Experience Van Life on 3 Spectacular Oregon Routes

Experience Van Life on Three Spectacular Routes

Have wanderlust? Ready to enjoy our gorgeous and sprawling state this summer? We map out three routes to scenic views, places to eat and more

written by Jean Chen Smith

Freedom comes to mind when getting into a van for a three- or four-day adventure, with nothing but a bag of groceries, reading and writing materials, and my pup, Tonka bear. GoCamp van rentals make adventure travel possible, as easy and smooth as booking a car. Their rental vans come in a variety of sizes—select from a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit AWD and many more. They all feature a sleeping area with bedding and a dining area, and most have a bathroom. There are seven locations for van pickup in Oregon: Portland, Bend, Medford, Coos Bay, Eugene, Hood River and Salem. The company also has three pickup locations in Washington and others spread across the United States.

Started in 2017 by Deborah Kane, GoCamp is a platform that runs like an Airbnb, except for vans instead of lodging. The concept is ideal because it connects renters to individual owners who put thoughtfulness into their vans, making each unique, clean and well cared for. With the beauty of Oregon in full swing, we have three curated routes and itineraries for your wanderlust. Plot your adventure, pack your bags, and feel the sweetness of freedom. The company also offers one-way rentals across the country, depending on availability. Check their website for updated information when renting: www.gocampcampervans.com

Time and a sense of adventure are the only requirements to play your own song of the open road with van rentals from companies such as GoCamp this summer.

Corinne Kupish/GoCamp

Route 1: Portland » Rhododendron » Terrebonne » Hood River

From Portland, take US-26 E toward Mount Hood for approximately 40 miles to the popular Ramona Falls trailhead, which sits in the Mount Hood National Forest near Rhododendron. On the way, you will pass through Gresham, which is home to Hope’s Café, where they serve freshly made pastries as well as lunch dishes. Pick up a mouthwatering croissant or salad for the road. While there is no camping permitted within 500 feet of Ramona Falls, you can set up camp at Lost Creek Campground, which is a few minutes walking distance from the falls’ entrance. The campground is accessible and offers trails nearby as well as easy access to Ramona Falls, which is a 7.1-mile forested loop with an intersection to the Pacific Crest Trail. The 1,000-foot elevation gain will reveal the spectacular 120-foot waterfall.

Ramona Falls in Mount Hood National Forest is worth the hike.

From Ramona Falls, get back onto US-26, which takes you to Skull Hollow Campground in less than two hours. The campground is located about 8 miles from the iconic Smith Rock State Park. Spend a day or two hiking at Smith Rock, which offers miles of trails. Should you feel adventurous, do some rock climbing at the park, with more than 2,000 routes to explore. Skull Hollow offers seventy campsites with no hook-ups and no drinking water, so be prepared. Visitors have easy access to Skull Hollow Trailhead, Gray Butte Trailhead and the Cole Loop Trail. Nearby Terrebonne provides access to groceries and dining, so the location is convenient. Stop by the Terrebonne Depot for casual fare such as burgers and fries or head to the local Oliver Lemon’s for snacks and sandwiches. From here, if you prearrange transportation, you can either opt to return your GoCamp rental to the Bend location or drive approximately two-and-a-half hours back to Portland.

Smith Rock State Park as the quiet Crooked River flows through it. Days of hiking and a lifetime of climbing are here for the sharing.

Nick Joyce

Looking up from the trails at Smith Rock, you’ll spy many climbers.

Oregon State Parks

If heading to Portland, instead of going back exactly the way you came, return to US-26 and then loop east around Mount Hood on OR-35 to Wyeth Campground, a fifteen-minute drive outside of Hood River. This campground is small and surrounded by pine trees, offering privacy and a peaceful setting for families and small groups. From the campground, you can access a scenic trail and possibly see wildlife such as bald eagles and ospreys. There are flush toilets and potable water, but neither showers nor hookups available. While in Hood River, make a stop along the waterfront where you can spot people enjoying water sports. Head over to Ferment Brewing Company for some of the best burgers you have ever tasted. If you have a hankering for carbs, Solstice Wood Fire Pizza is a must-try. From Hood River, Portland is a little more than one hour and where you can return your rental.

Hood River life centers on the mighty Columbia and craft beer as it rolls by.

Katie Falkenberg/TravelOregon.com

Ferment Brewing Co. along Hood River’s waterfront.

Ferment Brewing Company

Route 2: Medford » Klamath Falls » Burns » John Day

After picking up your van in Medford, stop by Fatso’s Cheketos food truck for sandwiches, soups and salads. The FC crew uses fresh ingredients and, instead of bread, they serve keto-friendly and low-carb substitutes. Take OR-140 W to Odessa Campground in Fremont-Winema National Forest, outside of Klamath Falls, where you will find yourself surrounded by Ponderosa pines and Douglas fir trees. On-site amenities include picnic tables, one vaulted toilet and a boat ramp without a dock. The campground is free and is first-come, first-served, with no potable water supply. The area is suitable for tent camping and trailers.

