Seattle to Oregon: Road Trip Through Waterfalls, Coastlines & Cozy Towns
- hotchpotch daily
- Dec 9
- 11 min read
🌤️ The Pacific Northwest in Its Quiet Glory
There’s a certain kind of stillness the Pacific Northwest carries, something quiet that doesn’t feel empty, but full. Full of trees whispering in the wind. Full of coastline fog that rolls in like a blanket. Full of waterfalls that have been pouring over moss-covered cliffs longer than any of us have been around to witness them.
This region doesn’t ask you to rush. Instead, it nudges you toward slow mornings, warm cups in cold hands, and moments where you find yourself breathing a little deeper without even realizing it.
Our four-day road trip from Seattle to Oregon was exactly that — a gentle exhale. A reset. A reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you simply follow the mist and listen to the ocean.
🏞️ Day 1: Seattle → Multnomah Falls → Wahkeena Falls → Portland
Waterfall mornings & a soft landing in the city
We left Seattle just slightly after sunrise — that calm hour where the sky is still pink around the edges and the roads feel like they belong to the early birds and the dreamers. The kid was bundled up in the backseat with snacks, and I had my quiet-morning energy going… that peaceful window before the day fully unfolds.
🌿 Multnomah Falls: A Misty Welcome
Arrived ~10:30 AM Official link: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10089144
The closer we got to the Columbia River Gorge, the softer the light felt — filtered through tall evergreens, bouncing gently off the rocks. Multnomah Falls appeared before us almost suddenly, like someone had pulled back a curtain.
The air was cool and laced with mist the moment we stepped out. The kind of mist that settles on your skin like a whisper. The roar of the falls wasn’t loud; it was steady… grounding… almost like white noise for the soul.
We walked to the viewing platform, letting the kid lead the way. Water droplets floated toward us with every gust of wind, and the bridge perched delicately halfway up looked like something from a fantasy novel.
It’s easy to feel small here — in a good way.
🍃 Wahkeena Falls: The Quieter Cousin
Arrived ~11:45 AM
Just a few minutes away, Wahkeena Falls offered a different kind of quiet. While Multnomah is grand and towering, Wahkeena feels intimate. The pathway curves gently, the water tumbles in soft tiers, and the sound is more like a hush than a roar.
If Multnomah is the dramatic opening chapter, Wahkeena is the comforting second page — the one that pulls you deeper into the story.
The Gorge isn’t just scenic; it’s alive with history. Indigenous peoples, including the Multnomah and other Chinook tribes, have called this area home for thousands of years, fishing the river and living in harmony with the land. Early explorers and pioneers navigated this challenging terrain, making the Gorge a vital corridor for trade, migration, and settlement. Today, the highway that winds along it (Historic Columbia River Highway) preserves that sense of journey while giving travelers breathtaking views at nearly every turn.
👀 What Other Things You Can See & Do in the Columbia River Gorge
While visiting Multnomah Falls, it’s worth taking a few moments to explore the surrounding area:
Vista Points & Pullouts – There are several viewpoints along the highway that let you take in sweeping panoramas of the gorge and river.
Other Waterfalls Nearby – Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls are all within short driving distances. Each has its own charm, from thundering plunges to delicate streams.
Hiking Trails – If your family enjoys gentle walks, there are many kid-friendly trails with bridges, footpaths, and mossy forests that feel almost magical.
Visitor Center & Rest Stops – The Multnomah Falls Lodge area has small exhibits about the Gorge’s geology and history, which are surprisingly engaging for children..
🌟 Optional Stops Along the Gorge (If You Have Extra Time)
Vista House at Crown Point: One of the most iconic viewpoints in the Gorge.
Beacon Rock State Park: About 20 minutes east, great for an easy hike and panoramic views.
Bonneville Dam & Fish Hatchery: Educational and fascinating for kids, especially during salmon runs.
🏨 Portland Check-In: Canopy by Hilton (Pearl District)
Link: The Canopy by Hilton
We reached Portland by early afternoon and checked into the Canopy by Hilton, a warm, modern nest tucked in one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. The lobby smelled faintly of cedar and citrus — that signature Northwest scent that hotels here do so well.
