Oregon is a stunner of a state, full of wondrous places and immense natural beauty. It's also incredibly geographically diverse, with everything from stunning shorelines and old-growth forests to rolling countrysides and high desert regions. Today, we're exploring east-central Oregon, best-known for the Alvord Desert, ghost towns, and the Painted Hills. This scenic road trip in Oregon takes us into the heart of this resplendent, underrated region, a place well-worth exploring anytime of year.
This scenic road trip in Oregon clocks in at 370 miles and is just under eight hours long. It's a big day, for sure, but definitely doable!
Okay road warriors: are you ready? Our adventure begins in Hood River. Fill up your car, and then fill up your belly with a coffee and face-sized cinnamon roll from Bette's Place. While you're there, grab a decked-out deli sandwich for the road, too!
Hood River is located along the eponymous Oregon river, in the shadow of the state's majestic Mt. Hood. Hood River is absolute magic, which you'll see as you wind through the hills and valleys of this resplendent region.
Hood River is home to a fertile region known as the Hood River Fruit Loop. This is a collection of several Oregon farms, orchards, vineyards, and wineries, and it truly is beautiful all year round.
Driving east, the landscape will quickly change from fertile farmland and flourishing orchards to a desert that's quite literally painted in copper and bronze hues. Welcome to the high desert region of central Oregon, 24,000 square miles that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about a desert.
Within this region, the Painted Hills are one of the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The Painted Hills are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, named after the colorful layers of its hills, which correspond to different geological eras.
The colors of these hills will change with the position of the sun, last rainfall, and temperature, making for a wholly unique experience whenever you visit!
As you roll through this dynamic desert landscape, keep an eye out for Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Established in 2013, it is the second largest state park in Oregon, encompassing 8,000 acres along the lower John Day River.
After admiring the Oregon desert, our next point of interest is the Prineville Reservoir. Located in the high desert hills of east-central Oregon, Prineville Reservoir covers 18 miles of the Crooked River and is run by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
It's one of the best places to go camping *and* stargazing in Oregon, too, which would make a fun detour on this scenic road trip!
From here, the landscape begins to change again, from the copper hues of the desert to the verdant greens of Mount Hood National Forest. Take your time and really soak up the scenery, which changes seasonally!
Drive through this area slowly, as you'll have a front-row seat to some of the best views of the incredible Columbia River Gorge!
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As one of the most historic places in Oregon, it's fitting for our scenic road trip adventure to end in The Dalles. And after a day full of adventure, we recommend stopping for dinner at the Baldwin Saloon, one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in the state!
You'll find old-fashioned favorites on the menu here, from steak and potatoes to apple pie and bread pudding. It's the perfect place to relax and reminisce about your epic road trip adventure!
Eastern Oregon is a place that doesn't get quite the love of its coastal and forested counterparts, but after embarking on this scenic road trip, we have a feeling you'll be quite taken by this wondrous region!
For another bucket-list-worthy adventure that's on the *other* side of the state, check out this epic road trip along the Oregon Coast.
Fall is in the air, and there's nothing quite like enjoying a fall foliage drive in Oregon to take in the vivid colors and changing landscape. While all of Oregon truly shines this time of year, there's just something extra special about wine country. The 57-mile Vineyard and Valley Tour Route is a perfect little drive through some of Oregon's most sublime scenery, and it's especially lovely in the fall. Centered around the Tualatin Valley in Oregon, this fall foliage road trip can easily be done in an afternoon, allowing for plenty of time to savor the views -- and perhaps even stop by a vineyard for a tasting or tour!
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The Tualatin Valley is one of Oregon's most beautiful rural spots. Stretching from the outskirts of Portland all the way to the coast, this bucolic landscape is full of vineyards, family farms, orchards, and more.
During the fall, the landscape of Oregon's wine country comes alive with color: bold reds, rich oranges, buttery yellows, and glittering gold. It's the best time of year to rent an RV and take a fall colors road trip.
This scenic drive starts in stunning Sherwood, Oregon, a town whose idyllic streets are lined with beautiful maple trees.
From Sherwood, the route passes right by the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,856-acre sanctuary that provides a safe haven for nearly 200 bird species and other animals.
