Road Trip with RVshare Seattle to Eureka

A road trip from Seattle to Eureka will typically begin by traveling south on Interstate 5; a significant portion of this highway runs parallel to the Pacific Coast, giving you spectacular views of the ocean. When you get to Tacoma, WA, it'll be worthwhile to pass by the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and to view the magnificent glass artwork by artist Dale Chihuly. You'll also want to stop by Portland, OR, and make a detour to the Portland Japanese Gardens. If you pass through Eugene, OR, on a Saturday, it would be a shame to miss out on the open-air market, where you can purchase stunning art pieces or jewelry and enjoy live music performances. 

Road Trip Planner: Stops Along Your Route

You can extend your Seattle to Eureka RV road trip by making extra stopovers en route. However, the extra travel time will be worth it in the end as you'll get to explore some exciting cities. You'll pass through multiple Oregon cities that lie on the path of the ocean winds, but Oregon's covered dump stations will protect your RV and ensure that it's ready to hit the road.

Portland

Oregon's largest city, Portland, boasts scenic parks, bicycle paths, and bridges that will appeal to outdoorsy people. With the booming theater and music scenes, this city will entertain you. There are also a number of unique attractions that are must-sees like the International Rose Test Garden, Powell's City of Books, and Voodoo Donuts. Thankfully, there are various campgrounds where you can camp while touring the city.

Salem

Salem houses many outdoor attractions such as parks, gardens, and vineyards, making it an ideal location for an adventure. If you're traveling with young ones, you'll want to schedule a stop at Gilbert House Children's Museum and the Enchanted Forest, a theme park in the middle of the woods. With various campgrounds in the area, you can easily enjoy the city for a day or two.

Eugene

From the vibrant art and culture scene to the eventful market days, Eugene is a city that'll hook you with its exciting happenings. Get caught up in the excitement of an Oregon Ducks football game, or take in some culture at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. Fortunately, you can camp in the scenic campgrounds nearby and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Grants Pass

Stop by Grants Pass, and find out why the slogan "It's the Climate" perfectly describes a colorful city with excellent weather. Grants Pass is smack-dab in the middle of Oregon's farm country, and there are a number of dairies and wineries that offer tours. If you enjoy camping in forested parkland, there are some great campgrounds just outside Grants Pass that'll give you a safe place to rest while you enjoy the city.

National Parks

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park has over 200 miles of hiking trails surrounded by mystical giant redwood trees, some of which are five stories taller than the Statue of Liberty. The 37 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline within the park and the riverways running through it provide breathtaking views. Visiting this park allows you to view wildlife such as whales and the Roosevelt elk, and you can also explore the various species at the tidepools. If your visit falls during summer, you can catch traditional dances from the local Native American tribes.

Crater Lake National Park

When you pass through Oregon on your Seattle to Eureka road trip, take a detour, and visit the state's sole national park. Crater Lake National Park protects Crater Lake, which is famous for being the deepest lake in the country and for having crystal clear and deep blue water. Take your RV around the loophole surrounding the park, where you'll get stunning lake views from many angles. Other activities include hiking through the surrounding forest, scuba diving, fishing, and taking boat tours during summer. Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular during winter. Don't forget to pass by the visitor center and to learn the fascinating story of how the lake was formed.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Nestled in northeast California and close to the Oregon and Nevada state borders, Lassen Volcanic National Park is an excellent stopover for a nature lover. The park is full of wildflowers and houses various mountain lakes bound to impress if you have an eye for beauty. Also, the volcanic park's numerous volcanoes and steaming fumaroles will intrigue the curious traveler. There are multiple fun activities to do here, from hiking to birdwatching to stargazing.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is the place to be for spectacular wildlife views. You'll have a range of landscapes to discover, including woodlands, grasslands, and canyons, with each being home to native animal species like eagles and falcons. In addition, Pinnacles National Park has bat caves that are ideal for hiking through — a flashlight will come in handy. Birdwatching and rock climbing are some other activities that can hook you at this location.

Nearby State Parks

Ainsworth State Park

Ainsworth State Park is a short half-hour drive from Portland. Some of the most spectacular wildlife and bird species that you'll encounter in the Pacific Northwest live in this park. The area is excellent for camping, and you can take some time to hike the trails or check the gorgeous rock formations that form the land. Multnomah Falls, another stunning piece of scenery and top destination, is just 4.5 miles away.

Viento State Park

Further down I-84, about a 20-minute drive from Ainsworth State Park, is Viento State Park. The park sits near Hood River along the southern bank of the windy Columbia River Gorge — the Spanish word “viento,” meaning wind, best describes it. Visitors can access the Columbia River and try some windsurfing and fishing. This park is known for its hiking trails, which give you great views of the surrounding gorge.

