Scenic Weeklong Road Trips Across the Pacific Northwest to Take This Summer

Olympic Peninsula Loop: Rainforests, Coastlines, and Mountain Views (WA)

This scenic loop around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is one of the region’s most rewarding drives for nature lovers. Starting in Seattle, head west into Olympic National Park, where you’ll experience everything from lush rainforests to rugged coastline in a single trip.

Along the way, stop at Lake Crescent for its striking turquoise water, then continue to Rialto and Ruby Beaches to explore tidepools and dramatic sea stacks. Overnight options range from the historic Lake Quinault Lodge to cozy stays in Forks or waterfront hotels in Port Angeles, making it easy to turn this into a relaxed, multi-day getaway.

Oregon Coast Drive: From Astoria to Brookings

Driving the full Oregon Coast is a classic Pacific Northwest experience, with nonstop views of sea cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns. Starting in Astoria and heading south, each stretch of Highway 101 offers something different.

Highlights include Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport, and the quieter beauty of Bandon’s shoreline at sunset. You’ll find everything from small seaside inns to oceanfront resorts, with plenty of scenic pull-offs, trails, and photo-worthy stops along the way.

North Cascades Loop: Washington’s Ultimate Mountain Road Trip

This 440-mile loop is one of Washington’s most scenic drives, offering a mix of alpine views, small-town charm, and outdoor adventure. From Seattle, head east over Stevens Pass before arriving in Leavenworth, known for its Bavarian-style village and lively atmosphere.

Continue on to Lake Chelan for waterfront views, wineries, and summer activities, then drive through the dramatic peaks of North Cascades National Park. A stop in Winthrop adds a unique Old West feel, with plenty of rustic lodges and boutique hotels to break up the trip.

Columbia River Gorge Loop: Waterfalls, Wineries, and Mountain Views

This easy loop from Portland packs some of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic scenery into a short, manageable drive. Start with Multnomah Falls, then explore popular hikes like Eagle Creek or Dog Mountain for sweeping views.

From there, head to Hood River for local breweries, restaurants, and windsurfing along the Columbia River. A detour to Mount Hood and Timberline Lodge adds a classic PNW backdrop before looping back through orchards and vineyards along the Hood River Fruit Loop.

San Juan Islands Adventure (WA)

Catch the ferry from Anacortes and plan a few days each on San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands. Enjoy kayaking, whale watching, and biking tranquil backroads. Orcas Island offers a hike to Mount Constitution, while Friday Harbor on San Juan Island boasts galleries, great seafood, and the Whale Museum. Book early for popular inns and cabins, especially in summer.

Crater Lake and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (OR)

Start in Bend and head south through lava lands, high desert plateaus, and volcanic craters. Visit Newberry National Volcanic Monument before reaching majestic Crater Lake, with its unreal blue waters and rim drives. Stay overnight at Crater Lake Lodge or camp under the stars. Continue south to Lava Beds National Monument in northern California, then return via Klamath Falls for a geothermal soak before looping back to Bend.

Palouse and Snake River Country (WA/ID)

Explore Washington’s golden wheat hills and rugged Snake River cliffs on this off-the-beaten-path journey. Drive from Spokane to Palouse Falls, then head through Pullman and Moscow before descending into Lewiston and Clarkston. Hike Steptoe Butte for sunrise or explore Hells Gate State Park. Stay in abundant historic hotels or riverfront campgrounds.

Southern Oregon Wine & Culture Trail

Begin in Jacksonville, home of the Britt Music Festival, and tour wineries in the Applegate and Rogue Valleys. Stop in Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, then float the Rogue River or explore the Redwoods if you’re venturing south. Charming accommodations include vineyard guesthouses and iconic heritage inns.

Mount Rainier to Mount St. Helens (WA)

Start in Enumclaw and make your way into Mount Rainier National Park, stopping at Paradise and Sunrise for wildflower hikes and glacier views. Continue south through Packwood to Windy Ridge Viewpoint at Mount St. Helens for a firsthand look at volcanic history. Stay in mountain lodges, explore Ape Caves, and take scenic byways through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Whidbey Island & Deception Pass (WA)

This easygoing coastal drive starts with a ferry from Mukilteo to Whidbey Island, known for its beaches, farmland, and quaint towns. Visit Langley for art and antiques, Coupeville for Penn Cove mussels, and finish with a hike at Deception Pass State Park. Stay in seaside inns or historic military housing at Fort Casey. Perfect for a peaceful, slow-paced getaway with ferry rides and seaside strolls.

Wallowas and Hells Canyon (OR)

Venture east into Oregon’s ‘Little Switzerland,’ starting in La Grande and driving to Joseph and Wallowa Lake. Take the tramway up Mount Howard, hike in Eagle Cap Wilderness, and explore local art galleries. Then drive the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway along America’s deepest gorge. Stay in cabins or rustic lodges for a remote, alpine experience.

Northern Idaho Lakes and Rivers Loop

Just outside the PNW core, Northern Idaho is a worthy extension. Begin in Coeur d’Alene, paddle its crystal-clear lake, then drive to Sandpoint and Priest Lake for forested serenity. Visit Silverwood Theme Park or soak in natural hot springs. Stay at lakefront resorts, B&Bs, or campgrounds. A great detour for road trippers wanting alpine lakes and quieter forest towns.

Willamette Valley Wine Country (OR)

This lush valley south of Portland is Oregon’s wine heartland. Visit McMinnville, Newberg, and Dundee to tour boutique wineries and sip world-famous Pinot Noir. Stop at Evergreen Aviation Museum or dine farm-to-table in Dayton. Spend nights in vineyard cottages or spa resorts. It’s an indulgent weeklong trip ideal for foodies and wine lovers.

Puget Sound & Peninsula Towns (WA)

Start in Seattle and ferry to Bainbridge Island, then loop through Poulsbo, Port Townsend, and Sequim. Shop Nordic goods, visit lavender farms, and catch live music in historic port towns. This trip balances art, maritime charm, and some of Washington’s best small-town hospitality, complete with historic inns or beachside cabins.

Bend to Sisters Scenic Byway (OR)

Drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway from Bend through Sunriver and into the Sisters Wilderness. Hike lava flows, swim in alpine lakes, and enjoy Deschutes Brewery’s Bend location. Sisters offers Old West charm and views of the Three Sisters peaks. Camp or stay in rustic lodges along the way. It’s a short loop with big PNW energy, ideal for seeing some of the most unique parts of the PNW.