Road trips in Oregon are undeniably pretty yet rough around the edges, sophisticated yet crude, brazen yet comforting, Oregon will leave you hungry for more. And what better way to capture this dichotomy of experiences than via some Oregon road trips?

As one of the most beautiful states in America, Oregon offers over 360 miles of coastline, the majestic Cascade Mountain Range (which it shares with Washington and British Columbia), ancient forests, pristine mountain lakes, and wild rivers. With lush green to the west and otherworldly high-desert beauty to the east, Oregon really does have it all.

Natural beauty abounds here, so it’s easy to have an epic road trip – the only challenge is to pick which one! Home to ten National Scenic Byways and four All-American roads, these road trips can act as the jumping-off point for any amazing Oregon vacation.

Stay tuned later in this post for some handy Oregon road trip tips.

So gather up those road trip snacks, a buddy or two, and let’s get exploring. Here is the crème de la crème of road trips in Oregon.

Best Time to Visit Oregon

Every season in Oregon has its pros and cons, and it really depends on which part of Oregon you are visiting. The Cascade Mountain range flanks the middle of the state. This creates two major types of climates: the eastern side of Oregon is an arid, high desert country, with very warm summers and chilly winters. The western side is more lush, with much more precipitation (read: more rain) and a more mild climate. 

That said, if you want the best chance of good weather, come to Oregon in the mid-Spring to mid-Summer months, when the temperatures are just right. 

The Gorge and Mt. Hood

As America’s first scenic highway, this glorious stretch of Interstate 84 road from Portland through Hood River takes you through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. Around every bend you’ll find dense forests, high rock walls, lots of waterfalls (not just Multnomah Falls), and of course, the mighty Columbia River. The very same river that led Lewis and Clark to the Pacific Ocean.

More recently, the devastating Eagle Creek fire of 2017 led to the closure of many trails here, but even reckless destruction was no match for the everlasting beauty of this area, arguably some of the most scenic in the world. Here’s a more detailed overview of this epic drive.

You can get the latest information on Columbia River Gorge trails here.

Painted Hills, Smith Rock

Titillate your senses with amazing rock formations, something Oregon has in spades. On this road trip, Smith Rock State Park has deep river canyons, lovely lakes and amazing views. But the shining star is Smith Rock itself. Not only is this Instagram worth from any angle, the hiking trail circumnavigates it and it’s also a mecca for rock climbers worldwide.

Nearby John Day fossil beds give you a glimpse into ancient Oregon, and the Painted Hills offer an other-worldly stroll through colorful landscapes. Read more about my adventures to Painted Hills and Smith Rock State Park.

Umpqua National Forest to Crater Lake

Hikers and campers will love this tranquil forest with a dense blanket of pine trees, vegetation, and glorious wildflowers leading to mesmerizing waterfalls. Trails not to miss include the Toketee Fall Trail, Lemolo Falls Trail, and Watson Falls Trail. All are found in the Umpqua National Forest.

Meander down to the Twin Lakes Trail for dazzling views of lakes – the perfect spot for a picnic. Then soak your cares away in the terraced pools of Umpqua Hot Springs as the peaceful flow of the Umpqua River goes by. Or kayak on the sparkling waters of Diamond Lake as Mount Thielsen towers above in the background. Then get your adrenaline pumping on a Mount Thielsen hike and dare to reach the summit.

A few miles to the south is Oregon’s only National Park, Crater Lake. This is a trip in itself and definitely worth a full day or two to fully explore.

Portland to Astoria on Highway 30 then Manzanita

When going from Portland to the Oregon coast, the vast majority of people opt for traveling Highway 26. Don’t do that. It is often congested with other travelers, especially on the weekends. Take Highway 30 which leaves Portland going north and follow the Columbia River all the way to the Pacific Coast. The charming towns of Scappose, St. Helens, and Rainier are along this route.

If you need a break from driving and want to stretch your legs, Trojan Park is nice and has an easy paved trail with picnic areas.

Then stop in Astoria for a spell before continuing your journey down Highway 101 through Seaside and Cannon Beach to Manzanita. When driving the Oregon Coast, the road is scenic all the way!

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Silver Falls

What better way to experience western Oregon’s fertile green spaces than to tour the Willamette Valley wine country and visit a spectacular waterfall? Start out just a few miles southwest of Portland and do some wine tasting, then stop in McMinville to see the famous Spruce Goose and tour an aviation and space museum, then take a scenic drive to Silver Falls State Park.

What to Know Before You Go

• Because Oregon is basically split in two by the Cascade Mountain Range, the west is wet and green while the east is much dryer high desert. Consequently, you’re like to encounter a multitude of climates with different weather patterns throughout your journey.
• Oregon is one of only two states in the nation where you cannot, by law pump your own gas. (The other is New Jersey.) That said, there are a few rural areas in the state where you can still pump your own gas and Oregon has a funny rule where if the population in a county does not reach a certain number, it is OK to pump your own gas in that county. Confused yet? Obviously, the larger communities of Portland (metro area), Salem, and Bend have high residency rates, so don’t even think about pumping your own gas in these counties. Also, Crater Lake is the state’s only National Park and as such, it is on federal land and you pump your own gas there, too.
• Leave No Trace. Oregon is a green state on more than one level. We love to recycle and keep our environment healthy! Recycle whenever possible and pack out what you pack in when out on the trail, camping, and during road trips. It’s just the right thing to do.
• As far as clothing, dressing in layers is key pretty much all year round. And bring rain gear! This is the Pacific Northwest, after all.