Sacramento to Portland Drive [Best Road Trip Stops + Places to Eat]

Going on a Sacramento to Portland Road Trip? Then you’ve come to the right place.

The Sacramento to Portland drive offers two amazing options where the journey can be just as special as the destination.

This guide will give you a basic overview of the direct and scenic routes and highlight some stops you can take along the way.

As a bonus, we’ve also compiled a list of great places to eat along the way, some traveling tips, and a list of must-have essentials for the road.

🚗 In this post, you will find everything you need to plan your Sacramento to Portland drive:

• Direct and Scenic drive options for your road trip
• Best stops for each route
• Best places to eat and drink along the way
• Interactive map with scenic stops and food stops
• Planning tips and essential packing list

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How far is Portland from Sacramento?

Portland is 579 miles from Sacramento, and it would take approximately 9 hours and 17 minutes to cover the distance via the direct route. 

Yes, the drive would take almost half a day, but it gets so beautiful as you go that you probably wouldn’t even notice the time.

Routes for Driving from Sacramento to Portland

• Direct Route: 9:17 hrs, 579 miles 
• Scenic Route: 14:16 hrs, 789 miles 

When planning your Sacramento to Portland road trip, there are two routes you can take. 

The drive time from Sacramento to Portland with the direct route would take over 9 hours, while the scenic route would take close to 15 hours, accounting for very short breaks.

Although the stops along the direct route are not as good as the ones on the scenic route, there are still notable places you can easily access while driving on the highway.

Depending on how much time you’re willing to add to the trip, you can visit a few places on Lake Shasta, including a short hike to a waterfall or several viewpoints. 

If you have more time to spare, you can split the scenic route into two days to enjoy the numerous stops, from national parks and hiking trails to museums.

This is a much more fun way to go and there are multiple hotels along I-5 that have easy freeway access and hotels with suites if you need a bigger space.

However, if you’re traveling during the winter, it’s best to stick to the direct route, as I-5 is well-maintained and plowed regularly. 

Also, carry snow chains or drive an AWD with snow tires when passing through from early fall to late spring.

▶ If you’re looking for the best deals on rental cars, make sure to check RentalCars.com

Driving from Sacramento to Portland Quick Snapshot

Direct Route	Scenic Route
Lake Shasta Caverns National Park	Lassen Volcanic National Park
Castle Crags State Park	Burney Falls
Hedge Creek Falls	Lava Beds National Monument
Lake Siskiyou	Crater Lake National Park
Ashland	Lava River Cave
Crater Rock Museum	High Desert Museum
Wildlife Safari	Smith Rock State Park
Owen Rose Garden	Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint
Silver Falls State Park	Mount Hood
	Panorama Point (Hood River)
	Cascade Locks
	Columbia River Gorge

Direct Route for Sacramento to Portland Road Trip

• Description: This direct route will take 9:17 hrs without stopping and is an easy drive with a few mountain passes and a windy section on a major highway.

Driving direct from Sac to Portland takes less than 10 hours of travel time via I-5, provided you don’t make too many stops along the way other than gas or restroom breaks.

With some lovely spots just along the highway, you can quickly check a couple of them or dedicate an hour or so to tours.

You can take a cave tour over at Lake Shasta Caverns or hike to a viewpoint at Castle Crags. 

You can also check out Hedge Creek Falls or take a dip at Lake Siskiyou before crossing the state line over to Oregon.

Once you cross the border, explore some of the loveliest towns in the state, such as Ashland, Central Point, Winston, Eugene, or Salem, before arriving in Portland.

☕ Need to grab a cup of coffee before you start your drive? Check out Sacramento’s best coffee shops here.

Sacramento to Portland Drive: Best Places to Stop (Direct Route)

• Stops for Gas: Williams, Redding, Mt. Shasta, Ashland, Seven Feathers Truck & Travel Center (Canyonville), Roseburg, Eugene, Salem
• Stops for Food and Coffee: Williams, Redding, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Ashland, Medford, Roseburg, Eugene, Salem

Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark 📌

This first stop on your Sacramento to Portland drive is definitely not a quick stop over but worth the trip if you love exploring caves. 

