This Natural Wonders Road Trip Will Show You Oregon Like You’ve Never Seen It Before
Have you ever wondered, with such a beautifully diverse and natural state, what are the natural wonders of Oregon? We’ve ruminated over this too, which is why we decided to come up with the ultimate road trip through the various natural wonders in Oregon. Oregon has lush forests, dramatic coastlines, otherworldly deserts, and countless amazing natural wonders. To help you get the most out of the beautiful Beaver State, we’ve put together this scenic road trip that will take you to some of the most magnificent natural wonders in Oregon. On this trip, you’ll start on the Oregon Coast, then visit the deepest lake in the country, the summit of a mountain, Oregon’s Painted Hills, and more — all in one of the most unforgettable scenic Oregon road trips. Let’s go!
This natural wonders expedition is one of the most scenic road trips you can take in Oregon and a must for those with an insatiable appetite for wanderlust!
Click here to see the detailed route on google maps. The drive time is around 10.5 hours altogether, which you can spread out over as many days as you'd like. Here's a breakdown of the trip, step by step:
The road trip kicks off on the northern Oregon coast at the beautiful Cannon Beach, home of the iconic Haystack Rock. This massive, 235-foot-tall sea stack will blow you away, as will the beautiful coastline, dotted with sandy beaches, tide pools, and the charming seaside town.
To get to the next destination, you'll take Route 26 to Interstate 84, which leads through Portland and into the stunning Columbia River Gorge. Here, you'll find one of Oregon's most treasured natural wonders: the majestic Multnomah Falls. This enormous yet graceful waterfall is said to be the second-tallest waterfall in the country. You'll have the opportunity to see the waterfall from three levels: the base, the historic Benson Bridge (which you can see in this photo), and, if you're feeling adventurous, you can even hike to the top.
Next stop: Mt Hood. After leaving Multnomah Falls, you'll continue on I-84 until reaching the 26, which will take you up through the forest towards the summit of Mt Hood. Make a stop at Timberline Lodge, a historic ski lodge that's open year-round where you can go skiing in the winter, hiking in the summer, or simply grab a delicious meal and take in the amazing, high-altitude scenery. If you'd like to stop for the night, you can book a room here or in the more secluded Silcox Hut.
As you descend Mt Hood, you'll hop back on Route 26 and drive through Warm Springs Reservation (where you may want to stop at the wonderful Museum at Warm Springs) and on to the magical Painted Hills. This incredible place looks like something from a fairy tale. The ancient, rolling hills are streaked with vibrant colors; the entire landscape is simply mesmerizing.
Head back the way you came on Route 26 and then take the exit for highway 370, which will take you to Smith Rock State Park. Located in central Oregon's high desert, Smith Rock is a spectacular place, full of dramatic cliffs, winding rivers, gorgeous hiking trails, and more. If you feel like staying the night, you can stay at a campsite or drive on to the lovely town of Bend, which will be on the way to your next and final destination.
Last but not least, you'll reach the amazing Crater Lake. Leaving Smith Rock, you'll take Route 97 for about 100 miles before making a few turns to get onto the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which circles the rim of Crater Lake. This stunning lake is located in the caldera of an ancient volcano. It's the deepest lake in the country, and the pure, crystal-clear water is intensely blue. It's the perfect finale for an unforgettable road trip.
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Address: Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Address: Multnomah Falls, Oregon, USA
Address: Mount Hood, Mt Hood, Oregon 97041, USA
Address: Painted Hills, Oregon 97750, USA
Address: Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, USA
Address: Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Scenic Road Trips In Oregon
June 29, 2021
Sarah
What are some other scenic road trips in Oregon?
One of our favorite scenic Oregon road trips is the Three Capes Scenic Route. This 40-mile drive is easy to tackle in a day and passes by some of the most iconic and beautiful places along the Oregon Coast. If you're into waterfalls, you'll be delighted by this scenic road trip, which cruises by six breathtaking cascades in Oregon. These are easily some of the best natural wonders in Oregon.
What's Oregon's most well-known natural wonder?
While Oregon is on the map for many of its natural wonders, Crater Lake is perhaps the most well-recognized and astonishing. At 1,949 feet deep, it’s the deepest lake in the United States, featuring a pristine pool of deep azure. The lake’s history is as deep as its waters, too, racing back over 7,700 years to when a powerful eruption collapsed an ancient volcano, forming what we know today as Crater Lake, Oregon’s first national park. Today, Crater Lake National Park attracts upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, inviting all to revel in its resplendence. This cerulean blue pool is a total showstopper, and it really doesn't get any more wondrous than Crater Lake! If you're looking to experience more of Oregon's natural wonders, you'll definitely want to check out these wondrous places that are all free and open to enjoy!
Where are some other scenic places in Oregon?
Silver Falls State Park is one of the most scenic and iconic places in Oregon. Hailed by many as the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls boasts ten beautiful waterfalls, with the beautiful 177-foot South Falls being its most wow-worthy. You can walk behind this cascade, an experience that belongs on any Oregonian's bucket list! The park is also home to a lush temperate rainforest of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Oregon grape, and other native trees and plants. It's a total wonderland in Oregon!
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