A detailed trip report reveals how three travelers completed a spectacular Oregon Coast to Redwoods road trip for $1,200 CAD total - roughly $400 per person for a full week of adventure.
The journey from Vancouver down the Oregon Coast to California's Redwood forests and back through Bend covered some of North America's most stunning coastline while demonstrating that spectacular travel doesn't require spectacular budgets.
The Cost Breakdown
The $1,200 CAD total split across three categories:
• Fuel: ~$600 USD - The biggest expense, covering roughly 2,000 miles in a 2011 Silverado (16.1L/100km) • Camping: $28-38 per night - Oregon and California state parks • Food and extras: ~$300 - Groceries, occasional restaurant meals, and supplies
Splitting costs three ways dramatically reduces per-person expenses, making state park camping more affordable than hostel beds in many cases.
Timing Matters: Skip Summer
The trip took place April 18-24, and the timing proved critical:
• Mild weather with only two rainy nights • Minimal crowds at popular viewpoints and hikes • Available camping without advance reservations • Comfortable temperatures for hiking (not too hot)
The traveler explicitly warns against summer travel: "I wouldn't recommend doing this trip in summer - it gets very hot, the hiking can be tough in the heat, and many spots will be packed with people."
Ideal windows: April-early May or September-October. You'll need rain gear, but you'll avoid the crowds and heat.
Fuel Strategy: Fill Up Before California
With $600 spent on fuel alone, gas prices became a significant factor. The key advice: "Try to fuel up completely before going into California - the gas prices out there are pretty brutal sometimes."
California gas regularly runs $1+ per gallon higher than Oregon, and remote coastal areas charge premium prices. Plan fuel stops strategically.
The Itinerary: Coastal Highlights
Day 1: Astoria to Manzanita • The Goonies House and Astoria Bridge • Cannon Beach (quick stop for Haystack Rock) • Neahkahnie Mountain Trail (1.5-2 hrs, stunning views) • Elk Flats Trail to Devil's Cauldron Overlook • Camp: Neahkahnie-Manzanita State Park
Day 2: Central Coast Exploration • Cape Falcon Trail • Devil's Punchbowl • Cape Meares Lighthouse • Camp: Beverly Beach or South Beach State Park
Day 3: Bandon Area • Bandon Beach - Devil's Kitchen, China Creek • Coquille River Lighthouse • Black Point hike • Camp: Bullards Beach State Park
Day 4: Southern Oregon • Face Rock (short 30-min hike) • Battle Rock Arch ("bring a beer!") • Natural Bridges, Brookings • Camp: Harris Beach State Park
Day 5: Into the Redwoods • Grove of Titans Trail (Jedediah Smith Redwoods) • Fern Canyon Loop (short 1 hr) • Camp: Florence Keller County Park (Crescent City)
Day 6: Crater Lake and Bend • Crater Lake National Park (check snow conditions) • Toketee Falls (1-hr hike) • End in Bend
Day 7: Return via Columbia River Gorge • Multnomah Falls (go early - very popular) • Return to Vancouver
Key Lessons from the Road
1. Don't Over-Plan Hikes "Some of the best spots from our trip weren't even on the original itinerary. Ask around, talk to locals, park workers, or just explore."
2. State Parks Deliver Value Oregon and California state park camping provides hot showers, clean facilities, and spectacular locations for $28-38/night.
3. Drive Times Add Up Even "short" coastal drives take longer than GPS suggests. Highway 101 winds through stunning scenery - but also countless curves and small towns.
4. Morning Light Matters The Oregon Coast often sees morning fog burning off to afternoon sun. Plan photography and viewpoints for mid-to-late day.
Gear Considerations
With a pickup truck, the travelers avoided the "luggage Jenga" of smaller vehicles. If using a car:
• Roof boxes maximize space • Organize camping gear separately from daily bags • Keep rain gear and layers easily accessible • Pack food in coolers that double as seats at campsites
Food Strategy
The budget included both grocery store meals and occasional restaurants:
• Stock up on breakfast and lunch ingredients • Camp stove meals for most dinners • Budget $24 USD for restaurant meals (burger/fries at bars) • Beer was "very cheap" compared to Canada
Seasonal Considerations
April brought unpredictable weather:
• Two nights of rain (bring quality rain gear) • Some higher-elevation roads still had snow • Crater Lake access limited (west and south entrances more reliable) • Prepare for snow/ice gear requirements at Crater Lake
The Verdict: $400 Well Spent
For $400 per person, the trip delivered:
• Seven days of spectacular coastal and forest scenery • Dozens of hikes and natural attractions • Comfortable camping with facilities • Flexibility to follow spontaneous recommendations • One of North America's most iconic road trips
The key to budget success: camping over hotels, shoulder season timing, cooking most meals, and splitting all costs.
The best travel isn't about the destination - it's about what you learn along the way. And sometimes, what you learn is that America's best scenery is more affordable than you think.
