The Perfect 3-Day Oregon Road Trip: 5 Can’t Miss Stops
From waterfalls and beaches, to lavender fields and coastal hikes, we’re sharing our itinerary for the perfect 3-day Oregon road trip with 5 stops you can’t miss!
When to Go on a 3-Day Oregon Road Trip
We would highly recommend doing this road trip during the summer months, as the weather is ideal. However, this trip could also be done in May or September.
For this itinerary, you’ll want to start your road trip in Portland; the travel day is not included in the 3-day travel guide.
Day 1-Multnomah Falls and Hood River Lavender Farms
Multnomah Falls
After arriving in Portland, head 30 minutes away to Oregon’s tallest waterfall-Multnomah Falls. Starting May 26, 2025, a timed entry reservation will be required. These timed entry tickets are necessary when visiting between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. until September 1, 2025. You can purchase a $2 ticket at recreation.gov. If you’re not one for crowds, we would recommend visiting outside of those hours, as this is one of the most popular sights in Oregon.
Besides taking in the view of Multnomah Falls from the viewing area, you can also hike to Benson Bridge or all the way to the top of the falls via the Larch Mountain Trail. The hike to Benson Bridge is only about a quarter mile and is relatively easy. The hike to the top is 2.4 miles roundtrip and is moderately challenging. The trail can get muddy, so be sure to wear proper hiking shoes.
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Hood River Lavender Farm
If you are doing this 3-day Oregon road trip in the summer months, you have to visit a lavender farm. Less than an hour away from Multnomah Falls, Hood River Lavender Farm is one of the most picturesque lavender field in Oregon with rows and rows of lavender and the view of Mt. Hood in the background. The lavender usually blooms in late June, reaching its peak in July. For more information on the best time to visit, check out hoodriverlavender.com.
Day 2-Cannon Beach
Start your day early and head about 2 hours away to Cannon Beach, where you’ll stay for the night.
Cannon Beach is a well known beach in Oregon with its iconic Haystack Rock. To access Cannon Beach, you can park in the public parking lot next to Cannon Beach City Hall or you can try to find a closer spot along Pacific Street. We visited around sunset and were able to park along Pacific Street, so maybe check here first to see if they are any available spots.
One of the best things to do at Cannon Beach is take a walk around sunset and then cozy up around a bonfire for the evening. We saw so many people doing this and looked up the details after we left. You are allowed to build a small bonfire in the designated fire rings along the beach, however it must be put out by 9:30 pm. There is small Fresh Foods market nearby that had firewood for sale when we visited.
Day 3-God’s Thumb Hike and Coos Bay
God’s Thumb Hike/The Knoll
Less than 2 hours from Cannon Beach is a hike called God’s Thumb, otherwise known as The Knoll. This hike is in Lincoln City, Oregon, and the coastal views are worth the steep inclines towards the end of the hike. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this one.
Keep in mind there are no restrooms here. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and some type of hiking shoe, especially if it has rained recently. (We did this hike back in 2021 before we were experienced hikers, and while I won’t disclose the kind of shoes I wore, I will say it was one of the dumbest shoe choices ever.) The trailhead can be accessed here: 2262+8R3, Lincoln City, OR 97367. You might want to download the route on AllTrails, as the trail is not really marked.
This hike is moderately challenging (although if we remember correctly, it was quite strenuous) and a little over 4 miles out and back. It can get extremely windy at the top, so be very careful walking along the ridge.
Coos Bay
After your time in Lincoln City, head a little less than 3 hours away to your last stop-Coos Bay. While you’re in Coos Bay, check out the Oregon Dunes, a national recreation area and visit Shore Acres State Park and Cape Arago State Park. Or if you’re exhausted at this point in your trip, maybe visit one place and head to Bay Point Landing for your last night in Oregon.
Bay Point Landing is a modern campground with cabins, RV sites, and Airstream suites. The on site amenities include an indoor pool, an activity center, outdoor games, a general store for anything you need, and easy access to the bay. We stayed in one of their Kamp Haus Cabins and really enjoyed the waterfront view. Each cabin even includes firewood and fire starter for s’mores around the fire, which we definitely took advantage of. 
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, Monkey Business has some of the best clam chowder and fish tacos. Enjoy your last evening before heading back to Portland the following day.
If you have an extra day…
Beautiful Samuel H. Boardman State Park is less than 2 hours away and is a place we’ll have to visit another time. However if you have an extra day in your itinerary, check it out for us!
We hope you found this perfect 3-day Oregon road trip itinerary to be helpful whether you plan to follow it exactly or use it as inspiration in planning your trip. If you want to check out some of our favorite road trip destinations, click here.
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Updated March 23, 2025
