7 Day Washington Coast Road Trip Itinerary
A Washington Coast road trip is one of the most scenic journeys in the Pacific Northwest, filled with rugged shorelines, driftwood-strewn beaches, misty rainforests, glacial lakes, waterfalls, tidepools, and mountain-framed ocean vistas. Beginning in Portland, Oregon and ending in Seattle, Washington, this 7-day itinerary takes you through the best of the southern, central, and northern coast, then up through the Olympic Peninsula and across to the Salish Sea. From the shipwrecked beaches of Cape Disappointment to the turquoise waters beneath Deception Pass, this route gives you a perfect week of coastal exploration.
Overview
This itinerary begins in Portland, heads northwest to the Washington border, then follows the Pacific Coast north and loops around the Olympic Peninsula. You’ll visit iconic locations including Cape Disappointment, the Hoh Rain Forest, Third Beach, Cape Flattery, Salt Creek Recreation Area, Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, Port Townsend, and Deception Pass State Park before finishing in Seattle.
Each day includes descriptive guidance and curated activities, allowing you to enjoy both major landmarks and lesser-known gems along the way.
7 Day Itinerary
Optional Add-On: Columbia River Gorge (Before Day 1)
I’d be remissed if I didn’t tell you about this pre road trip gem! If you’re starting in Portland and have a few extra hours before heading north toward the Washington Coast, a short trip to the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most rewarding additions to your itinerary. Just 35 minutes from downtown Portland, this scenic canyon offers some of the most iconic waterfalls, viewpoints, and historic highways in the Pacific Northwest, a great way to kick off your road trip!
What to See
- Multnomah FallsThe famous 620-foot waterfall with the stone bridge overlook.
- Latourell Falls Loop: Gorgeous basalt columns, bright yellow lichen, and a powerful cascade.
- Horsetail & Ponytail Falls: A short, scenic trail where you can actually walk behind the waterfall.
- Vista House at Crown Point: One of the best views in the entire Gorge.
- Hood River (optional): A charming riverfront town with cafés, breweries, and windsurfers.
Time Needed
- 3–5 hours for a quick waterfall loop
- 6–8 hours for the full Gorge experience including Hood River
Once you finish, head back through Portland and begin Day 1 of your Washington Coast itinerary.
Day 1: Portland → Cape Disappointment & Long Beach Peninsula
Start your (official) adventure in Portland and drive northwest toward the Washington Coast. Your first stop is Cape Disappointment State Park, one of the most dramatic coastal areas in the Pacific Northwest. Climb the bluff to the lighthouse, explore Deadman’s Cove, and walk the windswept beaches of the Long Beach Peninsula.
Highlights
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
- Deadman’s Cove (short scenic trail)
- Waikiki Beach & jetty views
- Long Beach Boardwalk and giant dunes
Optional Hidden Gems
- The remains of the Peter Iredale shipwreck at nearby Fort Stevens
- North Head Lighthouse overlook
Day 2: Long Beach Peninsula → Hoh Rain Forest
Leave the southern coast behind as you begin driving north toward the heart of Olympic National Park. Today’s focus is the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the quietest and lushest old-growth forests in the country. Giant ferns, moss-draped spruce, and cathedral-like corridors make this a highlight of the entire trip.
Things to Do
- Hike the Hall of Mosses Trail (1 mile loop)
- Walk the Spruce Nature Trail
- Explore the Hoh River gravel bars
- Drive through the temperate rainforest corridor
Optional Afternoon Add-Ons
- Kalaloch Beach & the Tree of Life
- Ruby Beach sunset stop (highly recommended)
Day 3: La Push & Third Beach
Today is dedicated to the rugged beaches near La Push, where sea stacks, tidepools, and driftwood forests dominate the landscape. Third Beach is a rewarding hike that leads to pristine coastline and dramatic surf. If you want to explore more, nearby Second Beach is equally spectacular.
Things to Do
- Hike Third Beach (3+ miles round trip)
- Visit First Beach in La Push
- Optional: sunset at Second Beach
- Explore tidepools during low tide
Day 4: Cape Flattery & Salt Creek Recreation Area
Continue north to Neah Bay and visit Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost point in the continental United States. The boardwalk trail leads through coastal forest to spectacular cliffs overlooking sea caves and turquoise water. Afterward, head to Salt Creek Recreation Area, one of the best tidepool destinations in Washington.
Things to Do
- Hike the Cape Flattery Trail
- Visit the Makah Cultural & Research Center
- Explore Tongue Point tidepools (Salt Creek)
- Views of Crescent Bay and sea stacks
This is one of the most scenic days of the itinerary, worth slowing down for.
Day 5: Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent & Marymere Falls
Shift inland today to explore three of Olympic National Park’s most iconic natural wonders: the Sol Duc Falls Valley, Lake Crescent, and Marymere Falls.
Sol Duc Valley
- Hike to Sol Duc Falls (easy and dramatic)
- Explore the mossy riverbanks and rainforest
Lake Crescent
- Stop at the Devils Punchbowl
- Emerald-blue water and mountain reflections
Marymere Falls
- 1.8-mile round trip trail through old-growth forest
- Wooden bridges and fern-covered canyon walls
This is a slower-paced day filled with waterfalls, lakes, and quiet forest trails.
Day 6: Port Angeles → Port Townsend
Continue east toward the charming Victorian seaside town of Port Townsend. This historic port is filled with coastal views, boutiques, cafés, and maritime museums. Spend the afternoon exploring Fort Worden’s beaches, bluffs, bunkers, and lighthouses.
Things to Do
- Explore downtown Port Townsend’s waterfront
- Visit Fort Worden State Park
- Point Wilson Lighthouse
- Beach walks and views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca
- Maritime museum and local dining
- Check out the Glass beach in Port Townsend
Day 7: Port Townsend → Deception Pass → Seattle
Your final day brings you across the bridges and islands of northern Puget Sound. Drive toward Deception Pass State Park, one of Washington’s most scenic landscapes, known for its high bridge, turquoise channels, forests, and beaches.
Things to Do
- Walk across the Deception Pass Bridge
- Explore Rosario Beach tidepools
- Hike the Lighthouse Point Trail or North Beach Trail
- Visit Bowman Bay
Afterwards, continue south to Seattle, where your road trip officially concludes.
Map
Best Times to Go
Late June through early October
Best weather, clearest coastal views, warmest temperatures.
April–May & October–November (Shoulder Season)
- Fewer crowds
- Great storm-watching opportunities
- Cooler weather, more dramatic skies
Winter
- Heavy rain and fog
- Outstanding storm watching, especially at Cape Disappointment
- Some trails may be muddy or limited
Related
- Best places to visit on the Washington coast
- Olympic National Park
- Things to do in Seattle Washington
Where to Stay
| Region | Check Hotels |
|---|
| Long Beach Peninsula | Check hotels |
| Hoh Rain Forest Area | Check hotels |
| La Push / Forks | Check hotels |
| Neah Bay / Salt Creek | Check hotels |
| Sol Duc / Lake Crescent | Check hotels |
| Port Townsend | Check hotels |
| Deception Pass / Anacortes Area | Check hotels |
Final Thoughts
This 7 Day Washington Coast Road Trip from Portland to Seattle captures the most dramatic and scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From shipwrecked beaches and storm-lashed cliffs to moss-covered rainforests, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and turquoise channels beneath soaring bridges, this route is the perfect blend of wilderness, coastline, and charming seaside towns.
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