The 11 Best Backroads In Oregon For A Long Scenic Drive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!