Joining George Fox as a Washington Student? Check Out These Stops on Your Way Here

Following are a few sights to see and things to experience to make your drive a bit more memorable.

Driving From Eastern Washington

If you’re making your way here from Eastern Washington, it’ll take you six to seven hours if you drive it straight, but if you can we encourage you to stop and take in the sights as you cross rolling farmland, dramatic river canyons, high desert landscapes, and lush valleys.

Spokane: Coffee, Views and a Little Wandering

If you’re in the vicinity of Spokane, the city is worth exploring. Riverfront Park is worth checking out, as is Spokane Falls, a massive free-to-visit waterfall right in the middle of downtown. Grab coffee from a local spot, walk across the suspension bridges, and take a few photos.

Palouse Falls: The ‘Wait, This Is Washington?’ Moment

About two hours southwest of Spokane, you’ll find one of the most underrated natural wonders in the state: Palouse Falls.

This place feels unreal. A massive waterfall drops into a deep canyon carved into basalt cliffs – and it looks more like something you’d expect in Arizona than eastern Washington. There’s a short walk to the main viewpoint, so you don’t need to be super outdoorsy to enjoy it.

This stop may be a bit off the beaten path if you’re driving I-90 East out of Spokane, but it’s worth the detour if you have time.

The Tri-Cities: Refuel, Recharge, Repeat

As you roll into the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland), you’ll notice a shift. The terrain opens up, the sky feels bigger, and the Columbia River becomes the star of the show.

This is a perfect place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of casual spots, food trucks and riverfront parks where you can stretch your legs. If you’ve been driving for a few hours, this is your reset point.

Find a spot along the river and just sit for a bit. It’s surprisingly calming – and a good reminder that road trips don’t have to be rushed.

The Columbia River Gorge: The Scenic Core of the Trip

This is where the drive levels up. Once you connect with the Columbia River Gorge, you’re officially in one of the most scenic corridors in the country. Think towering cliffs, winding roads, and massive views that make you want to pull over every five minutes.

Some can’t-miss stops:

• Vista House at Crown Point – A historic viewpoint with panoramic views of the Columbia Gorge. It feels like standing on top of the world (provided it’s not too clouded over).
• Rowena Crest – If you’ve ever seen that iconic curvy road photo, this is it.
• Random pullouts – Honestly, some of the best moments happen when you stop somewhere unplanned.

This stretch alone could turn your “quick drive” into a half-day adventure – and it’s worth it.

Hood River: Chill, Snack, Repeat

Hood River is the kind of town that makes you consider dropping everything and moving.

It’s known for windsurfing (you’ll probably see colorful sails all over the river), but even if you’re not into that, it’s an ideal stop. Walk around downtown, grab a smoothie or coffee, and browse a few local shops.

If the weather’s clear making your way west on I-84, you might even catch a view of Mount Hood in the distance – which feels like a preview of Oregon’s next level of scenery.

Waterfalls You Can Basically Walk Up To

If you like the idea of hiking but aren’t trying to spend three hours doing it, the Gorge has your back.

• Multnomah Falls – The most famous waterfall in Oregon. Yes, it’s popular. And yes, it’s worth it.
• Horsetail Falls – Literally steps from the road.
• Latourell Falls – Unique basalt columns make this one stand out.

These stops are quick, easy, and ridiculously photogenic. It’s like nature designed them for road trippers.

Detour Potential: Mount Hood (If You’ve Got Time)

If you have extra time (or just want to make your trip unforgettable), consider a detour toward Mount Hood. Driving up toward Timberline Lodge gives you alpine views, cooler air, and a totally different environment from the Gorge. You could see snow, wildflowers or crystal-clear hiking trails. It’s a bit of a side quest – but one of the best you can take.

Driving From Directly North of Us

If you’re making the trip down from directly north of us, you could opt for the straight-down-I-5 move and be here in a matter of four or five hours. Or you could take your time to check out some of these highlights.

If you’re driving I-5, make note of these stops.

• Tacoma doesn’t always get the hype it deserves, but it should. There, you can walk across the Bridge of Glass and check out public art installations, cruise along Ruston Way for waterfront views, or, if you want nature without going too far off-route, visit Point Defiance Park with its forest trails, beaches and lookout points.
• Olympia is where things start to slow down – in a good way. Walk around the Washington State Capitol campus (the dome is surprisingly massive), then head downtown for indie shops, coffee spots and waterfront views along Percival Landing.

Choose Your Adventure: I-5 or Coastal Detour

At this point, you’ve got options: Stay on I-5 for a faster, smoother trip, or detour west for a more scenic, slightly longer route through forests and coastal towns.

If you’ve got time, take the scenic route. That’s where things get interesting. If you head west, you’ll find some of Washington’s most underrated coastal beauty.

• Cape Disappointment State Park (Yes, the name is misleading – it’s amazing): cliffs, lighthouses, crashing waves
• Long Beach: one of the longest beaches in the U.S., perfect for walking, relaxing or just zoning out to the sound of the ocean
• Willapa Hills Trail: if you want a peaceful, forested bike or walking path

This stretch feels like a totally different world from the freeway – quieter, windier, and way more cinematic.

Crossing the Columbia

One of the most memorable moments of the trip is crossing the Columbia River – especially if you do it via the Astoria-Megler Bridge. It’s long. Like really long. And the views of the river feel endless.

Before you reach Newberg, you’ll pass through Portland, which is worth a stop if you’re up for it.

• Explore food cart pods (cheap, fast, amazing variety)
• Get lost in Powell’s City of Books (seriously, it’s huge)
• Check out murals and neighborhoods like the Pearl District

Portland can feel a little chaotic compared to the rest of the trip, but that’s part of the appeal.

If you want to decompress before finishing your drive, stop at one of the nature areas just outside Portland. The Tryon Creek State Natural Area offers peaceful forest trails, lots of shade and easy hikes, while Tualatin Hills Nature Park in Beaverton features wetlands, wildlife and quiet walking paths. It’s the perfect way to transition from city energy back to calm.

Roll Into Newberg: Wine Country Meets College Town

By the time you reach Newberg, the landscape has softened into rolling green hills and vineyards. As home to George Fox, it has a small-college feel. Walk around downtown, grab food at a local spot (we have some great food cart options!), and take a breath.

Tips to Make It Even Better

As a final thought, we leave you with a few tips:

• Don’t rush it – Build in time for spontaneous stops.
• Download your music/podcasts – Some stretches have spotty service.
• Bring snacks and water – Especially for the Palouse and Gorge areas.
• Check the weather – Conditions can change quickly, especially near the Gorge and Mount Hood.

So cue up your playlist, pack your stuff, and hit the road. No matter where you’re driving from, an adventure awaits. We’ll see you here!