Volcanoes, Valleys and Vines
Self-Drive Tour
From the diverse, independent scene in Portland, the misty Pacific coastline, Crater Lake National Park and craggy mountain peaks and lava fields, Oregon provides a vast study in contrasts. Journey around the state full of stunning natural attractions, as windswept beaches give way to sweeping rangelands, towering rock formations and dramatic river valleys as you discover hidden travel gems of the Pacific Northwest.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4-5
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Day 6-7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10-11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
Day 1 : UK - Portland
Arrive in Portland today and make the short journey from the airport to your downtown hotel for a 2-night stay.
Day 2 : Portland
Explore Portland today. The city blends outdoor adventure with a vibrant arts and culinary scene set against the backdrop of Mount Hood. Known as a top U.S. foodie destination, the city offers everything from craft breweries to award-winning restaurants and food carts, which have become an iconic part of the city’s identity. With over 200 parks and gardens, the city is also a haven for outdoor lovers. The urban buzz can also be seen in the thriving maker community and passion for sustainability.
Day 3 : Astoria (98 miles)
Collect your rental car and depart for the coastal city of Astoria. Perched at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is Oregon’s oldest city where a fishing village meets Victoriana. Spend the night here discovering museums and great local brews.
Day 4-5 : Pacific Coast (90 miles)
Depart Astoria and drive U.S. 101 – the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. Driving from north to south enables you to stop at numerous stunning viewpoints and State Parks with ease, such as Ecola and Cape Perpetua. There are many characterful coastal communities to spend 2 nights in as you take it slowly on this All-American Road.
Day 6-7 : Ashland (299 miles)
You may wish to continue further down the coast today before heading inland to Ashland, home to the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival with performances running from February to October and ranked in the top 10 Best Small Art Towns in America. Check into your hotel for a 2-night stay in this cultural hotspot, with a tree-shaded downtown, nearby vineyards and distinctive shops.
Day 8 : Crater Lake – Bend (185 miles)
On your drive from Ashland to Bend, stop at Crater Lake National Park. Covered in snow for most of the year, drive part of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway to arrive at Crater Lake, where eons of eruptions and lava flows left a heritage of cinder cones and America’s deepest lake. The crisp air and sapphire blue water are mesmerising, and you may wish to take a tour departing from the Visitor Centre around the 33-mile rim drive. Continue to Bend where you will spend the next 2-nights.
Day 9 : Bend
Bend is famous for recreation, with hiking and biking trails and impressive Smith Rock State Park with its soaring rock spires nearby. Bend’s award-winning dining and shopping make it the perfect break from your drive. You may wish to visit the town of Sisters just 30 minutes away with charming western 1880s facades and small-town ambience.
Day 10-11 : Baker City (231 miles)
Depart for Baker City today and step back in time to the frontier days, when this was the epicentre of Oregon’s gold rush. On the way, make sure to stop at the Painted Hills, where you can see millions of years of history revealed in the layers of mountains of earth, one colour at a time. Best seen in the late afternoon, the Painted Hills are one of three units that make up the John Day Fossil Beds. Arrive in Baker City later for a 2-night stay. You can also visit Hells Canyon from Baker City – plummeting more than 2,438 metres, dwarfing the Grand Canyon.
Day 12 : Pendleton (95 miles)
The west is still wild in Pendleton. Learn about native tribes, attend a rodeo and drink craft beers all in the same day as you stay here overnight. Browse for cowboy hats and other fine art and accessories at Hamley & Co. Western Store, a fixture in downtown since 1905.
Day 13 : Hood River (146 miles)
Your drive today features jaw-dropping scenery as you arrive in Hood River, at the crossroads of the Columbia River Gorge and the Cascade Range. Hood River is full of scenic trails, wineries and farm-to-table dining. Experience as much as you can as you spend the night here.
Day 14 : Portland (63 miles)
Continue driving along the Columbia River as you make your way back to Portland. A photo stop at Multnomah Falls is a must before you arrive back in the city and return your car for your final night.
Day 15 : Portland - UK
Make your own way back to the airport in time for your departure flight.
