10-Day Oregon Road Trip Itinerary: from The Pacific Coast, to the High Desert
- Sweet Travel Tales
- Oct 24, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Oregon is a land of stunning contrasts — from misty coastal cliffs to golden deserts, from lush forests to jagged volcanic peaks. On this 10-day road trip, I explored the incredible diversity of Oregon’s ecosystems and landscapes, traveling from the Pacific Coast all the way to the High Desert — 1,400 miles of pure adventure. As the journey took me farther into remote areas, hotel options became scarce, making campgrounds the perfect choice for most of the trip. I ended my journey in a beautiful retreat nestled along the Columbia River Gorge. Let’s get started!
Days 1–2: Cannon Beach & Ecola State Park
My journey began at the iconic Cannon Beach, where the famous Haystack Rock — a 235-foot sea stack — towers dramatically over the shoreline. It’s one of those places that feels both iconic and intimate. Even if you’ve seen it in a hundred photos, it still takes your breath away in person.
Spend your afternoon walking along the beach, breathing in the salty air and taking in the sweeping ocean views. When the sun begins to set, the golden glow trapped in the mist is simply unforgettable.
A short drive north leads you to Ecola State Park, where forested trails wind toward panoramic lookouts over the rugged coastline. I hiked, got a little lost, and didn’t care — every corner was better than the last. If you want a quick win, the Ecola Point Trail delivers that wow moment (sunrise or sunset — both so are worth it!).
Top Highlights & tips
Haystak Rock - strech you legs on Cannon Beach & walk to the iconic rock
Ecola Point Trail - 2.5 miles round trip, easy, unbeatable ocean views.
Indian Beach Trail - another short stunner for surfers and sunset chasers.
Stay: Sea Ranch Resort campground (Use App the DYRT to make reservations)
Tip: Come at low tide to explore the tide pools around Haystack Rock — but watch for nesting puffins in spring!
Day 3: Silver Falls State Park – The Trail of Ten Falls
Drive inland toward the Willamette Valley and spend a day exploring Silver Falls State Park, often called the “Crown Jewel” of Oregon’s state parks.
The Trail of Ten Falls is a 7.8-mile loop that takes you past — and even behind — several spectacular waterfalls, including the famous South Falls. Walking behind the massive South Falls was definitely a highlight! The lush forest, moss-covered rocks, and the constant sound of rushing water make this one of Oregon’s most magical hikes.
Top Highlights & tips
Trail of Ten Falls — a moderate 7.8-mile loop , 3–4 hours. South Falls is the showstopper.
South Falls Trail — 45 min–1 hr, a shorter option with equally stunning views where you walk behind the fall
Tip: Bring a rain jacket and waterproof shoes. Even on sunny days, you’ll get drenched by waterfall mist.
Stay: Tumalo State Park Campground
Days 4–5: Crossing the Cascades to the Alvord Desert
Leaving the greenery of the Cascades behind, the scenery transforms dramatically. The drive to the Alvord Desert is one of the longest stretches of the trip — but incredibly rewarding.
As you approach the Steens Mountains, the sense of remoteness deepens. Peaks rise sharply above the horizon, and beyond them, the Alvord Desert stretches endlessly — a vast, white playa that was once a lake.
Before entering the area, make sure to refuel — gas is only available in a few small towns: Frenchglen (west of Steens), Crane (east), and Fields (south).
A few miles past Frenchglen, the road turns to gravel — adding a real sense of adventure to this Oregon road trip!
Make a stop at the Alvord Hot Springs, the only campground in the region. It’s rustic but unforgettable — soaking in the steaming tubs while gazing out over the desert is pure magic.
You can drive out onto the playa with no set direction — just avoid the darker, muddy patches where cars get stuck.
Travelers even land small planes out there! There’s a feeling of total freedom — like the world suddenly feels bigger again.
At night, the stars came out brighter than I’d ever seen, and the temperature dropped fast (pack those layers!). The swing between day and night can exceed 20°C.
Adventurous travelers can also explore the canyons of the Steens Mountains from Frenchglen — an off-the-beaten-path gem of Oregon’s wild east.
Top Highlights & Tips
Soak at Alvord Hot Springs — rustic tubs with unbeatable desert views.
Drive the Steens Mountain Loop (seasonal) — wild canyon overlooks and alpine meadows.
Tips:
Refuel before you arrive — gas options are limited. (Frenchglen, Fields, Crane)
Pack layers — temperatures drop quickly at night, even in summer.
Stay: Camp or book a rustic cabin at Alvord Hot Springs.
Day 6: Painted Hills & Mitchell
Heading north, the landscapes shift once again as you reach the Painted Hills, part of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The hills’ brilliant red, yellow, and gold hues glow most vividly at sunset — it’s a surreal, otherworldly place that feels like stepping into a painting. Photos don’t even come close.
Each color marks a different era in time — a record of shifting climates, volcanic activity, and ancient ecosystems that once thrived here. It’s like reading the Earth’s diary, written in color. Did you know that:
Red and orange hues come from ancient soils rich in iron that formed in warm, humid climates.
Yellow and gold tones represent drier periods with oxidized minerals.
