Self-Drive: Pacific Northwest - San Francisco to Seattle

Day 1 UK to San Francisco

Start your Pacific Northwest road trip by boarding your non-stop international flight from the UK to San Francisco. Upon arrival make your way to San Francisco to your centrally located hotel where you will stay for the next two nights. This cosmopolitan Californian city is dotted with pastel-coloured Victorian homes, world-class museums and art galleries and bustling wharves. (N)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 2 San Francisco

Today is at leisure where you can explore San Francisco as you wish. Take a trip to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz, view the seal lions soaking up the sun from Pier 39 or enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the crab shacks at Fisherman’s Wharf. Opt to spend the afternoon wandering through the rolling streets soaking up the laid-back atmosphere, visit the iconic Golden Gate Bridge or visit one of the city’s world-class museums. In the evening explore San Francisco’s exciting food and drink scene. (B)

Accommodation in San Francisco: Handlery Union Square (or similar)

Day 3 San Francisco to Mendocino via Sonoma - 182 miles

This morning pick up your hire car from downtown San Francisco and begin your road trip heading towards northern California. Take a detour to the beautiful Sonoma Wine Valley where you can opt to visit some of the local vineyards and wineries or just enjoy the stunning countryside. Continue your journey north up the spectacular Californian coastline towards Mendocino. There are many beautiful beach towns and viewpoints to stop off at along the way. On arrival in Mendocino check into your hotel before spending the afternoon exploring the local area. Visit the numerous art galleries, take a gentle hike through the rugged coast and beaches of Mendocino Headlands State Park and enjoy the wonderful array of restaurants and cafes on offer. (B)

Accommodation in Mendocino: The Mendocino Hotel & Garden Suites (or similar)

Day 4 Mendocino to Klamath via Humboldt Redwoods State Park - 206 miles

Continue your road trip north towards Klamath close to the Oregon border where you will spend the night. En route stop off at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park which is home to over 17,000 acres of ancient redwoods, the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coastal redwoods in the world. Located along the iconic ‘Avenue of the Giants’ scenic highway, head into the national park and enjoy easy hiking trails to see highlights including the Rockefeller Tree, Founder’s Grove and the fallen Dyerville Giant. Continue to Klamath where you can enjoy beautiful coastal views. (N)

Accommodation in Klamath: Holiday Inn Express (or similar)

Day 5 Klamath to Crater Lake National Park - 207 miles

Today enjoy a scenic drive inland as you travel towards Crater Lake National Park. Cross the state border into Oregon as you take in the beautiful countryside and small picturesque towns of this region. Tonight, stay near Klamath Falls overlooking the Upper Klamath Lake south east of Crater Lake National Park. That afternoon you may wish to visit the lakefront Moore Park which features picnic areas, marinas and walking trails. (N)

Accommodation in Crater Lake: Worldmark Running Y (or similar)

Day 6 Crater Lake National Park

Make an early start today to make the most of visiting the spectacular Crater Lake National Park. Located in the Cascade Mountains in southern Oregon the park is home to glistening lakes, volcanic islands and beautiful mountain scenery. During your visit take the Rim Drive, a road surrounding Crater Lake - America’s deepest lake, which offers excellent views of the park’s volcanic formations. Hike one of the parks numerous trails such as Sun Notch which will allow you to witness the Phantom Ship, a small rocky island and explore the old-growth forests including conifers and pines that shelter black bears, mountain lions and elks. (N)

Accommodation in Crater Lake: Worldmark Running Y (or similar)

Day 7 Crater Lake National Park to Portland - 244 miles

Today continue your journey north to Portland, Oregon’s largest city. Pass through numerous state parks and national forests before arriving to this innovative city. Portland, an oasis of parks and gardens is fast-becoming one of the USA’s most stylish and liveable cities. Sitting in the shadow of Mount Hood, it is a city full of creativity and culture and is world-famous for its exciting culinary scene. (N)

Accommodation in Portland: Dossier Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Portland

Enjoy a day at leisure today exploring the city of Portland. With over 89 craft breweries and distilleries, excellent coffee houses and numerous food markets, a must-do when in Portland is to eat and drink your way around the city. It is also worth visiting sprawling Washington Park which features an arboretum full of fauna from around the world, a beautiful Japanese Garden as well as many hiking and biking trails. (N)

Accommodation in Portland: Dossier Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 The Willamette Valley

Today take a trip to the Willamette Valley, Oregon’s prime wine region. From historic towns and quirky cities to craft breweries, local wineries and farm-to-table restaurants, the Willamette Valley is the perfect way to spend a lazy day eating and drinking your way through this beautiful region. Other options include cycling, hiking or paddling in the outdoors, take a balloon ride over the rolling vineyards or simply just enjoy the stunning countryside with a glass of Pinot in hand. Return to Portland later that afternoon. (N)

Accommodation in Portland: Dossier Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Mount Hood National Forest

Located twenty miles east of Portland, Mount Hood National Forest extends south of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge and offers forested mountains, bubbling streams and glistening lakes as well as the standout Mount Hood itself. One way to see the national park is via the Scenic Loop, a picturesque drive passing the national forest and Hood River. It is also recommended to take walks throughout the park where you will encounter waterfalls, hot springs and an array of flora and fauna. Return to Portland that afternoon and enjoy your last evening in this beautiful city exploring the excellent eateries and bars. (N)

Accommodation in Portland: Dossier Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Portland to Olympia via Mount Rainier National Park - 252 miles

Today depart Portland and drive to the capital of Washington state, Olympia. En route take a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, a forested reserve that surrounds the glacier-capped Mount Rainier. During your visit stroll through the temperate rainforest, hike amongst beautiful wildflowers and discover hidden waterfalls throughout the park. Continue to Olympia where you will stay for the next two nights. (N)

Accommodation in Olympia: Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)

Day 12 Olympic National Park

This morning take a short drive to the dramatic Olympic National Park where you will spend the day at leisure. Located right at the tip of the Pacific Northwest Coast, Olympic National Park sprawls across several different ecosystems including the jagged-peaks of the Olympic Mountains, lush rainforests, old-growth forests and coastline. During your visit opt to take short hike, kayak over the shimmering lakes and get the chance to view some of the park’s animal and bird life. (N)

Accommodation in Olympia: Hilton Garden Inn (or similar)

Day 13 Olympia to Seattle - 61 miles

Today make your final drive to Washington’s largest city Seattle where you will stay for the next two nights. Located on the shore of Elliot Bay and framed by mountains, forest and the Pacific Ocean, Seattle is a cutting-edge city where technology meets nature. Upon arrival, check into your centrally located hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. (N)

Accommodation in Seattle: Staypineapple at Watertown Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Seattle

Enjoy your final full day at leisure in Seattle. Opt to visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass art and sculpture museum, the Museum of Pop Culture inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the observation deck of the 650-foot tall Space Needle. Pike Place Market is also a great place to visit with daily food markets and fantastic street food stalls. For your last evening, dine at one of Seattle’s wonderful restaurants and enjoy a cocktail in the Space Needle’s bar overlooking this beautiful city lit up at night. (N)

Accommodation in Seattle: Staypineapple at Watertown Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 Depart Seattle to the UK

Enjoy your final morning at leisure in Seattle before making your way to the airport to drop off your hire car and board your international flight back to the UK. (N)

Self-Drive: Pacific Northwest - San Francisco to Seattle

15 days from £2300 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2300 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Pacific Northwest - San Francisco to Seattle

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