The Perfect 4 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Oregon may be one of the most underrated states in the US! While it has gained popularity in recent years it is still overshadowed by Washington to the North and California to the South. Oregon is a land of raging waterfalls, towering mountains, and stunning coastline, that should be on everyone’s travel list! The perfect way to see the most of Oregon is a road trip throughout the state! While a 7-day road trip may be ideal, there is still so much you can see with only 4 days in Oregon. Starting in Portland, travel to Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood, Bend, Crater Lake, and up the Oregon Coast on this perfect 4-day Oregon road trip itinerary.
Map of 4-Day Oregon Road Trip
The Oregon road trip map above begins in Portland Oregon and travels to the major scenic sites in Oregon. Travel from Portland to Bend on your first day, stopping in the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. On the second day, explore Bend and travel to Crater Lake National Park. Day three check out another stunning Oregon waterfall before venturing over to the Oregon Coast. Day 4 see the best Oregon Coast stops including Thor’s Well, Cannon Beach, and many more before heading back to Portland.
This 4-day trip takes around 830 miles and 18 hours of driving with an average of 4 hours of driving each day. This is interspersed with many scenic spots, and there are opportunities to cut out spots if you prefer less driving. Rent a car from Portland to give yourself as much flexibility as possible.
4 Day Oregon Road Trip Packing List
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
- Raincoat- You don’t want to visit Oregon without a rain jacket. This also works as a windbreaker- My Favorite Rain Jacket
- Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
- Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
- Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
- Waterproof Boots– Trails near the coast and waterfalls are often muddy. Make sure to bring waterproof boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
- Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
- Sandals– If visiting in the summer and you plan on spending a long time at the beach, bring a pair of sandals to change into- Teva Sandals
- Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
- Sunscreen– Make sure to wear sunscreen outdoors- SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera
4 Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Portland to Mount Hood and Bend
- Portland to Bend Distance: 211 miles
- Portland to Bend Driving Time: 4 hours 38 minutes
You will likely start your Oregon road trip in Portland if you are flying in. This makes a great starting point, as it gives you easy access to the Columbia River Gorge and the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway. Take the scenic route from Portland to Bend, by driving through the Gorge, stopping at a few waterfalls and overlooks. This adds a bit over an hour of driving than if you were to drive straight to Bend, but it is well worth it to see some of the best waterfalls in Oregon.
Upon reaching Hood River, continue South around Mount Hood, and then on US-26 and US-97 the remaining way to Bend. A few must-see stops are Trillium Lake or the Timberline Lodge for a view of Mount Hood, and Smith Rock State Park near Bend!
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area ranges from just East of Portland out to Hood River. There are many viewpoints and stops on the way, so make sure to choose a few on your trip down the Gorge!
Vista House is one of the best spots to view the Columbia River Gorge. It is over 100 years old and is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. This is also a great spot to view sunrise near Portland. Another great viewpoint is Beacon Rock Trail which is only 1.5 miles and one of the best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge!
Best Waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
A trip to the Columbia River Gorge is not complete without visiting some waterfalls! The Columbia River Gorge has some of the best waterfalls in all of Oregon, accessible by trails ranging from easy to difficult.
- Multnomah Falls- Multnomah Falls is the most popular and tallest waterfall in Oregon. It can be accessed by a short walk from the parking lot, or you can do a more difficult hike up to the top of the falls.
- Wahclella Falls- 1.9 miles, 223 feet, Easy– Wahclella Falls is an easy 2-mile hike to one of the best waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge
- Latourell Falls– 3 miles, 728 feet, Moderate– It is only a quarter of a mile to Latourell Falls, or you can do a loop hike up to Upper Latourell Falls as well.
- Horsetail Falls- Horsetail Falls is a short walk from the parking lot and accessible to everyone.
- Bridal Veil Falls– 0.5 miles, 78 feet, Easy– Many wouldn’t consider this a true hike, but nevertheless, it is well worth your time. Bridal Veil Falls is only a quarter of a mile from the parking lot, and the overlook gives a spectacular view of the two-tiered, over 100-foot waterfall.
Read More: Best Waterfall Hikes Near Portland
Hood River
After driving through the Gorge you will reach the picturesque town of Hood River. In the Spring this is a great time to see wildflowers, or you can make a stop to pick fruit or try wine at one of the many orchards and vineyards on the Fruit Loop in Hood River! The Gorge White House is a popular family-owned spot that serves fresh fruit, wine, and cider out of a historic 1906 house.
Read More: Wildflower Hikes in Oregon & Washington
Mount Hood
Next, you will drive up by Mount Hood before continuing on to Bend. While you may not have time for a long hike, consider a short stop at a viewpoint to see the majestic Mount Hood!
