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.
Here in Oregon, nothing beats a good, old-fashioned road trip. With so many bucket-list-worthy attractions and natural wonders, not to mention some of the best cuisine in the PNW, road trips are our favorite way to experience all of Oregon, all at once! Today, we’re tackling a duo of our favorites: parks and pizzas. In our humble opinion, Oregon is unrivaled in both areas, and we designed the perfect road trip that visits some of our state’s finest attractions, from world-famous waterfalls and iconic Oregon Coast landmarks to the very best, tried-and-true, longstanding and legendary, perennial-favorite pizzerias.
The trip covers roughly 350 miles and takes around eight hours, but don’t worry — we’ve pinpointed some great places to stay along the way so you can safely pace yourself and make the most of your adventure. Our trip begins and ends in Portland, Oregon, at one of the most legendary pizzerias in the PNW. After that, we’re heading to some of the most amazing parks and places in the Beaver State, with lots of conveniently-located Best Western properties along this multi-day road trip in Oregon. Ready to get started on this unforgettable road trip adventure? Let’s go!
Our trip begins and ends in Portland, Oregon, where we recommend fueling up on some of the best pizza in the PNW...
Life of Pie! A Portland institution, Life of Pie's pies are wood-fired, piping hot, perfectly crispy with a bit of chew, and sure to fill you up for this epic adventure in Oregon!
Life of Pie Pizza, 3632 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227, USA
This park is breathtakingly beautiful and possesses many of the Beaver State’s unique features and wonders, from a temperate rainforest and old-growth trees to an abundance of jaw-dropping waterfalls. Silver Falls State Park is best-known for its waterfalls, in fact, with South Falls being the most spectacular. This beautiful, 177-foot stunner is a force, and even presents intrepid explorers the opportunity to walk behind its massive waterfall curtain.
However South Falls is not the only jaw-dropping wonder at Silver Falls State Park... not even close!
To experience all of the falls, we recommend lacing up your shoes for the Trail of Ten Falls, a 7.4-mile hike that leads past each and every one of the park's incredible cascades! North Falls is a vision, plunging 136 feet over a moss-covered basalt cliff, in a thunderous display of pure power sure to stop you in your tracks.
After a day of Oregon waterfall chasing, there's nothing better than digging into a piping hot pie. And JC's Pizzaria in Keizer never disappoints.
Jc's Pizzaria, 4200 River Rd N, Keizer, OR 97303, USA
This unassuming little pizzeria is the real deal, serving up classic pies with heaps of gooey cheese and 2-liters of soda. If you're coming with a crowd, order the aptly named Giant Pizza, which is the equivalent of 17 family size pizzas and serves approximately 40-60 people. (You'll have to order this bad boy in advance, however!)
The next stretch of our multi-day road trip in Oregon brings us to the coast, to Depoe Bay Wayside Ocean State Park. Depoe Bay is one of the most spectacular places on the Central Oregon Coast, a region known for its shockingly blue waters, commanding cliffs, and incredible whale watching.
This Oregon State Park boasts stunning coastal vistas and beautiful forested trails, with the nearby City Park offering lots of opportunities to get lost in nature.
Best-known for whale watching, the Oregon State Parks Whale Watching Center is definitely worth a visit. In fact, these magnificent mammals can be viewed year-round.
OPRD Whale Watching Center, 119 US-101, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, USA
You'll have such a great time exploring Depoe Bay that before you know it, your stomach will tell you it's dinnertime. Stay in town and meander over to The Horn Public House & Brewery.
The Horn Public House and Depoe Bay Brewing Company, 110 SE N Coast Hwy, Depoe Bay, OR 97341, USA
This locale is known for its delicious pizzas and great views. Pair your 'za with a Beaver State brew, and enjoy a leisurely meal while gazing out at the Oregon Coast.
Once you've had your fill of pizza and whale watching, you can stay the night at the Best Western Plus Landmark Inn, located just 12 miles from Depoe Bay!
The last leg of our trip brings us to the most iconic place on the Oregon Coast, if not the entire PNW: Ecola State Park.
Ecola State Park Road, Ecola State Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
With jaw-dropping views everywhere you look, we recommend tackling the Clatsop Loop Trail, a 2.8-mile trek that ventures from the forest to the beach -- and back!
The trail leads to Indian Beach, a secluded sandy beach with tide pools, sea stacks, and so much scenic splendor. You'll also catch some peeks of *the* Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach's legendary monolith!
After your multi-day road trip through Oregon, the Rose City will welcome you back with open arms... and pizza! Celebrate your amazing adventure at one of Portland's myriad mouthwatering pizzerias: Ken's Artisan Pizza, Baby Doll Pizza, or Apizza Scholls are all local favorites.
Northwest Saint Johns Bridge, NW St Johns Bridge, Portland, OR, USA
What are your thoughts on this parks and pizzerias road trip in Oregon? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to nominate your favorite parks and pizzerias and tell us what you love about them! And as you’re planning your road trip adventures in Oregon, don’t forget to find the closest Best Western property near you for a convenient and restful place to stay as you travel.
