Planning a road trip stirs up a different type of excitement than the average vacation. With nothing but the open road ahead, a sense of freedom and possibility overcomes you. While exploring your route, you often come across unexpected finds—a breathtaking natural scene, a unique show of wildlife. Though half the fun of these types of trips comes from the unknown, you still need to do some research and planning before you pack the car. On this Pacific and Mountain states road trip itinerary, you’ll discover enchanting national forests, stunning coastal drives, and more.
If this Pacific and Mountain states road trip itinerary inspires you, check out one of our East Coast road trip ideas to explore the country’s other coast. No matter where you decide to explore, you’ll find dozens of Select Registry properties along the way offering top-notch accommodations, friendly service, and a one-of-a-kind experience.
Destinations to Add to Your Pacific and Mountain States Road Trip Itinerary
Depending on where you’re leaving from, Washington state can be a great starting point before moving down into Oregon, then east into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. If you’re beginning your trip further inland, it may be best to reverse the route, ending in one of the states along the coast. Regardless of which order you visit each destination, you should add these stops to your Pacific and Mountain states road trip itinerary.
Washington State
Olympic National Park
Beginning on the coast of Washington in the western corner, you’ll find one of the state’s most popular outdoor attractions—Olympic National Park. Here, you’ll stumble upon a wide array of ecosystems and environments from the glacier-capped peak of Mount Olympus and the stunning Olympic mountains to beautiful rainforests and more than 70 miles of coastline. Covering close to one million acres, the park offers countless trails and sights that you can explore over the course of several days.
Stay In Port Angeles
One of the largest nearby cities, Port Angeles, is the perfect place to stay while you spend time exploring the Olympic National Park. Select Registry has three unique properties in the city for you to choose from:
Colette’s Bed and Breakfast: Stay at this oceanfront estate to take advantage of the beach and the beautiful Strait of Juan de Fuca nearby. The gorgeous ten-acre property includes natural spectacles like stately cedar trees, a lush wooded area, and enchanting gardens. All rooms offer private entrances and many include a fireplace and two-person Jacuzzi.
George Washington Inn: Overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca in Port Angeles, the George Washington Inn offers gorgeous views of the water and the potential to spot whales during their migration season. Modeled after George and Martha Washington’s home, the inn boasts beautiful, spacious rooms and is adjacent to a lavender farm.
Mount Rainier National Park
Another can’t-miss stop along your Pacific and Mountain state road trip, Mount Rainier National Park is home to the country’s fifth highest peak. With tons of attractions and activities, you could easily spend a week exploring this park. Take a ride on the scenic gondola from June through September, ski Crystal Mountain in the winter or enjoy dinner on the peak during the summer, and trek through the many trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Stay at Carson Ridge or Cameo Heights Mansion on Your Way to Oregon
Cameo Heights Mansion: If you’re planning to head into Oregon from the southeastern side of Washington, you should spend the night in the gorgeous Cameo Heights Mansion. Located in Walla Walla wine country, this luxurious lodge shares the property with an orchard and vineyard while offering guests access to an outdoor pool and hot tub.
Oregon
While driving through Oregon, we highly recommend stopping in the quirky city of Portland to experience the diverse culinary scene, unique coffee shops, and local breweries. Once you’ve experienced city life, you should either head inland to explore more national parks or drive along the coast and take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Where to Stay
Channel House: Located along the coast of Oregon in Depoe Bay, the Channel House sits atop a cliff overlooking the ocean. This luxurious resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re traveling as a couple. Many of the rooms offer hot tubs on the deck allowing guests to soak while enjoying the unparalleled view.
Whale Cove Inn: Set right along the Coastal Highway, Whale Cove Inn is the perfect spot to stop during a road trip. Stay in one of their stunning rooms overlooking Whale Cove, a marine refuge and state scenic viewpoint.
Wyoming
While natural beauty is widespread in this Mountain state, travelers are always most interested in seeing Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks. Easily one of the country’s most popular outdoor sites, Yellowstone is actually the world’s first national park and home to volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and an endless number of hiking trails. The Grand Tetons are another beautiful park to visit while in Wyoming. Jutting from the earth more than 13,000 feet in the air, the Grand Teton mountains are a truly breathtaking sight as you hike through the park.
Stay Select!
As you finalize your Pacific and Mountain state road trip itinerary, be sure to stop at some of these unique Select Registry properties along the way. After driving for hours at a time and exploring national parks, you’ll want a comfortable place to come back and relax at the end of the day. For more ideas on destinations filled with excitement, check out our properties near outdoor adventures!
