Oregon road trip: Ashland to Cannon Beach, 28 stops

Explore Oregon's diverse landscapes across 5,448 km, from the cultural hub of Ashland through volcanic wonders like Thor's Well and Wahclella Falls to the rugged coastline at Cannon Beach. This comprehensive route connects 28 key destinations including Mt. Hood National Forest, Trillium Lake, and Newport's Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Distance
5447.8 km
Mode
route
Start
Welcome to Oregon
End
Mount Hood National Forest
Stops
28
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Welcome to Oregon — Pacific Northwest state renowned for diverse landscapes spanning volcanic peaks, temperate rainforests, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
  2. Ashland — Vibrant cultural hub in the Rogue Valley, southern Oregon
  3. Pilot Rock — Iconic basalt formation in eastern Oregon landscape
  4. Eugene — Oregon's third largest city, located at southern end of Willamette Valley
  5. Willamette River — Major river flowing through Oregon's landscape
  6. Thor's Well — Coastal rock formation where waves surge creating a breathtaking spectacle
  7. Wahclella Falls — Waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge cascading over rocky cliffs
  8. Mt. Hood National Forest
  9. Trillium Lake — Scenic lake located approximately 80 minutes from Portland
  10. Takelma Gorge — Breathtaking natural wonder in southern Oregon carved by the Rogue River
  11. Bandon — Sleepy coastal town in far southern Oregon between Coos Bay and Brookings
  12. Grants Pass — Lively city situated in the heart of southern Oregon
  13. Newport — Former fishing village located roughly in the center of Oregon's Pacific Coast
  14. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse — Historic lighthouse on the Newport coastline
  15. Sahalie Falls — Waterfall in the Cascade Mountains region accessible via McKenzie River trail
  16. The rugged coastline of Oregon — Dramatic rocky shores featuring sea stacks, sea caves, and tide pools carved by relentless Pacific waves.
  17. Cannon beach — Scenic beach on Oregon's rugged northern coastline
  18. Koosah Falls — Captivating waterfall located in the Cascade Mountains
  19. Port of Brookings — Vibrant maritime hub on the southern Oregon coast along the Pacific Ocean
  20. Vista House — Historic landmark overlooking the Columbia River Gorge
  21. Emigrant Lake — Scenic lake in southern Oregon
  22. Latourell Falls — Waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge region
  23. Sparks Lake — Scenic alpine lake in Oregon's Cascade region
  24. Willamette Valley — Major geographical region in central Oregon
  25. Smith Rock — Notable rock formation in central Oregon
  26. Painted Hills — Colorful geological formations in eastern Oregon
  27. Frenchie Falls state Park — State park featuring waterfalls in Oregon
  28. Mount Hood National Forest — Expansive national forest centered on Mount Hood, tallest mountain in Oregon at 11,240 ft

Useful for your trip

Timing
Visit Thor's Well during high tides or stormy weather for the most impressive display when incoming waves surge beneath the bowl and cascade over the rocks.
Timing
Visit Wahclella Falls in spring when melting snow from the mountains enhances water flow, making it more vigorous and captivating.
Timing
Visit Sahalie Falls in spring when snow melt feeds the rushing waters, creating a dramatic display.
Tip
Trillium Lake is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Portland and situated roughly 7.5 miles south-southwest of Mount Hood.
Tip
Mount Hood is 11,240 feet tall, the tallest mountain in Oregon, and dominates the northern Oregon skyline visible from Portland streets.
Tip
Mount Hood National Forest covers over a million acres and features more than 1,000 miles of trails for hikers and backpackers.
Tip
The Willamette River originates in the Cascade Mountains and flows over 200 miles before emptying into the Columbia River.
Tip
Cannon Beach receives over 750,000 visitors annually and was named by National Geographic in 2013 as one of the world's 100 most beautiful places.
Tip
The Rogue River flows 215 miles from near Crater Lake National Park to Gold Beach, with a section near Grants Pass designated as a national wild and scenic river.
Where to stay
Ashland offers numerous attractions including a 100-acre city park, wineries, and vineyards in the Rogue Valley.
Tip
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, completed in 1871 and standing 93 feet tall, operated until 1874 and now features an adjacent interpretive center.
Tip
Oregon's coastline extends over 360 miles and is characterized by steep cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and tide pools with diverse sea creatures.

Video on this route

Wonders of Oregon | The Most Amazing Places in Oregon | Travel Video 4K

More routes nearby

Map