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Are you an adventure seeker yearning to explore the Pacific Northwest? Look no further! A Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip in 7 days offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences. From the majestic peaks of Washington to the rugged coastlines of Oregon, and finally, to the iconic sights of Northern California, this trip has it all. Buckle up and get ready for a ride!
This ride will require at least 7 days, but I highly recommend 11 or more. To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the coast, hike state parks or national parks, but to also have time to really check out some of the amazing cities on this list. It is nice to have a couple days in Seattle at the start or a couple days in San Francisco at the end of the trip. It would also be wonderful to experience more time on the Oregon coast along the way. This will help you feel that it's not so rushed or worn out from driving every day of the trip.
The West Coast, Natural Beauty, and Tips for the Trip.
Traveling parts of route 101 in Oregon and Route 1 in California, are rated as some of the most dangerous roads to drive on. With twists and turns up and down mountains, or right beside a steep cliff to the beach. Knowing this, be prepared. Know your vehicle and take your time driving, adhere to speed limits and watch out for other vehicles especially in blind curves. This route can be a wonderful and rewarding experience, just take the extra care while driving.
Some of the scariest sections for me were in California. After passing through the Humboldt Redwoods, you take a right on route 1 near Leggett California. There are 10 MPH curves up and down this crazy mountain. But once you are on the beach side it is worth it. Also on this same route, south of Mendocino California driving towards Bodega Bay was very twisty, in fact there is a sign that says roads are extremely curvy for the next 90 miles, with a gate on route 1 that will be shut during severe weather conditions or road cave-ins. If you are at all familiar with the news, every year a piece of the coastal highway in California or Oregon caves in or falls into the ocean and needs repairs. So, before you set out on this road trip double check that the roads are open.
I would not drive this in the winter, but the summertime will be extremely busy by the coast with plenty of RV’s and campers driving the curvy roads. My trip was mid-April, which was not warm enough for swimming in the ocean, but once I was away from the part of my drive that involved Mount Rainier and Mount Saint Helens the temperatures were in the upper 60’s to mid 70’s. Just remember this time of the year can have heavy rainstorms coming in from the coast. Always keep that in mind when driving. I have heard that early fall is a great time to travel this route, but still there is always a rainy and windy day.
Always do the research ahead of time, book flights at least 3 months before the date of travel and book hotels and rental cars early too. I suggest using a travel agent like me, who is familiar with this trip. I can also get decent deals on rental cars and hotels that you might not be able to get when booking yourself.
Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip in 7 Days
Day 1: Starting Strong in Seattle, April 15th
Seattle to Kelso, Washington
Kickstart your adventure in the lively city of Seattle. Grab a coffee at the original Starbucks in Pike Place Market. Once you’ve fueled up, hit the road. Flying in the night before and staying at a hotel let me see a little bit of the city before starting this adventure. I stayed at StayPineapple in downtown. I love this hotel, and the chain has hotels in many cities around the United States. One of the best things about this hotel is it is pet friendly, which might be needed for those of you taking a road trip down the coast like I am. Amazing Pet friendly hotels are hard to find, and StayPineapple is the best I have ever stayed in. There is a resort fee for staying here, but it is worth it for soda, water and snacks.
If you arrive in Seattle early enough do check out the main sights of the area before starting this drive, visit the Space Needle, Chihuly Art museum, Pike Place Market, just to name a few.
Driving towards Mount Rainier from Seattle-2.5 hours without stops
If doing Mount Rainier and really visiting the area, after Memorial Day, you will not be allowed to drive into the park without chains on your car in spring.
This is a 2.5-hour drive, The first part is 4 lane and not curvy, but as you get closer to the mountain the road becomes a 2 lane and a little curvy at parts, (not scary curvy). This only brings you into the beginning of the Mount Rainier National Park, but it gives you great views of this large volcano. As you are getting closer to Mount Rainier on Route 706 watch for Dan Klennert’s Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park. This was a great place to stop and stretch your legs and look at the yard art made from pieces discarded in the past. Explore all the grounds, and new sculptures are added all the time. This is free to visit, but there is a donation box out front, which I highly recommend you use.