Our room had soft linens, warm light, and that quiet hum of a place that knows you’re probably tired and ready to unwind.
🚶 A Slow Portland Evening
Once we dropped our bags, we took a gentle walk around the Pearl District — one of those neighborhoods that feels both lively and restful at the same time. Cute local shops, art galleries, tiny cafés with warm pastries, and leafy streets that encourage wandering.
We kept dinner simple at a cozy spot near the hotel — warm food, soft lighting, and the kind of atmosphere where you forget how many hours you’ve been awake.
Then it was early to bed. Oregon days have a way of catching up with you in the most peaceful way.
📚 Day 2: Powell’s, Portland Markets & The Scenic Drive to Cannon Beach
Books, buzz, and a highway that hugs the ocean
The next morning, after a slow breakfast at the hotel, we checked out and stepped right back into the gentle hum of Portland.
📘 Stop 1: Powell’s City of Books
Link: https://www.powells.com/
Powell’s isn’t just a bookstore — it’s a universe. A world where staircases lead you to new genres, and the smell of books wraps you like a warm blanket. The kid darted between shelves, and I found myself holding books I didn’t know I needed to read.
There is something grounding about being in a place filled with stories — especially when you’re in the middle of making your own.
🎪 Stop 2: Portland’s Markets
We strolled through vendor stalls buzzing with color — handmade soaps, woven baskets, watercolor prints, tiny plant shops. Street food aromas drifted around us, and there was music from a corner that made you want to slow-walk in rhythm.
Portland thrives in these pockets of creativity, and it’s easy to get swept into the warmth of its people. 🛣️ The Journey to Cannon Beach (US-101)
Leaving the city behind, we followed the road toward the coast. The drive was about 90 minutes, but felt shorter. It's the kind of route where forests open into meadows, and meadows slowly stretch into hints of ocean blue.
There’s a moment when the trees part and the coastline appears — a moment that always feels like the world is exhaling with you.
🌊 Hug Point Beach: A Hidden Coastal Gem
On our way to the Ocean Lodge we decided to explore a quieter, lesser-known stretch of coastline: Hug Point Beach. Just a short drive south along the US-101, this tucked-away beach is a blend of ocean waves, cliffs, and history that is perfect for families who love a touch of adventure without the crowds.
Hug Point is famous for its natural sea caves and waterfalls, which cascade down the cliffs during high rainfall seasons. We arrived in the late morning, when the tide was just right, revealing tide pools and rock formations along the sand. The beach felt intimate and the sound of waves rolling in was louder here, more playful, as if the Pacific Ocean itself was welcoming us to slow down and explore.
🐚 Exploring Hug Point with Kids
Hug Point is a wonderland for little explorers:
Tide Pools: The kid loved discovering tiny crabs, anemones, and seashells hidden in the shallow pools.
Rock Formations & Sea Caves: Just a short walk from the parking area, these formations are perfect for imaginative play — climbing safely, pretending to be pirates, or simply marveling at nature’s architecture.
Waterfalls: A small seasonal waterfall tumbles from the cliffs right onto the sand, creating a serene backdrop for photos or a quiet rest.
🏨 Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach: Cozy by the Coast
Ocean Lodge felt like stepping into a warm hug. Rustic wood, stone fireplaces, soft lighting, and the faint scent of the sea drifting in from the open windows.
We were welcomed with drinks, snacks, and the kind of friendly hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve been there before.
Our room looked out toward the ocean and the sound of waves was the only soundtrack we needed.
🌅 Evening Walk to Haystack Rock
Sunset in Cannon Beach is not just an event — it’s a slow unfolding. The sky melts from soft peach to lavender, and the ocean mirrors every shade. Haystack Rock rises like a guardian of the coast, steady and timeless.
We spent a gentle hour strolling, collecting shells, and letting the Pacific winds tousle our hair. The soft hum of the waves and distant cries of seabirds made this moment feel timeless. It was one of those evenings where time moves gently.