If you want to do the entire tour to check out the caverns, you would need at least two hours and $35 per adult. 

It includes a cruise across the lake, a scenic bus ride to the caverns, and a guided tour inside. 

Here you’ll learn about the caverns’ history while getting to check out the exquisite limestone formations.

The price may seem steep for a stopover, but this is a must for those interested in natural history and geology fans.

Castle Crags State Park 📌

Continuing your drive through the interstate, visit Castle Crags State Park and enjoy a quick stop to stretch your legs.

As you drive the one-lane road up the parking lot and take the quarter-mile hike that leads you to the vista point, you’ll wonder why this isn’t a more popular stop.

The vista boasts some of the most beautiful views of the Castle Crags, Mount Shasta, and Grays Rocks, so if you want to stretch from the drive, this is a great spot.

Waterfall Stop (Hedge Creek Falls) 📌

Another short hike you can take with a great payoff is the 0.6-mile out-and-back hike to Hedge Creek Falls.

The parking lot and trailhead are right off the freeway, so it’s one of those quick stops you don’t need much time to think about taking.

This 35-foot waterfall pours over a basalt overhang, and visitors love taking pictures underneath it as they peek through the waterfall.

If you fancy a hike further inland, you can also check out Mossbrae Falls, though be very careful and courteous as you’ll be passing through private property.

Lake Siskiyou 📌

You’re almost at the state line. But before crossing over, you might want to stop at Lake Siskiyou if you want to see one of the best views of Mount Shasta. 

It’s a good place to stop for a picnic or just to stretch and soak in the views.

For $2 per adult (kids enter free), you have access to a clean sandy beach, warm waters, and one of the most picturesque views of the mountain.

Take your postcard picture, dip your toes in the water for a bit, and relax before you cross the border to Oregon.

Ashland 📌

While taking this direct route from Sacramento to Portland, Ashland is the first town in Oregon that you’d pass by.

If you feel you’ve had enough “I-Spy” games on the road, a visit to the town’s Oregon Shakespeare Festival is just the change of scenery you may need. 

OSF has one of the oldest existing full-scale Elizabethan stages in the world, and if you’re a fan of the theatre, a trip to its campus is a must. 

Crater Rock Museum (Central Point, OR) 📌

Just before leaving Central Point, how about dropping by Crater Rock Museum?

This hidden gem houses an incredible collection of rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, and a Native American exhibit that are a must-visit. 

For a $7 entrance fee, you learn a lot from the displays, and it’s a fun experience, especially if you have kids with you.

Wildlife Safari (Winston, OR) 📌

Who knew you could go on a wild African Safari adventure without leaving your car?

For $23.95 per adult, drive through Wildlife Safari’s 610-acre park and look closely at different animals from all over the world.

The drive lasts 60-90 minutes; you’ll have a map that will serve as a guide to help you identify the animals in the park.

This tour is an excellent option if you want to see the animals but want to keep your visit to less than two hours, as dropping by the “Always Free Safari Village” portion of the park will take much longer.

Owen Rose Garden (Eugene, OR) 📌

If you’re doing this Sacramento to Portland road trip around mid-May to mid-July, you might want to stop at Owen Rose Garden.

This eight-and-a-half-acre park next to the Willamette River features over 4,000 roses with over 400 different varieties.

Talk about smelling the roses!

It also features an Oregon Heritage Cherry Tree and a beautiful picnic area where you can spread a blanket and relax for a few minutes.

Silver Falls State Park (Salem, OR) 📌

Yes, you’re almost to your destination!

But if you’re up for one more adventure before reaching Portland, the Silver Falls State Park in Salem has some easy and moderate trails you can explore.

