10 Most Scenic Drives in Oregon
From spectacular coastal highways to historic rural roads, Oregon offers numerous scenic drives through some of the state's most picturesque landscapes. With its diverse geography, ranging from rugged shorelines along the Pacific Ocean to dramatic mountain peaks of the Blue Mountains, the Beaver State is a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. Each route unveils breathtaking vistas, charming small towns, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Whether you're winding along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the enchanting Columbia River Gorge, these lovely routes promise unforgettable views and the chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Beaver State. With exciting small towns to explore, the following scenic drives in Oregon reveal a new masterpiece of nature at every turn.
La Grande To Baker City
This picturesque route in the Oregon countryside weaves through the scenic foothills of the Wallowa Mountains, taking tourists on a 50-minute adventure teeming with natural splendor. Starting in La Grande, vacationers can get a taste of what is to come at Hilgard Junction State Park. The tranquil nature space harbors beautiful trails straddling the Grande Ronde River. When you get to Union, stop for a laidback session on the greens of Buffalo Peak Golf Course while enjoying terrific panoramas of the surroundings.
North Powder allows you to immerse in the great outdoors by switching from your car to a bike for a jaunt along the majestic Grande Tour Scenic Byway. To finish the itinerary, explore Baker City's captivating history by visiting the Leo Adler House Museum.
Sisters To Klamath Falls
With approximately three hours to burn along this road trip, tourists can brace themselves for everything from outdoor adventures to historical immersion and culinary experiences. Prepare for the journey by getting your caffeine levels up at the Sisters Coffee Company with a tasty cup of coffee served with a burrito. The route passes through the Deschutes National Forest, a remarkable outdoor playground where you can stop to chase dramatic waterfalls, hike isolated trails, and venture inside mystic underground caverns.
After the adventures in the sprawling Deschutes wilderness, take a lunch break in La Pine at Wetlands Taphouse by savoring its trademark brisket burgers and sandwiches. As you wrap up your trip in Klamath Falls, take some time to cozy up to vulnerable raptors at the Badger Run Wildlife Rehab.
Roseburg To Gold Hill
This one-and-a-half-hour trip stretches 85 peaceful miles along part of the Rogue and North Umpqua Rivers. Reaching an elevation of over 2,000 feet at one point, road-trippers enjoy spellbinding natural vistas with an opportunity to indulge in fun outdoor adventures on the route. Before starting the journey, pass by the Garden Valley Shopping Center in Roseburg to get the supplies you'll need for the trip. Seventeen miles later, you'll find yourself in the adorable village of Myrtle Creek, where you can commune with nature at the serene Evergreen Park.
Stop in Azalea for a hearty meal at Heaven on Earth Restaurant, which serves delicious American comfort foods, from pies to cinnamon rolls with homemade jam. Finally, wrap up your adventure in Gold Hill with a serene hike to Ti'lomikh Falls on the Rogue River.
Hood River To Dufur
If you seek a short rural drive to let loose and enjoy the Oregon countryside, Hood River to Dufur is an exciting prospect. Lasting less than an hour, this remarkable route starts in the village of Hood River, known for its outstanding natural landscapes. You will get the idea when chilling in Hood River Waterfront Park, which spoils visitors with majestic panoramas of Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. From Hood River, the route proceeds to Mosier, which invites you to stop and enjoy the outdoors at Memaloose State Park by hiking, picnicking, and nature viewing.
A detour to The Dalles for a delicious meal at Bargeway Pub is the perfect follow-up. The quaint establishment serves pork nachos and bacon cheeseburgers, which you can enjoy with a pint of local beer (not for the driver). Finally, take it easy when you arrive in Dufur with a dive into the pioneering periods at the Dufur Living Museum.
Astoria To Newport
One of the most scenic drives in Oregon, this once-in-a-lifetime excursion unravels along the famous Highway 101. The road straddles the state's rugged coastline and exposes guests to brilliant ocean vistas. Passing through several idyllic coastal towns, there is no shortage of detours to take along the way. The three-hour journey starts in Astoria, where you can discover the region's rich nautical heritage at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Notable points of interest to keep in mind include Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. This 235-foot tall sea stack along the coast is a great stop to pose for Instagram-worthy photos.