Your first major stop was Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and a crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest. Drive through the picturesque roads of Mount Rainier National Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints like Sunrise and Paradise. The views are breathtaking, with towering trees and serene meadows stretching out as far as the eye can see.
I suggest not spending no more than an hour, if you want to take a glance at Mount Saint Helens and arrive at Kelso early enough for dinner. Our stay was just a few minutes at the entrance to get a few pictures, as it was April, and we were not allowed to enter due to not having chains on the tires of our car.
Mount Rainier to Mount Saint Helens- 2.5 hours driving without stops.
There are a couple viewpoints along the way, as you drive from Route 7 and then onto Route 12. Stop at the viewpoint on Riffe Lake, which is beautiful. There are a few plaques placed nearby that explain how the area was flooded, and towns were wiped off the map to build this lake. Later on, down the road on Route 12 is a Trout Farm on Cowlitz river. It was a nice little stop to stretch my legs. A little bit later you will take a left on Jackson highway and drive through Lewis and Clark State Park, where you can stop if you like, but I suggest stopping at Toledo for lunch snacks before finishing the drive on to Mount Saint Helens.
As you get closer you will see many landmarks, and historical markers. For example, how Toledo Washington saw what was happening with the eruption, or how Route 504 (Spirit Lake Highway) was destroyed by the volcano. There are neat little sites along the way, including a giant bigfoot statue.
Witnessing Mount Saint Helens
Continue your drive to Mount Saint Helens, famous for its catastrophic eruption in 1980. Visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory for an up-close look at the formidable crater and learn about the eruption's impact on the landscape. The visitor center offers fascinating exhibits that will deepen your appreciation for this natural wonder.
My visit was extremely short, as we drove closer to the mountain we would stop at overlooks along the way, and the closer we got the more snow we had to walk through. At some points at the overlooks, the snow was knee deep. We knew there would be snow, and we didn't mind, since we were not planning on hiking, just wanted to see the volcano up close.
Once we were done taking pictures, we drove back down Route 504 until we got to Interstate 5. Once on the interstate it took 10 minutes to drive to Kelso Washington for our 1-night stay. There are plenty in Kelso, many restaurants, stores, and hotels.
Cheap night at Super 8 by Wyndham in Kelso Washington
Dinner at Shari’s Cafe and Pies in Kelso Washington
Day 2: From Kelso to Cannon Beach- April 16th
Kelso to Multnomah Falls 1 hour and 15-minute drive time without stops.
After checking out of the Super 8 in Kelso, we stopped at the drive thru at Mcdonalds for a coffee and biscuit sandwich at 8 AM. We jumped on interstate 5 and headed south, saying bye to Washington State and heading into Oregon. Once in the Portland area we took interstate 205 to interstate 85 east for a few miles to Multnomah Falls.
Multnomah Falls—A Cascading Marvel
This awe-inspiring waterfall plunges over 600 feet and is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in the region. Take a brief hike up to Benson Bridge for a closer view and feel the refreshing mist on your face.
We spent about 45 minutes in the area. Taking pictures and looking at the gift shop. The place is crowded since it is a massive waterfall and so close to the interstate it makes for a great roadside stop.
The parking area is just off of Interstate 85, with the Columbia River directly behind you. So, on your return trip from the falls to Portland, pull off at one of the roadsides stops to get some great pictures of the massive Columbia River.
Multnomah Falls to Exploring
Downtown Portland- 35-minute drive without stops
Next, head to Portland, known for its quirky culture and vibrant food scene. Stroll through the famous Powell’s City of Books, indulge in some street food at one of the city's many food carts, and wander around the eclectic neighborhoods. Don’t forget to try a donut from Voodoo Doughnut!
The area around Powell's City of Books is great for getting lunch and walking around Portland. You can spend many hours in Portland and not see enough of it and we only spent 3 hours walking around before jumping back on the road before heading to Cannon Beach.
Portland to Cannon Beach- 1 hour and 26-minute drive without stops.
