From historic country roads to stunning coastal highways, Oregon is woven with scenic drives that'll lead you on a journey through some of the state's most incredible landscapes. These 11 best driving roads in Oregon represent the very best scenic drives in the Beaver State, sure to provide lots of memories and experiences for your bucket list.
1. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
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The 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is perfect for a long, peaceful drive. This stunning route runs along the North Umpqua and Rogue Rivers, passing alpine lakes, waterfalls, trailheads, and more.
2. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
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The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a spectacular road that winds through the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains as well as past miles and miles of wilderness and bucolic countrysides dotted with charming small towns.
3. McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
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This gorgeous loop drive will take you on a jaw dropping journey past otherworldly lava fields, emerald green forests, and snow-capped peaks.
5. Hood River Fruit Loop
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One fun day trip is taking a drive along the beloved Hood River Fruit Loop. This bucolic country road passes numerous orchards, farms, and wineries. Pull over here and there to walk around, go to a U-Pick farm, buy fresh produce, and even taste local wines.
5. Mt Hood Scenic Byway
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For a longer drive, continue past the Hood River Fruit Loop and into the Mt. Hood National Forest on the eponymous byway. This unique route leads up into gorgeous forests towards the snow blanketed summit of Oregon's tallest mountain, and then back down the other side towards Portland. It's also one of the most glorious places to see fall foliage in Oregon!
6. Highway 101
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Running from top to bottom of the western edge of Oregon, Route 101 is the quintessential path for an Oregon Coast. The highway passes countless incredible sights and destinations, including gorgeous beaches, charming towns, rugged cliffs, state parks, and more.
7. Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway
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Tucked into the southeastern corner of Oregon, Steens Mountain is a one-of-a-kind hidden gem. The Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway navigates the secluded mountain and its otherworldly foothills, with the unique Alvord Desert sprawling out to the south.
8. Historic Columbia River Highway
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If you've never visited the Columbia River Gorge, it's an absolute must-see. One incredible way to experience it is by taking a long drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which dates back over 100 years and ribbons past gorgeous waterfalls, viewpoints, wildflower meadows, and more.
9. Elkhorn Scenic Byway
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Woven through eastern Oregon's remote Elkhorn Mountains, a drive along this open road will blow you away from start to finish.
10. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
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The stunning Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway weaves through the Cascade Mountain Range, passing many of Oregon's most mesmerizing volcanos. Perhaps the most amazing part of the drive is Rim Drive, the 33-mile loop around the edge of Crater Lake.
11. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
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Winding through eastern Oregon, the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway combines breathtaking natural beauty with incredible history. The byway leads from Baker City to Biggs, passing small towns, historic sites, the incredible John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and more.
How many of these open roads have you driven? Do you agree that they're some of the best scenic drives in Oregon? What are some of your favorite Oregon scenic drives? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
For more of the best scenic drives in Oregon, check out these scenic drives near me! And before you head on any scenic drive or road trip in the Beaver State, make sure you are prepared with the right gear and the right snacks!
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