Best RV Routes in the Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a fantastic region for RV travel, offering stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and numerous outdoor activities. Here are some of the best RV routes in the Northwest:

1. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101)

• Route: Start in Astoria, Oregon, and travel south along the Oregon Coast to Brookings.
• Highlights: Cannon Beach, Tillamook (and the famous cheese factory), Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
• Activities: Beachcombing, hiking, visiting coastal towns, and whale watching.

2. The Cascade Loop (Washington)

• Route: Start in Seattle and follow the loop through the North Cascades, down through the Methow Valley, Chelan, Leavenworth, and Stevens Pass before returning to Seattle.
• Highlights: North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan, Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, and Stevens Pass.
• Activities: Hiking, fishing, wine tasting, and enjoying mountain views.

3. Columbia River Gorge

• Route: Start in Portland, Oregon, and travel east along Interstate 84 to The Dalles, then cross into Washington and return west along Highway 14.
• Highlights: Multnomah Falls, Hood River, Maryhill Museum of Art, Columbia River viewpoints.
• Activities: Hiking, windsurfing, wine tasting, and visiting waterfalls.

4. Oregon's Historic Highway 30

• Route: Begin in Troutdale, Oregon, and follow the scenic highway through the Columbia River Gorge.
• Highlights: Multnomah Falls, Crown Point Vista House, Bonneville Dam, and various scenic viewpoints.
• Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, and photography.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

• Route: Start in Seattle or Tacoma and head southeast to Mount Rainier National Park.
• Highlights: Paradise, Sunrise, and various scenic byways around the mountain.
• Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring glaciers.

6. Olympic Peninsula Loop

• Route: Start in Olympia, Washington, and circle the Olympic Peninsula via Highway 101.
• Highlights: Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rain Forest, Rialto Beach, and Lake Quinault.
• Activities: Beachcombing, hiking, exploring rainforests, and wildlife viewing.

7. Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast

• Route: Start at Crater Lake National Park, travel west to Eugene, and then head south along the coast on Highway 101.
• Highlights: Crater Lake, Eugene, Oregon Dunes, Bandon, and Cape Blanco.
• Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, and exploring coastal towns.

8. The Lewis and Clark Trail

• Route: Follow the Columbia River from Astoria, Oregon, through the Tri-Cities in Washington, and into Idaho.
• Highlights: Fort Clatsop, Columbia River Gorge, Sacajawea State Park, and Hells Canyon.
• Activities: Historical sites, hiking, and scenic viewpoints.

9. The Idaho Panhandle

• Route: Travel from Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint and then up to Bonners Ferry and the Canadian border.
• Highlights: Coeur d'Alene Lake, Sandpoint's artsy downtown, and the wilderness areas near Bonners Ferry.
• Activities: Boating, hiking, and exploring small towns.

10. Glacier National Park and the Northern Rockies

• Route: Travel from Spokane, Washington, through Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and up to Glacier National Park in Montana.
• Highlights: Lake Coeur d'Alene, Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park.
• Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring mountain landscapes.

Each of these routes offers a unique glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the Pacific Northwest, making them ideal for RV travelers seeking adventure and scenic views