Are you looking for the most epic Portland to Yellowstone road trip itinerary? Look no further! This is the perfect 4-week Pacific Northwest road trip.
Why this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary is perfect for you
The landscape in Northwest USA is very scenic and diverse. Lots of green forests, impressive volcanoes, a beautiful coastline, an endless desert landscape, and exploding geysers. It’s truly a delight to drive from one location to the next.
Don’t expect to visit many cities, it’s mainly nature reserves and national parks. You won’t see many other tourists during a large part of this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. At some points, you’ll feel like you’re the only one discovering this area of the United States.
During this road trip from Portland to Yellowstone, you’ll visit seven states: Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.
You’ll also spend some time in some of the most beautiful national parks in the United States, like Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park. In total, you’ll visit no less than five National Parks and two National Monuments. So it’s basically a Portland to Yellowstone national park road trip!
Portland to Yellowstone road trip itinerary
Are you ready for an epic road trip? It’s time to start with the amazing Portland to Yellowstone road trip itinerary.
Day 1: Portland
Portland (Oregon) is the largest city you’ll visit during this road trip in Northwest USA. And therefore, it’s the ideal location to start and finish this road trip itinerary. Portland has many great neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants, shops, and parks.
Arriving by plane?
Portland has a modern and convenient airport, it’s very easy to navigate. From the airport, you can take the red line right to the city center. It takes 38 minutes and costs $2.50. The city center is very pedestrian-friendly, so you won’t need to use a car when you’re exploring Portland.
Do you need a plane ticket to Portland first? Check Skyscanner for the best prices.
- Hotel tip: The Bidwell Marriott Portland – A beautifully decorated 4* hotel in the middle of the city center.
- Fun thing to do: Discover Portland during this Half-Day Small Group City Tour.
- Travel guide: Fodor’s Inside Portland
Day 2 & 3: Mount Rainier National Park
The next morning it’s time to pick up your rental car. Let’s get this road trip in the Pacific Northwest starting!
Portland is located on the border of Oregon and Washington, so before you know it, you’ll reach your next state: Washington! It’s only a 2,5-hour drive to your first National Park of this trip: Mount Rainier National Park.
Do you have some extra time? Check out the incredible Mount St Helens National Monument on your way to Mount Rainier National Park.
In the center of Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll see the 4392-meter high stratovolcano, Mount Rainier. Enjoy the scenic drive and go on a couple of hikes. There are also some awesome waterfalls to be found in the park.
- Campground tip: Cougar Rock Campground
Hotel tip: Mountain Meadows Inn – A really cute B&B, only a 10-minute drive from the park. - Travel guide: Best Easy Day Hikes Mount Rainier National Park
Day 4 & 5: The Oregon Coast
After a couple of days in Washington, it’s time to drive back to Oregon. The Oregon coastline is famous for a reason, it’s absolutely gorgeous. The beaches are endless, there are forests and impressive rock formations.
Drive south on Highway 101 as long as you can and make sure to stop in Cannon Beach. This is a really cute town, and here you will see the famous Haystack Rock. There are also several State Parks to be found in this area, which I would recommend making a stop.
I stayed and explored Cape Lookout State Park. From Cape Lookout, you might be able to see whales swimming (if you’re there during the right months). Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky and I didn’t see any whales. But I did see some sea lions swimming, which was pretty cool!
- Campground tip: Cape Lookout State Park Campground
- Hotel tip: Hallmark Resort in Cannon Beach – A beautiful location right on the beach!
- Travel guide: Moon Coastal Oregon
Day 6: Bend
The drive from Oregon’s coast to Bend is absolutely gorgeous. High cliffs, swirling rivers, and a lot of snow-capped mountains. Bend is a small, but a really cute town. It has many great restaurants and beer breweries.
- Hotel tip: Oxford Hotel Bend – Really nice boutique 4* hotel in the center of town.
- Fun thing to do: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade Lakes.
Day 7: Crater Lake National Park
It’s time for the next highlight of this Portland to Yellowstone road trip: Crater Lake National Park. This park is probably one of the most scenic stops on this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary and definitely one of the most beautiful places in Oregon.
You’ll see a crater filled with bright blue water and a small island in the middle. Especially on a clear day, it’s a beautiful sight, because you’ll see the reflection of the mountains in the water. You also might see some wildlife, like deer and bears, so drive safely. When I was there, I had two bears crossing the road right before my car. I was able to step on the brake just in time.
