8 Best Road Trips To Take In Oregon
Oregon is a paradise for those who love the open road. From its coastline and towering forests to its high desert and volcanic peaks, the state offers an abundance of scenic beauty and adventure. Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of your home state or a visitor eager to experience the best of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s road trips provide an unparalleled opportunity to discover its natural wonders and historic treasures. Here are eight of the best road trips to take in Oregon.
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101)
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, also known as Highway 101, stretches for 363 miles along Oregon's coastline from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south. This road trip takes travelers through diverse landscapes, including cliffs, beaches, forests, and coastal towns. The journey typically takes about 10 to 12 hours of driving, but it's best to spread it over several days.
One key highlight of this road trip is Cannon Beach, famous for Haystack Rock, a massive sea stack that is a prominent feature on the shoreline. Further south, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has opportunities for hiking and exploring the extensive sand dunes that stretch for 40 miles along the coast. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is another must-see, home to tide pools, ancient forests, and Thor's Well, a natural sinkhole in the basalt shoreline.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge road trip follows the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to The Dalles, covering about 70 miles. This drive traverses the gorge carved by the Columbia River and has views of cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The trip can be completed in a few hours.
Multnomah Falls, Oregon's tallest waterfall at 620 feet, is a prime spot with accessible viewing platforms and hiking trails. The Vista House at Crown Point has panoramic views of the Columbia River and serves as a rest stop and museum. Another highlight is the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery, where visitors can learn about hydroelectric power and see the fish ladders used by migrating salmon.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds through Central Oregon's Cascade Mountains, beginning in Bend and ending near the town of Crescent, covering approximately 66 miles. This road trip takes travelers past numerous high-altitude lakes, volcanic landscapes, and meadows. The journey typically takes about two to three hours.
Key attractions along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway include Sparks Lake, known for its clear waters and views of South Sister and Broken Top mountains. Devil’s Lake is another notable stop, with turquoise waters and a popular starting point for hikes up South Sister. Elk Lake Resort is a chance to explore the area's recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and swimming in the summer and snowmobiling and skiing in the winter.
Mount Hood Scenic Byway
The Mount Hood Scenic Byway loops around Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood, starting in Troutdale and ending in Hood River, covering about 105 miles. This route travels through dense forests, meadows, and orchard-filled valleys. The drive can be completed in three to four hours.
Timberline Lodge, a historic mountain lodge on Mount Hood’s slopes, has year-round skiing and beautiful views. Trillium Lake, located near Government Camp, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking with reflections of Mount Hood. The Hood River Valley, known for its fruit orchards, has seasonal opportunities to pick apples, pears, and cherries, as well as visit local farm stands and wineries.
Crater Lake Rim Drive
Crater Lake Rim Drive encircles Crater Lake in Crater Lake National Park, covering a distance of 33 miles. This road trip has dramatic views of the deep blue lake, which was formed by the collapse of Mount Mazama over 7,000 years ago. The drive is short and takes less than an hour to complete—perfect for a day trip.
The Rim Village Visitor Center has educational exhibits and information about the park's geological history. The Watchman Overlook is a short hike to a historic fire lookout with views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Cleetwood Cove is the only trail that descends to the lake's edge, where visitors can swim, fish, or take a boat tour to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone within the lake.
Three Capes Scenic Loop
The Three Capes Scenic Loop is a coastal route that spans approximately 40 miles, starting in Tillamook and ending in Pacific City. This road trip takes travelers through coastal landscapes, including three prominent capes: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. The drive can be done in a couple of hours.
A top highlight of this roadtrip is Cape Meares Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and educational exhibits on the lighthouse's history. Cape Lookout State Park has a trail that extends out to the tip of the cape, providing breathtaking ocean views and opportunities to spot migrating whales. Cape Kiwanda, known for its towering sand dunes and sandstone cliffs, has beach access and the chance to observe the area's geological formations.
High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway
The High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway traverses Oregon's high desert region, beginning in Burns and ending near Fields, covering approximately 127 miles. This road trip takes travelers through stark and expansive desert landscapes featuring geological formations, wide-open spaces, and rich wildlife habitats. The journey typically takes about three to four hours of driving.
Steens Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks, has views and opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. The Alvord Desert, a large dry lake bed, is a surreal landscape for photography and exploration. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is another key stop, known for its diverse bird populations and important wetland habitats.
Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway spans approximately 171 miles from La Pine to Lakeview, running through the remote southeastern part of the state. This road trip also shows the high desert's natural surroundings, including volcanic landscapes, ancient lakebeds, and diverse wildlife. The drive typically takes about four to five hours.
Key attractions along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway include Fort Rock, a volcanic formation that rises dramatically from the surrounding plain. It has hiking trails and interpretive signs. Summer Lake Hot Springs is a natural geothermal experience, with hot spring pools available for soaking. Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge is another significant stop where visitors can observe pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
In Summary
Each of these eight road trips through Oregon provides a distinct experience, showcasing the state's varied terrain. Whether hiking to waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge or discovering the ancient geological formations along the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway, these routes offer a comprehensive and immersive look at what makes Oregon one of the best destinations for road trippers.