The park has a lot of beautiful falls you can check out including four that you can walk behind the falling water.

The South Falls is the most famous one out of all ten falls, and the trail loop involves hiking less than a mile. The day-use fee is $5 per car.

Sacramento to Portland Drive Direct Route Map

Scenic Drive from Sacramento to Portland

• Description: This scenic drive will take 14:16 hrs without stopping and is an easy drive that passes through several tourist spots along the way.

The scenic route will take you close to 15 hours of driving from Sac to Portland, and that is without making too many stops for bathroom and fuel breaks.

Doing this longer route in a straight shot is a waste of scenery. If you decide to take this route, you might as well break it up into sections and take a couple of days to check out the beautiful stops along the way.

Breaking your Sacramento to Portland drive into at least two days allows you to check out park trails with volcanic features such as fumaroles, mud baths, and lava tubes.

You’ll have ample time to check out beautiful trails leading to waterfalls, visit an expansive museum and maybe even check out spots where you can take in mountain and canyon views. 

No matter how many stops you take on this route, the scenic stops along the way will easily justify the added hours.

There are a few National Park stops on this route. To save you some money, why not pick up a National Park Pass? This gives you access to ALL national parks across the country for a year. Get it here for only $80.

Sacramento to Portland Drive: Best Places to Stop (Scenic Route)

• Stops for Gas: Williams, Redding, Klamath Falls, Bend, Mt. Hood, Hood River, Cascade Locks
• Stops for Food and Coffee: Williams, Redding, Adin, Klamath Falls, Bend, Mt. Hood, Hood River, Cascade Locks

Lassen Volcanic National Park 📌

If volcanos are your thing, Lassen Volcanic National Park should be on your top must-stops during this scenic drive from Sac to Portland.

This park has everything from flowery meadows to beautiful crystal-clear lakes. There are even some bare spots with fumaroles (steaming volcanic ground vents) and boiling mud baths to check out in the park.

Take the walking path, which will allow you to get closer so that you can hear the fumaroles hissing and watch the mud baths steaming.

The park entrance is $30 per vehicle.

Burney Falls 📌

After driving for a couple of hours, or if you hiked at the Lassen Volcanic National Park, you might want to make a stop at the Burney Falls.

There is a $10 day-use fee, but the hike from the parking area to the falls only takes about 30 minutes and covers a loop of 1 to 1.3 miles. 

You don’t necessarily have to do the hike to see the waterfalls, but it’s much more fun to get up close.

This can be a short stop, but most people usually stay longer taking photos or just taking in the majestic waterfall.

Weekends can get pretty hectic here, especially from April through October, so plan accordingly.

Lava Beds National Monument 📌

Another great stop to learn more about how volcanos affect surrounding landscapes and areas is the Lava Beds National Monument.

This time you’ll go underground and join visitors as you all explore the lava tube caves.

Volcanic eruptions spanning half-million years created the over 500 caves in the park.

Entrance to the park is $25 unless you have a national park pass. Make sure to bring some a sweater with you as the temperature below the ground can be a little chilly.

Crater Lake National Park 📌

If California has Lake Tahoe, Oregon has Crater Lake. Any scenic drive to Oregon should include this breathtaking spot.

Popular among locals and tourists alike, this 1,943 feet deep crystal blue lake is the deepest in America.

Don’t miss your chance; hike to one of the park’s vista points and take panoramic photos or have a picnic while taking in the view.

Since this stop is a National Park, there is a $30 fee unless you have the national park pass.

📍 This is your halfway point on this Sacramento to Portland road trip. You can either stay near Crater Lake or in Klamath Falls. Here are the two best options for you:

Crater Lake Resort

This dog-friendly resort gives you an easy access to explore the nearby Crater Lake. You can get an entire cottage with a kitchen and even a balcony for a very reasonable price.

