Should you choose to road trip the Pacific Coast along Oregon and Washington, prepare to encounter historic seaside resorts, traditional fishing villages, and more natural wonders than you can handle. The Pacific Coast is a world unto itself. This was the end of Lewis and Clark's westward journey and even today holds some secrets for travelers that are just waiting to be discovered. You'll drive down windy roads, along seaside cliffs, past hidden beach coves, through lush valleys with waterfalls, and into towering, old-growth forests.
Since you're driving up the coast, enjoy some local seafood! The Dungenesse crab legs and wild salmon at Spinners Seafood, Steak and Chophouse in Gold Beach, OR are a classic favorite.
Once you reach Reedsport, Oregon plan to spend some time in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This is the largest expanse of coastal dunes in the country! Whether you just want to hike or play in the sand, or you're into kayaking or OHVing, you can do it here. Fun fact: Frank Herbert was inspired to write his famous novel "Dune" after researching this unique landscape!
Nothing goes with a misty Oregon morning better than a cup of locally-roasted coffee. Hit up Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters in Florence, and take your drink and snack out to the back porch to enjoy views of the river and bridge.
While in Florence, visit Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is one of Oregon's most popular (and most photographed) lighthouses. But the coolest part is that one of the lightkeepers' cottages has been turned into a B&B, so you can spend a whole night immersed in maritime history.
Newport Oregon is also home to Rogue Ales Public House. Known for their booze and brews, this Newport pub incorporates both into their seriously delicious fancy pub fare. There's also a B&B located above the restaurant, which is pretty convenient if you find that you've sampled one too many of their beers.
Next up is the Whale, Sea Life and Sharks Museum at Depoe Bay. This local museum focuses on whales and sharks, aka the ocean's coolest creatures. You can also arrange a whale-watching tour here, and pick up some saltwater taffy for the road.
If there's one thing people in Oregon love more than fresh seafood, it's craft beer. At McMenamins Lighthouse Brewpub in Lincoln City you can enjoy your beer and food in a historic lighthouse-turned brewpub. It doesn't get more Oregon than that!
If you only get one meal in Seattle, make it at Skillet Diner. Open for every meal (and you'll probably come back more than once) you can get pork belly on waffles, chilaquiles, grilled cheese sammies, and tons more.
And, of course, there's loads to see and do in Seattle. From Pike Place Market to the Space Needle, spend some time exploring as much of this offbeat city as you can.
Best time to visit: Since summer is the high tourist season, September, after Labor Day, is ideal. The weather is still beautiful from September through October and you can avoid the crowds, since most people are back to work and kids are back in school. However, since the crowds are slightly diminished during fall, lots of older RVers choose fall weekends for road trips along this route. Springtime is a bit unreliable in regards to the weather, and can be quite rainy-- this part of the country is known for its grey skies. If you visit between November and June you might get a glimpse of the gray whales on their annual migration.