PNW Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Days in a Roadsurfer Van Through the Pacific Northwest
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From hiking old-growth forest trails to wandering coastal surf towns, sleeping on tribal lands to trading stays for cider flights—here’s what it’s really like to rent a Roadsurfer van and road trip around the Pacific Northwest for a week.
Experiencing van life has been on my bucket list for a while now. So when I heard Roadsurfer was launching in new cities across the United States, I pitched them a simple idea: I’ll help spread the word about your expansion if you lend me a van to take on a road trip from one of your new hubs. They said yes and I hit the road from Seattle in their Liberty Lodge, a sprinter-style Class B camper van, ready to map out the scenic PNW itinerary I’d always dreamed of.
Liberty Lodge Specs
Seats and sleeps up to 4 adults
Indoor toilet and warm shower
Spacious kitchen with sink, stovetop, and fridge
Pop-up rooftop tent
Interior dining table with swivel driver and front passenger seats
The Pacific Northwest has long been high on my list of U.S. destinations to explore, but I’d never had the chance to dive in—and definitely never imagined doing it by camper van. With eight days and a Roadsurfer van fully equipped for off-grid adventure, I was free to chase coastlines, wander through national parks, visit tribal lands, and sip my way through the region’s famed wine and craft beer scene. I mapped out what turned into an epic Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary—and now that I’ve lived it, I’d do it all over again.
So if you're planning a PNW road trip or curious about what it's like to travel the Pacific Northwest by van, here’s exactly how my route shaped up:
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Day 1: Seattle to Lake Crescent
Lunch stop: Pick-Quick Drive-In near Tacoma
Camp: Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent
I picked up my Roadsurfer camper van just minutes from the Seattle airport (super convenient) and hit the road. Their Liberty Lodge van was fully stocked with everything I needed: bedding, cookware, a French press, can opener, and even camp chairs for relaxing outdoors.
My first pullover was for lunch at the very retro Pick-Quick Drive-In for a cheeseburger and blackberry shake, plus a grocery stop later in Port Angeles to load the van’s mini-fridge and pantry. With the fridge stocked, I then visited the Elwha Klallam Museum, also in Port Angeles and housed in a historic Carnegie Library. This small but powerful space shares the stories and resilience of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe—the perfect introduction to the Indigenous roots of the Olympic Peninsula I’d be driving all over these first few days of the road trip.
From Port Angeles, I drove into Olympic National Park and settled into my first night of van life at Fairholme Campground, nestled among moss-draped trees beside the glacier-carved Lake Crescent. Falling asleep to gentle rain on the van’s roof made it all feel surreal—and kind of magical, too.
Day 2: Lake Crescent to Neah Bay
Highlights: Sol Duc Falls, Hot Springs, Cape Flattery
Camp: Hobuck Beach Resort
I woke up to blue skies and a glassy reflection on Lake Crescent, then drove over to the trailhead for Sol Duc Falls—one of the most scenic waterfalls in Olympic National Park. From there, I treated myself to a 90-minute soak at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where three mineral hot spring pools and one freshwater pool made for a dreamy midday recharge.
Continuing west to Neah Bay, I stopped at the Makah Museum (a must-see)—also the place to purchase your Makah recreation pass, which is required to visit nearby natural sites like Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. That night, I camped at Hobuck Beach Resort, a tribally owned campground just steps from the Pacific, where the waves were crashing, surfers were out, and the vibe was relaxed.
Just before sunset, I made it to the Cape Flattery Trail, and I’m so glad I did. The views were jaw-dropping: rugged sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and endless ocean. This westernmost point in the continental U.S. is not only beautiful; It also holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Makah people.
Day 3: Neah Bay to La Push
Hikes: Hoh Rain Forest’s Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail
Camp: Mora Campground
I spent the morning immersed in the lush, moss-draped magic of the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the most iconic ecosystems in Olympic National Park. I started with the Hall of Mosses Trail and followed it with the Spruce Nature Trail—both short, scenic hikes through old-growth forest. Be sure to have your Olympic National Park pass handy, as it’s required for access.
