Spectacular scenery and campervan trips go hand-in-hand, especially along the Oregon coast, outside of Portland.
It isn’t uncommon for visitors to the Beaver State to take campervan trips out of Portland and enjoy the cozy sunset while taking in all there is to see on the road. Oregon has many great outdoorsy areas, especially along its 363-mile long coast. Some of the best campervan road trips Portland offers give scenic views of the pristine beaches and stunning nature the state of Oregon has to offer.
Regardless if you’re a casual camper or just looking for a weekend escape, van life is a growing trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. The Pacific Northwestern region has some of the best campervan Portland trips that allow for weekend getaways that are memorable, fun, and picturesque. Oregon has plenty of coastline photo-worthy scenes such as mountains and national parks.
Weekend campervan trips out of Portland are some of the region’s best things to do, and there’s a very good reason for that. Campervans allow weekend explorers to hop in and escape. Despite the various locations around Portland and Oregon, there are a few weekend campervan trips that stand out among the many, which are certainly worth embarking on.
SEE OUR CAMPERVANSOregon Coast Road Trips
The Oregon coast is vast and one of the Pacific Northwest’s many attractions. The coast stands out from its counterparts in other areas of the U.S. due to beautiful scenery, quaint small towns, amazing vistas, and authentic local culture. The great thing about the Orgon coast is that the entire coastline is completely free to the public. The shorelines, coupled with popular hiking trails, make the Oregon coast packed with amazing activities from whale watching to camping.
Cannon Beach
If there’s one place that must be on your road trip itinerary, especially if you’re a fan of beaches, it’s Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach, which is actually a beach town, is known for its world-renowned Pacific Northwest shores and is a great example of Oregon’s coastal beauty. This coastal town is an iconic landmark known for its scenic adventures, which campervan visitors can’t stop raving about. If you’d like somewhere to park near this picturesque beach, try Sea Ranch Resort or Wrights for Camping, a popular pet-friendly campground. Just a short ride away from the north end of Cannon Beach, you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in the state, such as the Ecola State Park Trail. There’s a reason why residents from nearby towns routinely take weekend trips to Cannon beach. It has a lot to offer fun-loving outdoorsy people and boasts a pristine seaside while retaining the much-revered natural outdoorsy atmosphere.
Newport Beach
Newport, popularly known for Nye Beach, is one of the Oregon coast’s most unique towns with many unique attractions. The beach attracts campers, tide-pool enthusiasts, and even marine researchers! While the beach waterfront area is known for its fishing industry, it’s also a great place to rejuvenate and experience the historical aesthetic and culture of the town. The town sits right off Yaquina Bay and the Pacific Ocean, a perfect spot for campervans and exploration. One of the top places to park your campervan near the coast is the Port of Newport RV Park & Marina. The park has great views of the Yaquina Bridge and is kept neat and tidy. Moreover, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and Cobble Beach Loop Trail are some of the most popular hiking trails around, with the latter being less overcrowded and welcoming to pets.
Oregon National Park Road Trips
Oregon’s national parks are proof of the state’s outstanding nature and beauty. Each park has something different to offer, from forests to mountains. There are numerous sites such as vast landscapes and sparkling blue waters that Oregon State parks are known for.
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is excellent for campervan road trips. The lake is nearly 2000 feet deep, literally the 9th deepest in the world, and was formed by a caldera over 7000 years ago. The park was formed to enhance and preserve Crater Lake and its surrounding ecology. The area comprises what is known as the Cascade Range, which is a series of fascinating volcanoes. There are plenty of activities for families to do in the park, such as hiking, fishing, and even scuba diving. The best places to park your campervan in the park are at Mazama Village Campground, which has about 200 sites, and Lost Creek Campground, which is just 4 miles away. The best trails to hike are the Garfield Peak Trail and the Watchman Peak Trail. Furthermore, Crater Lake National Park is open year-round.
Redwood National Forest and State Parks, California
Redwood National Forest and State Parks are four parks on California’s northern coast and are known for their infamous Redwood trees. The parks’ forests and beaches are all completely protected and have their unique highlights. This world heritage site with the world’s tallest trees has many camping attractions and hiking trails. Some of the most popular places to park and camp are MillCreek Campground, Jedediah Smith Campground, Elk Prairie Campground, and Gold Bluffs Beach Campground. Although pets aren’t allowed, you’ll definitely enjoy hiking Simpson-Reed Grove Trail and Big-Tree Grove Trail, Leiffer Loop Trail, and the partially-paved Lady Bird Johnson Trail.
Scenic Road Trips near Portland
Oregon’s Scenic byways are some of the most treasured in the United States. The famous Columbia River Highway is a great byway to start a road trip near Portland, thanks to its incredible scenery, such as waterfalls.
Mount Hood
Mount Hood is a partially active volcano located 50 miles southeast of Portland. It’s Oregon’s highest mountain and one of America’s most iconic. The mountain’s peak is covered in snow and is known for its glaciers and snowfalls. Some of the best places to park and camp near Mount Hood are Trillium Lake Camping Ground, which is extremely popular and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, and Clear Creek Crossing Campground. Some of the best places to hike near mount hood are the Old Salmon River Trail and ZigZag Canyon.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a National treasure with its spectacular scenery. It has a 4,000 mile-deep canyon. The area is federally regulated and is the state line between Oregon and Washington. The Gorge is known for hiking and fishing and boasts many waterfalls, including the popular Multnomah Falls, the tallest in Oregon. There are many great spots to park and camp in the area, such as Viento State Park Campground and Eagle Creek Campground. Some of the best hiking trails include Multnomah Falls Trail and Dog Mountain Trail, with the latter being more difficult of a hike.
Weekend campervan trips out of Portland are packed with amazing nature, whether it’s a national park or a scenic beach. Let the sunset guide you into moments of blissful and naturally scenic views and attractions that are memorable and exciting. Whether you’re exploring the popular Redwood trees or the infamous Columbia River Gorge, your road trip will certainly allow for picturesque views of an area brimming with culture and national popularity.
Check out a few other blogs that might interest you.
11 Weekend Road Trips on the West Coast in a Campervan
8 Campervan Weekend Road Trips Outside of Seattle
15 Best Weekend Camping Trips Outside of San Francisco
Epic Campervan Road Trips Every Surfer Must Take
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.
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