The refuge is home to numerous trails, scenic overlooks, and a wildlife center, so definitely get out of the car and explore if you can. In the fall, the forest here is cloaked in gold and copper hues.
Back on the road, the wetlands soon turn into farm fields, orchards, wineries, and acre upon acre of hazelnut groves.
Oregon is a world-class wine region that's home to upwards of 700 wineries and 1,000 vineyards. Tualatin Valley sits in the northwestern corner of Willamette Valley and is well-known for its abundance of wineries and vineyards. This is Furioso Vineyards, which produces premier Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé wines.
There are numerous wineries in the Tualatin Valley region, and they're all absolutely wonderful. If you're up for a detour, Yamhill Valley Vineyards is a winsome, 150-acre vineyard that's the oldest in the McMinnville area.
Between the wineries, orchards, and beautiful natural areas, there's a lot to *do* along this fall foliage road trip, but you can also opt to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Because you don't have to do anything else; driving through the Tualatin Valley wine country in the fall is absolutely extraordinary, all on its own.
This fall foliage road trip in the Tualatin Valley really is the perfect autumn adventure! Have you visited this beautiful region in Oregon before? When you set out for a fall foliage drive in Oregon, where do you go?
Where & When To See Fall Foliage In Oregon
Fall in Oregon is magical. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows transform the landscape and create an inspiring masterpiece. However, catching a glimpse of the sea of colors is all about timing. One cold spell and the stunning colors can disappear. Typically, the leaves in the northern part of Oregon will change colors at the beginning of October and peak by the middle of the month. In the central area of the state, fall foliage will peak at the beginning of November and last until the middle of the month.
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And while timing is crucial to view fall foliage at its peak in Oregon, it’s also just as important to find the best destinations to view the colors. We have several spots in Oregon with the best fall foliage that we love to visit including:
The Tualatin Valley is one area in Oregon that deserves a spot on every bucket list. It is near many incredible destinations such as Portland, the Oregon Coast, Willamette Valley, and more. While our road trip above takes you to several of our favorite destinations in this area, it is just the beginning of things to do and see and you can truly customize this road trip to your own interests.
While our road trip itinerary is quite short, it doesn’t mean that you can’t stay for a while. There are several hotels in the Tualatin Valley and dozens of Portland hotels are just a short drive away. We also recommend checking out several delightful vacation rentals like this unique 1875 schoolhouse or this converted barn studio apartment. And if you are looking for a place to dine on your road trip, we recommend Clancy’s in Sherwood. The food here is delicious!
There is perhaps nothing in life more freeing than setting off on the open road in search of adventure. Road trips are the perfect way to take in many beautiful sights, partake in the cuisine found at many different restaurants, and immerse yourself in nature all along the way. And if you're searching for the best road trips in Oregon, look no further: we've compiled a list of the very best road trips for every time of year, from single-day excursions to a weekend (or longer) of exploring the beautiful Beaver State. Whether it's your first trip to Oregon or you've visited many times, this list of the best road trips in Oregon includes routes you can easily follow on Google Maps is packed with adventure and incredible sights that will steal your heart.
Route: Azalea Park in Brookings > Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor > Gold Beach > Port Orford > Bandon > Shore Acres State Park > Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area > Reedsport > Florence
Distance: 150 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours driving time
This road trip along the southern Oregon coast offers breathtaking natural wonders, incredible coastal rock formations, historical landmarks, pristine beaches, and so much more for very little cost (or free). Beginning with the 33-acre Azalea Park in the beautiful seaside town of Brookings and making your way through scenic places like Coos Bay and the Oregon Dunes, you'll be amazed at how much of Oregon you can see in a single day. You'll definitely want to explore this iconic scene at Secret Beach, which is just a 14-minute drive north of Brookings. This is the perfect day trip that you and your loved ones can embark upon to explore many of Oregon's most beautiful places without breaking the bank.
