Everyone In Oregon Should Take This Underappreciated Scenic Drive

Pretty much anywhere you point your car in Oregon, you'll find plenty of scenic beauty and adventure, but some spots are more underrated than others. One such place is Hell's Canyon - a deep, stunning gorge in eastern Oregon. You'll find it along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, and it's just one of several features along the way.

For a unique Oregon adventure, take the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. It stretches about 200 miles from the little town of LaGrande to Baker City.

Before you take off on this road trip, make sure you have plenty of gas - there's an 80-mile-long stretch with no services. You'll also want to check the weather - the road between Joseph and Halfway closes when it snows.

LaGrande is the jumping-off point for the scenic byway, and it's a great place to grab some lunch, fuel up the car, and soak in a little bit of history before heading out.

This pretty scenic byway is a lot less popular than others in the state, but it certainly has plenty to offer.

You'll travel through a pretty, rural area near the towns of Elgin and Minam. Check out the bucolic farms with towering mountains in the background.

The town of Joseph is another rural gem, situated in the shadows of the Wallowa Mountain Range.

The Wallowa Mountains tower high above the the valley, reaching heights of 9,000 feet. Views of the Eagle Cap Wilderness await, too.

Along the way, you'll catch pretty vistas that include rivers...

...wildlife...

...and vast, open spaces.

You might have to stop for a moment to let cowboys cross the road with their cattle - not a sight you'll see in other parts of the Beaver State!

Make your way up to the Hells Canyon Overlook for a first peek at this tremendous gorge. The deepest river gorge in the United States, it reaches depths of up to 8,000 places in some spots.

Visit the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Visitor Center to see the mighty Snake River up close.

From there, you'll make your way past the towns of Halfway and Richland.

Baker City is the last stop on the scenic byway, and it's a town that's rich with history. Take a walking tour past dozens of historic buildings, enjoy dining locally, and grab a beer at one of Baker City's craft breweries before making your way back home.

Have you traveled the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway?

What's your favorite windshield view along this stretch of Oregon highway? Tell us in the comments!