Mount Hood Viewpoints:
- Trillium Lake
- White River West Sno-Park
- Timberline Trail
Smith Rock State Park
Your last stop of the day will be at Smith Rock State Park. Smith Rock is located about 30 minutes from Bend, Oregon, and is the perfect spot to view the sunset! You can walk a short distance to see the iconic view of the Crooked River Trail snaking by the steep rock walls. If you have more time, hike along the river and admire the beautiful State Park.
Where to Stay Near Bend
Hotels Near Bend
- Campfire Hotel– This cute hotel is perfectly nature themed for your Oregon road trip
- McMenamins Old St. Francis School– McMenamins is a staple throughout Oregon and offers unique accommodations and restaurants. This converted school even has hot soaking pools you can enjoy.
- Bunk & Brew Historic Lucas House Hostel– If you’re more on a budget there is a hostel with both private and shared rooms in a historic brick house.
Rentals Near Bend
- Riverfront Retreat– A larger home on the river is perfect for a group trip or family get together
- Cabin Near Bend– This adorable cabin was perfect to be near Bend but still in nature
- Ranch Guesthouse Near Bend– If you’re looking for something a little more remote. This cozy guesthouse is about 15 minutes from Bend.
Day 2: Bend and Crater Lake
- Bend to Crater Lake Distance: 161 miles
- Bend to Crater Lake Driving Time: 3 hours 18 minutes
Spend the morning in Bend and the evening in Crater Lake for the perfect day 2 of your Oregon road trip. There are not many stops in between, so spend some time enjoying Bend’s famous sites before heading off.
The route to Crater Lake is very easy to follow- just take US-97 south to Chiloquin before venturing up on OR-422 and OR-62 to Crater Lake National Park.
Bend
Bend is a unique outdoorsy town at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. Spend the morning exploring Bend and the surrounding area before continuing on. Below is a summary of some of the best things you can do in Bend.
Also don’t forget to pick up breakfast at one of the many coffee roasteries based in Bend. Bend is well known for its coffee so you really can’t go wrong! Bend also had a thriving brewery scene, so after a morning outdoor activity cool off at one of the local breweries such as Deschutes Brewery or Crux Fermentation Project.
Best Things to Do Near Bend
Bend has so much to do it is hard to choose! Below are just a few of the activities you could pick from to squeeze in for a half day in Bend.
- See the city and mountains from Pilot Butte
- Go on a guided climb in Smith Rock State Park
- Rent a paddleboard and float down the Deschutes River
- Take an ATV Tour through the desert
- Chase waterfalls like Tumalo Falls
- Stop by the Last Blockbuster
- Visit the High Desert Museum
- Go hiking at Newberry National Monument
Read More: Weekend Itinerary in Bend, Oregon
Crater Lake National Park
After having your fill in Bend, drive the 90 miles down to Crater Lake National Park. Crater Lake is a beautiful National Park and easy to see in half a day! I would recommend picking a sunset hike such as The Watchman Peak Trail to admire the stunning lake. Depending on the time of year you can also drive or bike around the rim and stop at the viewpoints!
Where to Stay Near Crater Lake
Hotels Near Crater Lake
- Crater Lake Lodge– This is the only hotel inside the National Park! Like most National Park’s lodges, this is not the cheapest option, but you can’t beat the location.
- Crater Lake Resort– This is about 30 minutes outside of the National Park and has both tent sites and cabins for rent.
- Sleep Inn in Chiloquin– A standard hotel about 45 minutes outside the park.
Rentals Near Crater Lake
- Cabin on Umpqua River– This Cabin is a bit further North of Crater Lake but is right on the way to the locations on Day 3 of your Oregon road trip.
- Tiny Home Near Crater Lake– This ranch tiny home is just 19 miles from Crater Lake National Park.
- Cabin on the River– This cabin on a river is about 30 minutes from Crater Lake.
Day 3: Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast
- Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast Distance: 201 miles
- Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast Driving Time: 4 hours 16 minutes
Day 3 of your Oregon road trip itinerary will take you from the mountains to the coast! First, head up from Crater Lake with a quick stop at Toketee Falls! Then continue taking OR-138 all the way out to the coast. From there you will turn onto the scenic 101.
Most of the rest of the trip will be spent driving up the 101 along the coast. Don’t be afraid to stop at the many pull-offs and take in the views! Some key stops on this day include the Oregon Dunes, Sea Lion Caves, and Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Toketee Falls
Toketee Falls is a quick stop on the way toward the Oregon Coast in Umpqua National Forest. It is only half a mile each way to an overlook of the 113-foot-tall waterfall. This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Oregon, iconic for the basalt columns that surround it.
