Title: Electric Vehicle Road Tripping in Oregon: Your Insider Guide to Charging Stations and Breezy Routes
Starting the Journey: Prepping Your EV Adventure
Revving up for an electric vehicle (EV) road trip through Oregon? This is a special corner of the world, where Pacific coastline and majestic Cascades meet lip-smacking vineyards and high desert landscapes. Plus, with an EV, nothing dampens the roar of waterfalls or the ripple of wind through pine trees. Oregon truly shines for EV tourists, boasting an impressive network of charging stations throughout the state. Don’t forget to check your vehicle’s route planner or EV-specific navigation system before setting off. These tools can pinpoint charging spots along your proposed route, making sure every leg of the journey sails smoothly.
Oregon’s Interstate 5: Main Artery of Your EV Road Trip
The heart of your EV journey is Interstate 5 (I-5), stretching from Ashland in the south to Portland in the north. This highway bristles with charging stations, from fast to standard, ensuring you never wander too far from the energy lifeline. Salem’s Supercharger station, for instance, located at the Lancaster Mall, offers a fast charge and a chance to shop or eat.
However, don’t confine your trip strictly to the I-5. It’s Oregon after all! Locals swear by detours like the Highway 99 route. It takes a little longer, but rewards you with gorgeous farmlands and that heart-fluttering first glimpse of the Siskiyou Mountains.
A Winding Path Along the Columbia River Gorge
Traveling east from Portland, don’t miss an EV drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway. It’s a route that offers panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge’s mighty waterfalls and emerald forests. Charging is a breeze too. Troutdale’s Gateway to the Gorge Tesla Supercharger station, for example, is a convenient stop before this scenic drive.
While the summer brings warm, sunny weather perfect for viewing Multnomah Falls, keep in mind the Columbia Gorge is often cooler and windier than Portland. Pack appropriate clothing, and of course, always have your rain gear handy – locals know an Oregon drizzle is never too far away!
A Coastal Sojourn: Pacific Coast Highway Adventure
Transitioning from verdant forests to azure coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (US 101) is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast. The All Points EV Charging Station in Tillamook is a good starting point, keeping you juiced up for the journey ahead.
Pit stop alert: Drop by the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a self-guided tour and cheesy indulgence. But, keep an eye on the weather! Coastal weather conditions can change quickly in the afternoon, so plan drives and outdoor activities accordingly.
Exploring Crater Lake: Electric-ally!
Charging stations are less frequent once you stray from I-5 reach towards Crater Lake National Park. So, topping up your EV at the ChargePoint station in Medford or Ashland is a smart choice. But oh, what a breathtaking reward awaits on Rim Drive, hugging Crater Lake’s pristine blue expanse.
This national park does tend to get a lot of visitors, especially in summer. So, a good insider tip is to hit the road early and beat the crowds.
Embracing the End: Welcoming the City of Roses
After all the breathtaking landscapes, Portland, the City of Roses, awaits at the end of your journey. With several charging stations like the Tesla Supercharger on North Vancouver Avenue or the Electric Avenue station in the Pearl District, you’re set to explore and immerse in the city’s eccentric charm. Do carve out some time to enjoy Powell’s City of Books – it’s not a tourist trap but a haven for bookworms!
Oregon is stunning and diverse, and exploring it in an electric vehicle allows you to appreciate it responsibly. From its vibrant cities with charging stations aplenty, to its parks where the only sounds you hear are from nature itself, you’ve got the best of both worlds on an EV trip here.
Remember; plan your charging stops, but embrace the spontaneous. There’s always joy in unexpected detours and local discoveries. Safe on-the-road charging and enjoy discovering Oregon like a true local. Enjoy the open road, folks!