We plan to fly into and depart from Portland for trip back home to NC. Then drive to Cannon Beach for 1-2 days of hiking. Drive south along the coast to CA to spend a few days visiting the Redwoods National Forest and then onto Eureka, CA, exploring hiking adventures and then turning around driving to Crater Lake for 1-2 days driving along Route 138 to explore the waterfalls. Then drive north to Mt Hood to explore hiking trails.

If we have time visit Mt. St Helens and maybe Mt Rainer in WA. I know this is an aggressive plan, but suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated for hikes and experiences along the way with suggested days to be spent at key areas.

Thanks to all. Steve

Welcome to Fodor's!

First big question - when will this trip take place?

Second - who is "we?" Number, ages, sexes...?

We can be more helpful with this information. Top of the head, it's doable but quite rushed. Accommodation can be a major issue at some of your destinations if the trip is coming soon.

The 'we" are two adult males in good shape who enjoy hiking. Our transportation will be a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

Welcome to the Fodors Forums. We moved your thread to the United Staes board and tagged it for California and Oregon.

The other question asked above is also important -- When? Time of year can/does make a big difference.

TBH a 4WD probably isn't necessary for this trip (unless its in the dead of winter) -- especially if a 'regular' car is cheaper to rent

Be sure to check out these along the Oregon Coast. I particularly like Astoria and Cannon Beach.

Cannon Beach. Scenic coastal resort with Haystack Rock. South of town is Oswald West State Park which has lovely deserted beaches. Named one of America’s 100 best art towns it is is home to over 15 art galleries. Hike in Ecola State Park in the coastal rainforest.

Astoria. Many colorful houses and older longtime residents speak with a Finnish accent. Lewis and Clark National Historic Park with the recreated Fort Clatsop. Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Stroll on the Astoria Riverwalk. Ride the electric vintage trolley. The Cathedral Tree Trail takes you to a Sitka spruce which you can walk into. Eat seafood.

​​​​​​Cape Perpetua Scenic Area @ Yachats. This is the most popular tourist destination in Oregon. Towering 800 feet over the Pacific Ocean, the Cape Perpetua headland is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast. A great overlook with wonderful views of the Pacific. Over 2,700 acres of unique coastal habitat and 26 miles of trails through the lush temperate rainforest.

Newport. Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium and one of the two historic lighthouses. The Historical Bayfront district features chowder houses, art galleries, unique shops and restaurants where you can eat fresh fish. Historic Nye Beach has colorful cottages and laid-back atmosphere.

Ashland. Described as one of the coolest small towns in America, it has a hippie vibe and Southern Oregon University. There are some wonderful parks including Lithia Park and Siskiyou Mt. Park. Nearby is the famous Rogue National Scenic River which which has waterwater rafting. There is a hands-on science museum.

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In N. California:

Jedediah Redwoods State Park. Wander under towering redwood trees. Some say this is better than the Redwoods National Park which is a few miles south.

The waterfall hikes along HWY 138 are great. One of my favorites is Watson Falls- some are just a short walk others a little more challenging. A nice stop along the way is Steamboat Springs resort. Nice dining room- maybe they will have Marionberry pie if you are lucky.
Diamond Lake is also a nice spot- there are cabins and motel rooms - a little rustic. Nice trail around the lake - you can rent bikes at the store.

You also might check out Silver Falls State Park which is SE of Salem, There are 10 waterfalls in 7 mile hike. There is an entrance fee to the park. Some of the trails go behind the falls. There is a visitors center to get maps and info and also a bite to eat. One of my favorite hikes.

Further south- the Klamath Overlook is nice stop. You might see whales feeding at the mouth of the Klamath River. There is a trail down to a gazebo for better viewing and there is also a much longer trail- The Coast Trail. You will pass the Requa Inn on the way up- could be a nice spot to stay.

In Crescent City we usually stay at the Redwood Motel- it is "well used" but I have not been there for several years.

Enjoy your trip

We are in our early 70's, good shape (we've hiked Angles Landing, The Narrows, several Utah slot canyons and so on) and planning our trip for after Labor Day to avoid the crowds.

thanks, good info.

Good advice. Will incorporate into our planning.

It's not so much about fitness or age, although obvious matters but you are trying to cover way too much ground for the length of the trip. Two weeks just isn't enough time to drive from Portland down to California, then backtrack up thru California, Oregon, and all the way up to Washington state.

Maybe I missed it but where are you flying out of? Seattle? Or you have to go back to Portland?

And if you are talking about this summer 2025 you need to check about national parks. Things are underfunded, understaffed, and need reservations well in advance most places. You can't just mosey up to Mt Rainier in August and take a hike (is what I hopefully humorously but truly am trying to say).

If you have a month, that would be enough time to see a bit of all three states.

Welcome to the travel forums. Check back in as you plan. Ask specific questions as you pin down your itinerary. People will chime in.

OK -- in September and two healthy blokes - good. (except unfortunately the possibility of wild fires is very high in September). Fifteen days really isn't enough time for all that. It is definitely enough time for a pure 'road trip'. But not for exploring/hiking etc. You'll need to edit down quite a bit.

Thanks for the feedback. Will rethink our timing/plans based upon your advice and advice from others. Much appreciated.

steve

Flying into and out of Portland.

Based upon your advice and advice from others that is consistent, we will adjust our timing/planning accordingly. Much appreciated.

steve

Thanks for your suggestions. Much appreciated. steve

We are doing 2 week road trip in and out of Portland too! We are heading east out of portland then south then up the coast back to Portland. I have never been and very excited, think we have most of it planned out. I only have one question - maybe you can help - Last day hotel in Portland close to the airport (leaving on 6am flight) but not a Airport Hotel. Maybe we will cross paths - leaving 9/2 - 9/15/25

Check out the Edgefield Hotel in Troutdale. It’s a fun place I think. Some rooms don’t have private baths though.

tr6matteson,

I love your itinerary and you will see many beautiful sights on your trip! Oregon Coast, Redwoods, Crater Lake and Mt. Hood are all spectacular! I am from Washington but have family in Oregon and have spent much time down there.

Suggestions:

- I wouldn't spend too much time in Eureka, it's kind of run down. As the great, great, granddaughter of the Civil Engineer who designed the city that makes me sad to say!
-At Crater Lake NP: Check to see if the hike to Cleatwood Cove is still open. I know they are planning on shutting it down for trail maintenance soon. If you are able to hike down and do a boat tour in the lake, very fun!
-Agree with a previous poster that recommended Silver Falls-it is stunning, although the waterfalls are not as impressive this time of year.
-Agree with a previous poster recommending Astoria and Ashland. Check out the Ashland Shakespeare Festival if you can--they have an amazing Elizabethan Theater and world class actors.
-The road up to Mt. St. Helens has been closed for over a year now. There was a massive landslide. You will not get close to the crater
-I would skip Rainier for this trip and spend some time in Columbia River Gorge. Amazing hiking (Beacon Rock, False Creek Falls, etc.)Stop at SugarPine Drive in for lunch and ice cream. Check out the wind surfers in Hood River (and try it out if you are so inclined!)

Have a great time and Happy Trails!