10 day itinerary Seattle to Portland

Embark on the ultimate 10-day road trip from Seattle to Portland, where you’ll discover the best of the Pacific Northwest.

This 10 day itinerary Seattle to Portland is perfect for travelers seeking a blend of urban excitement, scenic landscapes, and outdoor adventures.

From Seattle’s vibrant city life to the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier, the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, and Oregon’s stunning wine country, this Seattle to Portland road trip itinerary covers all the highlights.

Whether you’re a nature lover or a city explorer, this guide will help you make the most of your Pacific Northwest road trip in 10 days.

For the day 1 to day 7, follow this 7-day itinerary.

> > Seattle to Portland 7 days Itinerary

Day 8: Portland to Columbia River Gorge

Morning: Scenic Drive to Columbia River Gorge

Start your day by traveling east from Portland to see the Columbia River Gorge, one of Oregon’s most amazing natural sights. The Historic Columbia River Highway, which was the first scenic highway in the U.S., is a great way to get to know the region. As you travel along this historic route, panoramic views of the Columbia River spread out before you, while towering cliffs and lush greenery on either side create a dramatic backdrop. As a National Scenic Area, the area protects its wild beauty so everyone can enjoy it.

The drive from downtown Portland takes about an hour, and there are many places to stop and enjoy the view. Make a quick stop at the Vista House at Crown Point, a historic rest stop with breathtaking views of the river. It’s a great place to snap photos and get an overview of the day’s activities.

Mid-Morning: Visit Multnomah Falls

The first big stop is Multnomah Falls, the largest drop in Oregon at a height of 620 feet. This iconic site is one of the most visited natural attractions in the Pacific Northwest, and with good reason. The falls are fed by underground springs that come from Larch Mountain. They fall in two tiers into a pool below, which is a beautiful sight.

A path leads to the base of the falls, where you can feel the mist on your face. If you want to get a better view, you can take the short but slightly steep Multnomah Falls Trail to Benson Bridge, which goes through the bottom of the falls. You can take beautiful photos from this spot and really feel the power of the waterfall.

If you’re up for more adventure, continue hiking to the top viewpoint – although the climb is a bit more difficult, the panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge from the top is a satisfying experience. The lower trail is a great way for families and casual hikers to see amazing views without having to hike too far. You can also take a break with a coffee or light snack at the nearby Multnomah Falls Lodge while enjoying the view.

Afternoon: Explore Other Waterfalls and Trails

The Columbia River Gorge has over 90 waterfalls, making it a waterfall enthusiast’s paradise. After seeing Multnomah Falls, continue your adventure by checking out other nearby waterfalls, each one more beautiful than the last.

Wahkeena Falls:

You can hike to Wahkeena Falls, just a short distance from Multnomah, and have a very different but still very interesting experience. The 242-foot waterfall flows more slowly and sinuously. The Wahkeena Loop Trail is an easy to moderately strenuous hike that gives you great views of both the falls and the forest surrounding them.

Latourell Falls:

This waterfall drops 224 feet over a jagged basalt cliff. The parking lot is just a short walk from this waterfall, making it one of the easiest places to reach from the highway. It’s a long hike, but the Latourell Falls Loop Trail is only 2.4 miles long and passes through dense forest. Along the way, you can see both the upper and lower falls.

Horsetail Falls:

Named for its resemblance to a horse’s tail, this waterfall is visible from the road, making it worth a quick and easy stop. For a short but rewarding hike, follow the trail to Ponytail Falls, where you can follow the waterfall as it tumbles over the cliff.

The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the most popular and strenuous hikes in the valley. It passes through lush forests and cliffside paths. For a swim or a scenic lunch break, it leads to Punch Bowl Falls. The 4.2-mile round trip to Punch Bowl Falls is modest, but for serious hikers the trail goes much further, offering spectacular views of the valley’s lush ecosystem.

Historic Sites and Adventure Sports:

If you have time, you’ll want to check out some of the historic sites in the area, such as the Bonneville Dam, where you can learn about the history of the Columbia River and how important it is to the region. The Bonneville Fish Hatchery is also nearby, where you can see giant sturgeon and learn about the work being done to protect the river’s fish population.

If you’re looking for adventure, the Columbia River Gorge has plenty to offer. In Hood River, known as the “Windsurfing Capital of the World,” you can go windsurfing or kiteboarding. For a more tranquil experience, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards.

