This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Oregon
By Sarah McCosham|Published December 20, 2021
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
Oregon is one big playground for adventure-seekers, with world-famous attractions, incredible natural wonders, and some of the PNW’s most iconic destinations. With this in mind, we’ve designed an epic road trip befitting of the Beaver State. This epic road trip leads to seven of the most iconic landmarks in Oregon, from the state’s most beloved restaurants to its most magnificent landmarks. Designed to be tackled in one, big, action-packed day, this road trip will show you a glimpse of the wonder that awaits here in Oregon.
This road trip covers 281 miles and takes just under six hours to complete, start to finish. We recommend leaving early (Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town is open 24/7) and setting aside an entire day for this epic Oregon adventure! View a full Google Map of this road trip here.
Our adventure begins in Old Town, where good things (and bacon-topped pastries) come in pink boxes. We recommend getting to Voodoo Doughnut in Old Town nice and early -- it's open 24/7. Be sure to grab some extra donuts for the road, too!
Voodoo Doughnut - Old Town, 22 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204, USA
From Portland, you'll travel west to Astoria, one of Oregon's most delightful towns. Sit back and enjoy the two-hour drive... it's a scenic one! Once in Astoria, we recommend wandering around on foot to see the town's numerous historical points of interest, including the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Opened 55 years ago in 1966, it is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America, and a true PNW icon.
From Astoria, it's a quick 15-minute drive to Fort Stevens State Park, which is best-known for the haunting ghost ship on its shores. The Peter Iredale shipwreck on the Oregon Coast is truly something to marvel over!
Fort Stevens State Park, 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA
A half hour south, Cannon Beach is the next stop on this epic road trip in Oregon. This beach is forever known for its role in "The Goonies;" and Haystack Rock is perhaps the most well-known landmark on the Oregon Coast. One of three "haystack rock" formations on the Oregon Coast, this magnificent and imposing monolith stands at 235 feet tall.
After a morning spent exploring the northern Oregon Coast, it's time to break for lunch at another legendary PNW spot: Tillamook Creamery. With grilled cheese sandwiches, fried cheese curds, and mac ‘n cheese sure to tantalize any turophile’s taste buds (plus the creamiest, dreamiest, hand-scooped shakes and ice cream around), Oregon’s Tillamook Creamery dishes up some of the best fare in the state!
Tillamook Creamery, 4165 N Hwy 101, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
Now that you're properly fortified, it's time to head inland. A 90-minute drive brings us to the Vista House, the penultimate stop on our epic road trip through Oregon.
Vista House, 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Once called a "$100,000 outhouse," the Vista House is a marvel of modern architecture. Featuring marble floors, an ornate, octagonal ceiling, and stained glass windows, the Vista House was -- and is -- a masterpiece.
Please note that the Vista House is currently closed; however, the building can be viewed and enjoyed from the outside, and the views from this iconic overlook are absolutely worth checking out!
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Once you've thoroughly taken in the views of the Columbia River Gorge, it's time to travel to our final road trip destination, a place that needs no introduction: Multnomah Falls.
Oregon's crown jewel, Multnomah Falls is a vision; a sublime sensory experience. This 620-foot tall, roaring waterfall is a testament to the power of Mother Nature, and the perfect grand finale to this epic Oregon adventure.
Multnomah Falls Lodge Visitor Center, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Multnomah Falls Lodge, 53000 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Bridal Veil, OR 97010, USA
Our advice? Stop and stay awhile... book an early dinner at Multnomah Falls Lodge! Because the views here are really something that should be relished... preferably over a delicious meal.
What do you think of this epic road trip? Have you visited all of these iconic landmarks in Oregon? Pack up the car and hit the road for an only-in-Oregon adventure sure to stoke the insatiable wanderlust we all have here in the Beaver State.
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