A road trip from Escape's Portland depot through Oregon, from the Columbia River Gorge and the Willamette Valley to Crater Lake and the coast.
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 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.
[np-hours park=”CRLA” description=”true” hours=”true” exceptions=”false”]
[np-map park=”CRLA”]
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!
