Seattle to Astoria Road Trip Guide

Just 30 minutes south of Seattle, Tacoma's Museum of Glass is no ordinary glass museum. Opened in 2002, this 75,000-square-foot facility celebrates both modern and contemporary glass art. The permanent exhibitions showcase the development of glass as an artistic medium, while special galleries feature works by local legend Dale Chihuly.

Watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop amphitheater, where visiting artists create mesmerizing pieces before your eyes. The adjacent Chihuly Bridge of Glass connects the museum to downtown Tacoma with a stunning 500-foot-long pedestrian bridge showcasing Chihuly's vibrant installations.

RV parking: The museum offers ample parking for larger vehicles. Park at the nearby Tacoma Dome parking lots for easy access.

An easy 35-minute drive from the glass museum brings you to Olympia's waterfront gem. This one-mile wooden boardwalk follows the edge of the local marina, doubling as both a bird sanctuary and an outdoor art gallery. Each year, the Olympia town council invites local and regional artists to display work in the park, then locals vote for their favorite pieces to become permanent installations.

Over 200 species of birds call this area home, and the viewing tower provides perfect vantage points for spotting herons, eagles, and migratory waterfowl. At the marina, you'll find plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. Budd Bay Cafe offers a 180-degree view across the bay, along with seafood specialties including creamy clam chowder and fresh crab cakes.

Pro tip: Visit during the weekly Olympia Farmers Market (April-October, Thursdays-Sundays) for local produce and artisan goods.

Forty-three miles south of Olympia lies this hidden gem of Pacific Northwest forest preservation. This 621-acre park protects magnificent examples of old-growth forest, with towering red cedar, fir, and Douglas pines rarely seen elsewhere in Washington. Some of these ancient giants are over 200 feet tall and centuries old.

An eight-mile network of interpretive trails winds between these towering trees, immersing you in dense ferns and lush undergrowth. The 1.5-mile Old Growth Loop Trail offers an accessible introduction to these cathedral-like forests. Lucky visitors might spot the park's resident giant salamanders in local streams.

Camping option: American Heritage Campground near Olympia offers full hookups and modern amenities for overnight stays, making it an excellent base for exploring this area.

As you approach Astoria, US-30 transforms into one of the most beautiful drives in the Pacific Northwest. The highway hugs the Columbia River, offering sweeping views of this massive waterway as it meets the Pacific Ocean. Watch for bald eagles, harbor seals, and sea lions along the shoreline.

Historical note: This route follows much of the path taken by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805-1806. Interpretive signs along the way mark significant stops on their journey.

Your journey culminates at this 125-foot tower perched 600 feet above sea level on Coxcomb Hill. Completed in 1926, the column's exterior features a colorful mural spiral depicting 14 significant events in Oregon's history, from Captain Gray's discovery of the Columbia River to the arrival of the Great Northern Railway.

Climb the 164-step internal spiral staircase to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views encompassing the Columbia River mouth, Pacific Ocean, Astoria's historic downtown, and the Coast Range mountains. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Pacific beaches and Washington's coastline across the river.

Don't miss: The tradition of tossing balsa wood gliders from the top—available for purchase at the base—and watching them soar down toward the parking area below.