Extra tip: do you have some extra time? You can visit many great waterfalls in Southern Oregon, which are all very close to Crater Lake National Park.
- Campground: Diamond Lake Campground
- Hotel tip: Aspen Inn – Very retro in a great location.
- Travel guide: Crater Lake National Park Map and Illustrated Trails
Day 8: Mount Shasta
Goodbye Oregon, hello California! From Crater Lake, you will see several volcanoes and one of them is Mount Shasta (4322 meters), which is located in California. There are several great trails to be found in this area, you can even hike a section of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
- Campground tip: Castle Crags State Park Campground
- Hotel tip: Mount Shasta Resort
Day 9: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Your next and last stop in California is the third National Park of this Portland to Yellowstone road trip. Lassen Volcanic National Park is not that well-known and because of that, it’s not crowded with tourists.
This park is one of the highlights of this road trip though, the landscape is extraordinary. In some places, you’ll see steam coming from the earth and there’s also boiling mud. You might also see some wildlife, during my short visit I saw multiple deer and a bear. A great preview of Yellowstone!
- Campground tip: Battle Creek Campground
- Hotel tip: Village at Childs Meadow – A great 3* hotel, only a 12-minute drive to the park entrance.
- Travel guide: Hiking Lassen Volcanic National Park: A Guide To The Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures.
Day 10: Reno
After spending a couple of days at National Parks, it’s time for another city. We cross the border and drive from California to Nevada. You’ll stay in Reno for the night, which feels like the low-budget version of Las Vegas.
In Reno, you can get a very fancy hotel room for very little money. Go gambling, enjoy some good food, go shopping, or just relax for a day at the pool. If you feel like hiking, you might want to check out Lake Tahoe, which is only an hour’s drive from Reno.
- Hotel tip: WorldMark Reno – Fancy 4* hotel with great views.
- Fun thing to do: Downtown Reno Pedicab Tour.
- Travel guide: Moon Tahoe & Reno
Day 11: Highway 50 – the loneliest road in the USA
From Reno, you’ll drive all the way through Nevada on Highway 50. This highway is also known as The loneliest road in the USA. For me, this is one of the highlights of this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary, because you’ll get the ultimate USA road trip feeling.
Highway 50 crosses the whole state of Nevada and there is a lot of nothing since there are barely any towns along this road. Don’t forget to get gas wherever you can, because there are not a lot of gas stations on Highway 50.
- Campground: Bob Scott Campground
- Hotel tip: Sundown Lodge – The perfect road trip motel in Eureka.
- Travel guide: America’s Loneliest Road: U.S. 50 and the Lincoln Highway in Nevada
Day 12: Great Basin National Park
Located on Highway 50 is one of the lesser-known US National Parks: Great Basin National Parks. Here, you can visit some caves (make a reservation before you arrive), and you can explore the sights along the scenic roads.
At some viewpoints, you’ll have a great view of the emptiness in Nevada. The small town of Ely is a great place to stay if you’d like to visit Great Basin National Park.
- Campground tip: Elk Flat Campground, Ely
- Hotel tip: Prospector Hotel & Casino – The nicest place to stay on Highway 50.
Day 13: Bonneville Salt Flats & Shoshone Falls
You have a long drive ahead today, so leave early. From Ely, you’ll drive north on Highway 93, which is a very scenic road. Make sure to follow the signs to Wendover, because your first stop will be in Utah!
Near Wendover, you can visit the Bonneville Salt Flats. An enormous white landscape, where people break speed records all the time. Also, a lot of tv series and movies have been filmed here.
Then it’s time to drive further north, into the state of Idaho. The landscape changes again, from the desert with mountains to green, flat, and a lot of farms. One of the most scenic stops in Idaho is Shoshone Falls Park, with some gorgeous waterfalls, which is also known as the Niagara Falls of the West.
- Campground tip: Twin Falls/Jerome KOA
- Hotel tip: The Fillmore Inn – A very cute B&B in the center of town.
- Fun thing to do: Shoshone Falls & City Tour Half-Day Guided Tour.
