This Pacific Northwest road trip begins and ends in Portland, but can be picked up anywhere along the route. It takes you through high desert reservoirs, historic Oregon Trail locales, fish-filled rivers, dense pine forests, boggy marshlands, and more.
We selected these parks and crafted this Pacific Northwest RV itinerary to expand your understanding of the Pacific Northwest. So get ready to be inspired to hit the road!
First Stop: Cove Palisades State Park, Oregon
– 3-hour drive from Portland
Located in the heart of Central Oregon, Cove Palisades State Park is situated where the Deschutes and Metolius rivers converge in a deep, sheer-walled gorge of volcanic basalt. The river waters are impounded by the Round Butte Dam, creating Lake Billy Chinook. The rivers and lake make the park a popular destination for camping and watersports. The scenic high desert landscape also makes Cove Palisades a favorite hiking spot in the region.
Second Stop: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area, Oregon
– 4-hour drive from Cove Palisades
Although not very far from Cove Palisades, Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area will feel like a world away. Emigrant Springs is nestled in an old-growth forest near the summit of the Blue Mountains. Surrounded by towering pines, here you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the forest with a hike, horse ride, or an overnight stay in a traditional campsite or log cabin. The area was also a popular pioneer stop over along the Oregon Trail, so you can feel like you’ve stepped back in time and experienced what the earlier settlers did hundreds of years ago.
Third Stop: Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, Oregon
– 2-hour drive from Emigrant Springs
Farewell Bend State Recreation Area combines the topography of a rolling desert with the wide shoreline of the Snake River’s Brownlee Reservoir. There are historic markers and interpretive displays with information on the area’s significance for the Oregon Trail. Campers can fish, waterski, or boat on the reservoir, or use the area as a base for exploring the Snake River Water Trail. There are 114 campsites, including two cabins, so you can take a break from the camper throughout your Pacific Northwest RV itinerary.
Fourth Stop: Ponderosa State Park, Idaho
– 2-hour drive from Farewell Bend
As you might suspect, Ponderosa State Park gets its name from the towering ponderosa pine inhabiting the area. The forest comprises mostly of this species of tree, as well as Douglas fir, grand fir, lodgepole pine, and western larch. The forested lakeside trails and campsite are at the heart of the park, although the perimeters extend far beyond into diverse topography that includes arid sagebrush flats and spongy marshlands. The park’s network of hiking and biking trails takes visitors deep into the changing natural landscapes. You can also try guided walks with park naturalists, or take part in evening campfire programs. There are 172 campsites, including a cabin camper and 19 deluxe cabins.
Fifth Stop: Three Island Crossing State Park, Idaho
– 3.5-hour drive from Ponderosa State Park
Three Island Crossing State Park brings together natural beauty and historical significance. Located on the Snake River, Three Island Crossing boasts a winding river in a high desert landscape, while also featuring The Oregon Trail History & Education Center. Here, visitors can learn about the pioneer settlers and Native American history in the area. Just a few hundred yards from the park is also a winery and golf club, if you feel like a more sophisticated afternoon during your Pacific Northwest RV trip. There are plenty of campsites, with nearly 90 available for rent.
Sixth Stop: Lake Owyhee State Park, Oregon
– 6.5-hour drive from Three Island Crossing
A remote oasis on the eastern edge of Oregon, Lake Owyhee State Park beckons campers and boaters to its desert canyon reservoir. Some of the reservoir’s incredible geology is visible only by boat, which is part of the reason many boaters return year after year. Anglers throw their lines in for largemouth bass and white and black crappie. The reservoir also has catfish and is occasionally stocked with rainbow trout. Wildlife lovers may spy golden eagles, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and wild horses. Sixty-seven campsites are available including one cabin.
Seventh Stop: Tumalo State Park, Oregon
– 7-hour drive from Lake Owyhee
– 3-hour drive to Portland
Nestled in the heart of sunshine-filled central Oregon just a few miles north of Bend, you’ll find Tumalo State Park resting along the shores of Oregon’s spectacular Deschutes River. No Pacific Northwest RV itinerary would be complete without a stop here. The river is a favorite among rainbow trout anglers as well as inner-tubers who float the river on hot summer days. There are plenty of scenic hikes and biking trails to take along the river and beyond into the hills covered in forests and pristine alpine lakes. The campground consists of 23 full hook-up and 54 tent sites, 7 yurts, and 2 group campsites.
Check out our other road trip itineraries to help plan your next adventure:
- Mountain States Road Trip Itinerary (traveling through Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming)
- Gulf Coast Road Trip (explore Florida, Mississippi, and Texas)
- A Blues Road Trip (from Memphis to New Orleans)
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.