Medford is a warm summer destination for cool swimming holes and vineyards.

Travel Medford

While in Klamath Falls, stop by Badger Run Wildlife Rehab, where they help to rehabilitate more than 200 wildlife injuries yearly and conduct educational tours, which must be scheduled in advance.

The drive to Idlewild Campground in Malheur National Forest is around four hours via US-395 N. Idlewild sits about twenty minutes from Burns and is situated at 5,000 feet of elevation, surrounded by large pine trees. The site has areas for picnicking, grills, vault toilets and drinking water. The beauty of this location is the national forest, which encompasses more than 1.46 million acres in Eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains. Hiking abounds with endless trails for discovery.

Stop by Crane Hot Springs to soak and relax sore muscles. According to some, the minerals in the water help to reduce inflammation and provide therapeutic benefits. For a respite from grilling and camp fare, grab takeout in Burns from El Toreo Mexican Restaurant, which serves authentic Mexican food.

Crane Hot Springs in Burns is a remote jewel on cool summer nights.

Crane Hot Springs

Continue on US-395 N to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Eastern Oregon. The park is located within the John Day River basin and contains historical layers of fossils that existed from more than forty-five million years ago to up until five million years ago. The geographical phenomenon is separated into what is known as units: Sheep Rock, Painted Hills and Clarno. This is an amazing area of history and should not be missed. Set up camp at Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, which offers RV, teepee and tent spots with a beautiful backdrop of the mountains. The park is well maintained with a picnic area, hot showers and toilets. Wildlife abounds, including Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Eastern Oregon is a must-see during your van life adventure.

Joni Kabana/TravelOregon.com

From John Day, head southwest on US-26 W toward Skull Hollow Campground, which we highlighted in the first route. Spend a day or two in Terrebonne and make your way back to Medford via US-97 S, stopping at Crater Lake National Park along the way. The drive is nearly four hours, but relaxing and picturesque.

Perhaps one of the most pristine sites in Oregon is from the rim of Crater Lake National Park in Southern Oregon.

Satoshi Eto/TravelOregon.com

Route 3: Coos Bay » Florence » Tillamook

Driving the Oregon Coast in search of Dungeness crabs and iconic cheeses.

Whitney Whitehouse

If the coast is your van adventure, Coos Bay is the perfect starting point. Situated on the Southern Oregon coast, the town is more than 150 years old and retains plenty of charm. Before heading to Florence, set up at Sunset Bay State Park and spend a day or two. Cape Arago State Park is a short drive from the campground. It is worth the extra time to take in the spectacular views of the park, which is separated between a north and south section. Veer to the south and a steep trail takes you to Drake Point, where you can access South Cove. To the north, you will have expansive views of Shell Island, where sightings of seals and sea lions are plenty. There are picnic tables and flushable toilets on-site.

Sunset Bay State Park at Coos Bay is a great put-in for kayaks and other water vessels.

Oregon State Parks

Take US-101 straight up to Alder Dune Campground in the Siuslaw National Forest with nearly forty campsites that are made more private with lush greenery. Drinking water and pit toilets are available as well as many hiking trails and beach access. Florence is an adorable little town with seafood restaurants showcasing bounty from Oregon coastal waters. Try Bridgewater Fish House for delicious clam chowder and hearty salads.

The sand dunes near Florence on the Oregon Coast are an otherworldly getaway.

EugeneCascadesCoast.org

From Florence, drive to Nehalem Bay State Park near Tillamook on US-101 N. The state park sits on a 4-mile sandspit between the Pacific Ocean and the bay. You can spot wildlife such as deer and elk along with plenty of birds. There are flush toilets and showers as well as yurts available for rent. Plenty of activities such as fishing, crabbing, kayaking and hiking can keep the entire family entertained. There is also a boat ramp with a seasonal boat dock.

Tillamook rests on the northern edge of the state’s coastline, famous for its dairy farms and cheese making, with verdant forests and the Pacific Ocean as its playground. Spend several days exploring the geographical landscape and sampling local fare. Go wine tasting at Nehalem Bay Winery, and no stop is complete without a visit to Tillamook Creamery, where guests can grab a bite to eat in the market. If you are feeling extra cheesy, also stop by Blue Heron French Cheese Company, which has been in business for more than forty years and specializes in brie.

Tillamook Creamery is still one of the best because of its insistence on local dairy.

Tillamook Creamery

Heading back to Coos Bay, you might take the same route and stop in some of the different towns you passed by while making your way up the coast. However, you can also head over to Portland on OR-6 E and meander south through the lush Willamette Valley, stopping by some wineries along the way. Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner has a beautiful tasting room and a delicious menu to boot. Enjoy some lunch and small tapas plates, and take in views of the beautiful vineyards before returning your van rental in Coos Bay.