Evening: Return to Portland

The Columbia River Gorge has waterfalls, promenades, and beautiful views you can enjoy all day. Now it’s time to head back to Portland. The drive is short, so you’ll have plenty of time for dinner at one of Portland’s many great places to eat.

For a nice night out, you can dine in the Pearl District, one of Portland’s most popular neighborhoods. It’s famous for its farm-to-table restaurants that use fresh, local produce, showcasing the region’s rich culinary customs. For a more relaxed experience, Portland’s famous food cart pods are always a good choice. They serve a variety of exotic foods to suit everyone’s tastes.

Afterwards, you can take a stroll along the Portland waterfront or grab a drink at one of the city’s cozy pubs or craft cocktail bars. Think about all the fun things you did that day and the fact that you saw one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful natural sights.

Day 9: Day Trip to Mount Hood

Morning: Drive to Mount Hood

On Day 9, embark on another adventure to Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak and a year-round destination for outdoor activities.

The drive from Portland to Mount Hood takes about 1.5 hours, and you’ll be greeted with spectacular views of the snow-capped mountain as you approach.

Mid-Morning: Timberline Lodge and Scenic Views

You should start your trip at the famous Timberline Lodge, which is on the southern slopes of Mount Hood. It was built in the 1930s and is now a National Historic Landmark. The movie The Shining was filmed here.

Look around the lodge and enjoy a hot chocolate or coffee while admiring the mountain view. If you want to take a shorter walk, the Timberline Trail offers beautiful views of the mountain and fields of wildflowers. Many people like to ski and snowboard at Timberline in the winter, but it’s a great place to visit any time of year.

Afternoon: Trillium Lake

After visiting Timberline Lodge, drive to Trillium Lake, a tranquil mountain lake where Mount Hood looks like a painting. The Trillium Lake Loop Trail, a short 2-mile trail that goes around the lake, is a great place for a slow stroll. During the warmer months, you can take a boat or canoe and paddle around the lake. You can also have a picnic on the shore and enjoy the view.

Evening: Return to Portland or Stay Near Mount Hood

You can either head back to Portland to spend another night in the city, or you can stay in a comfortable hotel or home near Mount Hood for the night. If you decide to stay in the area, you may want to book a place at The Resort at the Mountain. It has nice rooms and is close to golfing, climbing, and other outdoor activities.

Day 10: Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley

Morning: Drive to Willamette Valley

For your final day of road trip, head south from Portland to Willamette Valley, Oregon’s premier wine region.

The drive takes about an hour, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. Known for its world-class Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley is the perfect place to relax, enjoy wine tastings, and take in the beauty of Oregon’s countryside.

Mid-Morning: Winery Tour and Tasting

Start your wine tasting tour at one of the best wineries in the valley, such as Domaine Serene or Sokol Blosser Winery. These wineries have beautiful views of the valley, and you can taste their award-winning wines with a guide. Many wineries let you tour their fields and cellars, allowing you to see how wine is made behind the scenes.

Afternoon: Lunch at a Vineyard

For lunch, visit one of the valley’s farms that offers farm-to-table food. Enjoying a meal and wine at Stoller Family Estate or Ponzi Vineyards is a great idea. Eat your lunch outside on the deck overlooking the fields and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After lunch, visit a few more farms to continue your wine tasting tour. There are over 500 wineries in the Willamette Valley, so you can tailor your visit to your tastes. Many wineries offer relaxed tastings where you can try different wines and talk to staff who are knowledgeable about the area’s unique soils.

Evening: Return to Portland or Stay in Willamette Valley

You can either spend one last night in Portland to end your 10-day trip, or you can stay at a lovely bed and breakfast in the Willamette Valley.

There are many lovely inns and guesthouses in the valley. They’re a great way to get away from the noise of the city and relax after a day of wine tasting.

If you decide to head back to Portland, take your time to grab dinner in one of the lively areas of the city.

Whether you want an elaborate meal or a simple meal from a food cart, there are many ways to celebrate the end of your trip.

Final Thoughts on Your Seattle to Portland 10 day Itinerary

With your 10 day Seattle to Portland road trip itinerary, you’ll have the opportunity to explore even more of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty and cultural richness. From the majestic waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge to the towering peak of Mount Hood and the world-class wines of Willamette Valley.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to take their time and enjoy a more leisurely pace, allowing for deeper exploration of the region’s highlights. Whether you’re hiking through lush forests, tasting wines at a vineyard, or simply soaking in the views of Mount Hood reflected in Trillium Lake, each day of this journey offers new and unforgettable memories.

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