In October DriveNow sent our social media brand ambassador Nathan Sawaya @nathsway and his brother to Oregon to trial a road-trip for us. Nathan loves nature, hiking and road-tripping and Oregon ticks all the boxes as well as giving a great insight into the towns and people of the beautiful Pacific Northwest USA. Nathan and Patty had never been to the USA before.
Oregon is one of the USA's best road-trip destinations. For your next motorhome adventure, consider starting at Oregon’s rugged coastline and working your way inland. This route offers great contrast, taking you from the soothing crash of ocean waves to the dramatic high-altitude vistas of the Cascade Mountains, with plenty of scenic stops, hikes, and overnight camping spots along the way.
Pick up your vehicle in Seattle, Nathan and Patty travelled in a C21 compact Plus Cruise America Motorhome.
Day time and night time schematic.
- 60 x 84 in / 152 x 213 cm (Cabover bed) and 54 x 74 in / 1.37 x 188 cm (Dinette bed)
- 2/3 Burner Cooktop
- Toilet; Pressurised hot and cold water shower
- AUX port
@nathsway's brother Dr. Patty was the designated driver.
The bonus of a Motorhome, campervan or RV road-trip is the flexibility, if you love somewhere - stay a little longer. If the weather is bad - chase the sun. So be a little flexible with your itinerary planning and travel in the shoulder periods so it's not as busy. Nathan and Patty travelled in October, they didn't find it cold and they loved the quiet roads and friendly locals.
Days 1-3. Begin at the Oregon Coast
Discover the Seaside Magic Kick off your road-trip along the iconic Oregon Coast. The dramatic shoreline, peppered with tide pools, sandy beaches, and towering rock formations, provides a refreshing introduction to Oregon’s natural beauty. Take a wander along the pebbled shores, enjoy the coastal walks & hikes, explore meandering trails of places like Ecola State Park. Its cliffside paths offer breathtaking ocean panoramas and a chance to spot native wildlife. Beachcomb the tide pools, enjoy leisurely beach strolls that reveal tide pools brimming with marine life.
What to Do as you work your way down the coast:
- Cannon Beach, and marvel at the timeless majesty of Haystack Rock rising out of the surf.
- Tillamook Cheese Factory: Think everything dairy, especially ice cream!
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Newport, Beverly Beach State Park
- Newport Historic Bayfront and it's sea loins, Oregon Coast Aquarium
- Look out for local breweries (everywhere in Oregon!)
- Do a Dune Buggy Tour in Florence, Nathan uses Sandland Adventures.
Cannon Beach RV Resort - Cannon Beach
South Beach Beach State Park - Closest campground to Newport and Yaquina Head.
Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park - nearest to Florence.
Days 4-6. Venture to Crater Lake National Park
A Scenic Descent into a Volcanic Wonderland Next, head inland to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake National Park. Known for its deep blue, crystal-clear waters set in a volcanic caldera, this natural wonder offers a stark contrast to the coastal beauty you just experienced.What to Do:
- Hiking: Tackle the Garfield Peak Trail for a rewarding panoramic view of the lake and its rugged surroundings. It's weather and time of year dependent so check the forecast. For a gentler option, enjoy a scenic stroll along the rim to take in the ever-changing vistas.
- Photography & Scenic Drives: Capture the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the lake’s surface, especially during sunrise or sunset. Make sure you are staying on the scenic byways for the best views and do the 53km historic Rim Drive.
Days 6-8. Discover Bend the Vibrant Heart of Central Oregon and a few other gems...
Bend's many craft Breweries are always a favorite with Australians.
Embrace the High-Desert Charm Moving further north into Central Oregon, you’ll arrive in Bend, a lively town where high desert meets mountain splendor. Bend’s eclectic mix of outdoor adventures, craft breweries, and local art makes it an irresistible stop on your journey.
What to Do:
- Hiking & Walks: Climb Pilot Butte for sweeping views of the town and surrounding volcanic landscapes. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Deschutes River to soak in the natural ambiance.
