The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary

By Allison Fitts & Lillian Robinson

Although it is just one state, Oregon has 7 unique regions, each one totally different than the last. There are so many great areas to take an Oregon road trip. We recently took a camper van trip through the state from Escape’s Portland camper van rental site, hitting six of the seven regions.

It is about as perfect a road trip as one could hope for, so we are laying out the order of our route for you (plus things to do in each region) in hopes that you can experience it, too!

Stop 1: Portland

Don’t miss the Rapper’s Delight trio of donuts at Voodoo Doughnuts. The ODB, the Marshall Mathers and the Maple Blazer Blunt are three of the quirky donut shop’s best.

Portland is known as the “Bridge City” for good reason. It has 12 bridges connecting the eastern and western halves of the city. Take a walk across the Burnside Bridge around sunset to get the best view of Portland’s iconic White Stag sign.

Stop 2: Mt Hood & The Columbia River Gorge

Take a drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway to take in the views and hikes of all the waterfalls the stretch of road has to offer. The most popular stop is Multnomah Falls, but others not to be missed include Bridal Veil Falls and Horsetail Falls.

An afternoon wine tasting at the Gorge White House winery makes for a picturesque day in the Columbia River Gorge.

Stop 3: Central Oregon

Bend is the western city you didn’t know you needed to visit. With all the hipness of Denver, the quaintness of Boise and the remoteness of Bozeman, this place is the perfect town.

Happy hour at Crux Fermentation Project is a must for locals and visitors alike. Depending on the day, you’ll find food trucks and live music!

Stop 4: Southern Oregon

Crater Lake National Park is the crown jewel of the Southern Oregon region. The volcanic crater lake is gorgeous to visit in any season. A walk around downtown Roseburg is a great break from the road, as well as a perfect spot to grab lunch.

Crater Lake National Park is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Some roads, trails, and facilities, however, are closed seasonally due to snow. North Entrance Road, and West and East Rim Drives close for the season on November 1 (or earlier if there is significant snowfall). Crews begin removing snow from these roads in April, but opening dates vary. The North Entrance Road and West Rim Drive tend to open in early June. The East Rim Drive typically opens in early July.

The park's West Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.

The park's South Entrance on Oregon Highway 62 is open year round.

The park's North Entrance, off of Oregon Highway 138, is usually open from June through October. It is closed in the winter due to snow. Opening dates vary each year depending on snowfall and road conditions.

Map it

Stop 5: Oregon Coast

We recently wrote about our love of Cannon Beach, but it is worth reiterating – this place rocks! From the beautiful sea stack views to the local restaurants and breweries, do not miss this stop.

Beach camping at Sand Lake Recreation Area is a little unconventional, but amazing all the same. This authorized ATV-riding site brings people from all over to enjoy seaside riding, so expect to fall asleep and wake up to the sounds of engines roaring. It is a silly and memorable camping experience to have.

Stop 6: Willamette Valley

Oregon’s wine country rivals Napa Valley. There is no shortage of wineries to visit in this gorgeous valley nestled between the coast and the big city.

Experience the hip college town of Eugene on your way to or from the Oregon Coast. Cool coffee shops, great pizza places, and little boutiques abound.

Note: The only region we missed is Eastern Oregon, but we hope to go soon!

Take Your Oregon Road Trip Now

Ready to get started on your Oregon road trip? Book your campervan today to secure your spot. Happy Travels!