, I was too absorbed with the dunes and missed the time to get to the caves. Instead, I stopped by the next pullout by the road hoping for a closer look at the lighthouse and found a rock with sea lions bathing in the sun! The Oregon coast features wild sea lions that can be spotted at various locations on the coast. You don’t necessarily have to pay to see them.
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is a rock formation that seems like a sinkhole in the ocean. However, it is only 20 feet deep. The well formed when a sea cave collapsed. Depending on the wave, it either empties or fills up with water and overflows. The best time to explore Thor’s Well is an hour before high tide. It is quite a unique rock formation that is worth a look. Thor’s Well is located close to Yachats and Highway 101. It is a short walk from a parking lot.
After seeing Thor’s Well, I headed to Newport, my next destination, for the night.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 12: Oregon coastline
Newport
Newport is one of the largest cities on the Oregon coastline. It features two large beaches: NYE Beach and Agate Beach. It also features two lighthouses: Yaquina Bay lighthouse and Yaquina Head lighthouse. I encourage you to visit Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It requires a small admission fee but is well worth it. If you have an annual pass to the national parks, you can enter for free. Other than the lighthouse, you will be able to discover marine life here during low tides, bird watch, and spot sea lions.
I encourage you to wander through the city, shop for souvenirs, and get a bite to eat at Mo’s Seafood and Chowder. This famous Oregon coastline chain restaurant originated in Newport and is known for its seafood chowder. I also recommend their marionberry cobbler. If you’re up for a walk, explore the NYE Beach neighborhood. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from there.
Tillamook Creamery
Make an afternoon stop at Tillamook Creamery. This farmer-owned co-op has been in business since 1909 and is known for their ice cream and cheese. You can take a self-guided tour to learn about life on a farm and how dairy products are made. You might also sample the goods and get some to bring home. If you don’t have time for the tour, you can still grab some ice cream and other dairy products and hit the road. The creamery is open every daily until 6 pm.
Oswald State Park
Make sure you stop by Oswald State Park on your way to Cannon Beach. Oswald State Park features sandy beaches and beautiful overlooks of the Pacific Ocean. If you’re up for exploring and have time, go on a hike. One of the most popular is Cape Falcom Trail, a 4.6-mile, moderately trafficked trail. The trail itself is rather easy but quite muddy. You have to reach the end of the trail for the view, but it is well worth the effort. However, there are many pullouts with the views right by the road if you don’t have time to hike.
Oswald State Park does not offer camping, so make your way to Cannon Beach and hopefully catch a sunset if you have a decent weather.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 13: Oregon coastline
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a small coastal town known mainly for Haystack Rock. It’s the most popular town on the Oregon coast. It’s also very touristy. You will find a lot of businesses including restaurants, rentals, and souvenir stores all over town and by the beach. You will actually have to pass through businesses on your way to the beach from a parking lot. Cannon Beach is very popular with photographers, so you will see a lot of them, especially during sunset.
Check out the tide schedule and explore the tidal pools. Haystack Rock is the place to be. I was lucky to see many starfish there. It is not only a perfect location to view sea life but also for birdwatching. Climbing the rock is prohibited, as it is a place for bird nesting.
If you stay late, have a campfire on the beach. You’ve probably noticed by now that there is plenty of driftwood on the beach, brought in by the ocean. Campfires are very common, and I saw the most of them on Cannon Beach.
Ecola State Park
Spend an afternoon exploring Ecola State Park. If you thought that views of Cannon Beach were beautiful, wait until you see Ecola State Park. The views from the parking lot are already amazing.
Ecola State Park is a perfect location to have a picnic with the view of Cannon Beach in the distance. On a clear day, you can also spot a lighthouse from afar. If you’d like to hike, I recommend the Ecola State Park to Indian Beach trail. It is a heavily trafficked, 4.3-mile, out-and-back trail. The trail itself is very enjoyable and leads exclusively by the forest, so you are in the shade until you get near Indian Beach. Another featured beach is Crescent Beach. If you’re more interested in getting to the beach, there are parking lots closer to both beaches with a short walking distance.
Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary Day 14: Portland
Portland
If you have extra time, make your way back to Portland and explore more of the city. Otherwise, return your car or camper van, make your way to the airport, and have a safe trip home. Get a window seat for the best aerial views of Mt Hood!
Overall
Two weeks may seem like quite a lot of time. However, once you start exploring Oregon on a road trip, you’ll find many more places worth visiting. Some destinations will steal your heart, and you’ll want to stay there longer. Add or subtract days and attractions to make your road trip YOUR perfect trip.
I hope you found this Oregon 2-week road trip itinerary inspiring. If you’re looking for practical tips to plan your trip, check out Planning your perfect Oregon road trip. I share some insights to prepare you for exploring Oregon’s wilderness, along with apps for easy planning. If you’re looking for more inspiration, see my Oregon travel photo inspiration.
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