Route: Mount Hood Village > Sunriver > Cottage Grove > Drift Creek Falls > Tom McCall Waterfront Park > The Tiny House Village
Distance: 511 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours 11 minutes driving time
This is the perfect weekend road trip for those wanting to take a little more time to explore some lesser-known yet still beautiful locations in Oregon. You'll start this road trip off with an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall in Government Camp, then you'll explore some delicious dining options in town before you make your way through the stunning high desert of Central Oregon and its sweeping mountain vistas. Go on a charming covered bridge tour in Cottage Grove, meander down a riverwalk in Portland, and lodge in the enchanting Tiny House Village in Mt. Hood. Be sure you stop by Trillium Lake as it's one of the most spectacular views of Mount Hood and the surrounding National Forest. This road trip is impossible not to fall in love with and may be considered one of the best road trips in Oregon.
Route: Portland > Crown Point > Multnomah Falls > Hood River > Rowena Loops > The Dalles
Distance: 75 miles
Trip Time: 3 to 5 hours driving time
This breathtaking road trip is easily one of the most breathtakingly scenic drives in the entire country. It crosses off many bucket list destinations such as Multnomah Falls, Crown Point's Vista House, Hood River, and so much more. They don't call the Historic Columbia River Highway a Scenic Byway for nothing: it ranks as one of the most picturesque highways in the US, and it's beautiful no matter what time of year you drive along this stunning highway (just be sure to check road conditions in the winter before you head out just in case). The Columbia River Gorge will steal your breath away, and your Oregon road trip and its endless scenic viewpoints will be more memorable than you can imagine.
Route: Astoria > Cannon Beach > Pacific City > Newport > Yachats > Florence > Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area > Shore Acres State Park > Bandon > Brookings
Distance: 355 miles
Trip Time: 8 hours 5 minutes driving time
If you can only choose one Oregon road trip, this West Coast road trip should be a top contender for its plethora of must-see coastal destinations. You can do this trip in a single 8-hour day, or take your time and split the journey between two days to soak in all the beauty that Oregon's spectacular coastline offers. From iconic sea stacks like Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach to famous lighthouses such as Heceta Head Lighthouse and Coquille River Light, this coastal excursion will steal your breath away. Be sure to stop by the iconic Natural Bridges Viewpoint, Tillamook Head and the surrounding Ecola State Park, Oregon's sand dunes, and Cape Perpetua as you traverse one of the most picturesque stretches of road in the entire country.
Oregon is a magical place in the springtime when wildflowers bloom and the landscape comes back to life. This road trip is highly recommended to take during spring as it takes you along some of the most magical wildflower-covered landscapes you can imagine. Photographers and wildflower lovers will find countless scenic views to drink in including Marys Peak and the vibrant Painted Hills. You'll be delighted by the sights of spring at each of these beautiful Oregon destinations.
Route: Latourell Falls > Multnomah Falls > Elowah Falls > Wahclellah Falls > Hood River > Tamanawas Falls > Ramona Falls > Government Camp > Silver Falls State Park > Trail Of Ten Falls > Silverton
Distance: 180 miles
Trip Time: 3 hours 56 minutes driving time
Oregon is well-known and loved for its many picturesque and dreamy waterfalls, and this is the road trip that will take you to explore the very best of them. Start by exploring the many waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway such as Latourell Falls, Multnomah Falls, and Elowah Falls, take a loop around Mount Hood, then wrap up your journey by exploring the iconic Silver Falls State Park. If you take this road trip through Oregon in the summertime, the forests surrounding the falls will be lush and green. You'll feel transported into a fairytale dream world, and it'll be hard to leave the beautiful serenity of it all.
Route: Portland Japanese Garden > Historic Columbia River Hwy > Vista House at Crown Point > Multnomah Falls > Hood River County > Sandy > Silver Falls State Park
Distance: 202 miles
Trip Time: 4 hours 10 minutes driving time
Fall is without a doubt the most magical time to visit Oregon. This road trip takes you to some of the most stunning Oregon destinations to visit in the fall when the leaves turn vibrant hues of yellows, oranges, and reds. Start by exploring the mystical Portland Japanese Garden and you'll feel transported to another world with such awe-inspiring trees and landscapes. Make your way along the Historic Columbia River Highway to the Vista House in Corbett for some of the most jaw-dropping views you'll ever witness. Travel along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway for lovely views of the towering Mount Hood framed by red and golden leaves. Lastly, wrap up with a stop at Silver Falls State Park, where the fall scenery transforms the landscape into something from a dream. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning fall road trip than this journey through Oregon's most beautiful autumn scenery.
