Best Things to do on a Road Trip from American Fork, Utah and Lincoln City, Oregon

Overview

Road trips are popular activities in America for discovering incredible sights and hidden treasures, especially on the scenic drive from American Fork, Utah to Lincoln City, Oregon. The journey, which can take up to 16 hours, cuts across five states and covers approximately 926 miles of some of the most stunning landscapes in the US. The halfway point is Huntington, OR, a charming small town situated in the beautiful Malheur River Valley.

Along the way, there are numerous natural attractions, cultural sites, and recreational activities that one can engage in, making this road trip an unforgettable adventure. Here are some of the top five must-see places on this scenic road trip:

Top Five Things to Do

1. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone, America's oldest national park covering 3,471 square miles, is a perfect stopover for nature enthusiasts. This iconic park sits on the Yellowstone Caldera, the largest active volcano in North America, and is home to over 500 geysers, hot springs, and fumaroles. The park also boasts herds of bison and elk, bears, wolves, and other wildlife species. Visitors can go on a scenic drive around the park, hike to the Lower Yellowstone Falls, or spend the night in a cabin or campsite.

Interesting fact: Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872 as the world's first national park.

2. Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls, the largest city in Eastern Idaho, is renowned for its stunning natural vistas and outdoor activities. The city sits on the Snake River, which runs various waterfalls in the downtown area. Here, visitors can go for a stroll along the Idaho Falls Greenbelt and enjoy watching the wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and river otters. Those who prefer adrenaline-pumping activities can go for river rafting and kayaking trips along the Snake River.

Interesting fact: Idaho Falls was once known as the "nuclear capital of the world" during the height of the Cold War.

3. Crater Lake National Park

Located in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake offers breathtaking views of the deepest lake in America, formed from the collapsed volcano, Mount Mazama. The lake's color is a striking blue, and the depth reaches close to 1,942 feet, making it one of the deepest lakes in the world. Visitors to the national park can hike to the summit of Mount Scott, watch the sunrise, and explore the historic Wizard Island.

Interesting fact: The Klamath tribe has a long history with the Crater Lake, and legend has it that two spirits engaged in a battle that caused the volcano to collapse and form the lake.

4. Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is a stunning coastal gem situated in Northern Oregon and is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the beach's pristine sand, explore the tide pools, or admire Haystack Rock, a monolithic sea stack towering over the coastline. The town of Cannon Beach is also home to numerous art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants that serve fresh seafood.

Interesting fact: Haystack Rock is home to several species of seabirds, including seagulls and puffins, who nest in the rock's crevices.

5. Hells Canyon

Located on the border of Oregon and Idaho, Hells Canyon is known as the deepest river gorge in America and offers breathtaking views of the Snake River. Visitors can go on a scenic boat tour of the canyon, fish for steelhead and salmon, or hike through the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. This natural attraction is also an excellent place to spot wildlife, including bighorn sheep and black bears.

Interesting fact: Hells Canyon is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies who come to challenge themselves to whitewater rafting expeditions.

Conclusion

This scenic road trip from American Fork, Utah to Lincoln City, Oregon, goes through some of America's incredible sights and offers visitors the chance to engage in various recreational activities. Visitors to the national parks, Idaho Falls, Cannon Beach, and Hells Canyon can enjoy hiking, water rafting, exploring tide pools, and observing wildlife. The trip takes about 16 hours, with a halfway stopover in Huntington, Oregon. This journey is an experience of a lifetime, full of awe-inspiring natural landscapes that one should not miss.