- Travel guide: Moon Idaho
Day 14: Craters of the Moon National Monument
Another highlight during the road trip in Idaho is Craters of the Moon National Monument. Here you’ll see a lot of black lava rocks from a volcanic eruption many years ago. You can visit some cool caves here (bring a flashlight) en hike some short but fun trails.
After your visit, you’ll drive to the city of Idaho Falls, your last stop before Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park.
- Campground tip: Lava Flow Campground in Craters of the Moon National Monument.
- Hotel tip: Destinations Inn Theme Rooms – Awesome 3* star hotel in a building from 1905 with fun themed rooms.
Read more: Craters of the Moon National Monument: Idaho’s hidden gem
Day 15, 16, and 17: Grand Teton National Park
After being almost the only tourist for a week, you’ll visit one of the most touristic areas in the United States: Grand Teton National Park. It’s a breathtaking place, with meadows filled with gorgeous wildflowers, historic wooden landmarks, a lot of wildlife, and the impressive Teton Mountain range.
No, one day in this extraordinary park is not enough so take your time and explore it all. Hike the trails, and visit all the scenic viewpoints, it is worth spending some time here. Also, the town of Jackson is a really cool place to explore, with many awesome bars, shops, and restaurants.
- Camground tip: Jenny Lake Campground (tents only)
- Hotel tip: Hotel Jackson – Old school with a modern twist. Amazing 4* hotel in the center of town.
- Travel guide: Lonely Planet Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Day 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22: Yellowstone National Park
And after the amazing Grand Teton National Park, you need even more time for the spectacular Yellowstone National Park. This is the last National Park from this Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary and Yellowstone is huge.
The park is located on a supervolcano and there’s a lot to see. The landscape is impressive, with colorful hot springs, large waterfalls, exploding geysers, and impressive rock formations. You’ll also see lots of wildlife, especially bison, who tend to walk in the middle of the road. As you can imagine, there are many traffic jams.
To see all of the highlights in Yellowstone, you’ll need at least five days. If you don’t have that much time and still want to see most of the highlights, I would recommend spending at least 2 days in Yellowstone.
- Campground tip: A campground in the park
- Hotel tip in the park (these sell out quickly): Old Faithful Inn.
- Hotel tip just outside the park: Golden Stone Inn – Very cozy and very close to the western entrance of the park.
- Travel guide: Moon Best of Yellowstone & Grand Teton: Make the Most of One to Three Days in the Parks.
Do you want to read more about Yellowstone? Check out this article: Yellowstone vacation: the ultimate guide
Day 23: Road trip in Montana
Part of Yellowstone National is located in Montana, the next state in this itinerary. This is a great state for a road trip, with long endless roads, many ranches, and scenic villages. A great place to explore is Nevada City. This is a well-preserved ghost town from 1880 (and now a museum).
After a short visit to Montana, you’ll drive back to the state of Idaho for the night.
- Campground tip: Craters of the Moon/Arco KOA
- Hotel tip: Wood River Inn & Suite (Hailey, ID)
Day 24: Day off in Boise/Nampa
I can imagine that you’re quite tired by now thanks to all the impressions. Do you need a break from the highlights? Boise and Nampa are great cities to spend a lazy day. Sleep in, go shopping, enjoy a long meal, relax!
- Campground tip: Meridian/Boise KOA
- Hotel tip: Home2 Suites By Hilton Boise Downtown (3*) – The perfect place for a relaxing day.
- Feel like doing something fun: Check out this Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure.
Day 25: John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Before you know it, you’re back in Oregon! The landscape changes quickly and suddenly you’ll find yourself driving on winding roads in canyons again. One of the most beautiful stops in Oregon is the Sheep Rock district of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
You’ll see some awesome blue/gree mountains, and it’s a great place for a hike. The tiny town of Mitchell (only 130 inhabitants) is a great place to stay.
- Hostel tip: Spoke’n Hostel Lodging & Praise Assembly Mitchell: stay in a dorm or a private room. No set prices, but they accept donations. Highly recommended!
- Hotel tip: John Day Motel – Basic and clean motel.
Day 26: Painted Hills & Cottonwood Canyon State Park
The next day, you’ll discover another section of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: Painted Hills. An impressive landscape where the hills look red and yellow. Very scenic landscape!
After your visit, drive to the north, to the brand new Cottonwood Canyon State Park. This is a valley in a canyon (thanks to the John Day River) and a great place to go hiking, but you can also just relax and enjoy the views.