🍽️ Dinner at Tom’s Fish and Chips Tom's Fish & Chips, 240 N Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Simple. Warm. Comforting. Exactly what you crave after a day of travel and sea air.
🧀 Day 3: Tillamook Factory, Rockaway Beach & The Goonies Viewpoint
After a cozy breakfast at the lodge, we headed toward Tillamook — the roads lined with open fields, tall firs, and that quiet coastal charm Oregon wears so well.
🧀 Stop 1: Tillamook Creamery
This place is such a delight — especially for families. You learn the story of Oregon dairy, watch cheese blocks travel through giant machines, and sample flavors that make you rethink store-bought cheese forever.
The kid was all wide-eyed wonder. And yes, we bought way more cheese than necessary — but no regrets.
🌊 Stop 2: Tillamook Bay & Rockaway Beach
Open sky. Gentle waves. Driftwood scattered like nature’s art. Both spots are perfect for a slow pause where you let the wind tousle your hair and just take in the horizon.
🎬 Stop 3: Ecola State Park
Ecola State Park isn’t just a movie location — it’s one of the most dramatic stretches of the Oregon coastline. The park sits high above the Pacific, offering cliffside viewpoints that feel almost unreal. You get sweeping panoramas, lush coastal forests, and that moody, cinematic vibe the Pacific Northwest is known for.
🌿 What Makes Ecola State Park Special
Epic Viewpoints: From the main lookout, you’ll see Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, and endless rolling waves framed by rugged cliffs.
Coastal Forest Trails: Short, easy hikes weave through Sitka spruce and mossy forest floors — it feels like stepping into a misty fairytale.
Wild, Untouched Beauty: The combination of fog, wind, and dramatic ocean crashes gives the whole area a raw, powerful atmosphere.
Goonies Filming History: Fans will recognize the iconic overlook used in the opening scenes of The Goonies.
The Goonies Filming Spot Wildlife Watching: Depending on the season, you might spot migrating whales, elk grazing in the meadows, or seabirds soaring below the cliffs.
🌊 What It Feels Like to Be There
Standing at the viewpoint, you get this incredible blend of calm and awe. The coastline stretches endlessly in both directions, waves slam against the rocks below, and the wind carries that crisp, salty scent you only get on the Oregon Coast. It’s both peaceful and dramatic — like nature performing just for you.
If you’re visiting for photos, this is where you’ll get those sweeping, cinematic shots. If you’re visiting for the experience, it’s a place where you end up staying longer than planned just to take in every angle..
🍤 Dinner at Mo’s & A Slow Downtown Walk
Mo's Seafood & Chowder, 195 W Warren Way, Tolovana Park, OR 97145
Warm bowls of chowder, salty ocean air, and soft evening light — Mo’s is a coastal classic for a reason.
We ended the night strolling through downtown Cannon Beach, where small shops glowed softly under string lights. Handmade jewelry, wood-carved art, pottery… each store felt like a love letter to creativity.
🛍️ Shopping in Cannon Beach: Boutiques, Art, and Coastal Treasures
One of the most unexpectedly delightful parts of Cannon Beach is how walkable and adorable its shopping district is. After spending time at the beach, you can stroll along Hemlock Street and duck into boutique after boutique — each one a little different, a little artsy, and very Oregon-coast in personality.
Here are some of the must-visit stops:
1. Cannon Beach Makers Market
A bright, modern boutique showcasing local makers — pottery, candles, jewelry, soaps, quirky Oregon-themed prints, and small-batch foods. Perfect for finding a souvenir that actually feels meaningful.
2. Sesame + Lilies
A gorgeous home décor store with a PNW-coastal aesthetic. Think linen throws, driftwood-inspired décor, ceramics, and beautifully designed kitchenware. It’s the kind of shop where you want to buy everything and redesign your entire house.
3. Bruce’s Candy Kitchen
A Cannon Beach classic. Pink-striped awnings, the smell of warm caramel, fresh saltwater taffy pulled in-house, and chocolate-covered everything. Kids love it, adults love it, and… well, your suitcase might not love it, but it’s worth the sugar rush.