Drive onwards to Cannon Beach, where you’ll be greeted by the iconic Haystack Rock. The dramatic coastal scenery here is perfect for a sunset stroll. If you’re looking to save on accommodation, consider driving a bit further to Wheeler for a less expensive overnight stay. On the way, stop at Silver Point Overlook and Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area for stunning views of the coastline.
We arrived around 3 PM, spent an hour on the beach in front of haystack rock, then drove on into the downtown area to shop and grab dinner. (Cannon Beach is the best place for dinner if continuing on to Wheeler as we did, there is nothing much in Wheeler.) As stated before, our hotel was Wheeler, which is only 26 minutes south of Cannon Beach. So, stopping at the several overlooks and spending 45 minutes on the beach at Arcadia Beach State Recreation Area, we made it to the motel at around 7 PM. I love this quaint little motel where our room was filled with otter paintings. Overlooking the bay just before sunset is one of the bay ways to relax on the road trip down the coastal highway, called route 101 in Oregon. The next morning before starting our drive, it was great to watch the bay come to life with birds and otters in the morning.
Dinner at Cannon Beach- Tom’s Fish and Chips
Motel in Wheeler Oregon- Wheeler on the Bay Lodge.
Day 3: Wheeler to Bandon, Oregon- April 17th
If you just drove the route without stops it will take you 4 hours and 30 minutes, keep that in mind when making stops.
This will be a long day of driving, depending on how many stops you make down the coast. There are hundreds of ocean viewpoints, historical points of interest attractions and many wonderful cities along route 101. If you can take an extra day and split this drive, by spending a night in Florence, or even earlier in the day at Newport Oregon, you will be glad you did. That way you can explore these little cities more as you drive this coastal drive. We Started out day of driving at 8:37AM
Wheeler to Rockaway Beach- 12 minutes
Rockaway Beach and the Three Graces.
Stop here for some beach time, park at the City Center and Park for easy access to the beach. When visiting get pictures of the 3 Graces. The famous rock formation of the area that is in the ocean. If you arrive at low tide, the 3 Graces can be very fun to explore, looking for cool starfish, shells and other marine animals. This was a 25-minute stop for us.
Rockaway Beach to Cape Meares- 45 minutes
Discovering Cape Meares- West of Tillamook Oregon
Begin your day at Cape Meares, home to a historic lighthouse and the famous Octopus Tree. The panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean are nothing short of spectacular. Keep an eye out for migrating gray whales if you’re visiting in the right season!
While driving route 101 in this area you will have to take a right off this main road to visit Cape Meares or Cape Lookout State Park. Route 101 turns in, away from the coast for a little bit of the drive here, but you will pass Tillamook, which is known for their cheese. You can even take tours of the plant if interested.
Cape Meares to Cape Lookout- 22 minutes on Netarts Bay Drive.
Cape Lookout State Park
Just a short drive out of the way, you might want to stop by here. There is great access to the beach. and one of the best overlooks if located near Cape Overlook State Park. There is a plaque of a famous Parasailer, who would jump off the cliff at this spot and sail down to the beach. This was over an hour of driving and stopping at parks and overlooks in the Cape Meares and Cape Lookout area.
Cape Lookout to Lincoln City- 54 minutes
Marveling at Devil’s Punch Bowl South of Lincoln City Oregon.
Continue your coastal adventure to Devils Punch Bowl, a natural rock formation that creates a swirling cauldron when the tide comes in. It’s a captivating sight and a fantastic spot for tide pooling when the water recedes. This was a 15-minute stop for us.
Lincoln City, Lincoln Beach, and Depoe Bay are all decent areas with plenty of places to stop for gas or food. There are also many places to stop and explore, like the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Whales Sea Life and Shark Museum, Ben Jones Bridge, Cape Foulweather, Otter Crest Marine Gardens.
Lincoln City to Newport- 37 minutes
Visiting Yaquina Head Lighthouse- Newport Oregon
Next up is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the rugged coastline and explore the surrounding tide pools teeming with marine life. We did not climb the lighthouse, but looked at the beautiful scenery from the cliffs where the lighthouse is located and spotted many seabirds and sea lions swimming in the ocean below. At the entrance to the lighthouse is a gift shop/museum which was neat for a quick look. This was a 30-minute stop for us.
