CENTRAL OREGON LOOP ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
Start planning your spring road trips now.
Tired of the winter blues? Consider shaking things up with a refreshing spring road trip. This itinerary takes you through Central Oregon and up the coast, hitting spots like Hood River, Bend, Newport, and more. It's a laid-back journey with plenty of awesome destinations to explore along the way. So, if you're ready to trade winter for a dose of adventure, hop in and start planning your springtime getaway!
Day 1: Seattle to Hood River
Head south on I5 towards Portland. Stop in Portland to explore the city for the afternoon.
We highly recommend checking out Lardo, a small sandwich chain based in Portland, Oregon, for lunch. This restaurant features unique sandwiches, burgers, and sides and is a must-visit in the city. Then, stroll through Pearl District–a neighborhood featuring many artisan coffee shops, boutiques, and indie shops. One of our favorite shops in town is Powell’s City of Books, an iconic bookstore offering a selection of new and used volumes. If you have old books lying around, you can sell them to Powell’s and buy new books to replace them!
After a few hours exploring the city, head east on I84 along the Columbia River to Hood River. The drive is approximately an hour and a half without traffic. When you arrive in town, drive north to Bingen, where you’ll have a relaxing start to your road trip at The Society Hotel. Its spa features an indoor saltwater soaking pool, an outdoor hot pool, a cold plunge pool, and a cedar sauna. You can also choose from a selection of delectable spa services, including facials with organic products. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you can purchase a day pass to access these fantastic amenities.
Next, drive south 25 minutes to Hiyu Wine Farm, a renowned winery in Hood River, Oregon, known for its commitment to biodynamic farming practices and producing high-quality wines. The scenic location of Hiyu Wine Farm adds to the overall experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape while sipping on Hiyu wines. The tasting room has a welcoming atmosphere, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the ambiance of the farm. If you’re feeling adventurous and willing to splurge, check out their lunch or dinner tasting menus—we can confirm they’re an absolute standout at Hiyu.
If you’re not a fan of wine, then we highly recommend checking out pFriem Family Brewers. With a wide selection of craft beers, pFriem also offers delicious food options, such as hand-cut fries, jagerschnitzel, mac and cheese, and smoked trout. Enjoy the lively environment while you play card games, sip on a brew, and enjoy an exquisite meal.
After indulging at the winery or brewery, head to your campground for the night: Mosier Creek Camp. This HipCamp features several hikes, fishing, and berry picking. It even has waterfront access for those who enjoy kayaking, paddle boarding, or taking a quick swim.
Stay: Mosier Creek Camp
Day 2: Hood River to Smith Rock State Park
Start your day at Peace Vans' favorite: White Salmon Baking Co. This is Bingen's perfect pre-adventure pit stop. Enjoy a delicious breakfast sandwich or pastry alongside a latte.
After breakfast, head back into Hood River, where you’ll embark on your adventure for the day: a ride on the Mount Hood Railroad. This company offers train rides year-round, with different itineraries for each one: Spring Train, Easter Train, Summer Train, Fall Train, Halloween Train, and Christmas Train. Each train ride offers a layover at a unique destination, and you can pre-order food and beverages for your journey. Pricing is reasonable, with fares ranging from $20 to $70, depending on your preference.
Next, head to Farm Stand in the Gorge, a local grocery store featuring healthy, organic options. Decide on a camping meal to make with your group. Our Mercedes Metris camper van comes with a mini fridge, an indoor burner, an outdoor camping stove, a sink, and more–the possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking at camp. You can even purchase an elegant cutting board from Peace Vans that fits in the sink to save storage space. The drive to your campground is two hours and thirty minutes, so we recommend grabbing some organic snacks and kombucha for the road.
Head to Smith Rock State Park, a picturesque outdoor destination. You’ll feel like you have crossed into Utah when you enter this park: it’s known for its distinctive rock formations, including towering cliffs and spires, popular among rock climbers. Even a river flows through the middle of this state park! You won’t get bored here–there’s plenty to see and do. It is open for camping from March 15 to November 15, but this destination is popular, so be sure to book your spot in advance. You will enjoy the luxury of hot showers, flushable toilets, picnic tables, and more at this scenic location.
Stay: Smith Rock State Park
Day 3: Day in Bend
You have a full day of activities ahead of you in one of our favorite Pacific Northwest towns: Bend, Oregon. Wake up to coffee at Thump Roastery & Bakery in town. Sip on a Spicy Mayan Mocha while you enjoy a delectable pastry.
Before you start your outdoor adventure for the day, grab some lunch to bring in your pack. Swing by Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery for their classic or made-to-order sandwiches on freshly baked bread (they have gluten-free options, too).