The Oregon Dunes
Below are a few great hikes near the Oregon Dunes. When searching for hikes on the Oregon Dunes, be sure to check if the trail is hiking only. Many trails in this area are also ATV trails.
- John Dellenback Trail– 5.5 miles, 308 feet, Moderate– If you hike the entire trail it will lead you to the beach. You can also hike just part of the trail to experience walking on the dunes! Please note that dogs are not allowed from March through September.
- Threemile Lake Trail– 6.1 miles, 997 miles, Moderate– This trail leads to a lake near the shore and leads you through both sand dunes and lush forests.
- Hall Lake Loop– 1.6 miles, 154 feet, Easy– This is a shorter trail in the sand around Hall Lake, and features a waterfall during certain times of the year.
If you have more time, you can also rent an ATV from somewhere like Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rental and explore the dunes with 4 wheels.
Heceta Head Lighthouse & Sea Lion Caves
Stop by Heceta Head Lighthouse and the Sea Lion Caves. These two spots are right next to each other, so it is easy to see both.
Sea Lion Caves
The Sea Lion Caves cost $14 per person to descend into the caves and see the wildlife up close. The sea lions are not always present, so you can call ahead to confirm, or stop by and ask before purchasing a ticket.
Right past the caves is the Lighthouse and Sea Lion Beach Vantage Point. This is a free pull-off that gives a good photo opportunity of Heceta Head Lighthouse and Cape Cove.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
For a small fee, you can park in the day-use area and walk closer to the lighthouse. It is only 0.5 miles to the lighthouse. For a longer hike, continue on the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail to Hobbit Beach, a 3.6-mile round-trip walk.
There are not many places to stay here, so you will likely want to continue on to Yachats, Oregon for the night.
Where to Stay Near Yachats
Hotels Near Yachats
- Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast– You can stay in the Heceta Head lightkeepers house turned bed & breakfast!
- Adobe Resort– This is a 3-star hotel with a beautiful sea view in Yachats!
- Overleaf Lodge & Spa– For a slightly nicer stay, relax at the Overleaf Lodge and Spa in Yachats
Rentals Near Yachats
- Cottage with Hot Tub– This little cottage is close to the Ocean in Yachats.
- Earthworks Art House– This stay is adjacent to the Earthworks Gallery and a rhododendron preserve
- Cozy Beach Cottage– This little cottage is dog friendly and within an easy walk to the beach
Day 4: Road Trip up the Oregon Coast
- Oregon Coast back to Portland Distance: 262 miles
- Oregon Coast back to Portland Driving Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
This is the longest driving day on your 4-Day Oregon coast road trip itinerary but it is interspersed with lots of quick stops! You can also cut down on the driving time by staying the night in Astoria or Cannon Beach or cutting out Astoria entirely and heading straight to Portland from Cannon Beach.
The majority of the driving is done along the 101 which has scenic ocean views almost the whole way! Some must-see stops are listed below including Thor’s Well, Yaquina Lighthouse, Cannon Beach, and Astoria. If you want to see even more here is a list of the best things to see on the Oregon Coast.
Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well is a quick stop, but a must-see on the Oregon Coast. This unique rock formation forms a hole in the coastline. At low tide, it is fun to watch the waves crash against the rock and soar up through the hole before being sucked back out to sea. However, it is high tide where Thor’s Well really shines.
High tide is the best time to see and photograph Thor’s Well. The ocean covers the hole, meaning the water drains right through, looking like a hole in the ocean! To time your visit right, check a tide chart and visit at high or close to high tide.
There is a short dirt path to get closer to a lookout of the well. This should be accessible for most people. The tide will depend on how close you can get to the well. Always be careful of high waves that can reach further than you may expect. If you can’t hike closer to the well, it is also visible right off the road.
Yaquina Lighthouse
Lighthouses are always a must-see on the coast The Yaquina Lighthouse in the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is one of the best because it will let you walk inside! You can check the lighthouse website for up-to-date information on if the lighthouse is open.
From the same parking area as the lighthouse, you can walk down to Cobble Beach. Cobble Beach is a small beach with interesting black spherical rocks and many tide pools.
Oswald West State Park
Oswald West is one of the best State Parks in Oregon. There are hikes ranging from a short walk to several miles, and it has spectacular views of the coast!
Best Hikes in Oswald West State Park
Pick a short or longer hike in Oswald West State Park depending on the time you have. If nothing else, I would highly recommend taking the short walk to Short Sand Beach.
- Short Sand Beach– 0.6 miles, Easy– Short Sand Beach is more of a quick walk than a hike and is the best option if you are short on time. Explore this beach cove before heading up the coastline!
