Ready to trade your daily routine for mountains and waterfalls?
On this road trip, every stop feels like a new adventure, every view makes you say “whoa,” and every mile brings something cooler than the last.
This drive will take you from the rainy city to the heart of the Sierra, packed with jaw-dropping nature, unique towns, and so many photo ops your phone might need a break.
Let’s hit the road! You won’t believe what’s coming next…
1. Seattle, WA
Seattle is sandwiched between the snowy peaks of the Cascade Mountains and the salty waters of Puget Sound.
It’s the birthplace of Starbucks, home to the famous Space Needle, and packed with cool spots like Pike Place Market where fishmongers literally toss salmon through the air.
You’ll spot tech giants like Amazon here, but it’s also a dream for outdoorsy folks, with hiking trails, ferry rides, and a volcano (yep, Mount Rainier) peeking out in the distance.
2. Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Just a couple hours outside Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park feels like stepping into a whole other world…
One filled with wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and a 14,410-foot volcano that totally steals the show.
The park’s got everything from super chill nature walks to intense hikes like the Skyline Trail, where you might spot marmots sunbathing or even a glacier or two.
If you’re visiting in summer, the fields at Paradise are straight-up bursting with color, but in winter, it turns into a snow-covered wonderland.
3. Portland, OR
Next up is Portland, Oregon—aka the land of food trucks, unusual neighborhoods, and more bikes than you’ve probably ever seen in one place.
This city is famous for keeping things weird, with giant doughnuts at Voodoo Doughnut, rows of indie books at Powell’s City of Books, and Saturday Market stalls full of handmade everything.
You can also explore Forest Park’s endless trails and grab yourself a craft coffee (which you’ll basically find on every corner).
4. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR
Just outside Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is filled with steep canyon walls, windswept cliffs, and over 90 waterfalls tucked into its mossy green edges.
Multnomah Falls is the star of the show—it’s 620 feet tall and looks like something out of a fantasy movie, complete with a cute little bridge you can walk across.
You can road trip the Historic Columbia River Highway for epic viewpoints, hike to hidden falls like Wahclella, or just pull over for fresh fruit at a roadside stand.
5. Bend, OR
After chasing waterfalls in the Gorge, head southeast to Bend, a sunny high desert town where outdoor adventure is basically a way of life.
You’ve got the Deschutes River running right through town, perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating lazily on an inner tube with a cold drink in hand.
There’s also a volcano you can hike (hi, Pilot Butte), lava tubes you can explore, and plenty of craft breweries for celebrating after a long day outside.
6. Crater Lake National Park, OR
Next stop: Crater Lake National Park, where a collapsed volcano turned into the deepest, bluest lake in the entire U.S. and yep, it’s every bit as jaw-dropping as it sounds.
The Rim Drive loops around the whole thing, giving you nonstop views of that insanely clear water and cool features like Wizard Island (which is actually another mini-volcano).
You can hike, snowshoe, or even boat out to the island in summer, but honestly, just standing at the edge and staring into that electric blue water is worth the trip.
Just a heads up, at the time of writing, boat tours and swimming access at Crater Lake National Park will be paused from summer 2026 due to the closure of the Cleetwood Cove Trail for rehabilitation.
7. Ashland, OR
From Crater Lake, swing down to Ashland, a charming little town in Oregon that punches way above its weight when it comes to arts, food, and cozy vibes.
It’s best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, where you can catch everything from classic plays to modern shows in open-air theaters under the stars.
Downtown is full of indie shops, tasty restaurants, and Lithia Park, which stretches all the way from the town center into the forest with trails, streams, and even a duck pond.
8. Redwood National and State Parks, CA
Leaving Ashland behind, you’ll cross into California and step into Redwood National and State Parks, where the trees are so tall they literally block out the sky.
These ancient giants can grow over 350 feet high, and walking through them feels like wandering into a real-life Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs).
Don’t miss the scenic drive along the Newton B. Drury Parkway, the Fern Canyon trail where the walls are covered in lush green ferns, or spotting elk just chilling by the roadside.
9. Mendocino, CA
Next, Mendocino takes you to the Pacific Coast with its cliffside views, salty breeze, and picture-perfect Victorian buildings.
This tiny town packs a punch with art galleries, cute cafés, and trails that wind along the ocean bluffs in Mendocino Headlands State Park.
It’s also a top spot for whale watching, sipping local wine, and wandering through quiet beaches where you might not see another soul for miles.
10. Sacramento, CA
From Mendocino’s misty coast, head inland to Sacramento, California’s capital city which features a cool mix of Gold Rush history and modern energy.
You can stroll through Old Sacramento’s wooden sidewalks and candy shops, then hop over to the Capitol building or check out the Crocker Art Museum for a dose of culture.
It’s also a total foodie hotspot—think farm-to-table everything, fresh farmers markets, and more craft beer than you’ll know what to do with.
11. Yosemite National Park, CA
And finally, your epic road trip wraps up at Yosemite National Park which is California’s crown jewel and a total show-off when it comes to natural beauty.
You’ve got granite giants like El Capitan and Half Dome towering above the valley, with waterfalls crashing down from cliffs and wildflowers popping up in every direction.
Whether you’re hiking to Glacier Point or just soaking it all in from the meadows, this place hits different—and it’s the perfect grand finale.
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