Pacific Northwest road trips are a great option for a long vacation, or a short day trip. With so many incredible locations to explore, there’s always something around the corner. AAA and its travel partners can help you save money and feel safer on your next family road trip—from the first mile to the last.

OUR FAVORITE PACIFIC NORTHWEST ROAD TRIPS 

Idaho’s Southern Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway Road Trip

69.0 miles: 0 hours, 55 minutes

Take this byway past high mountain peaks and soft grassy valleys into a number of towns along the route. I 15 landscape features austere beauty as it travels along the western edge of the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and passes through Indian Rocks State Park between Marsh Creek and the Portneuf River.

Mount Hood Scenic Loop, Hood River County Tour

70.5 miles: 1 hours, 20 minutes

Cross several waterways as this byway takes you around the scenic mountain area of Mt. Hood National Forest. You’ll drive through a number of villages on US 26 before you reach SR 35 and head uphill toward majestic Mt. Hood. Extending from Mt. Hood’s northern slope to Columbia River Gorge’s southern shore, Hood River Valley is cloaked in forests and orchards.

Pacific Coast Scenic Coast – Oregon Coast

346.6 miles: 7 hours, 35 minutes

Marvel at breathtaking Pacific Ocean waves as they crash against the beach and rocks then venture out to sea in artistic formations along Oregon’s US 101. Towering sand dunes edge up to the byway at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Don’t blink as you cross over D River in Lincoln City or you might miss the shortest river in the world, at 120 feet-long.

Northern CA & Southern OR Forests

370.9 miles: 7 hours, 41 minutes

Enjoy magnificent Shasta Cascade region mountain vistas, historic railroad and Gold Rush towns, and the awesome glacial and volcanic scenery of Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. But with such wild, surreal beauty comes limited sight distances, mountain grades and road closures; be sure to check driving conditions before heading out.

Grand Pacific Northwest Road Trip

551.1 miles: 10 hours, 48 minutes

Go on a grand and spectacularly scenic journey through two states. The Columbia River Gorge—carved through volcanic rock by the mighty Columbia River—is an 80-mile stretch of towering basalt cliffs and sweeping panoramic views, while Mount Rainier National Park is dominated by its towering, ice-capped namesake, an iconic Northwest landmark

Road trips from Twin Falls, Idaho

  • Option 1: Drive southeast to City of Rocks National Reserve
  • Option 2: Drive northeast to the Shoshone Ice Caves, followed by a visit to Craters of the Moon National Monument
  • Option 3: West to Boise– Great food, tour the Capitol, visit Old State Penitentiary and view the Idaho Botanical Gardens, and many more great museums of all kinds.  Outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more
  • Option 4: South to Jackpot, NV for a miniature “Las Vegas” experience
  • Option 5: Visit Lava Hot Springs and soak in the geothermal-heated waters

Road trips from Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho

  • Option 1: Drive into Jackson, WY, then visit Grand Teton National Park
  • Option 2: Visit Yellowstone National Park, then drive into Cody, WY where you can discover the Buffalo Bill Museum, eat a chuck wagon dinner, or attend famous Cody Night Rodeo.
  • Option 3: (Especially for members from the Pocatello area) Visit Northern Utah, Ogden & Salt Lake City specifically. Many historical sites and natural beauty with plenty of outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, museums, and more.

MAP IT OUT WITH AAA’S ONLINE PLANNING TOOLS

Whether it’s a drive across the country or just a trip around town, getting your family from here to there is a breeze with AAA’s TripTik® Travel Planner . Set map filters to find hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, discounts and attractions along your route. Need general inspiration? Browse pre-planned itineraries on AAA.com/RoadTrips.

TRUST AAA INSPECTIONS AT HOTELS AND CAMPGROUNDS 

For road trips that require an overnight stay, look for hotels with a AAA Diamond designation. Because AAA Diamond designations are awarded only to properties that pass a rigorous, in-person inspection process, you can trust that every AAA Diamond property offers a clean and comfortable experience. Find your AAA Diamond Hotel today.

If you prefer camping over hotel stays, AAA also maintains a list of campgrounds.