Black and gray streaks are layers of volcanic ash from eruptions that once blanketed the region
When I arrived at the overlook near sunset, the hills shimmered in shades of gold, red, and ochre — layers of time and minerals painted across the earth.
It’s one of those places where you just stand still and stare, trying to take it all in.
For lodging, I highly recommend The Spoke’n Hostel in nearby Mitchell — a converted community church turned into a warm, welcoming guesthouse. Whether you choose a private room or a bunk, the hospitality and charm are unmatched.
Top Highlights & tip
Painted Hills Overlook Trail — 0.5 mile, easy trail offering a amazing perspective on the hills
Carroll Rim Trail — 1.6 miles round trip for a higher perspective.
Tip: Arrive in late afternoon for the richest tones and fewer crowds.
Stay: Spoke’n Hostel, Mitchell — a converted church turned cozy guesthouse. Friendly hosts, affordable, and full of character.
Days 7–8: Smith Rock State Park
Continuing west, I reached Smith Rock State Park, a paradise for hikers and climbers. Its jagged peaks — remnants of ancient volcanic eruptions — rise dramatically above the Crooked River, making it one of Oregon’s most iconic natural landmarks.
The Misery Ridge Trail (which, yes, earns its name) is the most popular route — a 3.7-mile loop with a steep ascent and jaw-dropping views at the top.
From the summit, I could see the Cascade peaks — Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters — glowing in the afternoon light.
Spend two days here soaking it all in — watch climbers move up the rock faces like dancers, sit by the river in the evenings, and just enjoy the peace of this incredible place.
Top Highlights & tip:
Misery Ridge Trail - moderate to strenuous, 3–4 hours. Steep climb, but the views are unbeatable.
Crooked River Trail - An easy, 4.3-mile trail that runs along the river, offering views of the canyon and climbing routes
Canyon Trail and Homestead Trail - An easy, 1.5-mile loop that provides a nice, scenic stroll through the park
Stay: Smith Rock State Park campground (Use App the DYRT to make reservations)
Tip: Start early to beat the heat. The morning light is perfect for photos, and the rocks glow at sunrise.
Day 9: Shaniko Ghost Town
Ever walked through a ghost town? Shaniko is the real deal. Once a booming wool-trading hub, it’s now quiet, eerie, and frozen in time.
I wandered through the old bank, church, and schoolhouse — it felt like stepping straight into a Western movie set. There’s not much happening here (especially off-season), but that’s part of the charm — Oregon’s history just sitting out in the open.
Day 10: Mount Hood & Columbia River Gorge
The final stretch leads toward Mount Hood, where the air grows cooler and pine forests return. Many travelers camp at Trillium Lake, where, on clear days, the snow-capped mountain reflects perfectly in the still water.
Alternatively, base yourself in Hood River, White Salmon, or Bingen to explore the Columbia River Gorge area.
If time allows, visit the majestic Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot cascade and one of the Pacific Northwest’s most photographed landmarks.
It’s easily accessible — just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot — but visit early or near sunset to avoid the crowds.
For a moderate challenge, hike to the top via the Larch Mountain Trail (2.3 miles round trip, 820 ft elevation gain, about 1.5–2 hours).
End your trip with a cozy stay at The Society Hotel, offering everything from stylish bunk rooms to private cottages and a rejuvenating spa.If you prefer glamping, Under Canvas Mount Hood delivers a luxury-in-nature experience surrounded by forest serenity.
Top Highlights & tip:
Trillium Lake Loop - Easy 1.9-mile hike around the lake with beautiful views of Mt.Hood. Park fee required
Multnomah Falls - Larch mountain Trail 2.30-mile with steep ascent
Stay - Trillium Lake campground, (Use App the DYRT to make reservations), The Society Hotel (https://thesocietyhotel.com/bingen/, Under Canvas (www.undercanvas.com)
Tip - Start very early to beat the crowd specially in high season. The parking area is conveniently located accross the falls.
Final Thoughts
After 1,400 miles of winding roads, towering cliffs, and endless desert skies, this Oregon road trip gave me a deep appreciation for the state’s incredible diversity — from ocean beaches to volcanic peaks, from roaring waterfalls to sunbaked plains. The vast territories and long stretches of gravel roads gave me a rare sense of remoteness that stayed with me throughout this journey. From the misty Pacific Coast to the rugged landscapes of Eastern Oregon, each region felt unique, each stop revealing a new facet of the state’s wild, untamed beauty. It was, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve ever taken.
Useful links
Favorite Travel Apps:
The Dyrt: To plan and book most campground i have used a very practical App call the Dyrt. https://thedyrt.com/
You can find a few of them on the App Store, but I liked the ergonomics and practicality of this one — it allowed me to book directly and design my itinerary with ease.
All Trails: www.alltrails.com Love this app — it lists all the nearby hikes based on your location and gives you details about length and difficulty so you can plan ahead.
State Park Apps: recreation.gov real time updates about visits at local state parks including campground options, entrance fees.
Accomodations:
The Society Hotel, Bingen, Washington https://thesocietyhotel.com/bingen/
The Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach https://stephanieinn.com
Under Canvas, White Salmon, Washington www.undercanvas.com
The Spoken Hostel, Mitchell, Oregon https://www.spokenhostel.org
