From epic canyon highways to charming historic byways, there's beauty to behold all across the Beaver State. We've searched high and low to narrow the list of the best scenic drives in Oregon to these 10 roads, routes, and byways. Gas up the car and get ready to embark on a scenic tour de force across the Beaver State with these 10 best scenic drives in Oregon:
1. Historic Columbia River Highway
The legendary Columbia River Highway dates back to the 1910s. This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more.
2. Rim Drive and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
What could be a more scenic drive than a road that circles the rim of Crater Lake? Located along the (also stunning) Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Rim Drive is a spectacular 33-mile road that will give you a 360 degree view of Oregon's most incredible natural wonder. Luckily, you can pull over every few minutes -- there are tons of viewpoints along the way, as well as hikes, information plaques, and more.
3. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Located in eastern Oregon, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is another unique road that navigates one of Oregon's amazing natural wonders. This byway winds around the beautiful Wallowa Mountains, passes 11 small towns, and goes through part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
4. Route 101
This legendary highway stretches along the coast from northern Washington all the way down to southern California. The Oregon section of this highway is absolutely breathtaking. Drive along the coast past amazing beaches, stunning cliffs, natural wonders, old-growth forests, charming small towns, and more.
5. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
This unique scenic byway weaves through eastern Oregon from Baker City to the town of Biggs. Along the way, you'll pass through amazing scenery, charming towns, ghost towns, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
6. Hood River Fruit Loop
There are lots of beautiful roads in the Mt Hood area. One great day drive is the Hood River Fruit Loop, which passes numerous lovely orchards, farms, vineyards, and more, with many charming places to stop along the way. This area is particularly breathtaking during the spring, when the Hood River Valley's apple and cherry blossoms bloom.
7. McKenzie Highway
The McKenzie Highway, AKA Route 242, is a beautiful, historic road that travels from Belknap Hot Springs to the town of Sisters, passing through the incredible McKenzie Pass along the way.
8. Steens Mountain Loop Road
The Steens Mountain Loop Route is a breathtaking, remote road that circles through the incredible Steens Mountain landscape in southeastern Oregon.
9. Elkhorn Scenic Byway
At just over 100 miles long, the Elkhorn Scenic Byway explores the rolling Elkhorn Mountains and passes many fascinating hidden gems including ghost towns, lakes, museums, camping areas, rivers, and more.
10. Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour
The Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour is a short but stunning drive that leads you through lovely scenery past numerous historic covered bridges. It's the perfect way to find out why Cottage Grove is Oregon's covered bridge capitol.
Can you believe these 10 best scenic drives in Oregon? They're truly extraordinary! Now go forth and enjoy an epic Oregon adventure!
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