One Week Pacific Northwest Itinerary

For outdoor adventurers, no region in the United States charms like the Pacific Northwest (PNW). And nothing beats embarking on an epic PNW road trip in a Karma Campervan. 

The Pacific Northwest region extends along the Pacific Coast of North America. Most often, the boundaries of the PNW are defined as Washington State, Oregon, Idaho and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Sometimes, it’s extended as far north as Alaska, west to Montana and Wyoming, and south to northern California.

When to Visit the Pacific Northwest

The best time to visit the PNW is between May and October. The summer months between June and August are the warmest and sunniest. 

One Week Karma Campervan Trip

Seattle

A great place to start your PNW itinerary is Seattle. Seattle is the biggest city in the PNW and a popular urban travel destination. Seattle is famous for its impact on modern American culture. The city gave birth to rock ‘n roll legends such as Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain. It also was the city where successful companies started including Microsoft, Amazon and Starbucks.

Be sure to visit the world-famous Pike Place Market. It’s one of the oldest markets in the United States first opening in 1907. It now includes over 500 shops, vendor stalls, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Seattle is crazy about coffee. Visiting the original Starbucks is a must!

Seattle’s skyline is defined by the famous Space Needle tower. It’s 605 feet tall and has an observation deck where on a clear day you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, Mount Baker and Mount Rainier. If it’s a rainy day, we suggest you skip the observation deck and visit a local museum. One of the most interesting in the area is the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) that celebrates Seattle’s music icons and the sci-fi film industry.

Olympic National Park, Washington

From Seattle, drive west via Bainbridge Island and you will be road-tripping on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. The Pacific Coast peninsula is home to the massive Olympic National Park. At 922,000 acres, it’s one of the biggest and most diverse national parks in the PNW with plenty of hiking trails and home to the Hoh Rain Forest.

If interested in Washington’s coastal spots, take the time to visit Rialto Beach. The pebbly beach sits at the mouth of Quillayute River and spills into the Pacific Ocean.

Oregon

Cannon Beach is a fantastic place to break up the long drive between Forks and Portland. This small coastal city lies along the Oregon Coast Highway. It’s famous for its sandy beaches and the popular Haystack Rock off the shoreline. 

Lunch at the Pelican Brewing Company

The southern-most stop on the Oregon North Coast Craft Beer Trail, Pelican Brewing Company is a great spot to enjoy lunch. The brew pub offers gourmet pub food along with 20 taps of regular and seasonal brews.

Go for a walk at Ecola State Park

Drive a few minutes north of Cannon Beach to check out Ecola State Park. This popular coastal park is a great place for a brisk walk. You’ll enjoy fantastic views along the rugged Oregon coastline.

Portland, Oregon

The region’s second biggest city is Portland. Like Seattle to the north, Portland is known for its laissez-faire attitude, coffee, craft beer, and culinary scene. Its famous slogan “Keep Portland Weird” takes your visit to the next level.

Forest Park

One of Portland’s greenest locations is in Forest Park. It has over 70 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. This moss-covered park is the largest in the United States and features canopy and towering trees that you’d expect from a lush PNW forest.

Columbia River Gorge

East of town is the Columbia River Gorge that extends from Portland to the Deschutes River. Visiting this area is a great way to experience Oregon’s natural interior beauty. The Columbia River Gorge is famous for its many waterfalls.

Sip Wine in the Willamette Valley

For wine lovers, a day trip from Portland to the popular Willamette Valley. The Willamette Valley stretches 150 miles between Portland and Eugene. The valley is famous for its over 500 wineries. Many cellars pair their exquisite wines with delicious farm-to-table food.

Ready to head out on your Pacific North adventure? Click here to book your campervan rental! 

Be sure to share your journey with us on social media using #GoodCamping and tagging @KarmaCampervans.