⭐ Crater Lake Resort Reviews (8.1/10 Stars)

Lovely location for access to Crater Lake National Park. Many different kinds of accommodations. We stayed in the cabins that were spacious and comfortable.

– Kimberley (Booking Review)

Super clean and tidy. Lovely people working here. Cabins were spacious and offered everything we‘ve needed. Whole resort was in great shape and was super nice located. – Jana (Booking Review)

Fairfield Inn & Suites Klamath Falls

If you want beautiful views of the lake from the comfort of your room, then stay at this hotel. The rooms are spacious and comfortable while being conveniently located to the downtown area.

⭐ Fairfield Inn & Suites Klamath Falls Reviews (8.7/10 Stars)

Breakfast was very good. The facility staff was awesome and the hotel was very clean. We also loved the hotels location,it was next to the river. Our room was very comfortable and big.

– Paul (Booking Review)

I absolutely loved my stay they have a pretty good breakfast decent the coffee is amazing along with customer service is really really great I would definitely come back and stay and recommend to friends and family – Destiny (Booking Review)

Lava River Cave 📌

Are you looking to explore the most extended continuous lava tube in Oregon?

If you happen to have warm clothing with you, a light source, and some good hiking shoes, you’re good to go to explore Lava River Cave.

You’ll probably spend about an hour or two exploring this mile-long lava tube. Watch your step going in as it can get quite steep and a little treacherous.

High Desert Museum 📌

The High Desert Museum is a favorite among families traveling through Bend, Oregon, and for a good reason.

This expansive museum has natural wildlife and historical exhibits featuring Native American and Oregon homestead history. 

They even have an authentic ranch and sawmill from 1904 on display.

It’s easy to spend a few hours here just having fun and learning from all the displays and programs, which are undoubtedly worth the $20 entrance fee.  

A quick detour from here, Sparks Lake is less than an hour’s drive away, and if you want the best view of Mt. Bachelor, this is the spot.

Smith Rock State Park 📌

Tap into your semi-outdoor persona and explore some of Smith Rock State Park’s most accessible trails.

A perfect reason to just get out of the car and stretch your legs, the Rim Rock Trail offers spectacular views of the park, all in a 0.5-mile stroll along the canyon ridge.

Yes, you can take several easy trails, but the Rim Rock Trail offers up the chance to watch eager climbers, spot wildlife, and take in the awe-inspiring canyon views.

By the way, don’t forget to self-pay the $5 per vehicle day use fee.

Peter Skene Ogden State State Scenic Viewpoint 📌

Continue on US Route 97 and make a quick stop for some photo ops at the Peter Skene Ogden Viewpoint.

This is a famous rest stop, especially for those who frequently travel to central Oregon, as it has well-maintained restrooms and a small picnic area. 

It also offers a great view of basalt cliffs and the bridge that hangs over the canyon.

You might even spot the Three Sisters volcanic peaks from here if you’re lucky enough to come on a clear day.

Mount Hood 📌

By now, you’re probably well aware that most of the scenic spots on this drive involve some volcanic features or at least have some connection to volcanos. 

Mount Hood is no different as it is a stratovolcano.

As a lot of Oregon postcards, souvenir items, and photos will tell you, Mount Hood is a state landmark and a worthy visit.

For the best views, check out Trillium Lake; if you want to go on a very short hike, take the Little Zigzag Falls Trail. 

And if you want to experience one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, go for the Mirror Lake Loop.

Panorama Point (Hood River) 📌

If you don’t want to go on a hike just to get to a viewpoint, Panorama Point on Hood River is for you.

This easy drive-up offers spectacular panoramic views of the entire Hood River Valley, and on a beautiful clear day, you can see Mount Hood on display, just waiting for you to take a snap of it.

Aside from the restroom, there isn’t much else you can find here, but if you want to soak up the views for longer, you can pack a lunch and enjoy it while enjoying the view.

Cascade Locks 📌

As you drive along I-84 to Portland, go on a slight detour to US-30 and check out Cascade Locks.