Also, Pacific City promises some of the most alluring water views when you visit the Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, home to another sea stack named “Chief Kiwanda Rock.” Lastly, you can admire rare marine species such as jellyfish, sharks, and sea stars up close at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport.
Troutdale To The Dalles
Troutdale to The Dalles is a one-hour drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which features endless views of spellbinding natural landscapes dotting the majestic waterway. This is evident as you kick off the journey in Troutdale with the unbeatable outdoor scenery embodied by the Glenn Otto Community Park. Some attractions to look forward to along the route include Bonneville Dam in Cascade Locks, built in 1938 across the Columbia River for power generation.
Meanwhile, the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum of Hood River charms guests with its adorable collection of vintage cars and classic airplanes. In The Dalles, tour the Columbia Gorge Discovery & Museum to learn interesting facts about the Columbia River Gorge.
Baker City To Granite
This hour-long excursion loops around the Elkhorn Mountains and passes through notable sites, making for an exciting adventure on the open road. Baker City boasts a rich historical heritage, inviting you to start the day with a journey through time at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. Fifteen miles later, you can take a break at the Powder River Recreation Area. The Powder River Trailhead weaves through a pristine and quiet natural area, with a chance to fish and view wildlife.
Be sure to stop in the historic gold-mining town of Sumpter and learn about its captivating heritage at the Sumpter Valley Gold Dredge. Furthermore, follow this up with a trip to the Cracker Creek Museum of Mining and inspect interactive relics and memorabilia from the mining periods. End the trip in Granite, where The Granite Lodge offers a great place to stay the night so you can head back bright and early the next morning.
Merrill To Crater Lake National Park
This exciting trip from southern Oregon offers travelers a taste of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, culminating at the Crater Lake National Park. Notable points of interest include Moore Park in Klamath Falls. This is an excellent spot for nature lovers and offers hiking opportunities, picnics, and barbecues. The same applies to Hagelstein County Park, a popular escape for campers offering access to Klamath Lake.
When you get to Chiloquin, spend a few minutes at the Train Mountain Railroad Museum and admire the world's largest miniature railroad, which spans 36 miles through 2,300 acres of wilderness. Finally, the trip's conclusion at Crater Lake National Park offers an opportunity to revel in the park's supreme landscapes, including the Cascade Mountains and Crater Lake. The park spans nearly 200,000 acres and has many hiking trails, such as the 4.5-mile Cleetwood Cave for advanced hikers and the .75-mile Lightning Spring Trail, where beginners can spot grazing deer.
The Dalles To Redmond
This delightful trip through the heart of Oregon lasts about two and a half hours. It passes several quaint communities with diverse attractions. From the beginning, you can explore intriguing history at Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead, which dates back to the late 19th century. If you enjoy adrenaline-filled adventures, take advantage of rafting opportunities in Maupin courtesy of Deschutes River Adventures.
Numerous opportunities await whenever you need to eat something, especially when you get to Madras. The Great Earth Cafe & Market is an excellent option, serving tasty vegetarian dishes like soups and organic sandwiches. Before the trip ends, remember to pause at the Redmond Caves Recreation Site and venture down the mystic lava caverns. This group of five caves is open year-round, so you can make the trip whenever is best for you.
Brookings To Coos Bay
The Pacific Coast in Oregon offers some of the most breathtaking scenes in the state. This unforgettable trip from Brookings to Coos Bay along the southern coast allows visitors to take it all in as it cuts through picturesque waterfront villages. You can start the viewing experience in Harris Beach State Park, which provides a sandy enclave from where you can see rugged rock formations in the middle of blue-green Pacific waters. More stupefying scenes await in Gold Beach at Otter Point State Recreation Area, home to walking trails that cut through unique sandstone formations.
For a change, consider browsing the quirky and elaborate art installations at the Washed Ashore Gallery in Bandon, which are made from recycled ocean trash. Finally, catching a classic movie at the Egyptian Theatre in Coos Bay is the perfect way to complete the drive.
Final Thought
The most scenic drives in Oregon deliver an unparalleled journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Each route showcases the region's unique charm, whether it's the breathtaking coastal views, the majesty of the Cascade Mountains, or the tranquil beauty of the Willamette Valley. These drives not only highlight the state's diverse geography but also invite travelers to explore charming towns and outdoor adventures along the way. As you hit the open road, you'll discover that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.
