Driving from Chico, CA to Oregon (Willamette Valley)
 

So I've only ever driven up the coastal way from Sonoma County to Oregon (through Eureka, etc and then back down the 101 on the coasts) but this time am taking a road trip from Chico to Willamette Valley. We will be taking the 1-5.

We have 4 days and we are two girls in our late twenties/early 30s looking to mix in a little outdoorsy stuff (maybe a hike or two, some waterfalls or a river....), some wineries, good food, and some historic/picturesque towns. If we don't get all of this it's also ok. We are just excited to have the time off and drive through such a beautiful area

I am thinking of this itinerary: Spend first night in Salem (8 hour drive from Chico) then check out the town and the surrounding wine areas over the next two days, maybe spending night #2 in Mcminville. Night #3 I would love suggestions for!

Should we drive up to Portland and then just spend our last day making the long drive home or should we start working our way back and spend a night in Eugene?

Would love some suggestions

Brooke

I gather to have three nights. I suggest:

1 Crater Lake NP (hike)

Bend, Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge

2 Hood River (nice town)

Columbia River Gorge (hike and waterfalls) Portland (?)

3 McMinnville (cute town and wine)

If you stay in a town on I-5, I suggest it be Eugene.

Enjoy, HTTY

On your way north you really should detour 26 miles east of Salem to Silver Falls State Park. It is a wonderful place.

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_211.php

I'd spend your 1st night in ashland and drink wine and eat, then head to McMinville.