Starting at $40 per adult, you can take a relaxing cruise along the Columbia River aboard an authentic Sternwheeler.

The cruise takes about an hour and features different river highlights, but you only need to pay for the first hour and the second one is free of charge. 

Stay for the west loop where the Sternwheeler travels under the Bridge of the Gods.

Columbia River Gorge 📌

A disclaimer, this portion of the scenic drive can be a trip of its own with several exciting stops along the way.

You might want to plan plenty of extra time for this area if you hope to see as many of the famous sights as you can.

You should check out a few spots: Multnomah Falls, the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, and the Vista House. 

Hike the moderately challenging Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail for great views of the gorge and several other waterfalls.

Note: Waterfall Corridor Permits are required during the busy season, so make sure to purchase them in advance here.

Sacramento to Portland Drive Scenic Route Map

Places to Eat and Drink Between Sacramento and Portland Drive

Whether you plan on taking the direct route or the scenic route, one thing is for sure, you’ll stop for some grub along the way.

We’ve gathered a few places you might want to check out and put into your itinerary. 

You obviously will not stop at all of them, but it’s great to have several options to choose from, depending on your timing and preferences.

Direct Route

• Williams
  • Granzella’s – This deli and restaurant are famous for Italian Muffuletta, meatball sandwiches, and their collection of hundreds of taxidermied animals.

• Redding
  • Don’s Sandwich Shop & Deli – This nostalgic sandwich shop is a staple in the area, serving traditional sandwiches, old-time shakes, and floats.
  • Los Cachorros Taqueria – Stop by this local taqueria for some authentic tacos, taquitos, and shrimp dishes. This place will hit all the right spots if you’re craving Mexican during the drive.

• Mt. Shasta
  • Yaks Shack – This restaurant serves mouth-watering giant hamburgers and grilled breakfast burritos that all have a creative twist.

• Weed
  • Mt. Shasta Brewing Co. – Enjoy some refreshing craft beers and some tasty pub grub at this microbrewery that is conveniently located right off I-5. 
  • Starbucks – We typically do not support large corporate coffee shops, but the view of Mt. Shasta from this Starbucks outdoor seating is epic.

• Ashland
  • Noble Coffee Roasting – Drop by this award-winning cafe for some much-needed coffee for the road. This roastery serves handcrafted organic espresso drinks and delicious pastries.

• Medford 
  • Crumbl Cookies – This cookie spot is famous for its chocolate chip cookie, and if you’re the adventurous type, you will enjoy its rotating menu and the new flavors.

• Roseburg
  • Burrito Vaquero – This unassuming Mexican restaurant has an extensive menu and drive-through service if you want to grab a quick bite and get back on the road.

• Eugene
  • Cornbread Cafe – This is a small cafe that whips up delicious vegan homestyle dishes using locally sourced, organic ingredients.
  • Sweetlife Patisserie – This patisserie is a sweet tooth’s heaven with display cases filled with delicious desserts from cake slices, pies, tarts, cookies, bars, and even ice cream.

• Salem
  • Noble Wave – Get a taste of Louisiana at this restaurant, and make sure to order a serving or two of the Hot Bird, their best seller.
  • Don Bigote – This Churreria serves delicious crepes and shakes, but of course, you definitely should try their churros, made fresh daily.
  • Valiant the Sandwich – This place serves big fat sandwiches, ensuring they don’t skimp on all the good stuff.

Scenic Route

• Williams
  • Granzella’s – This deli and restaurant are famous for Italian Muffuletta, meatball sandwiches, and their collection of hundreds of taxidermied animals.

• Redding
  • Don’s Sandwich Shop & Deli – This nostalgic sandwich shop is a staple in the area, serving traditional sandwiches, old-time shakes, and floats.
  • Los Cachorros Taqueria – Stop by this local taqueria for some authentic tacos, taquitos, and shrimp dishes. This place will hit all the right spots if you’re craving Mexican during the drive.