4. Northwest By Northwest Gallery
If you enjoy art, this gallery is a treat. It features Northwest artists — sculptures, metalwork, paintings, and unique collectible pieces. Even if you’re not buying, the browsing experience is inspiring.
5. Icefire Glassworks
One of the most unique shops in town. You can watch glass artists create pieces using traditional techniques — brilliantly colored bowls, vases, ornaments, and “wave sculptures” that look like frozen ocean swirls. The whole place glows.
6. Cannon Beach Book Company
A cozy independent bookstore with PNW authors, travel reads, children’s books, and staff-picked favorites. A great place to pick up a novel for the beach.
7. Yummy Wine Bar & Bistro + Adjacent Wine Shops
Cannon Beach has a surprisingly good wine scene. You’ll find small wine shops offering tastings, local Oregon bottles, and picnic-perfect finds for sunset on the beach.
8. Local Clothing & Surf Shops
From breezy coastal fashion to Cannon Beach hoodies, you’ll find plenty of clothing boutiques mixed in with surf shops selling wetsuits, boards, and beach gear.
💡 Overall Vibe
Shopping in Cannon Beach feels slow, intentional, and artisanal. Nothing is rushed. The stores have personality, the owners often say hello, and you walk out feeling like you’ve touched a piece of Oregon’s coastal culture.
🌉 Day 4: Cannon Beach → Astoria → Elma → Seattle
One last look at the Pacific before heading home
Leaving Cannon Beach always feels like leaving a safe little cocoon — but Astoria was the perfect final chapter.
🏛️ Astoria Column
We climbed all the way to the top — and the view was worth every step. The Columbia River winding below, the Pacific stretching endlessly, forests rolling into hills.
It was a panoramic reminder of how grand and gentle the Pacific Northwest can be at the same time.
⚓ Columbia River Maritime Museum
Optional Stop: https://www.crmm.org/
If time allows, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. It’s hands-on enough to engage kids, yet rich with history:
Exhibits on shipwrecks, navigation, and local maritime history.
A recreated lighthouse tower.
Hands-on knot-tying and tugboat simulations for kids.
Seasonal boat tours along the river (check the schedule).
We didn’t have hours for a full tour, but even a short visit adds depth to the history you can feel walking the streets.
🏠 Historic Downtown Astoria
Astoria’s downtown is a quiet treasure of Victorian architecture and colorful murals. We wandered slowly through streets that felt frozen in time, discovering:
Boutique shops selling handmade jewelry, local art, and quirky souvenirs.
Vintage bookstores and antique shops, perfect for curious kids or nostalgic parents.
Coffee shops and bakeries tucked into corners with that unmistakable Pacific Northwest charm.
📝 Astoria Highlights & Timing Tips
Column + Riverwalk: 2–3 hours
Historic Downtown: 1–1.5 hours
Maritime Museum: 1–2 hours (optional)
Snacks / Ice Cream Break: 30–45 minutes
Family Tip: Start early in Astoria if you want to fit in both the column climb and the museum comfortably. Also, parking in downtown is limited, so look for public lots or street parking near the river.
🌮 Dinner in Elma at El Ranchon
Simple, flavorful, hearty Mexican food, exactly what our road-tired selves needed. Small towns often surprise you, and Elma definitely did.
💛 Reflections on theTrip
This four-day journey was more than a getaway — it was a reminder of how deeply the Pacific Northwest invites you to slow down.
Waterfalls teach you humility. Beaches teach you patience. Forests teach you presence. And road trips — well, they teach you to enjoy the in-betweens.
👨👩👦 Family-Friendly Tips for This Route
Layer up: Oregon coast weather changes fast
Keep snacks handy (for kids and tired parents!)
Check tide timings for Haystack Rock
Start waterfall visits early to avoid crowds
Prebook Cannon Beach hotels in high season
Carry beach blankets and extra towels
Don’t rush — the magic is in the slow moments
🗺️ Optional Things to Do if You Have More Time
Seaside Aquarium
Oswald West State Park
Manzanita village stroll
Fort Stevens State Park (shipwreck!)
Portland Japanese Garden
Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium
Devil’s Punchbowl
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