Route: Portland > Mcminnville > Salem > Silverton > Florence > Coos Bay > Jacksonville > Ashland
Distance: 449 miles
Trip Time: 9 hours and 19 minutes driving time
Winter is a magical time of year to explore the Beaver State as the landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Holiday lights create a fairytale-like atmosphere in Oregon's many small towns, and this road trip takes you through the most magical small towns in Oregon. Enjoy the magic of the winter season in these charming towns and take advantage of their many winter and holiday-themed events. This road trip could be done in a single day but you'd likely enjoy your adventure even more if you split it over two days so you can take a little more time exploring.
Route: Gold Hill > Port Orford > Yachats > Albany > Portland > Silverton > Bend > Redmond > Idleyld Park
Distance: 765 miles
Trip Time: 15 hours driving time
Embark upon the perfect family-friendly road trip in Oregon by visiting some of the most quirky, historical, and beautiful spots in the state. You'll start off by wandering through The Oregon Vortex and House of Mystery in Gold Hill, then explore the Prehistoric Gardens in Port Orford which features 23 life-sized handmade dinosaur sculptures. Travelers of all ages will be enthralled by Thor's Well and its surrounding tide pools near Yachats (be sure to visit the Sea Lion Caves while you're at it). Children will love the Historic Carousel & Museum in Albany. Then you'll visit the enchanting Witch's Castle in Portland, the Skylight Cave in Bend, and wrap up your day of family-tailored adventures with an easy and short hike to the breathtaking Toketee Falls near Idleyld Park. This road trip will ensure adults and children of all ages experience a grand adventure. Doesn't this sound like one of the best road trips in Oregon?
Route: Cannon Beach > Multnomah Falls > Mt. Hood > Painted Hills > Smith Rock State Park > Crater Lake
Distance: 507 miles
Trip Time: 10 hours 8 minutes driving time
This is the ultimate natural wonders road trip in Oregon. You'll start off by exploring the beloved Cannon Beach and the infamous Haystack Rock, then make your way along the breathtaking Historic Columbia River Highway toward Multnomah Falls, one of the most famous waterfalls in America. Continue along your journey toward Mt. Hood (you'll stop at Timberline Lodge at about 6,000 feet). Next, you'll explore the Painted Hills and the otherworldly landscape at Smith Rock State Park (consider hiking the Misery Ridge and Summit Trail Loop while there). You'll wrap up your grand adventure by visiting one of the most spectacular geologic and scenic wonders of the state at Crater Lake National Park (entry fee required). The views here will steal your breath away. There are many hiking trails in the area (such as the steep but beautiful Cleetwood Cove Trail) that are well worth exploring. Consider staying at the Crater Lake Lodge for the full experience.
Oregon is well known for having many charming small towns scattered across the state. From delightful coastal villages to rustic forest communities, this road trip will take you through the best of the best. Starting with the historic town of Vernonia, you'll make your way through Astoria (the Astoria-Megler Bridge crosses the magnificent Columbia River and is an incredible experience in and of itself), Explore Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay, Yachats, Florence, and all the coastal beauty that lies in between. You'll fall in love with Oregon's small-town vibes, from the eclectic and unique to the warm and friendly, you'll agree that Oregon's small towns and villages are as charming, welcoming, and picturesque as they come.
Your Oregon road trip itinerary should be packed to the brim with ideas for your next Pacific Northwest adventure. Which of these road trips are you most excited to embark upon first? What do you consider to be the best road trips in Oregon? Tag a road trip friend in the comments below and get started planning your travels.
Need more Oregon road trip ideas? Visit our Oregon road trip hub to gain access to all the best road trips for all reasons and seasons. For road trip planning and packing tips, check out OnlyInYourState's Ultimate Road Trip Packing List. Whether you're leaving for a single day or a week-long road trip, you can't forget the snacks: here are 50 on-the-go snack ideas perfect for traveling.
Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this stunning footage of Cannon Beach:
