Northwest Coastal Cruise
From snow-capped mountains to redwood forests and rugged coastlines, explore the wild beauty of America’s Pacific Northwest.
Travel from the emerald city of Seattle to the golden hills of San Francisco on this breathtaking 14-night self-drive adventure through Washington, Oregon and Northern California. Witness volcanic peaks, rainforest valleys and dramatic Pacific shorelines as you journey south through the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Begin in Seattle, famous for its skyline and coffee culture, then explore Olympic National Park’s beaches and mountain trails before crossing into Oregon to experience the lively city of Portland and the deep-blue splendour of Crater Lake.
Continue along Highway 101 through the mighty redwood forests of Northern California and along the scenic “Avenue of the Giants.” Stop in charming Mendocino before your grand finale in San Francisco — where the Golden Gate Bridge marks the perfect ending to an unforgettable coastal journey.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
14 night self drive holiday from £2,199pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Explore Olympic National Park’s glaciers, rainforests and wild beaches
Admire Oregon’s dramatic coastline and lighthouses
Visit spectacular Crater Lake National Park
Walk beneath California’s towering redwood trees and end your journey on San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Your itinerary
Days 1–2: arrive & explore Seattle
Skyscrapers, coffee culture and the vibrant heart of the Pacific Northwest
Arrive in Seattle, where gleaming towers rise over Elliott Bay and Mount Rainier shimmers in the distance. Visit the historic Pike Place Market, home of the first Starbucks and lively fish-throwing vendors. Ride the monorail to the Space Needle for sweeping skyline views, then explore the waterfront, museums, and buzzing food scene that makes Seattle one of America’s most liveable cities. Two nights here let you soak up the energy before your road trip begins.
2 Nights in
Seattle, WA
Arrive &
Explore
DayS 3-4: port angeles & OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Gateway to Olympic National Park and the wild northwest coast
Collect your car and board the ferry across Puget Sound, heading west to the Olympic Peninsula. Port Angeles is your base for exploring the region’s dramatic natural beauty — from alpine peaks to ocean beaches. Relax by Lake Crescent or wander the quaint shops and cafés downtown before your exploration of Olympic National Park.
2 Night at
Port Angeles, WA
85 miles
Day 5: OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK & Lake Quinault
Rainforests, rugged beaches and the untamed beauty of Olympic National Park
Spend the day inside Olympic National Park, a spectacular wilderness of glacier-clad mountains, temperate rainforest and remote coastline. Explore the Hoh Rain Forest where moss-draped trees form an emerald cathedral, or take a beach walk along Rialto or Ruby Beach. In the afternoon, continue to Lake Quinault, surrounded by old-growth forest and serene waters. This peaceful lodge setting offers a perfect final night in Washington State.
1 Night at
Lake Quinault, WA
130 miles
Days 6–7: Portland
Creative spirit, riverside charm and Oregon’s coolest city
Journey south via Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument before arriving in Portland — a city celebrated for its independent spirit, craft breweries and farm-to-table cuisine. Spend two nights exploring its many parks and gardens, including the International Rose Test Garden and tranquil Japanese Gardens. Visit Powell’s City of Books, stroll along the Willamette River or sample food-truck delights in the downtown squares.
2 Nights in
Portland, OR
180 miles
Day 8: Newport
Wild Oregon coastlines and lighthouses on the edge of the Pacific
Head west to Cannon Beach and its iconic Haystack Rock — a natural monolith rising from the surf. Continue south along the spectacular Oregon Coast Highway to Newport, a charming fishing port known for its Yaquina Head Lighthouse and dramatic sea cliffs. Watch sea lions basking in the sun or enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the harbour before settling in for the night.
1 night in
Newport, OR
190 miles
Day 9: Crater Lake National Park
A volcanic masterpiece and one of America’s most beautiful natural wonders
Today’s drive takes you inland to the dazzling blue waters of Crater Lake, formed from a collapsed volcano thousands of years ago. Fed entirely by rain and snow, it’s the deepest lake in the United States and one of the purest anywhere. Circle the rim drive for jaw-dropping views, take a ranger-led walk or simply absorb the stillness of this pristine wilderness.
1 Night at Crater Lake
National Park, OR
235 miles
Days 10–11: Redwood National & State Parks
Walk among giants in California’s majestic redwood forests
Cross into Northern California for two nights near Klamath, where towering coastal redwoods — the tallest trees on earth — stretch toward the sky. Explore scenic drives like Newton B. Drury Parkway or hike shaded trails beneath these ancient giants. Don’t miss the chance to drive your car through a living tree, a true Californian novelty! The blend of ocean mist and redwood scent creates an atmosphere you’ll never forget.
2 Nights in
Klamath, CA
200 miles
Day 12: Mendocino
Coastal cliffs, quaint villages and artistic seaside charm
Follow the legendary “Avenue of the Giants” through Humboldt Redwoods State Park before rejoining the coastline at Mendocino. Perched on rugged cliffs above the Pacific, this pretty town is filled with galleries, craft shops and historic wooden houses. Take a walk in Russian Gulch State Park, where waterfalls plunge into fern-filled canyons, then enjoy a relaxing evening overlooking the ocean.
1 Night in
Mendocino, CA
205 miles
Days 13–14: San Francisco
Cable cars, bay views and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge
Your final leg hugs the California coastline toward San Francisco, where the Golden Gate Bridge welcomes you back to city life. Spend two nights exploring one of America’s most beautiful cities: visit Alcatraz Island, ride a cable car over the steep hills, and stroll along Pier 39. As evening falls, watch the lights sparkle across the bay and toast the end of your unforgettable Pacific Northwest journey.
2 Nights in
San Francisco, CA
165 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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