Newport is a large city on the coast with the Pacific Maritime and Heritage Museum, Burrows House Museum, Oregon Coast Aquarium, South Beach State Park.
Newport to Waldport- 22 minutes
The Wonder of Thor’s Well- south of Waldport Oregon
Thor’s Well, also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, is a mesmerizing natural wonder located along the coast. Watch as the waves crash into the hole and create a dramatic spectacle. Just be cautious and maintain a safe distance, especially during high tide. Prepare for extra time if walking down to the well, you can even walk out on it if you are very careful. This was a 30 Minute stop for us as I stayed above but my friend walked down to get a closer look.
Sea Lion Cave Adventures- south of Waldport Oregon
Finish the day with a visit to the Sea Lion Caves north of Florence Oregon. This is the largest sea cave in America. Descend into the cavern and witness hundreds of sea lions in their natural habitat. Their playful antics and booming calls make for an unforgettable experience. This was an hour stop for us.
Waldport to Florence-48 minutes
All of these places are before Florence Oregon. Which is more than 3 hours south of Wheeler Oregon, if you include all the main stops I stopped at. If I was to do this trip over, I would have eliminated Cape Meares and Cape Lookout and just stay on Route 101. They have an overnight stay in Florence, so I could explore more in Coo’s Bay and Bandon the following day before staying the night in Bandon which is a short distance away from Florence compared to all the driving that was done today.
Florence is a large city where you should get dinner, especially if staying the night here instead of driving on to Bandon like we did.
Florence to Bandon- 1 hour and 31 minutes
Coo’s Bay and Bandon are wonderful spots to check out if you have time. The quaint shopping area of Bandon is wonderful, but where we spent so much time at other sights north of Florence, we did not give Coo’s Bay or Bandon the amount of time we should have. As we continued our tired drive onto Bandon, we only stopped at a fast-food joint for dinner. But our hotel in Bandon was lovely, and we arrived at 8:02PM with the sunset happening at 8:15, so we arrived at the best time, to relax and look at the sunset.
Hotel in Bandon Oregon- Sunset Oceanfront Lodging
Day 4: Bandon to Eureka, California April 18th
Bandon to Port Orford- 30 minutes
Depart from Bandon and make a stop at Port Orford, a quaint coastal town with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Explore the Port Orford Heads State Park, which offers beautiful hiking trails and historical sites.
You have to look at the rocks and read the local Native American Legends of what made those rocks in the water, it is great story, but I will not spoil the story in this blog,
We slept in a little today due to the hard day of driving and exploring the day before. We arrived in Port Orford at 11 AM for Lunch at The Dive. A great little local favorite, with a large menu and a yummy oyster hoagie.
Port Orford to Meyers Creek Viewport -47 minutes.
Taking in Meyers Creek Viewpoint
Further down the coast, pull over at Meyers Creek Viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas of the rocky shoreline. The rugged beauty of this area is a photographer’s dream. When driving to Meyers Creek, you will pass Gold Beach and a number of cute little roadside pull offs for a great view. Route 101 all throughout Oregon is known for this.
Meyers Creek to Brookings-24 minutes
Spotting the First Redwoods Near Brookings
Continue your drive and you'll soon enter the enchanting realm of the redwoods near Brookings, Oregon. These ancient giants are truly awe-inspiring and set the tone for the majestic forests you'll encounter in California. Stop by Whaleshead viewpoint or Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint on the drive. When you are in southern Oregon, you will notice slight changes as you drive. The closer you get to California you start to turn away from the ocean and head towards the redwoods.
Brookings Oregon to Crescent City California- 35 minutes
Crescent City is the last little bit of beach line before you are surrounded by large trees, and bigfoot hunting. Crescent City has a Marine Wildlife Center and a BayView Park, where you can gaze at the ocean for a little while. There are plenty of shops and restaurants if interested in grabbing some food before you start the last leg of your adventure today.
