10 Gorgeous Pacific Northwest USA Road Trips To Take This Summer

Road trips through the Pacific Northwest feel like flipping through nature’s greatest hits album. Each turn reveals another breathtaking view, from towering mountains to rugged coastlines. Last summer, I hit the road with a trunk full of snacks, a playlist that never got old, and a camera that barely had time to rest.

Every stop brought its own surprises some planned, others stumbled upon. If you’re mapping out your next adventure, these 12 road trips will have you packing your bags before you finish reading.

1. Olympic National Park, Washington

Let me start with a tip: Don’t underestimate Olympic National Park’s size. I thought I could see everything in one day rookie mistake. From lush rainforests in Hoh to snowcapped peaks at Hurricane Ridge, each area felt like stepping into a new world.

Ruby Beach stole my heart with its sea stacks rising from crashing waves, while Sol Duc Hot Springs offered the perfect way to soak sore muscles after hiking. Camping beneath old-growth trees at Kalaloch Campground capped the day perfectly.

I still hear the sound of waves when I think back to that night. Early mornings brought mist rolling through moss-draped trees, making it easy to believe I’d wandered into a fairytale.

2. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington

Driving through Columbia River Gorge felt like flipping through a nature magazine. Every few miles, another waterfall demanded a quick stop. Multnomah Falls lived up to the hype, but smaller cascades like Latourell Falls offered a quieter, just-as-magical experience.

I couldn’t resist hiking Eagle Creek Trail, even though my shoes still carry a bit of Oregon mud as a souvenir. Hood River made the perfect spot to refuel grabbing a local cider while watching windsurfers carve through the water was the perfect end to the day.

3. Cannon Beach, Oregon

Ever try running on the beach and realize you’re not as fit as you thought? Yeah, that happened at Cannon Beach. Haystack Rock looked close enough to touch until I started jogging and realized just how massive the beach is. Still, the golden sand and crashing waves made the trek worth it. Exploring tide pools at low tide revealed colorful starfish and scuttling crabs.

Ecola State Park offered scenic trails with panoramic views of the coastline, though the wind up there nearly stole my hat. Dinner at a seafood shack in town wrapped things up nicely crispy fish and chips never tasted better.

4. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Driving toward Mount Rainier feels like approaching a giant who’s been standing watch over Washington forever. The first glimpse of its snow-covered peak left me speechless. Hiking Skyline Trail near Paradise delivered jaw-dropping views and unexpected wildlife encounters marmots sunbathing on rocks, deer grazing nearby, and curious chipmunks eyeing my trail mix.

Wildflowers blanketed the meadows in reds, yellows, and purples, making it hard to put my camera down. As the sun dipped behind the mountain, golden light painted the slopes, creating a moment that’s impossible to forget.

5. San Juan Islands, Washington

If you’ve never kayaked alongside an orca, put the San Juan Islands on your bucket list immediately. The ferry ride from Anacortes set the tone cool ocean breeze, distant mountains, and a chance to spot seals lounging on rocky outcrops.

Friday Harbor buzzed with laid-back charm, while Lime Kiln Point State Park offered front-row seats to watch whales breach just offshore. After paddling through calm waters with dolphins swimming nearby, I ended the day with fresh seafood at a waterfront café, watching sailboats drift against the sunset.

6. Bend, Oregon

If adventure had a hometown, it’d be Bend. The Deschutes River practically begged for a float trip, so I hopped on an inner tube and let the current do the work until I hit the rapids near the Bend Whitewater Park and suddenly had to paddle like my life depended on it.

Smith Rock State Park’s towering cliffs made my rock-climbing friends jealous, though I stuck to hiking the Misery Ridge Trail, which earned its name with steep switchbacks but rewarded me with panoramic views. Local craft breweries provided the perfect post-adventure reward IPA never tasted so refreshing.

7. Astoria, Oregon

Astoria had me feeling like I’d stepped onto a movie set and not just because of The Goonies references scattered around town. Victorian houses perched on hillsides, while the Columbia River rolled past cargo ships headed out to sea.

Climbing Astoria Column rewarded me with panoramic views stretching from the Pacific Ocean to distant mountains. Walking along the waterfront, I discovered the best clam chowder at a no-frills café, proving once again that the simplest meals are often the most memorable.

8. Hood River, Oregon

Hood River’s energy hits you the moment you arrive. Windsurfers and kiteboarders dotted the Columbia River, slicing through the water with impressive speed. Watching them made me briefly consider trying it myself until I remembered my last attempt at balancing on anything wobbly.

Instead, I opted for a scenic drive through the Fruit Loop, where roadside stands offered fresh cherries, peaches, and cider tastings. Hiking up to Mitchell Point provided breathtaking views of the river winding through lush green cliffs, making the steep climb worth every step.

9. Spokane, Washington

Spokane surprised me. I expected a quiet city but found a vibrant downtown buzzing with outdoor activities. Riverfront Park stole the show with its cascading waterfalls and suspension bridges that made me feel like a kid again. Kayaking along the Spokane River offered a different perspective, with bald eagles soaring overhead.

I wrapped up the day exploring historic neighborhoods with charming brick buildings and stopping at a local café for huckleberry ice cream because when in the Northwest, huckleberries are mandatory.

10. Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island felt like stepping into a postcard. The ferry ride from Mukilteo offered sweeping views of Puget Sound, with distant mountains standing tall on the horizon. Strolling through Coupeville’s waterfront district, I sampled fresh mussels caught just offshore simple, briny, and unforgettable.

Deception Pass State Park delivered heart-pounding views from its high bridge, where swirling currents churned below. Hiking along coastal trails brought glimpses of bald eagles soaring overhead and sailboats gliding through the sound. As the sun set, I found myself wishing I could stretch this day into a week.

Final Thoughts

Every stop on this road trip left its mark. Olympic National Park’s misty forests, Columbia River Gorge’s waterfalls, and San Juan Islands’ wildlife encounters each offered something unique. Summer in the Pacific Northwest feels like nature’s grand finale vibrant, untamed, and unforgettable. If you ever get the chance, pack your bags, hit the road, and see it all for yourself. You won’t regret it.