Road Trip from Portland to Seattle

If you’re looking for a unique weekend getaway, taking a road trip from Seattle to Portland or vice versa will be an ideal approach for exploring these amazing states. Here’s to experiencing adventures along the way taking up challenging hikes to camping & experiencing stunning panoramic views of the Rivers meandering through. The journey from Portland will take 5 hours or more to drive through 300 miles and discover notable sites like Seaside, Mount St. Helens, Lewis, Mount Rainier & Clark Historical State Park, and such scenic sites are located just between the Pacific Coast & picturesque Mountain route. Here’s what you can do:

These routes are equally feasible to travel from Portland to Seattle WA:

The Coastal Route will take about 270 miles and will take around 5 hours to reach Seattle. Whereas the Mountain Route will take over 330 miles to reach, which will be around a 7-hour drive to reach the destination & is not suitable during winter. The expected time may exceed depending on road conditions, weather conditions, and the speed of your car.

Highway 26 route will take you from Oregon, after surpassing Nehalem County Park, it will merge with Highway 101, taking a brief diversion to the south & enter Cannon Beach, from where it will pass by the Columbia River into Washington. The route will take hours to reach the main destination till then you can take in the views of Chehalis River, pass Capitol State Forest, enter Olympia & merge into Interstate 5 from where you’ll reach Seattle.

By driving along the coastal route, you will enjoy beautiful ocean views, fresh seafood, and charming beach towns. The following are the must-do things:

• Stroll through Cannon Beach & Seaside:  

Stroll through the lovely seaside and take in the local art culture, drawing inspiration from the Oregon Coast.

• Historical Insights from Lewis & Clark National Historical Park:

This Park honors the brave explorers & allows visitors to discover more about Native American heritage.

• Visit the Sunset Beach:

It is a wonderful location to take a stroll along the shore & take in the breathtaking scenery of Oregon.

• Discover Fort Stevens:

It is a fascinating site that was constructed to guard the Columbia River during the end of the American Civil War.

• Observe the Wreck of Peter Iredale:

Take a tour of the wreck and observe the spooky steel boat wreck from back in times of 1906.

• Visit the Kurt Cobain Memorial Park:

Situated just over the Chehalis River, this memorial is a must-see for fans of Nirvana.

• Conclude your Trip to Capitol State Forest:

Enjoy a picnic or hike through the Capitol State Forest which is a tranquil haven for visitors.

From Portland, head north on Interstate 5, then take a detour east on State Route 504 to visit Mount St. Helens. Return to I-5 and continue north, exiting onto Highway 12 East near Chehalis to pass Riffe Lake. Proceed to Mount Rainier National Park via Highway 12 and Highway 123. After exploring, head to Enumclaw, and take State Route 164 north to Route 18, which merges back onto I-5 north towards Seattle. This route showcases some of Washington's most breathtaking natural sights.

The Mountain Route from Portland to Seattle offers a stunning array of natural wonders, including the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount St. Helens, serene vistas at Riffe Lake, and the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier National Park. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Visit the Johnston Ridge Observatory:

Adventure lovers will love to visit such a place, where they’ll get to know more about the eruption.

• Take in the Scenic Views of Reflection Lake:

Nature lovers & photographers must visit such a fantastic location to capture scenic views of the mountain. Mt. Rainier is perfectly reflected in the river.

• Hike through the Skyline Loop Trail:

This 5.5-mile climb offers breathtakingly beautiful views of glaciers, alpine meadows & stunning waterfalls making you delve into the beauty of Mount Rainier.

• Visit Myrtle Falls:

It is an easy hike leading to stunning waterfalls, offering another famous perspective of Mount Rainier.

• Climb up the Crystal Peak:

 Climb up the strenuous Crystal Peak to witness stunning views from up above.

• Experience the Sun Top Lookout:

Positioned more than 5,000 feet above sea level, it offers exceptional views of the valley.

For this amazing road journey, there aren’t any special driving guidelines to follow. Keep the safety rules in mind. Moreover, as this road trip involves 2 big metro cities, drive according to the speed restrictions and take breaks so you don’t get exhausted.

No matter the season, the views of the Pacific Northwest are breathtakingly beautiful. But in case you’re up for some exciting outdoor activities along the way, a road trip from November to March is not feasible because it will be chilly & possibly snowy. Consequently, the ideal months to visit are April through October, but make sure you bring layers of clothing with you to cope with the chilly evenings. Additionally, take a raincoat, umbrella, and rain boats with you because Washington is one of the stops in between this journey, which receives a lot of rainfall.

Whatever your journey is, the real joy of a road trip is in the moments that you get to enjoy between the breaks you take. It’s the friendly locals telling tales about the past, exploring the amazing roadside eateries selling delicious pies & pizzas & the impromptu stops to capture picture-perfect moments, or taking in the tranquility of the lake views. The excitement of approaching a new city that is just around the corner increases the adrenaline rush, as well as gives an immense peace to experience the tranquility of roads surrounded by massive greenery.

Taking a road trip from Portland to Seattle is a journey that goes through the heart of the Pacific Northwest which is an area that captivates the breathtaking natural beauty & is waiting for you to discover the stunning scenes. This trip undoubtedly promises a tapestry of experiences to remember, that honor the spirit of discovery & fascination with landscapes that define this journey, whether it’s your first visit or you’ve been there before, you’ll love it anyway.