One of the best things I saw in Crescent City was as we were leaving and driving south. A head of Roosevelt Elk crossing the road. I have seen the elks all over from Mount Rainier to Cannon Beach, but this was a large herd, and I just loved looking at them.
Crescent City to Eureka California-1 hour and 35 minutes without any stops.
Exploring Klamath and the Redwoods Area
As you cross into California, make a beeline for Klamath and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the redwoods. From hiking trails to Bigfoot souvenir shops, there's plenty to discover in this magical area. You will find local honey and other yummy treats at these roadside stops on route 101 when driving through the mountains. It is a nice change of pace to go from beach to mountain. There is a great little ice cream spot at one of the roadside stops. Just keep an eye out for the signs.
Continuing the drive to Eureka where the road turns more into an interstate. Eureka is a very large city compared to the recent cities of your drive in Oregon and Northern California, that is why I suggest staying at a hotel here and getting dinner in Eureka you will have plenty of choices.
Day 5: Eureka to Fort Bragg April 19th
Humboldt Redwoods State Park Wonders
Begin your day with a visit to Humboldt Redwoods State Park, home to the famous Avenue of the Giants. This scenic drive winds through some of the tallest trees on earth and offers numerous hiking trails to explore. Don’t miss the chance to drive through a redwood tree for a truly unique experience. One of the best ways to experience this area is driving through a Redwood tree, and you have several options to try out this near experience in this area.
Eureka to Fort Bragg- 2 hours and 45 minutes without any stops
Fort Bragg- Glass Beach Extravaganza
Arrive in Fort Bragg and head to Glass Beach, where the shore is covered in smooth, colorful sea glass. This former dumping ground has transformed into a sparkling gem, perfect for beachcombing and photography.
Stayed the night at- The Beach House Inn
Ate breakfast at- Eggheads
Day 6: Fort Bragg to San Francisco April 20th
Charming Mendocino
Depart Fort Bragg and make a stop in the charming town of Mendocino. This coastal village is known for its picturesque views, quaint shops, and art galleries. Take a leisurely walk along the cliffs and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
Scenic Bodega Bay
Continue your drive to Bodega Bay, a scenic coastal town made famous by Alfred Hitchcock’s film "The Birds." Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant and take a stroll along the shore. This was where we said goodbye to the coastal highway.
This area of the world is known for its wines. You can find wineries on the coastal highway south of Mendicino, but as you drive away from the coast into the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, you can visit one of many wineries in the area. So if wine is your thing, schedule a wine tasting.
As you get closer to San Francisco you might want to look into Point Reyes National Seashore. Located about 1 hour and 10 minutes north of San Francisco, if you are on Route 101 you will have to detour back to the coastal route 1, unless you stayed on the coastal route at Bodega Bay. It is the perfect place for a short hike, ocean watching, and bird viewing. But the main attraction is the elephant seals or Harbor Seals.
You can continue to drive down the coastal highway, but we turned left just south of Bodega Bay to take us back to Route 101 and on into San Francisco. This route will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge, which is neat to travel across, even if it is a bit scary. If you have driven the coastal route of Oregon and California, the Golden Gate Bridge is not scary at all in comparison unless traffic bothers you. Traffic starts getting heavy about 20 minutes before reaching the city.
Day 7: Exploring San Francisco April 21st
San Francisco
Finally, make your way to the iconic city of San Francisco. Conclude your road trip by driving across the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, and wandering through the colorful streets of Chinatown. The city’s vibrant culture and stunning landmarks provide a perfect end to your Pacific Northwest adventure.
Here are some of my favorite things to do and see in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge State Park
Japanese Garden
Pier 39
Chinatown
Ride a trolley
Drive by the TV show Full House, House. or the Mrs. Doubtfire house.
Drive the curviest street in San Francisco
Alcatraz
Conclusion
A Seattle to San Francisco Road Trip is a dream come true for adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts. With diverse landscapes, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences, this 7-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and excitement. Whether you're marveling at the majestic redwoods, exploring quaint coastal villages, or savoring the vibrant energy of big cities, this road trip has something for everyone.
Ready to hit the road? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Safe travels and happy exploring!
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Good info