Oregon is a state rich in natural beauty, from its jagged coastline to its snow-capped mountains, and lush forests to barren deserts. There are several ways to discover and enjoy Oregon’s unique landscapes, but one of the greatest is to take a scenic drive.
Whether you want to travel on a short day trip or a long road trip, Oregon has a gorgeous route for you. Here are five of the most breathtakingly beautiful drives in Oregon that you should not miss.
1. Hell Canyon Scenic Byway
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is 208 miles long and encircles the Wallowa Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern Oregon. This roadway leads you through North America’s deepest river gorge, Hells Canyon, created by the Snake River along the Idaho border.
As you travel through this lonely and rugged location, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the canyon, river, mountains, and plains. Some of the attractions of this journey are Joseph, Wallowa Lake, Hells Canyon Overlook, Baker City, and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. You may also stop at various spots to engage in activities like hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and hunting.
2. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway runs 363 miles along Oregon’s coastline, from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south. Along the route, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, lighthouses, fishing communities, and state parks.
This drive’s attractions include Cannon Beach, Tillamook Cheese Factory, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. You may also stop at various spots to engage in activities like hiking, surfing, whale viewing, and crabbing.
3. Historic Columbia River Highway
The Historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile highway that follows the Columbia River Gorge, a national scenic region that divides Oregon and Washington. This was the first scenic roadway in the United States, constructed between 1913 and 1922, and includes several technical wonders and historic sites.
Driving along this magnificent corridor will provide you with wonderful views of the river, waterfalls, cliffs, and woods. This drive’s attractions include the Vista House, Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam, Hood River, and Mosier Twin Tunnels. You may also stop at various spots to engage in sports like hiking, bicycling, kayaking, and windsurfing.
4. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile path that circles the Cascade Range, a volcanic mountain range that dominates the central Oregon region. This roadway provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, meadows, and woods that comprise this region.
Some of the attractions of this journey are Mount Bachelor, Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, Lava Lake, and the Deschutes River. You may also stop at various spots to engage in sports like skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, boating, and camping.
5. Rogue–Umpqua Scenic Byway
The Rogue-Umpqua gorgeous Byway is a 172-mile path that connects Oregon’s most gorgeous and wild rivers, the Rogue and Umpqua. This roadway leads you into the southern Cascade Range, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of rivers, waterfalls, rapids, canyons, and forests.
Some of the attractions of this route are Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake, Toketee Falls, the Steamboat Inn, and the Rogue River Gorge. You may also stop at numerous locations to engage in activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, and hot springs.
Final Words
Finally, Oregon’s different landscapes unfurl over a tapestry of spectacular scenic drives, each providing a unique glimpse into the state’s natural beauties. From the rugged Hell Canyon Scenic Byway to the coastal charm of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, the historic allure of the Columbia River Highway, the alpine beauty of Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and the river-woven Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, Oregon’s roads reveal the splendor of mountains, rivers, and forests, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in outdoor activities and behold the captivating beauty that defines this picturesque state.