This is a guest post from some great people that know exactly where all the best road trips are in Oregon – the DMV.
Planning your next road trip? A road trip in Oregon is something you’ll fall in love with. Drive along the scenic coastline or pass by tranquil rivers and lakes, thick forests, majestic waterfalls, volcanoes, and desert. Stop at orchards, campgrounds, farmer’s markets, historic small towns, or go fishing and hiking while enjoying the incredible scenery.
But before you plan your road trip, make sure that you have a driver’s license. To acquire one, take a DMV written test and comply with the requirements. Now here are the top destinations to consider for your epic Oregon road trip:
- Columbia River Gorge
A drive through the scenic Columbia River Gorge is an experience of a lifetime. Here, you will get to explore as many majestic waterfalls as you can in a span of days. There are more than 50 waterfalls, including the rumbling Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls.
- Pacific Coast
Driving along the Pacific Coast is a must when on a road trip in Oregon. The gorgeous and scenic coast takes around 12 hours of driving. Aside from the beautiful coastal views, you get to visit lighthouses, museums, quaint towns, and other attractions. Popular destinations include the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Coos Bay.
- Cannon Beach
An exciting itinerary is taking the Astoria highway to Cannon Beach. View the coastal town at the Astoria Column, visit the Heritage Museum, or hike at the Fort Columbia State Park. Enjoy a day at Cannon Beach, go shopping at Hemlock Street, or take a short hike at Ecola State Park.
- West Cascades
Spanning 215 miles, the West Cascades takes around eight hours, making for a beautiful road trip. Enjoy wonderful views of the Cascade Mountain Range, moss-covered forests, and stop by sparkling rivers and lakes for a short hike or fishing. There are also plenty of restaurants and taverns along the way.
- Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is perfect for road trips during spring and fall. There is plenty to explore in the northeastern part of the state. Go fishing and hunting at the town of Heppner, or enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or horseback riding at the Umatilla National Forest. If you wish to go camping, you can spend a night or two at the North Fork John Day Campground.
- High Desert Discovery
One of the most beautiful and diverse routes to take in Oregon is the High Desert Discovery. A trip along this 127-mile route lets you drive through wetlands and desert. Stop at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge or go trout fishing at the historic town of Frenchglen. See bighorn sheep and wild horses at the Catlow Valley and Steens Mountain Wilderness.
- Umpqua River
It’s best to take the Umpqua River Byway when you travel through Oakland. Explore the historic downtown area and make a stop at the Oakland Museum. Go fishing in the Umpqua River or visit the famous butterfly house in Elton.
- Volcanic Legacy
The best season to have a road trip at the Volcanic Legacy is summer or early fall. This 140-mile byway has plenty to offer, from the beautiful Crater Lake National Park, Wizard Island, Fort Klamath Museum, Klamath Falls, to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
- Mount Hood
Enjoy scenic views as you drive through Mount Hood, which is the highest mountain in Oregon. Aside from the majestic scenery, you also get to enjoy windsurfing or kite-boarding at Hood River, or have a taste of the famous craft beer at Full Sail Brewing Company.
- Hells Canyon
A trip along the Hells Canyon lets you enjoy a majestic views of the Wallowa Mountains and travel along crystal-clear rivers and rich valleys. The highlight of your trip is the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, which is the deepest river gorge in all of North America.
There is so much to explore all around the great state of Oregon. Is there a road trip in Oregon you have been on that is not on this list? Please let me know in the comments. Have a GREAT summer!
