West Coast RV Trip for Summer #5: Don’t Miss These Spots!
Arguably one of the most famous drives in the U.S., the Pacific Coast Highway is the ultimate RV road trip destination. Spanning Washington to California, and featuring countless cliffside vistas, urban and suburban spaces, and plenty of charming pit stops along the way, the PCH offers 600 miles of unspoiled, coastline-hugging roadway –– perfect for exploring. If you are thinking about taking the RV for a summer drive along America’s west coast, there is truly no better way to see the sights. So we’ve put together another breathtaking journey like no other.
Our last leg of the journey took us a little off-course to the majestic Mt. Hood National Forest––a once-in-a-lifetime RV camping experience. But we’re back on track to exploring the remaining miles of the Pacific Coast Highway. We’ll be cruising past Portland, Oregon, one of the truly great American cities, and getting back to the coast. From there, we’ll head up to Washington state, passing charming beach towns, scenic turns, and hit another mighty national conservation area, before hitting the breaks at the Canadian border.
[ITINERARY]
Mt. Hood > Cannon Beach > Astoria > Olympic National Park > Port Angeles
TOTAL DRIVE: 8 hours and 45 minutes, without traffic
Leaving Mt. Hood National Forest
Now that you can tell all your friends that you’ve explored the mighty Mt. Hood wilderness, pull the RV back onto the I-84/Highway 26 East, and head back towards Portland. If you’ve got the time, spending a few hours––or better yet, a few days––in this incredibly exciting and cosmopolitan gem of the Pacific Northwest is well worth it.
The facts and attractions that make Portland, Oregon, such a great tourist spot could fill an entire travelogue on its own. If you like the hustle and bustle of city life to go alongside your embrace of nature, Portland is one of the best areas of the country to experience it all.
A land of festivals and markets, Portlanders love to spend time outdoors. If you’re driving through town and have limited time, in the summer months alone, there are countless open-air activities to be experienced: like the Pedalpalooza Bike Festival, Portland Farmers Market, and Pickathon Music Festival. But maybe you can hit the City of Roses and spend more time exploring the sights on the way back––because we’ve got to get back onto the open road…
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Once you’ve reached the end of Highway 26 East, you’ll begin to see signs to rejoin the PCH––now called Highway 101. And just a few minutes south of this happy highway union is Cannon Beach.
With its shores stretching for miles, Cannon Beach is a picture-perfect stop-off for those looking to catch some waves, grab a delicious bite, or just stroll along the sand with unparalleled views of the ocean. One of the first sights you’ll notice when pulling into the coastal town is Haystack Rock, one of Oregon’s most recognizable attractions. It’s great for exploring nearby tidepools and watching the colonies of Tufted Puffins.
For the more adventurous camper, a trip to Ecola State Park is another must-go for hiking, climbing, biking, and birdwatching. Bring a picnic basket––or better yet, head into town to pick up provisions from one of the many charming grocers and specialty shops. Spend a fun-filled afternoon taking in the sights or pull the RV into one of the area’s full-service parks to catch a night under the stars.
But Cannon Beach isn’t just about being outdoors. This quaint homestead is teeming with cultural touchstones, like galleries and museums, just waiting to be experienced.
RV Accommodation:
If you’re planning to skip Ecola State Park, head directly to one of Cannon Beach’s other superior RV camping sites, like Cannon Beach RV Resort, which features 99 full hook-up spots, a convenience store, a heated pool––and more; or, Wright’s for Camping, conveniently located with numerous amenities.
Directions:
Continue north on Highway 101, the Pacific Coast Highway
Astoria, Oregon
Not far from Cannon Beach is the equally charming port city of Astoria, which sets serenely on the banks of the Columbia River at the Oregon-Washington state border.
Campers eager to experience the natural terrain of the area should make a beeline to the Clatsop Spit, which is a giant sand spit formed 8,500 years ago when sediment from the Columbia River was brought to the coast by the river flow, and then shaped by the wind and waves, creating a natural land formation, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Hike the spit loop and take it all in.
There’s plenty of history to be discovered in Astoria, too. Fort Astoria, formerly Fort Astor, is the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Originally settled in 1811 by members of John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company, this once-thriving hub served as a major port for the regional fur trade. There are also a host of other cultural sites, including the Maritime Museum and the Oregon Film Museum, that call Astoria home.
If you happen to find yourself in town on a Sunday, you have to catch the Astoria Sunday Market––a veritable hodgepodge of curiosities, crafts, and fresh food. Mosey through stalls of artisanal goods before stopping for lunch at the riverside Bridgewater Bistro or the folksy Carruthers Restaurant.
Directions:
Take the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge (Highway 101) to Megler, Washington, and continue traveling north.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Now that you’ve entered the scenic Washington leg of the journey, you’ll likely notice that the weather and temperature have begun to change––but the views are just as spectacular. Heading north along the 101, you’ll pass countless beaches and coastal towns. But the next stop on our journey will take you out of the waves and into the forest.
Truly one of the most incredible, awe-inspiring travel experiences in all of Washington state, Olympic National Park has everything you need for a one-of-a-kind RV camping weekend. Be sure to carve out a full window in your schedule in order to try all of the adventures available: backpacking, hiking, climbing, biking, fishing…you name it, it can happen here.
Once you’re inside the area’s more than 1,400 square miles of foliage and mountain views, you’ll have plenty to swoon over––especially if you’ve already picked up some provisions on your way in. Be sure to watch out for wildlife: Olympic National Park is cougar country and there are plenty of signs throughout signaling when and where to keep your eyes peeled.
RV Accommodation:
Olympic National Park has several different camp parks on-site, including Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground––featuring 17 RV sites (full water/electric hookup); and Log Cabin RV & Campground with 32 sites (full water/electric hookup). There’s no better space for RV accommodations in the area.
Directions:
Continue along Highway 101, which begins to loop as it heads toward Seattle.
Port Angeles, Washington / Canadian Border
It seems fitting that our journey began in Los Angeles, California––and ends 1,200 miles and 18 hours later in Port Angeles, Washington. At the very tip of the northwestern state, just across the Salish sea that separates the US from Canada, Port Angeles is a modest, yet vibrantly beautiful city worthy of exploration.
Whether it’s a guided tour of the area you’re after, or a chance to wander solo, Port Angeles is an excellent spot for taking in the rugged northwestern scenery of the Olympic Peninsula. The Elwha River is ideal for fishing, swimming, and bird-watching; meanwhile, the Ediz Hook, a natural sandy spit extending from downtown Port Angeles, is perfect for hiking, cycling, and everything else on foot.
Take a detour downtown and experience all of the vibrant culture and exceptional shopping and dining on offer. You’ll love the chance to simply walk around and engage with the friendly locals. It’s a place like no other.
RV Accommodation:
Pull into the Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA RV campground while you plan your next move. Take advantage of the full hookup spots and luxurious amenities on-site. The Elwha RV Campground Resort is another pristine option that offers great facilities in a serene and scenic environment just outside of Port Angeles.
[IN CONCLUSION]
There you have it! You’ve traveled the length of the Pacific Coast Highway––from Southern California, through Oregon and Washington state, hitting the Canadian border. With all the sights and sounds you’ve experienced on this exhilarating summer road trip, you’ve hopefully taken away some favorite spots, and no doubt created a few lasting life memories.
