With spring comes the beautiful blooms of plants, wildlife is coming back to life and the farmers markets are starting to open back up and the coast starts to really come back to alive. The weather is nice, not too hot and not too cold and it’s there the perfect time to get out and enjoy it! Here are 10 west coast roadtrips that will allow you to do just that!
Pacific Coast Highway – This is the most popular west coast road trip no matter the season. Also known as California Route 1, see sights like Monterrey State Park, Point Sur Lighthouse and the Pacific Coast highway cliffs.
Columbia River Highway – This one begins about 13 miles outside of Portland along Interstate 84. Points of interest include Columbia River Gorge, Lewis and Clark State Park, and The Vista House.
Portland to Redwood National Park – This trip is 400 miles along the coast and in the spring when everything is in bloom can be just breathtaking! You will see some trees that are over 2,000 years old among the other amazing views.
I-5 – Feeling adventurous? Drive I-5 from the southernmost point in California to the Northern most point in Washington. Without really stopping it can be done in 21 hours but you really should stop and take in the sights!
San Francisco to Big Sur – This drive is about 2 and half hours and is famous for it’s beautiful on the coast views and for the blooms of spring.
Seattle to Alaska – Feeling adventurous? This is about 1,120 mile trip but so worth it! The animals in Alaska are just coming out of hibernation and the weather is warmer but the snow is still there and it’s just breathtaking. You can skip the long drive and grab a Ferry with the Alaska Marine Highway System if you don’t want to do all the driving!
Route 66 – Start on the west coast and drive the famous Route 66 take your time and enjoy the sites and go as far as you want and circle back or take a different route home!
The Beyond Twilight Tour – With the success of the Twilight books people have flocked to the town of Forks, WA but this trip as been designed to show you the area beyond Forks. Explore the Olympic Peninsula, Bainbridge Island, and Olympic National Park.
Fruit of Panorama Land – This trip has been set up to take advantage of fruit stands and the blooms in the state of Washington. The drive starts in Spokane and drives in a big circle where you end in Spokane as well but visit the best fruit stands and farmers markets and even an organic Farm.
Through Hells and Back – This trip takes place in Oregon and takes you to the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway where you can visit the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Wallowa Lake Tramway and the National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
Have you taken a road trip on the west coast during spring? Where did you go and what did you see?
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I live on the central coast of California, but I have never really been on a road trip. Before I became a mom I just work work worked and never made me time. Now that I am a mom I think I have to wait till my kids are a bit bigger, but I will add these to my must visit list!
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Portland to the Redwoods is a beautiful drive down the coast, but it is closer to 400 miles. A full weekender, not a day trip by any means.
Isaac, thank you. That 40 miles was a typo. Of course. I added one more zero. Still a great drive just a long one. 🙂
SHOCKED you didn’t say driving from Denver CO to Jackson WY…….
JK! That’s the most boring 8 hour drive, EVER!
Great ideas for road trips! Of course, Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway are well-known but it’s nice to read about other options.