5 Scenic Road Trip Ideas In Oregon

The United States is home to some of the world's most dramatic landscapes, and many of the most gorgeous spots can be found in the state of Oregon. Located in the Pacific Northwest between California and Washington, Oregon is full of towering mountains, miles upon miles of rugged Pacific Coastline, and expansive old-growth rainforests. The best way to experience all of the magic and beauty that the Beaver State has to offer is to embark on a scenic road trip. Oregon is the ninth largest state in the country at around 98,000 square miles. If you wanted to drive across the entire state, you could do so in as little as a day, but then you'd miss out on some of the world's most unforgettable road trip routes.

While road-tripping around Oregon, you can enjoy 44 scenic byways, four All-American Roads, six national scenic byways, and 34 state or federal agency byways. Along the way, you'll pass through some of Oregon's world-class cities, picturesque small towns, and many miles of scenery that will take your breath away. Portland International Airport is the best place to start if you're flying to Oregon, and from there, you can rent a car for around $60 per day. Pack your bags, grab your atlas, roll down the windows, and get ready to explore Oregon's open roads.

If you only do one scenic drive in Oregon, make it the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, which is recognized as one of the best road trips in America and has been designated an All-American Road. Follow the iconic Highway 101 along the entire coastline from Oregon's border with California to the Washington line for a road trip you'll never forget. You can begin at either end of the route, and you'll pass through three unique regions along the way.

If you're starting from the Washington border, you'll begin in Astoria, which is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies. The artsy town is surrounded by rivers on three sides and is full of historic architecture and breweries. From there, travel through the North Coast region, which includes 15 towns. Go hiking in Fort Stevens State Park, visit the military museum, explore an earthen fort from the Civil War, and wander the rugged beaches. A stop in Tillamook is a must –– especially if you have a sweet tooth. Take a tour of the dairy and sample some of Tillamook Creamery's mouth-watering ice cream.

As you move through the Central Coast portion of the drive, you'll pass through a few more towns, including Lincoln City, which is known for its beautiful beaches, and Florence, which is dubbed "Oregon's Coastal Playground." The South Coast region is remote, so consider planning some off-the-beaten path adventures as you pass through. Budget at least 10 hours to complete the drive, and if you plan on hiking or visiting attractions along the way, it's best to break it up over a few days. The rugged coastline along the 363-mile drive will take your breath away.

If you're more interested in nightlife than nature, road-tripping from Portland to Bend is a great option. You'll still get a proper dose of natural beauty along the way, especially if you loop in the McKenzie Scenic Byway.

Portland is Oregon's largest city and a perfect addition to any foodie's bucket list. The city's slogan, "Keep Portland Weird," perfectly encapsulates its eclectic and creative vibe. Spend some time exploring the Portland Japanese Garden, which feels like an oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Admission costs about $22 per person. The Oregon Zoo has more than 2,000 species of animals and is ranked amongst the top zoos in the United States. Bibliophiles will adore a trip to Powell's City of Books, which covers an entire city block and has more than a million books to buy. Visit the city's world-class museums, and don't forget to check out the restaurants, breweries, and shops.

There are several routes between Portland and Bend. You're going to want to choose the one that passes by Salem and takes a little over three hours for the most scenic drive. Along the way, you'll get to enjoy plenty of beautiful views and can optionally stop at waterfalls and hiking trails. You can easily incorporate a section of the McKenzie Scenic Byway, which is well worth the extra time. In its entirety, the McKenzie Scenic Byway is 82 miles long and takes you through Willamette National Forest, lava fields, and the High Cascades. Bend is popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts as well. The Deschutes River runs right through town. You can enjoy an urban whitewater boating park, tons of hiking trails, great restaurants, and unique shopping during your visit.

The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is another All-American Road located in Northeast Oregon. The route stretches 208 miles and passes through some of Oregon's most epic landscapes along the way. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll love this road trip. You can complete the drive in about seven hours, but you might miss out on some incredible adventures. For the best experience, consider taking a few days and making plenty of stops along the way.

The Scenic Byway is a U-shaped route following the Snake River. It runs between La Grande and Baker City, and you can begin at either end. Exploring La Grande at the start of your trip offers a proper dose of American history that can provide some fascinating context for the rest of the drive. The infamous Oregon Trail, which, in the 1800s, 300,000 people passed right through La Grande. Many Oregon Trail travelers spotted the sparkling rivers and fertile soil and chose to end their difficult journey, setting up homesteads in what would eventually blossom into the prosperous city of La Grande. The trendy downtown area has some great spots to eat, drink, and shop.

After leaving La Grande, you'll pass through idyllic farmland and picturesque towns on your way to the Wallowa River. Enjoy canyon and river views as you pass through the Indigenous Nez Perce ancestral lands near the Wallowa Mountains. Visit the art galleries in the little town of Joseph and then stop by Wallowa Lake State Park for camping, swimming, or a picnic with Switzerland-like views. Make sure that you don't skip hiking in the Eagle Cap Wilderness area, admiring the awe-inspiring majesty of Hells Canyon, and exploring Baker City's historic architecture before your road trip comes to an end.

Most travelers looking to experience the finest wine regions in the United States flock to popular tourist destinations like Napa Valley and Sonoma County in Northern California –– disregarding Oregon completely. Serious wine enthusiasts know that if you head north of the California border, you'll find an equally impressive wine-producing region in Oregon's Willamette Valley. If you're looking for a romantic weekend getaway or an easy day-long road trip near Portland, you'll love journeying through the picturesque vineyards on a road trip from Sherwood to Helvetia.

The 57-mile road trip will take you right through the heart of Tualatin Valley, which is located at the northwestern edge of the Willamette Valley wine country. They're the closest and easiest to reach from Portland, but they're also some of the finest and are recognized around the world for producing exquisite Pinot Noir.

Along the route, you'll pass by Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great place to stop for a hike. As you continue along the scenic drive, you'll begin to pass by hazelnut orchards and berry farms, where you can pause to pick your own basket of ripe berries. Soon, you'll begin to see rolling hills covered with grape vines, and you'll know you've reached Oregon's wine country. Make sure to carve out plenty of time to explore various vineyards and sample the delicious wines. Amaterra Wines offers tastings and has a delicious restaurant onsite. Montinore Estate is the nation's largest producer of certified estate wines created using grapes that were biodynamically farmed.

The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is another one of Oregon's most iconic scenic road trips and has been given the highest distinction a roadway can receive with its designation as an All-American Road. The entire road is 500 miles long and runs from Northern California through Southern Oregon. The 140-mile Oregon portion will take you right through some of the state's most gorgeous natural scenery, including a national park, pristine lakes, towering peaks, and wildlife refuges.

Crater Lake National Park, which is the only national park in Oregon, is the best place to begin your road trip. It's a must-visit destination to add to any West Coast bucket list and one of the oldest National Parks in the country. During your visit, you can explore 183,224 acres of forests and mountains along with Crater Lake. This lake, which formed when a volcano called Mount Mazama erupted over 7,000 years ago, is the deepest lake in America and one of the clearest lakes in the world. Once you've taken ample time to enjoy the park, head southeast toward Fort Klamath and Fort Klamath Lake. The military fort dates back to 1863 and has now been transformed into a museum. Stop by Klamath Falls for a quick hike, and then continue on your way towards the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge and the Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge. The Volcanic Legacy Byway continues South, crossing the California border, and ends at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

You'll want to plan this road trip during the summer months because roads often become impassable due to snowfall. Crater Lake National Park is usually open between June and October, but double-check the National Park Service website ahead of time to be sure that roads are open if you're visiting in the spring or fall.