Coastlines and Craters: A Western Wonders Road Trip

Roll down the window and feel the wind on your face as you traverse mountain roads, explore lush forests and hike winding valleys. Experience Pacific Northwest splendor in Washington State, wooded beauty in Oregon and Western heritage in Nevada. Discover unique pit stops in charming cities and small towns along the way. Consider sustainable travel options to help preserve these beautiful lands. No matter how you choose to explore, you’ll leave with a deep appreciation for the diverse sights and sounds of this distinct region of the USA.

Explore Seaside Destinations: Seattle and Coupeville, Washington

Your journey begins in Seattle’s original farmers market, Pike Place Market, where hundreds of independent farmers and crafters sell their goods. Browse specialty stores, then walk down the Seattle Waterfront, stopping into museums and the aquarium. Make sure to enjoy a ride on the Seattle Great Wheel.

After, make your way toward your next stop, Coupeville. Drive about 45 minutes north to Mukilteo, Washington, to catch the Whidbey Island Ferry across Puget Sound for panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. This quaint town exudes Pacific Northwest charm, from its rustic wharf to its wooden boardwalk. Take a stroll and see the colorful historic homes that define the area. You may recognize some of them as the backdrop of the 1996 film “Practical Magic,” which was filmed here.

Hidden Gems: Port Townsend, Olympic National Park and Port Angeles, Washington

For the next leg of your trip, take a 35-minute ferry ride to Port Townsend. Take a historic walking tour for a deep dive into this small town’s past as a Victorian seaport. Downtown, browse artisan shops and gourmet restaurants and see why Port Townsend’s food scene is so acclaimed.

Then, drive about an hour Southwest and look out the window to take in views of Olympic National Park on a scenic drive along the Olympic Peninsula Loop. Just under an hour’s drive away from the park, stop and explore Ruby Beach’s sparkling tide pools, unique rock formations and expansive hiking trails. Finally, drive about an hour and 45 minutes to Port Angeles, a cozy town tucked between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Cap off your day at local favorites like Harbinger Winery, Camaraderie Cellers or Olympic Cellars Winery.

Cultural Hot Spots: Port Angeles, Washington, and Portland, Oregon

Spend the morning continuing your exploration of Port Angeles. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at one of the many restaurants at The Wharf, then take a walk along the boardwalk to soak in waterfront views. Your next adventure takes you inland, with a 4-hour drive across the Oregon border, into Portland.

Portland is well-known for its wide variety of food carts, and you’ll find just about every kind of cuisine you can imagine on a guided food tour. Many of these mobile kitchens source their ingredients locally, resulting in a lower carbon footprint and ultra-fresh bites. Afterward, head downtown to explore cultural gems like the Portland Art Museum and Pioneer Courthouse Square. When evening falls, Portland’s neighborhoods come alive with live music and dance floors galore. Revel in big city vibes at bars, arcades and breweries.

Unforgettable Sights: Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Falls, Oregon

This leg of your journey takes you to one of the USA’s most spectacular natural wonders: Crater Lake. Drive around 4 hours to Southern Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park, where thousands of years of seismic activity formed the USA’s deepest lake. In the summer, boat tours allow guests to explore the deep-blue waters and get up-close looks at natural rock formations like Wizard Island and Phantom Ship.

From Crater Lake, enjoy a scenic 45-minute drive to Klamath Falls. Book an experience with Crater Lake ZipLine to soar through the tree canopy on Oregon’s longest zipline. It’s an exhilarating way to view the Cascade Mountains. Arrive in Klamath Falls and check into Lake of the Woods Resort, where you’ll get a restful night’s sleep in a cozy lakeside cabin. Spend the morning getting to know Klamath Falls. Take a guided paddling tour of Lake of the Woods, one of the clearest lakes in the Southern Oregon Cascades, and allow expert guides to lead you to beautiful areas you might otherwise be unable to access.

Wild West History: Winnemucca, Nevada

Hop in the car and head toward your next destination: Winnemucca, Nevada. The five-hour stretch of highway between Klamath Falls and Winnemucca offers plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs while experiencing Nevada’s Wild West history. North of Winnemucca, visit Paradise Valley, a former gold rush town that still features its original architecture. Then, stop at Paradise Valley Saloon Bar & Grill to enjoy a meal and conversations with the locals.

Once you arrive in Winnemucca, be sure to visit the Buckaroo Hall of Fame & Heritage Museum for more Wild West stories. See photos and traditional gear from some of the West’s most skilled ranchers, then enjoy a stroll down Winnemucca’s scenic main street. For dinner, grab a table at The Martin Hotel for family-style Basque dining in a historic boarding house.

Scenic Drives and City Fun: Lovelock and Reno, Nevada

Get to know Nevada as you cruise through the desert, appreciating eclectic sights and attractions along the way. Just an hour’s drive away, Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary helps preserve local animal populations and serves as a home for both native and exotic species. Tour the facility in Imlay to experience wildlife encounters and get a closer look at wildlife rehabilitation programs. Nearby, appreciate unforgettable wonders on a scenic drive through Lovelock on the Lovelock Cave Backcountry Byway. Savor views of the Humboldt River and explore Lovelock Cave, whose significance to the Northern Paiute people for over 4,000 years has made it one of the most important archeological sites in the USA.

From there, continue your journey into Reno, where the artistic Midtown neighborhood beckons with murals, shops and restaurants. Spend the evening enjoying colorful nightlife, from local bars in the Riverwalk District to gaming resorts and casinos – you’ll soon learn why locals call Reno the Biggest Little City in the World.

Unwind in Carson City, Nevada

From Reno, drive 30 minutes to Carson City for an exciting mix of modern thrills and historic landmarks. The Kit Carson Trail winds through the heart of the town, connecting Victorian-style homes, museums and other notable buildings in the historic district. Self-guided audio tours are available on any smart device, allowing you to explore the streets at your own pace. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at any of the eco-friendly restaurants in the Carson City Green Dining District.

Ten minutes from downtown, unwind at Carson Hot Springs Resort. Relax in pools and hot tubs filled with natural mineral water, or reserve a Mini Spa to kick back in your own private quarters. On-site restaurant Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint serves innovative dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) serves as an accessible departure point to conclude your vacation. From Washington to Oregon to Nevada, you’re sure to have plenty of enchanting experiences to dream about on your return trip.