Oregon is home to endless magic- from cascading waterfalls to scenic highways to iconic views (who else loves The Goonies?). The best way to see Oregon is a road trip, and a campervan is the ultimate adventure mobile. We’ve created the must-see Oregon itinerary to make sure you get the most out of your vanlife experience. Buckle up and start your trip at the Salt Lake City Campervan Rental Office. Get ready to head out for good food, great coffee, and an adventure of a lifetime!
This 10-day itinerary includes stops in:
Distance: 218 miles, 3 hours 15 minutes
Highlights: Shoshone State Park, Miracle Hot Springs
And you’re off! You’ve spent the last weeks or months dreaming, planning, and preparing and now it’s finally time! The van keys are in your hand, you’ve stocked your cooler or fridge with all your favorite snacks, and the road is beckoning.
It’s time to head out, and we’re headed to Shoshone State Park. Southern Idaho is home to a huge number of waterfalls, the “Niagara Falls of the West” is one of the most beautiful and photographable.
After a long day of travel, it’s time to rest up! We’ve got big adventures on the way!
Where to camp: Miracle Hot Springs
Distance: 513 miles, ~8 hours
Highlights: Columbia River Gorge, Bridge of the Gods
Today’s the biggest drive- there’s no way around it, so we’re leaning in. Put on your favorite road trip playlist, bust out the best snacks, and maybe play a round or two of the license plate game. The views are beautiful and Oregon is calling.
We’re headed to Cascade Locks for the night. Perched on the edge of the Columbia River, Cascade Locks is a fantastic place to spend the night. If you feel like it, drive across the iconic Bridge of the Gods, and cross into Washington (just to say you went to Washington), then grab a beer and a delicious meal at Thunder Island Brewing, then head to camp. Rest up, because tomorrow is going to be awesome!
Where to camp: Cascade Locks KOA
Distance:14 miles, 20 minutes
Highlights: Multnomah Falls
After enjoying breakfast on the shore of the Columbia, pack up and drive west! We’re headed to one of Oregon’s most iconic waterfalls- Multnomah Falls. Head to the bridge, or if you’d like to stretch your legs more, take the spur trail to the top of the falls, for a total of 2.4 miles.
Pro tip- check out the Forest Service website to reserve your timed entry slot!
Day 3 Afternoon: Multnomah Falls to Timberline Lodge
Distance: 64 miles, 1.5 hours
Highlights: Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge
Drive to beautiful Mt. Hood and the famous Timberline Lodge. Explore the lodge (anyone else love The Shining?), book the quintessential Timberline Buffet, or take a hike to Zig Zag Canyon. Whatever you choose, know you’ll be enjoying the volcano from the best vantage point.
Where to camp: Trillium Lake Campground
Distance: 60 miles, 1.5 hours
Highlights: Portland
We’re headed to the city! Portland is famous for good eats, amazing coffee, and an endless list of things to do.
You have your choice! Are you going to take in the scene at the Portland Art Museum? Grab a book from Powells and hit a local coffee shop to read? Or maybe visit the Japanese Garden for nature, culture, and art. Maybe hit Alberta Street for a variety of food, vintage shopping, and local galleries!
Whatever you do, don’t forget to swing by VooDoo Doughnuts for a sweet treat!
After a day of delicious food and art, head to Cannon Beach (80 miles, 1.5 hours), and rest up for tomorrow!
Where to camp: Cannon Beach RV Resort (book 2 nights, as we’ve got a whole beach day tomorrow!)
Distance: 0 miles
Highlights: Haystack Rock, Birdwatching, Arcadia Beach
We’re spending the whole day at the beach! Voted one of the top 100 most beautiful places in the world, Cannon Beach is stunning year round. Check out Haystack Rock and keep an eye out for tufted puffins on the Cannon Beach Birdwatching Walking Tour, or head to Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site to find magical tidepools (make sure to brush up on your tidepool etiquette and check the tides for the best time for exploration!).
After all that exploration, you’ve definitely built up an appetite! Try out Pelican Brewing Company for good views and good food!
After a long day of salt, head back to the van to watch The Goonies and reminisce on the day.
Distance: 133 miles, 3 hours
Highlights: Sandboarding, Sea Lion Caves, HWY 101
Take the incredibly scenic Highway 101 down the coast. Every corner reveals a new and even more beautiful viewpoint. Take your time, but don’t worry- there’s plenty to do in Florence, OR.
Florence is a quintessential coastal town. From the famous Heceta Lighthouse to the charming old town of Florence, everything feels a little like a fairytale.
After driving all morning, we’d bet you’re ready to stretch your legs. Head to Sand Master Park for an absolutely one of a kind experience- sandboarding. Sail down the slopes on a waxed board! Boards are rented on a first come, first serve basis, or you can register for a lesson before hand.
Once you’ve sufficiently filled your pockets with sand (or if you decided shredding the dunes wasn’t for you), check out the Sea Lion Caves. Prepare for a wild experience in America’s largest sea cave! Home to hundreds of steller sea lions, this spot never disappoints!
Where to camp: Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
Distance: 211 miles, 4 hours
Highlights: Crater Lake Scenic Rim
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and fed entirely through snow and rain. There are many ways to experience the park, but perhaps the best are by car and by boat.
The Scenic Rim Drive circumnavigates the rim of the lake. Viewpoints allow for sweeping views of the lake, as well as the surrounding area. Drive the van, or register ahead to ride the Crater Lake Trolley.
If the crystal waters are calling to you, book ahead a tour of Wizard Island, the central cone island of the lake. After a tour of the perimeter of the island, explore the island by foot, or go for a swim! Don’t miss the Wizard Island Summit Hike!
Where to camp: Mazama Campground or one of the many sites outside the park
Distance:128 miles, 2 hours
Highlights: Tumalo Falls, Deschutes River
On the edge of the Three Sisters Wilderness, Bend offers everything from outdoor adventures to art galleries to an amazing brewery scene.
If you’re ready to stretch your legs, check out Tumalo Falls. Trek a quarter mile to Tumalo, or continue for a full 7 miles loop to see even more!
If you’re looking for a different kind of adventure, try tubing the Deschutes River. Rent a PFD and tube from Tumalo Creek and Canoe, then head out for a day on the water.
Thirsty after all that fun? Follow the Bend Ale Trail! Download the free app, or pick up up a $5 passport from the Bend Visitor Center, then follow the trail to 30 breweries, and more than 30 eateries along the way! Just make sure to park the van beforehand and catch a ride back to camp!
Where to camp: Sun Outdoors Bend
Distance: 318 miles, 5.5 hours
After a leisurely morning in Bend (brunch, anyone?), begin the drive to Boise. Once there, grab a donut from Guru, then stretch out your legs in Julia Davis Park- be sure to check out the rose garden!
Alternatively, grab a bike rental and pedal along the Boise Greenbelt. Check out this map for everything from birding and fishing to museums and parks.
Where to camp: Mack’s Creek Park
Distance: 340 miles, 5 hours
Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Salt Lake City. Reflect on your trip and maybe daydream about the next one, before returning to the Salt Lake City Native Campervans Office.
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