One Week in the Pacific Northwest: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

If you’ve ever dreamed of mossy forests, dramatic coastlines, and mountain peaks that make you stop in your tracks, the Pacific Northwest is calling your name. A one-week road trip here is pure magic. You’ll get a taste of the best that Oregon and Washington have to offer without feeling rushed. So, pack your bags, fuel up the car, and let’s hit the road together.

Why the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest (often just called the PNW) is one of those regions that sneaks up on you. It’s rugged and wild, but also cozy and welcoming. Think coffee shops on every corner, waterfalls right off the highway, and fresh seafood by the coast. It’s a mix of city life and untouched nature, and the best part? Everything feels surprisingly close together.

A one-week road trip lets you see forests, beaches, mountains, and vibrant cities—all without endless hours behind the wheel. That’s a win in my book.

Your 7-Day PNW Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Seattle – The Starting Point

Most people fly into Seattle, and honestly, it’s the perfect starting point. Spend your first day exploring the city.

Pike Place Market – Yes, it’s touristy, but watching the fishmongers toss salmon is always fun.
Space Needle – You can’t skip the classic. The views stretch from Puget Sound to Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Coffee Crawl – Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, but skip the line there and try some local spots like Storyville or Victrola.

Tip: Don’t rent your car until the next morning. Parking in Seattle is expensive, and you won’t need wheels your first day.

Day 2: Seattle to Olympic National Park

Time to grab your car and head west. The drive to Olympic National Park takes about two to three hours (depending on whether you ferry across Puget Sound or drive around). Either way, the journey is part of the fun.

What to see in Olympic?

Hoh Rain Forest – Can you picture yourself walking among moss-draped trees that look like they belong in a fairytale?
Rialto Beach – Driftwood, sea stacks, and tide pools make this beach a photographer’s dream.
Lake Crescent – A perfect stop for a picnic by the water.

Stay the night in Port Angeles or in one of the park’s lodges if you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation.

Day 3: Olympic Peninsula to Portland

It’s a longer drive today, but don’t worry—you’ll have plenty of scenery along the way. Head south and cross into Oregon, landing in Portland by evening. That drive will take around five to six hours, but you’ll pass little coastal towns worth a stop.

Evening in Portland means food trucks, craft beer, and Powell’s City of Books (a must for book lovers). Portland has a quirky, laid-back vibe. It’s the kind of place where you’ll stumble across a street performer playing the accordion while juggling, and nobody bats an eye.

Day 4: Columbia River Gorge Day Trip

If you’ve ever seen photos of cascading waterfalls in Oregon, chances are they came from the Columbia River Gorge. It’s just about 45 minutes from Portland, so you can easily make it a full-day outing.

Highlights include:

Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s most famous waterfall. Sure, it gets crowded, but it’s iconic.
Hiking trails – Try the Eagle Creek Trail or Latourell Falls for something less packed.
Vista House – A lookout with sweeping views of the Gorge.

Head back to Portland for the night. Maybe grab a slice of late-night pizza or sample a donut from Voodoo (yes, they’re as wild as you’ve heard).

Day 5: Portland to Mount Hood

Ready for some mountain air? Mount Hood is about two hours east of Portland. You’ll swap city streets for alpine lakes and wildflower meadows.

Top picks here:

Timberline Lodge – A historic lodge that was famously featured in The Shining.
Trillium Lake – Stunning views of Mount Hood reflecting in the water. It’s postcard-perfect.
Summer skiing – Yep, you read that right. Depending on the time of year, you might see skiers hitting the slopes in July.

Spend the night in Government Camp or in a cabin rental nearby.

Day 6: Mount Hood to the Oregon Coast

From the mountains to the sea—it’s one of the best parts about Oregon. Drive west for about three hours, and you’ll hit the dramatic coastline near Cannon Beach.

What’s waiting there?

Haystack Rock – The giant sea stack you’ve probably seen in photos (or maybe in the movie The Goonies).
Ecola State Park – Short trails with killer views of the Pacific.
Fresh seafood – Try clam chowder or Dungeness crab in one of the coastal towns.

Stay overnight in Cannon Beach, Seaside, or a cozy Airbnb tucked away along the coast. Can you imagine falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves?

Day 7: Back to Seattle

It’s time to loop back north. The drive from Cannon Beach to Seattle is about four to five hours. If you have extra time, swing through Astoria (another Goonies filming location) or stop in Olympia for a quick bite.

End your trip where you started, maybe with one last coffee in Seattle before heading home.

Road Trip Tips for the Pacific Northwest

Pack layers. The PNW is famous for unpredictable weather. You might need a rain jacket in the morning and sunglasses by afternoon.
Get a National Park Pass. If you’re hitting multiple parks, the America the Beautiful Pass can save you money.
Plan for ferries. In Washington especially, ferries are part of the adventure. Just check schedules in advance.
Leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best moments happen when you take that random side road or stop at a small-town café.

Why You’ll Love This Trip

What makes this road trip special is the variety. One day you’re sipping lattes in a bustling city, the next you’re standing under a waterfall, and by the weekend, you’re watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. It’s a week of adventure, relaxation, and jaw-dropping scenery.

And the best part? The Pacific Northwest has a way of feeling both grand and intimate at the same time. You’re exploring some of the most epic landscapes in the U.S., but it all feels accessible, like it was meant to be enjoyed slowly.

So, what do you think—are you ready to start planning your one-week Pacific Northwest road trip?