From its untamed coastline to its snow-capped mountains, from its verdant woods to its parched deserts, Oregon is a state endowed with breathtaking natural beauty. While there are numerous ways to discover and take in Oregon’s varied landscapes, a scenic drive is among the best options. There is a picturesque route in Oregon for every type of traveler, from the quick day tripper to the extended road tripper. These are five of Oregon’s most breathtakingly beautiful drives that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
From Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches 363 miles along the whole Oregon coast. You will pass by state parks, fishing villages, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, lighthouses, and spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Cannon Beach, the Tillamook Cheese Factory, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor are a few of the driving route’s highlights. Additionally, you can pause at different locations to engage in pursuits like hiking, surfing, crabbing, and whale viewing.
2. The Historic Columbia River Highway
Stretching 75 miles along the Columbia River Gorge, a national scenic region that divides Washington and Oregon, is the Historic Columbia River Highway. Constructed between 1913 and 1922, this roadway was the country’s first beautiful route and is home to numerous engineering wonders and significant historical sites. As you travel through this picturesque corridor, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the river, cliffs, waterfalls, and forests. The Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, Hood River, and Mosier Twin Tunnels are a few of the driving route’s features. Additionally, you can pause at different locations to engage in sports like windsurfing, biking, hiking, and kayaking.
3. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway circles the volcanic mountain range that forms the majority of the central Oregon region. Beautiful views of the region’s snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, meadows, and woods may be seen from this highway. The Deschutes River, Mount Bachelor, Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, and Lava Lake are a few of the drive’s highlights. Additionally, you can pause at different locations to engage in outdoor pursuits like skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, boating, and camping.
4. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The Wallowa Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern Oregon, are circled by the 208-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. This route passes through the Hells Canyon, the deepest river valley in North America, which is formed by the Snake River and runs along Idaho’s border. As you travel through this isolated and untamed region, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the canyon, river, mountains, and plains. This route has several highlights, including Baker City, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, the Hells Canyon Overlook, Wallowa Lake, and Joseph. Additionally, you can pause at different locations to engage in outdoor pursuits including hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and hunting.
5. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
Two of Oregon’s most beautiful and wild rivers, the Rogue and Umpqua, are connected by the 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. The southern Cascade Range, which is traversed by this roadway, offers breathtaking vistas of rivers, waterfalls, rapids, canyons, and forests. The Rogue River Gorge, Diamond Lake, Toketee Falls, Steamboat Inn, and Crater Lake National Park are a few of the driving route’s features. Additionally, you can pause at several locations to engage in outdoor pursuits including swimming, fishing, hiking, and hot springs.
In summary
Many picturesque drives in Oregon highlight the state’s diversity and natural beauty. Oregon offers a wide variety of landscapes, including desert, river, mountain, and coastal views. Though not the only ones, the five breathtaking drives listed above represent some of Oregon’s greatest offerings. Get in your car and begin your journey; there are a ton more beautiful roads in Oregon for you to discover and enjoy.