I'm trying to plan a road trip of about 5 to 6 days. I've never done a road trip out west before, so any input is welcomed. I only have a couple places I really want to see, if there is anything else I should look into please let me know. The initial plan is to fly into Portland then drive to Silver Falls State Park to do a little hiking. I wanted to spend the night there and then head to the Oregon Dunes National Rec area and possibly rent a dune buggy. From there I wanted to drive down to the Redwood National Park and do some more hiking there. Then continue down to Mendocino, CA for a little exploring and then finish up in San Francisco for my departing flight. Anything else I should put in to this itinerary? Thanks for all the help.
Road Trip- Portland Oregon to San Francisco
Recent Activity
View all United States activity »
- 1 Question about Northeast Wisconsin along the lake
- 2 Seattle restaurant near Pikes Market
- 3 Yosemite Falls Lodge in the park or Cedar Lodge w/ budget constraints
- 4
Rocks and Roads in Utah
- 5 Using public transit in San Diego
- 6 Memorial day weekend drivable getaway from Jersey City, NJ
- 7 WHERE TO STAY FOR PROPOSAL WEEKEND IN FREDRICKSBURG
- 8 Albuquerque to Denver
- 9 San Francisco - one semi-splurge restaurant?
- 10 Help with NYC transit
- 11 How far ahead to book Alcatraz?
- 12 NYC Newbie Needs Advice Re JFK Transportation
- 13 Boston Area College Tour
- 14 San Fran, Napa, Palo Alto, Carmel advice
- 15
Boston three day trip report, with photos
- 16 Hiking/Camping Suggestions for VT, NH, & ME in August?
- 17 2 Brits Travelling USA July-Aug 2013
- 18
Boston, my 2 hour food shopping spree to satiate my man's needs
- 19 Best place to raise a family in Florida
- 20 D.C. in a day
- 21 Door County
- 22 10 Days in Maine
- 23 time for a new countdown to Hawaii
- 24 Finally, seeing the Outer Banks
- 25
A Visit to Charleston
here is a link to a hike I enjoyed
http://www.americansouthwest.net/california/redwood/hidden-beach-trail.html
we started at the Klamath Overlook - and hiked to the Lagoon parking lot. We did have a one way shuttle- so did not have to hike round trip - but it was a beautiful hike- make sure you go all the way to the beach.
There are some other trails at the Klamath overlook- there are whales that hang around there all the time and it seems to be a big feeding spot for them. Watched the solar eclipse from here a few months ago and did the hike too. The whales kept us entertained all day.
In Oregon, Silver Falls is a favorite hike of mine- has not rained for awhile so maybe not as much coming over the falls but to me its a beautiful spot anytime of year.
Dune buggy riding is also a favorite- I think some places you have to go with a driver which is not a bad idea because you really don't know how extensive the dunes are until you see it. Besides the drivers are expert drivers and they take you flying over the dunes, slam on brakes , over ridges etc. and really give you a joy ride.
Another trail I like is at Heceta Head State Park ( also called Devils Elbow) This is close to Florence. You can walk up to the lighthouse for great ocean views- close to the lighthouse you will see a trail map that thats you through forest down to another beach- trail is called the Hobbit Trail- its a pretty hike- bring lunch and have a picnic. The beach at Heceta Head is my favorite in Oregon.
Sounds like you are camping so check out the sites at the Umqua lighthouse state Park- I have stayed at a yurt there which is my idea of camping. Walking up to the lighthouse at night is pretty awesome.
Enjoy- its beautiful country
Silver Falls is a nice hike but you might want to hike up the paved path to the top of Multnomah Falls which is easier to get to east of PDX on I-84. You get a great look at the Columbia Gorge from the top of Oregon's tallest waterfall.
For a short hike and a gondola ride among the Coast Redwoods you could visit the "Trees of Mystery" along US 101 in northern California.
Are you one of those lucky foreign drivers that can drive rental cars from one place to another state and not pay a big drop off fee?
The Columbia Gorge is a nice area to explore. You could go windsurfing, fishing, wine tasting, or hiking in this beautiful area.
You'll find a number of businesses that rent ATVs near the sand dunes or take you for a tour. Book these early.
Mendocino is a gorgeous area with striking scenery. There are no freeways in the area and it's not at all crowded...very serene. You'll find lots of wineries in this area as well.