Oregon is a state blessed with natural beauty, from its rugged coastline to its snow-capped mountains, from its lush forests to its arid deserts. There are many ways to explore and enjoy the diverse landscapes of Oregon, but one of the best is by taking a scenic drive. Whether you are looking for a short day trip or a long road trip, there is a scenic route for you in Oregon. Here are five of the most stunningly scenic drives in Oregon that you should not miss.
1. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is a 363-mile route that follows the entire length of Oregon’s coastline, from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south. Along the way, you will see breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, lighthouses, fishing villages, and state parks. Some of the highlights of this drive include the Cannon Beach, the Tillamook Cheese Factory, the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. You can also stop at various points to enjoy activities such as hiking, surfing, whale watching, and crabbing.
2. Historic Columbia River Highway
The Historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile route that runs along the Columbia River Gorge, a national scenic area that separates Oregon and Washington. This highway was the first scenic highway in the United States, built between 1913 and 1922, and features many engineering marvels and historic landmarks. You will see spectacular views of the river, waterfalls, cliffs, and forests as you drive through this scenic corridor. Some of the highlights of this drive include the Vista House, the Multnomah Falls, the Bonneville Dam, the Hood River, and the Mosier Twin Tunnels. You can also stop at various points to enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and windsurfing.
3. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a 66-mile route that loops around the Cascade Range, a volcanic mountain chain that dominates the central Oregon landscape. This highway offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, meadows, and forests that make up this region. Some of the highlights of this drive include the Mount Bachelor, the Sparks Lake, the Elk Lake, the Lava Lake, and the Deschutes River. You can also stop at various points to enjoy activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, boating, and camping.
4. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a 208-mile route that circles the Wallowa Mountains, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains in northeastern Oregon. This highway takes you through the deepest river gorge in North America, the Hells Canyon, which is carved by the Snake River along the border with Idaho. You will see amazing views of the canyon, the river, the mountains, and the prairies as you drive through this remote and rugged area. Some of the highlights of this drive include the Joseph, the Wallowa Lake, the Hells Canyon Overlook, the Baker City, and the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. You can also stop at various points to enjoy activities such as hiking, rafting, horseback riding, and hunting.
5. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is a 172-mile route that connects the Rogue River and the Umpqua River, two of the most scenic and wild rivers in Oregon. This highway takes you through the southern Cascade Range, where you will see incredible views of the rivers, waterfalls, rapids, canyons, and forests. Some of the highlights of this drive include the Crater Lake National Park, the Diamond Lake, the Toketee Falls, the Steamboat Inn, and the Rogue River Gorge. You can also stop at various points to enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and hot springing.
Conclusion
Oregon is a state that offers a variety of scenic drives that showcase its natural beauty and diversity. Whether you are looking for a coastal, mountain, river, or desert scenery, you will find it in Oregon. The five scenic drives mentioned above are some of the best examples of what Oregon has to offer, but they are not the only ones. There are many more scenic routes that you can explore and enjoy in Oregon, so get in your car and start your adventure.