- Campground tip: Campground Cottonwood Canyon State Park
- Hotel tip: Celilo Inn (The Dallas)
Day 27: Columbia River Gorge
When you leave Cottonwood Canyon State Park, the landscape changes again and you’ll see some large volcanoes on the horizon. On your left side, you’ll see Mount Hood and if you’re lucky, you can also see Mount Rainier. Go north until you get to the Columbia River. From there go left and follow the signs to Portland.
The road along the river is very scenic, at first you’ll drive in a canyon with steep walls, but later it changes into a forest. The small town of Cascade Locks is a great stop for lunch. This is also where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the state line to Washington, over the Bridge of the Gods. This is famous thanks to the movie Wild with Reese Witherspoon.
Between Cascade Locks and Portland, you can also visit several beautiful waterfalls (on the south side of the river). However, there’s not a lot of parking space, so get here early in the morning, otherwise, you’ll end up in a traffic jam.
- Campground tip: Eagle Creek Campground
Hotel tip: Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn (Cascade Locks) - Fun thing to do: 1-Hour Columbia River Sightseeing Cruise on a sternwheeler boat.
- Travel Guide: Moon Columbia River Gorge & Mount Hood: Waterfalls & Wildflowers, Craft Beer & Wine, Hiking & Camping.
Day 28: Back in Portland
And then you’re back in Portland! Do you have some time left? Enjoy the town for a couple of days. There’s plenty to see and to do. Sadly, I didn’t have enough time while I was there, so I stayed in a hotel in Vancouver, which was only a 15-minute drive to the airport. Very convenient!
- Hotel tip (close to the airport): SpringHill Suites by Marriott Portland Vancouver
Tip! Do you have extra time and did you miss the waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge? You can also go on a Columbia Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland.
Portland to Yellowstone road trip Map
Modifications for this road trip itinerary
There are several options to lengthen or shorten this road trip itinerary.
Do you have more time?
Consider spending some time at these places:
- Mount st. Helens National Monument (between Portland and Mount Rainier National Park)
- Stay a little longer in Bend, the city is a lot of fun and the surrounding area is so beautiful!
- Drive further to the north and visit Seattle and Olympic National Park.
Are you short on time?
I can also imagine that 4 weeks might be a little long. Here are some places you can save time:
- Skip Mount Rainier National Park over, that will save you three days.
- Spend less time in Grand Teton and Yellowstone (3 days in total instead of 8 days).
- Drive from Yellowstone straight to Boise. Driving through Montana to Nevada City is quite a d-tour.
Road trip by car or RV
If you don’t bring your own car, you need to get yourself a rental car. I picked up and dropped off my rental car at the airport in Portland. To save time and money, you’ll want to make a reservation beforehand. Check Rental Cars or Discover Cars to find the best deals.
Of course, you can also do this road trip with an RV. Check RVShare.com for the options. Please note that traveling with an RV is usually a little slower, so you might need some more time to finish this Portland to Yellowstoneroad trip.
You also have to check if the campground you want to stay in is suitable for RVs (for example, Jenny Lake in Grand Teton is tents only) and it might be smart to make reservations beforehand.
The best time for this road trip in the Pacific Northwest
A lot of the places on this road trip are covered in snow most of the year, so I would advise doing this in late Spring and Summer. I started my road trip at the end of May, and some of the roads were still closed because of the snow (especially during the first two weeks).
A personal note
This is my Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary. I had a blast! I was road-tripping solo and drove about 4000 miles (6500 kilometers). It was quite a distance, but it certainly was doable and I had plenty of time to take breaks.
This part of the United States is less crowded than the Southwest, so I didn’t need to reserve every accommodation beforehand. I only had reservations for the Oregon Coast and Yellowstone.
Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let me know by dropping a note in the comment section underneath this article.
Would you like to read more about the Pacific Northwest?
Are you excited to explore the Pacific Northwest? Check out one of these amazing guidebooks for more tips and inspiration:
Lonely Planet Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips
Fodor’s Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver, & the Best of Oregon and Washington
More fun USA road trips!
On this website, you can read about more fun USA road trip itineraries. You might also like:
- 5 amazing USA road trip itineraries
- West Coast USA road trip: a spectacular itinerary
- Florida itinerary: an amazing 2-week road trip
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This article was published in May 2020. Last update: September 2022.
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