• Adin
  • The Oney Frosty in Town – This barbecue and burger joint serves great old-school burgers and has an almost dizzying selection of shake flavors.

• Klamath Falls, OR
  • Gathering Grounds Cafe & Roastery – This cozy cafe has delicious breakfast sandwich offerings and serves single-origin coffees.
  • Tacos La Fogata – This food truck not only serves delicious tacos, but their burritos are enormous. 

• Bend, OR
  • Thump Coffee – This coffee shop not only serves excellent coffee but also has an in-house roaster and killer views of the Cascade Mountains.
  • Bangers & Brews – This restaurant serves Argentinean and gourmet grilled sausages on traditional bolillo buns alongside a nice lineup of craft brews.
  • Alebrije Oaxaca – Although this food truck specializes in authentic Oaxacan Mexican food, they are famous for their Quesabirria tacos from Jalisco.

• Mt. Hood
  • The Gorge White House – This wine bar is located on a historic farm with stunning views of Mount Hood.
  • Apple Valley BBQ – This barbecue restaurant serves a mean prime rib open-face sandwich.
  • Moby Coffee Roasters – This coffee bar and roastery serves organic, fair-trade coffee that’s smooth to the taste and just straight-up delicious.

• Hood River
  • Kickstand Coffee & Kitchen – This restaurant offers up an eclectic menu ranging from Thai salads to crispy chicken sandwiches. Everything is delicious, especially their coffee.

• Cascade Locks, OR
  • Thunder Island Brewing – This small batch brewery not only handcrafts delicious craft beers, but they also happen to serve delicious food as well.

Planning your Sacramento to Portland Drive

1. Time of the Year

You can go on a Sac to Portland drive all year round, and no season is less beautiful than the other. 

However, you might want to come prepared with snow chains when driving through during winter, as some roads may prove a bit challenging, especially over Grants Pass.

2. Create a road trip playlist through Spotify

Whether driving direct or scenic, you will most likely enter remote areas with limited to almost no cellphone reception. 

To ensure you have non-stop music, download your road trip playlist for offline use.

3. Get a National Parks Pass

Especially if you’re driving the scenic route, you will most likely want to stop at several national parks. 

To save money and avoid paying entrance fees for individual parks, purchase a National Parks Pass instead.

Sacramento to Portland Road Trip Essentials

• Roadside Emergency kit – As you will be driving for long periods, have a roadside emergency kit with you.

• First Aid Kit – A first aid kit will come in handy if you injure yourself hiking, exploring, or just checking out some of the stops along the way. 

• Car charger – Keep your mobile phones powered up as you will likely use them to play music, take photos, navigate, and do quick research throughout the trip.

• Power Inverter – Keep a power inverter handy for when you might need more USB ports to plug into or when you need to power up or charge an electronic appliance.

• Portable Car Jump Starter – This portable charger packs enough juice that it can jump-start your car.

• Headlamp – This headlamp is a must for exploring lava caves and is great for keeping your hands free if you need to install chains at night.

• Ice Chest – Bring an ice chest with you to ensure you keep your drinks ice-cold and ready when you need them.

FAQs

What is the halfway point between Sacramento and Portland, Oregon?

The town of Ashland in Oregon is the halfway point between Sacramento and Portland and is a great stop for food and fuel.

How long does it take to drive from Sacramento to the Oregon border?

The distance from Sacramento to the Oregon state line is approximately 236 miles and would take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Wrap-Up: Sacramento to Portland Drive

This article is your sign that you should take that Sacramento to Portland road trip you have been dreaming of.

We’ve covered the stops for you, so all that is left is finalizing your itinerary and choosing which stops you’ll visit and which you will keep for next time.

Either way, have fun and enjoy your Sacramento to Portland drive!

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• SF to Big Sur Drive
• Scenic drive to Monterey from SF