- Cape Falcon Trail– 4.6 miles, 623 feet elevation, Moderate– This trail starts from the same trail that leads to Short Sand Beach or an alternative trailhead. The end goal of this hike leads to a viewpoint of Cape Falcon.
- Neahkahnie Mountain– 2.8 miles, 866 feet, Difficult– This is the more maintained of two trails up Neahkahnie Mountain. This trail has amazing views of the coastline from the mountaintop
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a must-see when visiting Oregon. It is one of the most popular beaches due to its proximity to Portland, and the impressive 235-foot-tall Haystack Rock that dominates the view. This beach is huge, so there is plenty of room to wander or have a picnic!
Depending on the time of day you visit, Cannon Beach is a great place to stop for lunch! The seafood here cannot be beaten, and like much of Oregon, there are plenty of breweries to choose from. Pelican Brewing and Public Coast Brewing are two popular breweries in Cannon Beach. Ecola Seafood Restaurant and Market has a laid-back atmosphere and classic seafood options including Oregon’s famous Dungeness Crab. Dine in or take some to go, and enjoy your food with an ocean view!
Astoria
Astoria is the most Northern Oregon coastal town, but well worth the visit! You may recognize many spots there as filming locations for popular movies like The Goonies.
This is the last spot on your itinerary, so fill in any remaining time you have exploring the town and nearby coast before making your way back to Portland!
Things To Do in Astoria
Like many towns on this list, Astoria has more to do than can be fit in the day, but you can see one or two of the highlights, depending on your preferences while in this coastal town! Below are just some of the best things to do nearby.
- Cathedral Tree Trail is a short hike in downtown Astoria
- Ride the Historic Trolley along the riverfront
- See the Astoria-Megler Bridge
- Photograph the Peter Iredale Shipwreck
- Go hiking in Cape Disappointment State Park
- Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum
Read More: Things to Do in Astoria
Alternative Itinerary- 4 Day Oregon Coast Road Trip
If you would rather explore one area of Oregon more in-depth in your 4 days, I would recommend instead doing a road trip of the Oregon coast. Start at Astoria and make your way down to Brookings, Oregon. You will be able to see many of the coastal places listed above as well as Samuel H Boardman State Park, Devil’s Punchbowl, Ecola State Park, Cape Kiwanda, and many other stops.
If you have extra time you can continue on down to spend a day in the Redwoods and fly out of San Francisco.
- Day 1: Astoria and Cannon Beach
- Day 2: Cannon Beach to Lincoln City
- Day 3: Lincoln City to Florence
- Day 4: Florence to Brookings
Tips for Planning an Oregon Road Trip
- Check the weather for each area. Oregon has a diverse landscape and the weather on the coast is likely very different from the Oregon desert! The weather will also be colder at higher elevations and many mountains do not clear of snow until late July or early August.
- Know tire chain requirements. In the Fall-Spring many mountain passes and the Columbia River Gorge requires tire chains. Check if they are required during your visit. You can also check mountain pass road conditions on the Oregon webcams.
- Buy an Oregon State Park pass. This itinerary includes a lot of state parks! You will likely save money and time by buying a 12-month day-use parking permit for $30 instead of paying the day fee in each park.
- Download your maps ahead of time or print them off. The mountains and coast of Oregon often don’t get service.
- Make your reservations ahead of time– This is especially true if you want to camp in Summer. Campgrounds get very competitive in the Pacific Northwest
- Leave No Trace! This is essential when hiking in any wilderness area. Don’t pick wildflowers (it’s illegal in Oregon!), don’t feed or pet wild animals, and take all trash with you. Stay on the trail when hiking, wandering off-trail destroys the environment and ruins the experience for others.
How Many Days for an Oregon Road Trip?
You may be wondering- how many days should I plan for an Oregon road trip?
I would recommend 7-10 days to see as much as possible. 4 days are enough to hit the highlights, but you will likely walk away feeling as though there was still so much more to see. However, if 4 days are all you have, it is definitely worth it to make the trip and experience Oregon!
When to Road Trip Oregon?
Late Spring through Early Fall is the best time to visit Oregon. Summer will give you the most flexibility in things to do with warm weather all over the state. Keep in mind places like Crater Lake do not entirely lose their snow until into July. My personal recommendation would be to visit in mid to late September when the snow has likely not yet begun, but peak summer crowds have left. The itinerary above assumes that Crater Lake’s road is open to go out the North side.
As you can see above, the weather varies across Oregon. The coast remains mild throughout the year, rarely getting snow. Meanwhile, the mountains near Bend get coated every winter. If you are taking a Winter trip to Oregon, you’re itinerary and activities may need to look a little different to take advantage of the skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.
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