My Favorite Drives After 3 Years on the Road
When people think "Northwest," they usually picture misty forests, rugged coastlines, and towering mountains—and honestly, they’re spot on. But after living full-time in my car for three years, I've learned the Northwest is even more beautiful (and more wild) than I ever expected.
From crashing ocean waves to alpine lakes to endless fields of green, these drives have absolutely stolen my heart.
Here’s my personal list of must-drive scenic roads in the Northwestern United States for fellow van lifers chasing freedom and beauty.
🌲 1. Highway 101 – Olympic Peninsula, WA
Distance: 300+ miles (full loop)
Why I love it: Rainforests, beaches, dramatic coastal cliffs
Driving around Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is like stepping into a fairytale. I loved bouncing between mossy rainforests, misty beaches, and charming little towns like Port Townsend. Free camping is a little trickier near the coast, but Olympic National Forest has some amazing dispersed spots.
🏞 2. North Cascades Highway (State Route 20, WA)
Distance: About 125 miles
Why I love it: Jagged mountain peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls
North Cascades National Park feels super underrated compared to other parks, which means fewer crowds—yes please. SR-20 winds through snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes like Diablo Lake, and tons of free or super cheap camping. Definitely hit this one late summer to avoid snow closures!
🌊 3. Oregon Coast Highway (US-101, OR)
Distance: 363 miles
Why I love it: Endless beaches, rocky sea cliffs, cozy towns
The Oregon Coast is basically van life paradise. I spent weeks hopping from little seaside towns, pulling over at beach access points, and camping on national forest land just inland. The fog rolling in over the ocean is straight-up magic.
🏔 4. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (OR-46, Oregon)
Distance: 66 miles
Why I love it: Volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, epic sunsets
Outside of Bend, this byway runs past a string of gorgeous alpine lakes, framed by massive volcanic mountains. I loved paddleboarding on Devil’s Lake and sleeping under starry skies at free dispersed campsites nearby. Plus, Bend is a super van-friendly town with tons of coffee shops, laundromats, and showers.
🌲 5. Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (Oregon)
Distance: About 100 miles (loop from Portland)
Why I love it: Forests, waterfalls, and an iconic snow-capped mountain
Mt. Hood feels like the Northwest’s crowned jewel. Driving around the base of the mountain gives you endless photo ops. There are pullouts everywhere, waterfall hikes right off the road, and a million places to park overnight in Mt. Hood National Forest.
🏞 6. Lolo Pass (US-12, Idaho/Montana)
Distance: About 200 miles
Why I love it: Remote mountains, hot springs, river views
This drive feels remote in the best way. You follow the Lochsa River deep into the Bitterroot Mountains, with chances to soak in free roadside hot springs along the way. I slept at trailheads and pullouts with no one else around for miles—pure peace.
🛶 7. Sawtooth Scenic Byway (ID-75, Idaho)
Distance: 115 miles
Why I love it: Rugged peaks, crystal-clear rivers, small town charm
The Sawtooths are hands-down one of the most stunning mountain ranges I’ve ever seen. I drove this route during late summer, and there were wildflowers, snow-capped mountains, and free campsites right by the river. Don’t miss Redfish Lake if you love paddleboarding or kayaking!
🏔 8. Beartooth Highway (US-212, MT/WY)
Distance: 68 miles
Why I love it: High-altitude tundra, wild switchbacks, crazy views
Okay, Beartooth technically edges into Wyoming, but it’s too epic not to mention. This highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet and feels like you’re driving on the roof of the world. Snowbanks in July, wildflowers in August, and a million pullouts for those “Holy crap, look at that!” moments.
🌲 9. Columbia River Gorge (I-84 and WA-14, OR/WA)
Distance: About 80 miles
Why I love it: Waterfalls, lush forests, cliffs over the river
The Columbia River Gorge is unreal. Driving through it, you're constantly pulling over for waterfall hikes (like the famous Multnomah Falls) and jaw-dropping river views. Camping can get tricky right along the river, but head a few miles south into Mount Hood National Forest and you'll find plenty of free spots.
🌊 10. Chuckanut Drive (WA-11, Washington)
Distance: 20 miles
Why I love it: Coastal cliffs, forest canopy, small town vibes
Short and sweet, Chuckanut Drive between Bow and Bellingham is a hidden gem. Forests practically lean over the road, and there are ocean views around every curve. Perfect for a slower, peaceful drive. Plus, Bellingham is super vanlife-friendly and has great spots to stealth camp.
Final Thoughts
The Northwestern U.S. feels like it was made for wandering souls. Between the misty forests, sparkling rivers, snowy peaks, and salty ocean breezes, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with this part of the country.
Every one of these drives gave me moments that made living out of a car feel like the greatest freedom imaginable—waking up to the sound of crashing waves, pulling over for spontaneous hikes, or sipping coffee while staring out at endless green forests.
If you’re dreaming of a vanlife adventure through the Northwest, start with these drives. You won’t regret it.
Need a Northwest Van Life Itinerary or my free campsite list for these routes?
Drop a comment or message me—I'd love to help you plan your trip!
🛻🌲🌊
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