North America

Day 1 - 2 : Seattle

Seattle has one of the most scenic settings in America, curved around the shore of Elliott Bay, with lake Washington behind and the snowy peak of Mount Rainier hovering faintly in the distance. With glass skyscrapers gleaming across the bay, the city combines its superb natural surrounding with a modern skyline. 

Day 3 : Seattle - Quinault

Distance: 153 miles

Lake Quinault has been a popular destination since the 1900s when Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed it as part of Olympic National Park. However, the glacier-carved lake is not the only outstanding natural landmark in this area. The Quinault Rainforest is possibly the most beautiful of the rainforests within the park. With thick and impressive groves, which fan off from the road, the forest is scattered with various hiking trails. One of the best of these is the half-mile Maple Glade Trail on the north shore of the lake.

Day 4 : Quinault - Astoria

Distance: 127 miles

Astoria, a fishing and cannery town founded in 1811 along the Columbia River, is the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains and the oldest city in Oregon.  It was settled by employees of John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company and was central to the regional fur trade.  

Today, modern Astoria is small town heaven.  An eclectic mix of fisherman and artists who have seen the town reinvent itself it weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. Astoria has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.”

Day 5 : Astoria - Newport

Distance: 134 miles

Newport, established in 1882, is a bustling fish town with the heart of the city along the waterfront of Aquinas Bay.  Fishing fleets and fresh seafood markets live in tandem with galleries, gift shops, restaurants and family attractions. Two places of interest, definitely worth visits, are the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Centre.

Day 6 - 7 : Newport - Crater Lake

Distance: 237 miles

Over 6,500 years ago Mount Mazama blew up, with an explosion more than forty times stronger than the Mount St. Helens blast, leaving behind a deep bowl that is Crater Lake!  In 1902 Crater Lake became Oregon's only National Park when President Theodore Roosevelt signed the bill. 

The Lake itself is extraordinary and is surrounded by dozens of trails and climbs to magnificent lookouts over its eerie volcanic formations and impossibly blue waters. Trips on the Lake are a must, speak to Bon Voyage about the best way to do this.

Day 8 : Crater Lake - Bend

Distance: 105 miles

Bordered by mountainous pine forests on the west, in the high desert of central Oregon, Bend has just about every outdoor activity on offer from kayaking and rafting to snowmobiling and skiing. After taking advantage of all the recreational opportunities, relax in one of the many restaurants, browse through the unique galleries or learn about the region's setters in the Des Chutes Historical Centre.

Day 9 - 10 : Bend - Portland

Distance: 175 miles

In 1885 Portland was named after Portland, Maine, following a coin toss between its two East Coast founders. Although the city is a less obvious tourist destination it is a pleasant surprise to many of its visitors. With its many quaint bookstores, galleries, parks and restaurants people find there is more to do than imagined. Portland is also the perfect base for exploring the surrounding coastal and mountain areas.

Day 11 : Portland - Mount Rainier

Distance: 178 miles

Mount Rainier contains vast expanses of pristine old-growth forests, sub alpine flower meadows and spectacular alpine scenery. The glacier clad Mountain is the highest peak in the Cascades and is also said to be one of the most awesome mountains in the world.

Day 12 - 13 : Mount Rainier - Winthrop

Distance: 322 miles

The valley around Winthrop offers white water rafting, spectacular hiking in the North Cascades, horseback riding, fishing and cross country skiing. 

Winthrop itself is a pretty, tree lined town filled with stores selling local crafts and jewellery, an odd outdoor cafe or two and small quirky restaurants. It's a delight to visit.  We also have a favourite retreat hotel here, call to find out more!  

Day 14 : Winthrop - Seattle

Distance: 199 miles

Spend your final night and morning in Seattle sight-seeing and last minute shopping. 

Why not extend your holiday and cross the border into Canada for a visit to Vancouver? Or perhaps head to one of the Hawaiian Islands for some relaxation before heading home?

Call the experts at Bon Voyage to discuss your ideal Washington and Oregon fly-drive.