From there, I drove to the remote coastal village of La Push, where I stopped for lunch at River's Edge Restaurant—a tribal-run eatery with sweeping views of sea stacks and an enticing menu of Native-inspired cuisine. I ordered the fry bread burger and a local beer, which made for the perfect refuel before hiking again.
Next up: Second Beach. It was a short but memorable trail that went through lush forest to the dramatic coastline, where sea stacks rise from the surf (see the route on AllTrails). I ended the day at Mora Campground, located just inland from Rialto Beach and just outside the Quileute reservation. Tucked among trees with a short trail to a river that feeds into the ocean, it was the peaceful recharge I didn’t know I needed.
Day 4: La Push to Fort Stevens State Park & Campground
Stops: Ruby Beach, Tree of Life, Lake Quinault, Clark's Restaurant, Fort George Brewery
Camp: Fort Stevens State Park
This day was packed with both spontaneous detours and scenic must-sees along Highway 101. I pulled over at Ruby Beach, where I made lunch (mac and cheese on the van stove—unbeatable with that coastal view), then stopped at the Tree of Life, a dramatic gravity-defying wonder near Kalaloch Campground that’s become an iconic Olympic Peninsula road trip photo op.
From there, my next spontaneous pullover was to see the World's Largest Sitka Spruce, a quick and worthwhile detour if you're a fan of epic, old, and record-breaking trees. Afterward, I couldn’t resist a retro roadside stop at Clark's Restaurant for a peanut butter milkshake—an old-school gem right off the highway that dates back to the 1920s.
Not every moment was picture-perfect: I misjudged a tight coffee drive-thru and scraped the van a few hours later... Thankfully, I had chosen to add on Roadsurfer’s Complete Carefree package which had me covered for the damages. I carried on, after filing a quick accident report, with only my pride slightly bruised.
I crossed into Oregon, grabbed a quick beer at Fort George Brewery in Astoria, and wrapped the night at the KOA campground in Fort Stevens State Park, where I learned how to hook up the van to power and refill the fresh water tank for the first time—a slightly nerve-wracking but ultimately empowering van life milestone that now meant I had a grey water tank I’d have to learn how to empty too...
Day 5: Fort Stevens to Tillamook & My First Harvest Hosts Stay
Highlights: Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Sleepy Monk Coffee, Pelican Brewing
Camp: Blue Heron French Cheese Co. (a Harvest Hosts site)
I started the morning with a quiet walk through Fort Stevens State Park, following its web of forested trails to the famous Peter Iredale Shipwreck on Delaura Beach—a rusted hull with a haunting beauty that makes it one of the Oregon Coast’s most photographed landmarks.
From there, I hit the road toward Cannon Beach, a charming seaside town known for its bookstores, cafés, and of course, Haystack Rock—a puffin-spotting hotspot during nesting season. After grabbing coffee at Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters, I did some wandering into shops, galleries, and the town’s very cute library, before deciding, on a whim, to skip the longer drive to Pacific City and instead grab a taster pour at Pelican Brewing’s Cannon Beach outpost before getting back on the road.
Continuing south on a seriously scenic stretch of the Highway 101, I arrived in Tillamook, where I stayed via my newly acquired Harvest Hosts membership at Blue Heron French Cheese Co. I parked the van in a field next to their adorable petting zoo, picked up a cheese sampler and a pig-shaped chocolate truffle from the shop, and called it a night. By this point, I could feel myself settling into the rhythm of van life—and loving everything it was teaching me.
Day 6: Tillamook to Estacada in Oregon’s Wine Region
Stops: McMinnville, Alchemist’s Jam, Silver Falls State Park, Trail of Ten Falls
Camp: Stone Circle Cider (Harvest Hosts)
After a restful night in rural Tillamook, I headed to McMinnville, a quirky wine country town known for its UFO lore and charming downtown. I fueled up with a jam latte and rhubarb danish at Alechmist’s Jam, a local favorite.
Next, I continued east to Silver Falls State Park for an epic hike along the Trail of Ten Falls (shorter loop). As dramatic as the name suggests, this trail features nearly a dozen waterfalls cascading through lush, moss-covered forests and river valleys—an absolute must-do on any PNW road trip.
