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.
Woodinville, WA, United States
Next, head to the Westport Maritime Museum and Grays Harbor Lighthouse. This local museum, in a historic Coast Guard building, is definitely worth a visit. There are exhibits on knot-tying, marine life, the science and history of the coast, beachcombing (super helpful for your next stroll along the shore) and, of course, the lighthouse itself.
Also in Long Beach is the World's Longest Drivable Beach. This is where famed 19th century explorers Lewis and Clark ended their epic cross-country journey, but you've still got a little further to go. Either way, this long stretch of sandy shore is a great place to take a break. If you're lucky, you can catch the Kite Festival, the Sandcastle competition, or one of the other events that happen on the beach.
If you were a fan of the 1980's childhood classic film "The Goonies," then you definitely need to stop at Cannon Beach to visit this iconic movie filming location. Even if you haven't seen the movie, it's one of Oregon's most spectacular beaches, with peaceful waves and mysterious rock formations.
Plan to pull over at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint in Oceanside, OR, for one heck of a view. Hiking trails, an 1890's lighthouse, birdwatching, and old-growth forests add to the coastal beauty here, and make it an essential Pacific Coast road trip stop.
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.
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!
Work off all that food at Cape Blanco State Park. This state park marks the westernmost point in Oregon and contains the state's southernmost lighthouse, which offers incredible coastal views of the Pacific Ocean from the top. Plus, there are cabins and campsites above the bluff, in case you're so enchanted by the beauty that you decide to stay the night.
From Medford - Route 62 north and then east. From Klamath Falls - Route 97 north to Route 62 north and then west., OR, US
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.