- Local Attractions: Sample the local culinary scene and craft beers in Bend’s bustling downtown, where creativity meets community spirit.
- Lava Tube Tour in the High Desert Ponderosa Forest outside Bend.
- Dark Skies: If it's a clear night head to the Oregon Observatory just 25 minutes from Bend in the Sunriver Nature Center.
- Hike Sisters summit loop at the Smith Rock State Park.
Overnight Camping: Park your motorhome at Tumalo State Park. Situated just outside Bend, this well-equipped campground offers shaded sites, modern facilities, and a peaceful setting that’s perfect for an evening of relaxation after your urban explorations.
Days 9-10. Mt Hood and the Columbia River Gorge.
Oregon's mightiest river meets Oregon's winter ski area and summer hiking region. If you loved Steven Kings 'The Shining' movie you can visit the Timberline Lodge at Mount Hood, that was used as the exterior of the movies hotel. In Hood River it's highly recommended to do the Twin Tunnels and Beyond E-Bike Tour, it will take you to the best views of the river gorge and the tour guide will talk you through wineries, orchards, geology and history of the area. A serious highlight.On your way into Portland stop at Bonneville Dam and the Thunder Island Brewing Co. in Cascade Locks.
Days 9-11. Wrap Up in Portland
Experience the Urban Pulse of the Pacific Northwest Conclude your motorhome adventure in Portland, a city celebrated for its innovative culture, lush green spaces, and vibrant arts scene. Here, urban exploration blends seamlessly with nature, providing a unique urban twist to your road-trip finale.
Get a photo with the iconic Portland Oregon sign like @nathsway.
Explore Portland's eclectic neighborhoods, Powell's Books, downtown's Pioneer Place and Pearl shopping districts and check out these attractions:
- Lan Su Chinese Garden
- Japanese Garden and Rose Garden
- Portland Art Museum
- Powell's City of Books
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
- Oregon Zoo
- Do a cycling tour of Portland, one of the best cities in the world to cycle.
- Urban Walks & Nature Trails: Stroll through Washington Park or explore the extensive trails of Forest Park, one of the nation’s largest urban forests.
- Cultural Attractions: Dive into the local arts scene, pop into quirky cafes, and enjoy Portland’s famed food cart pods that offer a variety of culinary delights.
Park in a lot at Washington Park is $2 per hour as of 2024 (or $8 for a full day).
Washington Park is one of the oldest, most popular parks in Portland. It features 15 miles (24 km) of trails and more than 400 acres of trees, gardens, playgrounds and attractions. You can uber or do a Lime electric scooter or bike to most parts of Portland from here.
HINT: check for sporting fixtures that might be on during your visit, it's always a great experience.
Portland teams are:
Portland Trail Blazers (NBA)
Competing in the National Basketball Association, the Trail Blazers are a major professional basketball team.
Website: nba.com/blazersPortland Timbers (MLS)
This Major League Soccer team represents Portland on the national stage in professional soccer.
Website: timbers.comPortland Thorns FC (NWSL)
As one of the leading teams in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Thorns are nationally recognized in women’s soccer.
Website: timbers.com/thornsfcPortland Winterhawks (WHL)
A junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League, the Winterhawks enjoy widespread support and compete at a national level in junior hockey.
Website: winterhawks.comPortland Pickles (West Coast League)
Representing Portland in collegiate summer baseball, the Pickles play in a league that draws attention from across the nation.
Website: portlandpickles.com
Final Thoughts
Starting along the stunning Oregon Coast and progressing inland through the dramatic landscapes of Crater Lake, the lively energy of Bend, and finally ending in the eclectic city of Portland, you’ll experience Oregon in a refreshingly unconventional way. Whether you’re trekking along coastal trails, scaling volcanic peaks, or wandering urban parks, each stop on this route offers unique attractions and unforgettable moments.
Book your motorhome, set your itinerary, and hit the road for an Oregon adventure that defies the ordinary!