Silver Falls State Park

Make a visit to Silver Falls State Park, which is about 10 miles away from Salem, and discover why it's known as the crown jewel of Oregon's state park system. One top reason to visit the park is to get the opportunity to walk behind the South Falls waterfall that stands 177 feet tall. You can also branch out from here on to other hiking trails that lead to multiple other waterfalls. In addition, backcountry trails allow horseback riding and mountain biking.

Beverly Beach State Park

Sitting about an hour and a half west of Salem, Beverly Beach State Park is a camper's haven. The campground nearby has yurts for rent, flush toilets, hot showers, and firewood for purchase, and the playground will keep the kids busy while you rest. Moreover, you'll marvel at the landscape that includes a sandy beach by the ocean. The centralized park position also gives you a perfect location for whale watching, and the tidepools offer unique ecosystems for you to explore. Beverly Beach is also frequently named one of the best surfing spots in Oregon.

Along the Way

Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum lies in the heart of Portland. It features beautiful displays of American, Northwest, and Asian art collections ranging from native to contemporary pieces. In existence since 1892, the art museum is one of the oldest on the West Coast. With tens of thousands of art pieces on display, your inner culture buff will come to play.

Oregon State Capitol

The Oregon State Capitol in Salem is one of five state capitol buildings built in the Art Deco style. A tour around the interior and exterior of the marble building reveals stunning architecture and garden views. Unlike many state capitols in the nation, there is no grand ballroom-style staircase in the building. The designer wanted to make the seat of government accessible to the greatest amount of people possible.

Shelton McMurphey Johnson House

Shelton McMurphey Johnson House is a historic home in Eugene. Better known as "The Castle on the Hill," this residence that's over 100 years old will give you a closer look at how people lived in the Victorian era. A tour of this location highlights the lives of the families who called this place home over the years, and it's a fascinating period study.

The Glass Forge

The Glass Forge is an art gallery and glass studio in Grants Pass. Visitors can watch the teams of artists create their pieces using techniques that are over 2,000 years old. Purchase a beautiful, one-of-kind art piece that you can display in your home. 

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Seattle to Eureka, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Seattle or Eureka.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plan an RV road trip from Seattle to Eureka?

To plan an RV road trip from Seattle to Eureka, start by mapping your route using Google Maps or a trip planner that supports RV navigation. Consider road types, fuel stops, campgrounds, and attractions along the way. Our RV rental specialists can help you choose the best vehicle and route based on your travel dates and preferences.

What type of RV should I rent for my trip?

The ideal RV depends on your travel style, group size, and destination. For couples, a camper van or Class B RV offers flexibility and easy driving. Families often prefer Class C motorhomes for more space and amenities. If you’re staying longer or need extra comfort, a Class A RV might be your best choice. Learn more about the different RV classes.

How much does it cost to rent an RV for a road trip?

RV rental prices vary based on vehicle size, rental duration, season, and mileage. On average, RV rentals range from $100–$300 per night, with discounts for weekly or monthly bookings. We also offer one-way rentals if you’re traveling from Seattle to Eureka without returning to the starting point.

Can I pick up my RV in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes! Many travelers love our one-way RV rental option. If the inventory is available for your route, you can pick up your RV in one location and drop it off in another, which is perfect for cross-country adventures or long-distance road trips.

What should I pack for an RV trip?

Pack essentials like bedding, toiletries, cooking supplies, and outdoor gear. Most of our RVs come equipped with kitchenware and basic amenities. Don’t forget to bring a first-aid kit, maps, and camping chairs for your outdoor setup. Keep this packing list handy to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!

Do I need a special license to drive an RV?

A standard driver’s license is all you need to rent and drive an RV. Keep in mind that you must be 25 to rent an RV.

Where can I park or stay overnight during my road trip?

You can stay at RV parks, national park campgrounds, or designated boondocking areas. Our team can recommend safe and scenic stops along your route from Seattle to Eureka. Be sure to reserve campgrounds in advance during peak travel seasons.

How do I handle fuel and hookups during my trip?

Most RVshare RVs are equipped for electric, water, and sewer hookups at most campgrounds. Keep track of your fuel stops and learn how to connect utilities before you hit the road. We provide a full orientation before departure to make setup easy.

Is insurance included in my RV rental?

Yes, basic insurance coverage is included with every rental. You can also purchase additional protection plans for peace of mind during your journey. We’ll explain all coverage options when you book your RV.

Can I travel with pets in my RV rental?

Absolutely! Many of our RVs are pet-friendly, so your furry friends can enjoy the adventure too. Use the filters to search for RVs that welcome pets on board.

What are the best road trip routes for RV travelers?

Popular RV routes include scenic coastal drives, national park loops, and cross-country highways. For beginners, you may want to try a long weekend trip where you don’t have to drive quite as far. Just remember to follow the 3-3-3 rule of RVing!