Travel tales

5 Pacific Northwest Road Trips

People Who Love Nature + Art

The Pacific Northwest is made for road trips — tall trees, wide water views, mountain passes, and small towns with creative spirits. If you love a mix of nature + art, these five routes are simple, beautiful, and perfect for a chilled-out weekend adventure.

And if you’re bringing your pup along for the ride, peek at our Velcro Dog Excursions page for ideas on keeping them safe on road trips.

1. Seattle → Port Townsend (WA)

A relaxed road trip that blends ferries, forests, and a coastal town filled with art, history, and makers.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Water views from the ferry
  • Evergreen-lined roads
  • Seaside Victorian architecture

🎨 Things to Do

  • Browse local galleries and makers
  • Explore the beach + bunkers at Fort Worden
  • Wander the marina and old-town streets
  • Take an easy nature walk using Port Townsend’s AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

A ferry ride, beach air, creative shops, and a walkable small town — all in one easy trip.

If Port Townsend inspires you, check out our PNW Art Collection for prints that capture the same Northwest mood.

2. Spokane → Sandpoint (ID)

This drive brings you rolling hills, calm lakes, and a cute artsy town that feels peaceful and welcoming.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Farmland and forest stretches
  • Lake Pend Oreille
  • A creative, walkable downtown

🎨 Things to Do

  • Stroll through local galleries + boutiques
  • Grab lake views at Sandpoint City Beach
  • Visit local coffee shops
  • Explore easy trails from the Sandpoint AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

It’s slow, scenic, and filled with creative energy. A perfect “reset” kind of road trip.

If you love peaceful water views, check out our Snowy Desert Print — a soft, minimalist piece inspired by PNW landscapes.

Mt. Hood

3. Portland → Hood River (OR)

Waterfalls + river views + murals = a classic PNW adventure.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • The Columbia River Gorge
  • Waterfalls along the Historic Highway
  • Hood River’s creative downtown

🎨 Things to Do

  • Stop at Multnomah Falls along the way
  • Explore local art studios and murals
  • Walk the waterfront path
  • Browse creative shops
  • Find trail options on the Columbia Gorge AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

This route gives you waterfall stops, big river views, and a town filled with art — all in under two hours.

Love these views? Explore our PNW-inspired art prints to bring this beauty home.

4. Coeur d’Alene → Wallace (ID)

A quick mountain drive that drops you into a quirky historic town full of personality.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Mountain passes
  • Old mining areas
  • Vintage signage + brick buildings

🎨 Things to Do

  • Explore local art shops
  • Walk the historic downtown
  • Snap photos of iconic Wallace scenes
  • Visit museums and quirky landmarks

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Wallace has charm, history, and that artsy small-town feel that makes it fun to explore.

Road tripping? Stay comfy in our Cotton Tee — soft, lightweight, and perfect for travel days.

Northern California Beach

Tips for a Good PNW Road Trip

  • Leave early for spontaneous stops
  • Pack layers — temps change fast
  • Bring snacks + a reusable bottle
  • Download offline maps
  • Let yourself wander — that’s where the magic is

5. Eugene → Florence (OR Coast)

A forest-to-coast drive with river views, dunes, and one of the cutest art-forward coastal towns in Oregon.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Forest roads
  • Coastal cliffs
  • River bends
  • Sand dunes near the water

🎨 Things to Do

  • Browse Old Town’s art shops
  • Walk along the riverfront
  • Visit the beach + watch the waves
  • Explore easy trails via the Florence AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Simple drive, cozy coastal town, and so many little art shops worth exploring.

If you love coastal colors, browse our Art Landing Page for soft, nature-inspired prints.

5 Pacific Northwest Road Trips

People Who Love Nature + Art

The Pacific Northwest is made for road trips — tall trees, wide water views, mountain passes, and small towns with creative spirits. If you love a mix of nature + art, these five routes are simple, beautiful, and perfect for a chilled-out weekend adventure.

And if you’re bringing your pup along for the ride, peek at our Velcro Dog Excursions page for ideas on keeping them safe on road trips.

1. Seattle → Port Townsend (WA)

A relaxed road trip that blends ferries, forests, and a coastal town filled with art, history, and makers.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Water views from the ferry
  • Evergreen-lined roads
  • Seaside Victorian architecture

🎨 Things to Do

  • Browse local galleries and makers
  • Explore the beach + bunkers at Fort Worden
  • Wander the marina and old-town streets
  • Take an easy nature walk using Port Townsend’s AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

A ferry ride, beach air, creative shops, and a walkable small town — all in one easy trip.

If Port Townsend inspires you, check out our PNW Art Collection for prints that capture the same Northwest mood.

2. Spokane → Sandpoint (ID)

This drive brings you rolling hills, calm lakes, and a cute artsy town that feels peaceful and welcoming.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Farmland and forest stretches
  • Lake Pend Oreille
  • A creative, walkable downtown

🎨 Things to Do

  • Stroll through local galleries + boutiques
  • Grab lake views at Sandpoint City Beach
  • Visit local coffee shops
  • Explore easy trails from the Sandpoint AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

It’s slow, scenic, and filled with creative energy. A perfect “reset” kind of road trip.

If you love peaceful water views, check out our Snowy Desert Print — a soft, minimalist piece inspired by PNW landscapes.

3. Portland → Hood River (OR)

Waterfalls + river views + murals = a classic PNW adventure.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • The Columbia River Gorge
  • Waterfalls along the Historic Highway
  • Hood River’s creative downtown

🎨 Things to Do

  • Stop at Multnomah Falls along the way
  • Explore local art studios and murals
  • Walk the waterfront path
  • Browse creative shops
  • Find trail options on the Columbia Gorge AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

This route gives you waterfall stops, big river views, and a town filled with art — all in under two hours.

Love these views? Explore our PNW-inspired art prints to bring this beauty home.

4. Coeur d’Alene → Wallace (ID)

A quick mountain drive that drops you into a quirky historic town full of personality.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Mountain passes
  • Old mining areas
  • Vintage signage + brick buildings

🎨 Things to Do

  • Explore local art shops
  • Walk the historic downtown
  • Snap photos of iconic Wallace scenes
  • Visit museums and quirky landmarks

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Wallace has charm, history, and that artsy small-town feel that makes it fun to explore.

Road tripping? Stay comfy in our Cotton Tee — soft, lightweight, and perfect for travel days.

Northern California Beach

Tips for a Good PNW Road Trip

  • Leave early for spontaneous stops
  • Pack layers — temps change fast
  • Bring snacks + a reusable bottle
  • Download offline maps
  • Let yourself wander — that’s where the magic is

5. Eugene → Florence (OR Coast)

Northern California Beach

A forest-to-coast drive with river views, dunes, and one of the cutest art-forward coastal towns in Oregon.

🌲 What You’ll See

  • Forest roads
  • Coastal cliffs
  • River bends
  • Sand dunes near the water

🎨 Things to Do

  • Browse Old Town’s art shops
  • Walk along the riverfront
  • Visit the beach + watch the waves
  • Explore easy trails via the Florence AllTrails list

🔗 Helpful Resources

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Simple drive, cozy coastal town, and so many little art shops worth exploring.

If you love coastal colors, browse our Art Landing Page for soft, nature-inspired prints.

Want More PNW Goodness?

If you love exploring the Northwest, check out our PNW-inspired art and gear. Each piece captures the colors, moments, and calm of this area.

More nature. More art. More PNW stories. Stay awhile — you’re in good company.

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