There are few better ways to experience the bountiful beauty of autumn than by taking a peaceful drive through the gorgeous Oregon countryside. The colors and scenery of Oregon in the fall are truly something that will take your breath away! These eight scenic roads weave through Oregon's colorful forests, charming covered bridges, amazing viewpoints, and other breathtaking scenery. These country roads are lovely year-round, but they're especially spectacular in the fall, and truly make for some of the best scenic drives in Oregon.
1. Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
A beautiful stretch of Oregon Highways 35 and 26 merge together to create the lovely Mt Hood Scenic Byway. In the autumn, this spectacular route is full of lush, colorful foliage, wondrous mountain views, bucolic farms, and more. And of course, nothing compares to majestic Mt. Hood. Standing 11,245 feet tall, Mt. Hood is the highest point in Oregon and a powerful symbol for the Pacific Northwest, and this drive really showcases its beauty!
2. McKenzie River Highway
This scenic highway runs alongside the amazing McKenzie River for 90 miles, passing waterfalls, forests, and more. Here's a photo of the beautiful Goodpasture Covered Bridge framed by golden foliage. Please note: the McKenzie Highway closes annually from mid-November to mid-June.
3. Historic Columbia River Highway
This legendary road winds through a lush forest beside the magnificent Columbia River. It's a fantastic place to see the fall colors, as well as to get a glimpse of some of Oregon's most treasured waterfalls. The Historic Columbia River Highway is a bucket-list must!
4. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is an astonishingly beautiful drive in eastern Oregon that leads through canyons, meadows, the Wallowa Mountains, and more. It's a designated All-American Road, too.
5. Cornucopia Highway
The Cornucopia Highway is a wonderful road in eastern Oregon that can be reached from the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. This amazing photo sums up the balance of beautiful foliage and bucolic scenery at its finest.
6. Covered Bridges Tour Route
One of the best scenic drives in Oregon, the Covered Bridges Tour passes six lovely covered bridges in Cottage Grove and is a perfect route for experiencing the beauty of Oregon's fall foliage. Here's a photo of Currin Covered Bridge, one of many winsome bridges on this charming drive.
7. Oregon 47
Oregon's wine country is especially gorgeous in the fall. Plus, it's the harvest season! Take a trip along the fabulous Oregon 47 (known as "Sip 47"), which leads past numerous vineyards, farms, and breathtaking scenery. You may want to consider stopping at a vineyard or two for some wine tasting as well!
8. McKenzie - Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
The McKenzie - Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is one of Oregon's amazing scenic roads, passing forests, surreal lava beds, mountain peaks, and more. In the fall, the scenery is especially otherworldly when the foliage is aflame with autumn colors.
Have you been on any of these beautiful drives before? What are some of your picks for the best scenic drives in Oregon? Share them with us in the comments below!
For more beautiful places to explore in the Beaver State this fall, check out our ultimate Fall Foliage Road Trip here.
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