RV, camper and motorhome trip planning toolbox – The best ever created
| Start Location | Los Angeles, California |
| End Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Total Distance | 1,613 mi |
| Recommended Duration | 12 Days |
| Best Season | Late Spring to Early Fall |
| Ideal For | Families, Nature Enthusiasts, Avid Hikers |
Taking an RV from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest is one of the most iconic journeys in North America. Spanning a diverse 1,613 mi, this itinerary perfectly balances the freedom of the open road with world-class natural wonders. An RV allows you to wake up to the sound of ocean waves one morning and fall asleep beneath the canopy of ancient forests a few days later. By traveling in a motorhome or campervan, you have the flexibility to embrace slow travel—taking your time to hike legendary trails in Yosemite, marvel at the vibrant blue waters of Crater Lake, and pull over for fresh coastal produce whenever the mood strikes. Because you carry your accommodations with you, you can immerse yourself fully in the stunning landscapes of California and Oregon without the daily hassle of packing and unpacking.
A 1,613 mi journey requires a thoughtful pace. Rather than rushing from point to point, this 12-day route is designed in distinct stages, allowing you to savor the shifting environments.
Your trip begins with the relaxed rhythm of the Pacific. Leaving the bustle of Los Angeles behind, you will glide up the coast, taking time for marine wildlife excursions and enjoying the local culinary scene. The driving distances are manageable, allowing plenty of time for beachcombing and visiting coastal family farms.
Turning inland, the landscape shifts dramatically as you approach the towering granite peaks and rushing waterfalls of the Yosemite region. This stage is all about lacing up your hiking boots. You will spend your days traversing iconic trailheads and your evenings relaxing at your campsite under a canopy of stars.
Rejoining the coastal climate in Northern California, the scenery transitions into a prehistoric wonderland. Driving an RV through scenic parkways lined with giant redwoods is an unforgettable experience. This leg of the journey encourages frequent stops to walk interpretive loops and visit state park visitor centers.
Crossing into Oregon, the elevation climbs once more as you enter the Cascade Range. The highlight here is the breathtaking volcanic caldera of Crater Lake. After exploring rim villages and panoramic peaks, the route gently descends toward the vibrant, culturally rich city of Portland.
This route is packed with diverse experiences. Here is a taste of what you will encounter along the way:
To comfortably cover the 1,613 mi distance while leaving ample time for hiking and sightseeing, 12 days is the recommended minimum. This allows for a relaxed pace, ensuring you aren't spending your entire vacation behind the wheel.
Absolutely. This specific itinerary offers an unparalleled cross-section of the American West. You will experience sandy beaches, marine life, agricultural heartlands, granite alpine peaks, ancient redwood forests, and a volcanic caldera—all in a single trip.
This journey is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, avid hikers, and nature photographers. It is also an excellent choice for families, offering a mix of educational visitor centers, aquariums, family farms, and easy nature loops alongside more challenging trails.
Late spring through early fall is the optimal window. Summer offers the best access to high-elevation areas like Crater Lake and Yosemite, where snow can close roads and trails well into June and starting again in October. Always check seasonal road closures on rvplan.net before finalizing your dates.
When planning your Los Angeles to Portland adventure, it is important to structure your budget around a few key categories. First is the RV rental itself. Since this is a point-to-point journey, you will likely need to account for a one-way drop fee, which covers the logistics of returning the vehicle. Additionally, because the route spans 1,613 mi, you will want to select a mileage package that comfortably covers the distance plus any scenic detours.
Beyond the vehicle, factor in fuel costs—mountain passes and coastal winds can impact fuel efficiency. Campground fees will vary; mixing state park sites with private RV resorts is a great way to balance amenities and natural immersion. Finally, allocate funds for National Park passes, wildlife tours, and local dining. For the most accurate, real-time pricing and availability for your specific travel dates, utilize the search tools below.
From the sun-drenched shores of Southern California to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Oregon, this 12-day journey promises memories that will last a lifetime. Draw your happiness and print it on your face using this journey! To view the complete, day-by-day itinerary and secure the perfect vehicle for your adventure, head over to the full Los Angeles to Portland RV route on RV PLANET.
See the full polyline, drag stops to customize, and get live pricing in one click.
Open this route in RV PLAN →| Nearby RV rental stations | Indie Campers USA - 26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Travellers Autobarn USA-26 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Native Campervans-24 E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), El Monte-2026-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)), Cruise America- 26-E (Los Angeles (LAX area)) |
|---|---|
| Sample RV cost — 4 travelers (Class A / B / C) | {{BANDANA_PRICING_TABLE}} |
| Estimated fuel cost (total) | $700–$850 |
| Estimated campground cost (total) | $450–$750 |
| Estimated attractions & entrance fees — family of 4 | $300–$500 |
| Estimated groceries / self-catered food — family of 4 | $600–$800 |
| Live availability & pricing | Check live availability & pricing on Rent Motorhome → |
Estimate assumptions: Estimates assume a Class C motorhome averaging 10 mpg, a mix of public and private campgrounds, and peak summer travel rates for a family of four. All figures are estimates — verify on Rent Motorhome and RV PLAN for your travel dates.
A high-level look at how the route flows in stages. The exact daily stops, overnight picks, and detour options are built for you inside RV PLAN — open the route to see the full plan.
Ease into the trip with ocean breezes, marine wildlife spotting, and relaxed coastal farm visits before heading inland.
Shift from the coast to the dramatic granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and legendary hiking trails of the Sierra Nevada.
Rejoin the coastal highway to marvel at towering ancient forests, taking time for interpretive nature loops and scenic parkways.
Cross into Oregon for breathtaking volcanic lake vistas and high-elevation trails before concluding the journey in the Pacific Northwest.
Total cost for this 12-day itinerary depends on the rig you pick, the pickup season, mileage add-ons, and any one-way drop-off fee across the 1,613 mi route. Check live availability and a real quote for the Los Angeles → Portland pickup window on Rent Motorhome.
Live availability & pricing for this exact route
Prices update daily. See the full breakdown — nightly rate, taxes, one-way fee, mileage package — for your travel dates.
These are real vehicles in our Los Angeles pickup fleet that fit a multi-week western U.S. itinerary. Configure dates on rvplan.net to see live availability and the total trip cost for the exact rig you want.
| Motorhome | Class | Sleeps | Length | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort Space Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class A - Integrated | 8 | 29.2 ft | Auto Transmission |
| R 29-31 Road Bear RV-26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.8 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Standard Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 24.1 ft | Auto Transmission |
| C-30 Cruise America- 26-E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 29.9 ft | Auto Transmission |
| Comfort Family Select Indie Campers USA - 26 E |
Class C - Alcove | 7 | 30.0 ft | Auto Transmission |
Pick your dates below and we'll open the live RV PLANET booking flow for the Los Angeles → Portland route.
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