Now, onto the trail decision. There are tons of trails within a 20-minute drive of Bend. On the west side, Shevlin Park has a good network of trails. You can stroll through a meadow with sage and juniper, get views of the Cascade Mountains, and wander through a ponderosa forest along the creek. Look out for bald eagles—they like hanging out by the riverbank. Lace up your hiking boots and enjoy the outdoors! There’s also plenty of climbing and mountain biking in the area–check out our Bend Day Trip Itinerary for more detailed recommendations on where to go.
If you’re anything like us, you will want to wind down after a day full of outdoor exploration. Head to Crux Fermentation Project, an iconic brewpub set in a former repair plant with a wide variety of brews on tap, delicious pub food, and outdoor tables featuring fire pits. We love the wide selection of IPAs, but Crux has plenty of alternatives like sours available if that's not your thing.
If you want to keep the soaking pool theme going from the first day of your trip, head to McMenamins Old St. Francis School. The former Catholic school now features soaking pools with tile mosaics, stained glass, pillars, and fountains—a must-visit!
Stay the night at LaPine State Park, a scenic spot along the Upper Deschutes River. Immerse yourself in the serenity of this secluded camping spot, nestled within a high desert subalpine forest. This campground is mainly known for its winter recreation activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, available on the park’s trails. The park is open year-round for camping and day use, but some sections are closed due to weather conditions. The south campground loop typically remains open throughout the winter season. Be sure to check online before departing on your trip to make sure the road is open.
Stay: LaPine State Park
Day 4: Bend to Newport
Buckle up–this is your longest day of driving! Today, you’ll drive west towards the Oregon Coast for four hours. If you travel during the summer and fall, we recommend taking the one-hour detour to Crater Lake National Park.
Once you’ve arrived in Newport, we recommend heading to your campsite to relax for a few hours. Our favorite HipCamp in the area is called Peace & Solitude. This large property is located just up the hill from the beach, and you can hear the waves roaring and smell the fresh air. You will see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the Yaquina Bay Bridge, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and Big Creek Reservoir while watching wildlife walk through the campground. Trails lead all over the property, allowing you the opportunity to explore the forest.
After unwinding at camp for a bit, head into Newport for lunch. Local Ocean Seafood is one of the best restaurants on the Oregon Coast and a must-visit. Enjoy divine crab soup, calamari salad, craft cocktails, and more. Then, choose one of two tourist attractions: the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center or the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We highly recommend checking out the incredible deep-sea exhibit at the aquarium. If you have extra time, walk down Bay Boulevard and visit the various shops and art galleries.
Wrap up your evening by watching the sunset at Rogue Ales & Spirits, a classic brewery on the water. If you’re still hungry, this taproom features a food menu and is known for its delicious cheese curds and clam chowder.
Head back to your campground for the evening, taking in the sounds of the Pacific Ocean.
Stay: Peace & Solitude HipCamp
Day 5: Newport to Cannon Beach
Today, you’ll drive two hours and thirty minutes up Highway 101 to one of the most iconic destinations in the Pacific Northwest: Cannon Beach. Before leaving Newport, stop at Yachina Head Outstanding Natural Area. This is a great place for a morning stroll and has views of the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.
Head north towards Depoe Bay, a well-known whale-watching spot. Watch for grey and humpback whales while you sip on a hazelnut oat milk latte from Left Coast Coffee Co. Continue your northward travel until you reach Tillamook, where you have an abundance of activities to choose from: explore the Air Museum, check out the iconic Tillamook Cheese Factory, or indulge in some caramel from Jacobsen Salt Co.
Drive just one more hour up the highway to reach your final destination for the night: Cannon Beach. Enjoy steamer clams, a flatbread, and a delicious craft beer at Pelican Brewing in the heart of town. Stroll along Hemlock Street and visit Cannon Beach Book Co. before grabbing an ice cream cone at Schwietert’s and heading down to the beach. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding sea stacks, particularly Haystack Rock.
If you have extra time, head up to Ecola State Park, a stunning natural area where “The Goonies” was filmed. Hike a portion of the Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean (and be sure to watch for grey whales!).
Head north for the evening and set up camp at Fort Stevens State Park, a historic fortress and shipwreck. You’re likely to see elk strolling through the campground. Explore the iconic military history of this location and enjoy access to modern campground amenities.
Stay: Fort Stevens State Park
Day 6: Fort Stevens State Park to Seattle
It’s time to head back home! But not so fast–before you cross the border into Washington, stop at Bowpickers Fish and Chips in Astoria, Oregon. This walk-up restaurant is a stationary boat converted into one of the West Coast's best fish and chip spots. If there’s a long line, don’t worry–it usually moves quickly, and it’s worth it.
Head back up north to Seattle, a three-hour drive from Astoria.
How can I take an epic Oregon loop road trip?
Our Mercedes Metris vans are the perfect choice for any road trip, short or long. Equipped with sleeping space for four, a full kitchen, swivel seats, an awning, and so much more, this is the perfect camping rig for a couple, a solo traveler, or even a family.
We have less than 50 vans left in stock–if you want a one-of-a-kind small camper van, place an order today.
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