Road Trip from Binghamton, NY to Portland, OR: The Best Sights and Stops

The United States boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and attractions that any traveler can expect to see. One of the most exciting ways to experience all this is through a road trip. Taking a drive from Binghamton, NY to Portland, Oregon gives travelers a chance to appreciate the beautiful countryside, adventure through stunning National Parks, and indulge in some of the best cultural and recreational offerings in the US.

The distance between Binghamton and Portland is roughly 3,000 miles and spans over 10 states in total. Travelers should expect to brace themselves for a 50-hour (or more) driving experience and some fantastic opportunities to savor all that America has to offer.

Along the way, they'll encounter picturesque mountains, the Great Plains, and a mix of rural and urban sights. The halfway point, Paxton, NE, offers a perfect stop to revitalize, grab a hotel room, and break up the long journey.

Here are the top five things to do during a road trip from Binghamton, NY, to Portland, OR.

1. Niagara Falls State Park, NY

Niagara Falls is an astounding natural wonder and the most visited attraction in New York. This park, located in the heart of Niagara Falls, is home to Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Visitors get to see the waterfalls in action and experience that thunderous roar that serves as the backdrop to the park's beautiful surroundings. Families can enjoy hiking, fishing, and picnic spots in the surrounding region.

Fun fact: The falls straddle the border between the USA and Canada, with 90% of the water pouring over Horseshoe Falls flowing into Canada.

2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, SD

Mount Rushmore towers over the Black Hills of South Dakota and attracts millions of visitors year-round. The sculpture features four of the most notable U.S. presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Access to the park and sculpture is free, and tours are available that offer meaningful insights into the history and evolution of the sculpture.

Fun fact: The sculpture utilizes granite taken from nearby quarries, and it took over 400 workers fourteen years to complete back in 1941.

3. Yellowstone National Park, WY

Yellowstone is one of the premier national parks in the U.S. and is also the oldest. The park is famous for its geothermal activity, with steam vents and hot springs dotting the landscape. Visitors can hike through forests, see glaciers, and catch glimpses of the park's abundant wildlife, such as grizzly bears, wolves, and buffalo.

Fun fact: Yellowstone spans three different states: Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

4. Crater Lake National Park, OR

The Crater Lake National Park is an awe-inspiring natural wonder with a unique history. The park features a vast lake that initially formed 7,700 years ago, following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Mazama. Today, the lake has astonishing depths of up to 1,943 feet, making it the deepest in the United States. The National Park provides stunning roads for cycling, hiking trails, fishing, camping, picnics, and winter sports.

Fun fact: The lake gets filled entirely by precipitation, making it remarkably pure, clear, and vibrant blue.

5. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, OR

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers a perfect opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Home to over 90 waterfalls and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, the Gorge offers an incredible experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can drive the historic Columbia River Highway and brave some thrilling hikes and stunning views of the Cascades Mountains and Hood River Valley.

Fun fact: The area is unique in its ability to combine both cool and dry climates, with the east side hosting a desert while the wetter west is home to an extensive rainforest.

After a thrilling and memorable trip, drivers will have recorded some of the best moments in their memories. They will remember the natural wonders, the adventurous hiking trails, and the interesting attractions, which are diverse and multitude along this epic trek. The Binghamton to Portland route offers a diversity of experiences that'll keep the whole family entertained for weeks.