2-1/2 days in Oregon/Washington

If going up there, a day trip to Victoria, Canada, is a good one. We took a sea plane from Seattle to Victoria.

no wrong answers with either option

Thinking about it, this is actually less driving than Mt Hood and Canon Beach because you miss Portland traffic by staying to the North.

Rainier, with Mt St Helens if you want, then Astoria should be the least driving and a good, but fast trip. Canon Beach is only 45 minutes past Astoria.

If you make the Oregon coast, make a stop at Ecola State Park near Cannon Beach.

I have family in Oregon and Washington. Was just there in May. Went to Lake Quinault for a week, drove up through the Olympic National Park, visiting the Ho Rain Forrest, then caught the ferry to Whidbey Island for another week. Really nice. That whole part of Washington is a "Must See". Check out Lake Crescent Lodge!

So much to see and do it's impossible to choose. You have to decide "North or South". Maybe I'd go "South" if I had to choose.

Maybe start your journey at the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood before proceeding to Bend for an overnight stay. This itinerary allows ample time to appreciate Smith Rock State Park and the distinctive high-desert scenery without urgency. From Bend, travel south to Crater Lake National Park, where clear skies offer some of the most renowned vistas in the Northwest; however, note that October weather may lead to snowfall and possible partial road closures. Following your visit to Crater Lake, head west to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Florence for a striking contrast with its extensive sand dunes and coastal forests. Continue north on Highway 101 along the coast, passing through Yachats, Newport, and Tillamook, culminating at Cannon Beach and Ecola State Park. While this route is longer than the northern alternative, it encompasses a remarkable breadth of landscapes—including mountains, desert, a volcanic lake, dunes, and rugged coastline—within a single journey.

We stayed at the Sun River Resort a couple of years ago as a base for a week and toured Bend, day trip to Crater Lake etc. Really liked that.

Note: Given it’s October and Crater Lake can be hit-or-miss with weather, the north loop is the safer bet for maximizing your time. But if you’re willing to gamble on conditions, the south loop gives you the “grand tour” of Oregon’s landscapes.

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If I remember correctly, there is a cool lighthouse right here as well

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Correct!