SD to Whidbey & Redwoods
A massive West Coast loop hitting the giants, the islands, and the mountains in one epic week.
San Diego → Stockton → Redwoods → Olympia → Whidbey Island → Bend → Mono Lake → San Diego
- Avenue of the Giants
- Deception Pass Bridge
- Penn Cove Mussels
- Mount Hood Views
- Mono Lake Tufas
Day 1 · The Long Haul North
Pure driving day to clear the Grapevine and hit the valley. Keep the coffee flowing.
San Diego Departure
Gas up and grab breakfast burritos before hitting the I-5 North.
Hilton Stockton
Check in and crash. You've earned a quiet night by the pool.
Day 2 · Into the Giants
This is the photo day. Massive trees and misty coastal vibes.
Avenue of the Giants
The Avenue of the Giants is a scenic highway in northern California, United States, running through Humboldt Redwoods State Park. It is named for the coast redwoods that tower over the route. The road is a former alignment of U.S. Route 101, and continues to be maintained as a state highway as State Route 254.
Hampton Inn & Suites Arcata
Perfect base near the coast. Grab dinner in the cute downtown plaza.
Day 3 · PNW Bound
Long drive but the scenery shifts from redwoods to rugged pines.
Oregon Coast Stop
Quick stretch at the beach. The Rogue River meets the ocean here.
Hilton Garden Inn Olympia
Rest up before the final push to the island tomorrow.
Day 4 · Whidbey Island
Ferry rides and Deception Pass. The highlight of the trip.
Mukilteo Ferry
Washington State Ferries (WSF) is a public ferry system in the U.S. state of Washington that carries passengers and vehicles. A division of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), it operates 8 routes serving 20 terminals within Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands.
Deception Pass
Deception Pass is a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island, in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Washington. It connects Skagit Bay, part of Puget Sound, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca. A pair of bridges known collectively as Deception Pass Bridge cross Deception Pass. The bridges were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Homewood Suites Burlington
Closest Hilton to the island's north end. Super spacious.
Day 5 · The Mountain Route
Heading south via a different path. Volcanic peaks and dry air.
Mount Hood Viewpoint
Swap the coast for the mountains. Stunning views of the peak.
Hilton Garden Inn Bend
Bend is a vibe. Great breweries and river walks right outside.
Day 6 · Homeward Bound
Long haul back to SD. Use the 395 for epic Sierra views.
Mono Lake
Mono Lake is a massive lake that sits at over 6,000 feet (1,829 m) elevation in the Eastern Sierra region of California, just east of Yosemite National Park. There are no rivers or streams to drain the lake's waters, resulting in high saline (salt) concentrations.
San Diego Home
Back in the 619. Time to unpack and sleep for a week.
- Book Whidbey ferries in advance
- Expect heavy driving on days 1 and 6
- Check for snow on mountain passes
- Day 2: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 3: 6h driving — plan rest stops
- Day 5: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 6: 7h (Partial) driving — plan rest stops