Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips (and When to Take Them) - Trip Canvas
Editor Pick
Best Pacific Northwest Road Trips (and When to Take Them)
Updated: May 20, 2025
Written byAAA Travel Editor, Katie Broome
With coastal routes, rainforests, sweeping mountain ranges and not to mention some world-class cities, there's always something incredible to discover on a Pacific Northwest road trip.
Of course, planning a road trip may seem overwhelming at first, but this guide will help you with everything you need so you can focus on having a great time without worries.
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) refers to the northwestern region of the United States near the Pacific Ocean and this includes both Washington and Oregon. While other states may sometimes fall under this banner, we’ll be focusing on those two states for this guide.
From deciding what to bring with you and where to go, along with essential information on routes to make planning a breeze, this guide will ensure your Pacific Northwest road trip is both unforgettable and stress-free.
deimagine / iStockphoto.com
The Most Scenic Pacific Northwest Routes
In the Pacific Northwest, you have endless options for exploration from famed cities like Portland and Seattle to wondrous national parks, vast mountain ranges, along with incredible coastal sights along the Pacific Ocean. From powerful waterfalls to moss-filled forests, you have a wide variety of landscapes and activities to choose from in any season.
If you have a full day or more to spare, consider one of these popular scenic drives:
Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip - A scenic loop through northern Oregon and southern Washington. The trip includes Portland, the Historic Columbia River Highway, Multnomah Falls, Yakima Valley and Mount Rainier National Park.
Northern CA & Southern OR Coast Road Trip - A one-way journey that starts in the Central Valley of California and includes driving along Oregon’s coast. You'll have views of state parks and quaint beach towns along the way.
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Oregon Coast Road Trip - A one-way trip up Oregon’s coast on the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101). The route features some of the best whale-watching opportunities in Oregon. You'll see the Heceta Head Lighthouse, the Sea Lion Caves, Haystack Rock and other noteworthy sights.
Olympic Peninsula Road Trip - One of the more scenic road trips from Seattle that circles the Olympic Peninsula and the lush rain forests of Olympic National Park. Stops include Tacoma, Olympia, Port Angeles and Port Townsend. This is a great northwest national park road trip that loops back for easy driving and planning.
PictureLake / iStockphoto.com
Best Time for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip
Spring and summer are two of the most popular times to explore the PNW and while the coastal fog may linger from time to time, you’ll likely experience warm and moderate weather throughout these seasons. Plus, you’ll notice a bunch of blooming flowers for incredible views.
Fall is another popular time to visit and you’ll be treated to bright autumnal leaves throughout the region. In general, fall begins around September and lasts through October, when the snowy season may soon begin.
In areas east of the Cascade Range, the climate is much drier than elsewhere, but seasonal temperature swings can also be more dramatic than in the coastal regions.
Weather Closures and Safe Driving
Snowfall can begin as early as October in both Oregon and Washington and it may last up until May in some cases. If you’re planning on driving during these months, it’s essential that you pack for the winter with items like tire chains and winter clothing.
If you don’t have experience driving in the winter, it may be best to avoid traveling during this time due to icy roads and slippery conditions. This can be especially tricky on more winding or inclined roads. In extreme storms, some roads may be temporarily closed until the snow has cleared.
However, if you don’t mind the added precautions, winter is extraordinarily beautiful throughout the region and it can come with special perks like visiting ski resorts along with all the unique views.
For those not used to winter driving, it may be best to travel during spring, summer and fall for the best safety and comfort.
iStockphoto.com / mikdam
Tour the Pacific Northwest Wine Country
Oregon’s leading wine region is just south of Portland and it can be a great excursion during your next PNW road trip. Explore the countless wineries of the Willamette Valley on a scenic drive through Oregon's stunning countryside.
Here are two great road trips in Oregon’s southern Willamette Valley that are close to wineries and vineyards:
• Willamette Scenic Highway - See a historic covered bridge and venture into Willamette National Forest. The trip ends at the foothills of the Cascade Range.
• Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway Road Trip - Begin near Roseburg, home to many wineries. Then travel into the mountains of Umpqua National Forest before stopping near Crater Lake.
On a Washington road trip, you’ll find the most wineries and vineyards in the Yakima and Walla Walla valleys. This includes Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, Yakima, Zillah among many other towns.
Pacific Northwest National Parks
Whether you want to go hiking or simply admire the scenery from your car, national parks make great road trip destinations. Visit them in spring or summer to see wildflowers in full bloom or plan your trip during the fall for iconic autumnal views.
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your Pacific Northwest road trip today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.
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