Serving Up Soft Serve: This Charming Oregon Drive-In Won Me Over

Sugarpine Drive-In is situated near the banks of the Sandy River in Troutdale, a town known as “The Gateway to the Gorge.” The Gorge, of course, refers to Oregon's famous Columbia River Gorge, an area renowned for its dramatic beauty, trade routes, and history. Locals take the Gorge and its protection and history very seriously. This extends to the drive-in as well, as it was originally a gas station catering to the drivers who took the famous Columbia River Highway (the first scenic highway in all of the United States) back in the 1920s. 

In 2018, Sugarpine decided to take this former gas station and turn it into a restaurant, calling it a “new american drive-in” where they could bring back the classic drive-in experience, but modernize it slightly. They take known and loved comfort foods, blend a bit of PNW flavors, and add a few global influences. Their main attraction? Soft serve. 

Soft serve and snacks — that’s what their sign and website says. But these words don’t really convey the extent of what is being sold, with the soft serve turned into sundaes that use a base of vanilla and chocolate to a highlight blueberry-lavender sauce and pine nut honeycomb, or a plant-based (yep, they have options for customers with food allergies/avoidances) almond and strawberry swirl topped with crumbles of lemon-ricotta shortcake, amoretti cookies, and whipped basil. Then, the snacks. Soups or salads? You’re covered. Sandwiches? You’ve got classic comfort sandwiches like grilled cheese or pulled pork elevated to an iconic status.

Sugarpine is all about highlighting local excellence. The space they occupy has always served that purpose, even beyond being a gas station, as it was also a tackle store and a concessions stand, both with the purpose of serving the community. Every measure is taken to buy local ingredients, from meats sourced from ranchers and fishermen near the Gorge, to other supplies found in local farms from the Willamette Valley. Even their beverage section measures up to these standards, with local PNW sellers highlighted above all else. 

Getting there is easy, as it truly is just off the highway and is a perfect stop before or after a hike or river float. The hours vary by season, so always be sure to check the website. You can order through the drive-through portion, but it is important to note that the menu here is limited, and in order to try and avoid long lines of cars, they have items ready-made or easy to assemble. Or, you can park and go to the walk-up window and access the full menu. There is plenty of seating, uncovered and covered (and heated), and dogs are welcome. 

Taking a trip to the Columbia River Gorge? The Sugarpine Drive-In is a must! Where else could you find the perfect combination of old-school vibes, comforting recipes with a twist of modern tastes, and some truly fun merchandise (shirts, stickers, sauces, bags, spice rubs ... you name it). But maybe you think there’s a better spot on the historic highway? Use our nomination form and tell us all about it!