Contrary To Its Name, The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Is A Downright Divine Drive In Oregon

What's in a name? Well, if we're talking about Hells Canyon in Oregon... not much. Because contrary to its name, Hells Canyon is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in all of Oregon. Located in the northeastern region of the state, Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America, plunging 8,000 vertical feet in its deepest areas. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, which spans both Oregon and Idaho, encompasses more than 215,000 acres of rugged wilderness. It's one of the PNW's most wildly beautiful places, and you can experience its splendor along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, a downright divine drive in Oregon.

The 213-mile Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a loop that encircles the Wallowa Mountains, intersecting with Interstate 84 at Baker City and La Grande. It's one of the most beautiful road trips in the state.

A designated All-American Road, this byway journeys to some of the most wondrous, scenic, and historical places in Oregon.

While the route can easily be completed in a day, there are so many noteworthy destinations along the way that it's best to devote a few days or long weekend to this trip!

A full map of the byway can be viewed here.

No matter how you decide to tackle this road trip, definitely plan ahead: you’ll find stretches of more than 80 miles without gas or other services.

The byway's namesake, Hells Canyon, is a wondrous sight to behold. If you have to choose just one place to stop along this route, make it this.

The Hells Canyon Dam at the bottom of the canyon is open year-round; and, as the deepest river gorge in North America, is definitely a bucket-list-worthy stop along the byway.

Another must-visit attraction along the route is the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City.

This living history museum explores the Oregon Trail, as well as the state's legendary pioneer and gold rush history.

This road trip cruises through Virtue Flats, an area known for its designated Off-Highway Vehicle Trails. Outdoor enthusiasts come here for unrivaled mountain biking, dirt bike riding, and ATVing.

The area also boasts spectacular views of the Wallowa Eagle Cap Mountains and the Elkhorn Mountain Ranges.

There are several small towns along the 213-mile route, too, and Halfway is one of them. This is small-town America at its finest.

This charming Oregon locale has an amazing downtown and is a delightful place to stop and spend an afternoon, grab a bite to eat, or put your feet up for the night!

In addition to extraordinary beauty, you'll also see an abundance of wildlife along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, too. (Keep your eyes peeled for the infamous Wallowa llamas!)

Oregon is a state of such extraordinary natural beauty. It's a place where so many different nature scenes exist simultaneously: rugged basalt cliffs and soft meadow fields; fertile prairies and barren lands; snow-capped mountains and desert canyons.

And on the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, you'll experience some of Oregon's most beautiful features, all in one very memorable road trip.

Have you driven the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway before? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience! Learn more and plan your trip along this stunning route here.

For a scenic drive that's on the other side of Oregon, check out the Three Capes Scenic Route.