I parked the van for the night at Stone Circle Cider in Estacada, where I enjoyed a cider flight (their apricot cardamom = chef's kiss) at their pond’s edge, chatting with John, the British-born owner behind it all. It was another successful Harvest Hosts stay that helped me weather the Memorial Day crowds and fully reserved campgrounds.
Day 7: Estacada to Coho Campground
Stops: Multnomah Falls, Hood River, Spa at Snow Peak Campfield
Camp: Coho Campground
I made a somewhat spontaneous decision to visit Multomnah Falls early, aiming to beat the 9 a.m. timed entry. Arriving at 8:30 a.m. in the mist and rain, I had this spectacular 620-foot waterfall nearly all to myself—plus, an easy parking spot. A total road trip hack!
Next, I headed east to the charming town of Hood River, nestled on the banks of the Columbia River. I grabbed coffee and a pastry at Pine Street Bakery, wandered the quaint (and hilly!!) streets, and enjoyed a refreshing peach saison at Full Sail Brewing.
Then came a bit of extra driving I wouldn’t recommend unless you’re up for it: I backtracked from Hood River to Snow Peak Campfield in Long Beach for a 3 p.m. reservation at their Ofuro Spa. This gave me two hours to enjoy the sauna, cold plunge, and forest-facing thermal pool—exactly the pampering I needed and wanted for my final day—plus a proper hot shower. I did consider Breitenbush Hot Springs near Hood River, but with no day passes available at the time, Snow Peak was a worthy and not totally out of the way alternative.
Rejuvenated after three rounds of cold plunge and sauna, and a long soak in the thermal pool, I put on my road trip playlist and drove two hours north to Coho Campground for an epic last night lakeside and under the stars. Coho put me two hours from Seattle, which was a perfectly manageable morning drive the next day for my 1pm van return slot.
Day 8: Back to Seattle
After one last van-brewed coffee in bed and a deep breath of PNW forest and lake air, I packed up and made the scenic two-hour drive back to Seattle to return my trusty Roadsurfer camper van. I dropped it off just steps from the airport and walked to my terminal—sun-kissed, soul-fed, and already nostalgic for life on the road in the Pacific Northwest.
Reflections on Roadsurfer & Van Life
Looking back, what made this Pacific Northwest road trip so memorable wasn’t just the breathtaking scenery—it was the freedom and simplicity that van life offered. With Roadsurfer’s Liberty Lodge camper van, I had everything I needed: a cozy bed with panoramic windows, a stovetop for cooking meals with a view, an indoor shower for off-grid comfort, and even a rooftop tent for breezy nights under the stars.
Whether I was waking up in the forest, soaking in a hot spring, or parked at a cidery at sunset, the van gave me the flexibility to explore the Pacific Northwest at my own pace—with all the comforts of home along for the ride.
If you’re curious about trying van life for yourself, I can’t recommend Roadsurfer enough. Their thoughtfully equipped camper vans, kind and helpful staff (special shoutout to Cody in Seattle!), and Complete Care coverage for any dings and damage to the van made my first solo road trip feel not just doable, but easy. I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
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Ready to try van life yourself? Start planning your own Roadsurfer adventure here.
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Road Trip Resources That Give Back to the Blog
This blog survives and thrives on affiliate links, but only ones I’ve road-tested and would recommend myself. This means that with every purchase you make through my links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
If traditional campgrounds are booked or you want a more unique overnight spot, Harvest Hosts lets you stay at wineries, farms, breweries, and more across North America. My stays at a cheese shop and cidery were trip highlights—and a lifesaver during the holiday weekend. Membership pays for itself in a night or two.
AllTrails made it easy to find and follow hikes like Sol Duc Falls and the Trail of Ten Falls, even with spotty service. I love that you can download maps, read trail reviews, and filter by difficulty. It’s a must-have app for planning hikes on the go.
Try AllTrails+ and unlock premium maps, downloads, and trail insights for your next hike.
From flight delays to trail injuries to lost gear, World Nomads covers the kinds of hiccups that can happen on an adventurous road trip. Their travel insurance includes medical, trip interruption, and gear protection — all with flexible plans you can extend on the road. For solo travelers especially, it’s smart peace of mind.
Get a World Nomads quote and protect your trip before you hit the road.
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