5 Incredible Road Trips Through Oregon’s Stunning Landscapes

What’s the most rewarding way to soak in Oregon’s breathtaking views? Hit the open road.

The state boasts a variety of landscapes akin to a playlist of nature's finest moments. In just one day, you can journey from the arid high desert to the Pacific coastline, traversing lush forests, sprawling vineyards, and majestic mountains. Along the way, you might find yourself enjoying wine tastings, exploring hidden caves, and visiting national parks.

Whether you're looking for a picturesque driving route or an epic multi-day adventure, these premier road trips in Oregon will inspire your next journey.

1. Oregon Wine Country

Ideal road trip for wine lovers and food enthusiasts From Portland to Salem; 47 miles (76km)

Oregon boasts over 900 wineries, with the majority nestled in the scenic hills of the Willamette Valley. Hit the road to explore some of these gems. If you're planning a visit to Willamette Valley, be sure to check out our first timer's guide for the area.

Start your adventure in Portland, where you can sample local varietals from 19 members of the PDX Urban Wineries. Just over an hour later, you’ll find McMinnville, which offers more than 20 tasting rooms in downtown, along with an additional 250 within a 20-mile radius. Notable spots include the acclaimed Burgundy-style wines at Resonance Wines in Carlton and Dundee Hills. Afterward, visit Soter Vineyards in Carlton for some of the region's finest sparkling wines. Cap off your day with a tasting menu focused on local wild mushrooms at the Joel Palmer House Restaurant. There are plenty of accommodation options in McMinnville, including the upscale boutique Atticus Hotel and the quirky retro The Vintages Trailer Resort.

Conclude your road trip itinerary in Salem, the state capital. For a unique tasting experience, try a selection of local single-flower honeys at Flying Bee Ranch; once you've tasted meadowfoam honey, grocery-store varieties might never satisfy you again. Don’t miss the charming, family-owned Cória Estates winery in this area.

Travel tip: The Oregon Truffle Festival highlights the Willamette Valley’s treasured wild delicacy from February to March, featuring events like truffle-dog competitions, informative seminars, foraging sessions, and culinary happenings.

2. Crater Lake

Ultimate road trip for exploring Oregon’s only national park Bend to Klamath Falls; 154 miles (248km)

Starting in Bend, known as Oregon’s outdoor recreation hub, you’ll find a landscape shaped by past geological activity, including a network of underground lava tubes nearby. Seasonal activities here range from spelunking to rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park.

Bend is home to over 30 craft breweries, including the pioneering Deschutes Brewery. While wandering from pub to pub, take in the vibrant public art scene, featuring numerous outdoor sculptures and murals. In the evening, unwind at Brasada Ranch in Powell Butte, where you can enjoy resort-style amenities like a spa, golf course, pools, and horseback riding.

Just 90 minutes from Bend lies Crater Lake National Park, Oregon’s sole national park, which boasts the deepest lake in the USA. Nestled in a caldera atop Mt. Mazama, this bright blue lake plunges to depths of 1943ft (592m). The Scenic Rim Drive encircles the lake, providing stunning views and access to waterfalls, hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks. During summer, enjoy boat rides to Wizard Island and accessible trolley rides.

After exploring the park, conclude your journey at Running Y Resort in Klamath Falls, where you can indulge in the resort’s golf course and spa while also exploring local shops and dining options downtown.

Travel tip: Crater Lake National Park typically sees over 40 inches of snow during winter. The contrast of the pristine white snow against the vibrant blue lake is breathtaking, but be aware that snow can impact travel. Check the NPS website for updates on road closures and weather conditions.

3. Mt Hood Scenic Byway

Ideal road trip for mountain vistas and orchards Hood River to Troutdale; 105 miles (169km)

This journey kicks off in Hood River, where the towering Mt Hood stands at 11,249 feet (3,429 meters) like a cinematic backdrop. The area is a hotspot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with vibrant sails dancing against the blue river waters, creating a dynamic scene. Hood River is alive with shops, breweries, and eateries, and the historic Hood River Hotel offers budget-friendly accommodations in both private rooms and hostel-style dorms.

Just south of town, the Hood River Valley presents stunning views. In the spring, the fruit trees bloom, painting the landscape in soft pastels. Next, visit Timberline Lodge in Government Camp, famous for its exterior scenes in The Shining. Even if you're not a film enthusiast, the nearly century-old wood-and-stone architecture is definitely worth a look.

Before concluding your trip in Troutdale, mountain bikers should allocate time for the Sandy Ridge Trail System, which offers 17 miles (27 km) of trails suitable for all skill levels winding through the forest.

Travel tip: If you’re visiting after summer, don’t forget your skis! The ski season in this region typically spans from November to May.

4. Columbia River Scenic Byway

Best road trip for waterfalls and stunning views Troutdale to The Dalles, 70 miles (113km)

Built over a century ago, the Historic Columbia River Highway was designed to showcase the breathtaking landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge, now Oregon’s largest national scenic area. Begin your journey in Troutdale, heading to the century-old Crown Point Vista House, where you can enjoy spectacular vistas of towering bluffs cascading into the river.

The next leg of this picturesque route is renowned for its stunning waterfalls. The tallest, Multnomah Falls, plunges 620 feet (189 meters) in a magnificent display of nature's force. This theme of power continues at Bonneville Dam, which provided affordable electricity and essential jobs during the Great Depression.

Make your way to Hood River for lunch at Riverside, nestled inside a Best Western, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge. After your meal, take a stroll through downtown Hood River, where you can discover a charming array of antique shops, boutiques, and art galleries.

As all wonderful journeys must come to a close, this trip ends at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and Museum in The Dalles. Here, the exhibits showcase the geological and cultural heritage of the area, featuring highlights on Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail pioneers, and the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited this land for thousands of years.

Planning tip: While in The Dalles, be sure to check out the 33 vibrant murals that celebrate the region’s rich history.

5. The Oregon Coast

Best road trip for stunning beaches and ocean views Astoria to Brookings; 363 miles (584km)

The 363-mile Oregon Coast Scenic Byway traces the Pacific Ocean along Oregon’s entire shoreline, so keep an eye out for sea lions and whales. Begin your journey in Astoria, a picturesque town known from films like Kindergarten Cop and The Goonies. For breathtaking views, visit the Astoria Column, a nearly century-old landmark featuring a hand-painted spiral frieze. Climb 164 steps to the observation deck for stunning panoramas of the Columbia River and ocean. While the column's interior isn’t wheelchair-accessible, the surrounding grounds and park are.

Continue to Seaside, where a historic, wheelchair-accessible promenade stretches 1.5 miles (2.5km) along the beach. Seaside is the ideal spot for classic beach-town activities, featuring candy stores, quirky souvenir shops, and nostalgic arcades. Don’t miss the chance to marvel at Haystack Rock, a towering 235ft (72m) sea stack in Cannon Beach. For accommodation, consider the luxurious Stephanie Inn, which offers beachfront views of Haystack Rock.

As you venture further down the coast, you can enjoy free tours at Tillamook Creamery, visit the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, and explore the Sea Lion Caves. In Reedsport, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area awaits, offering an expansive natural playground of towering sand dunes.

Upon arriving in Brookings, take some time to wander through a grove of majestic redwoods along the wheelchair-accessible Oregon Redwoods Barrier-Free Trail.

Planning tip: Summer accommodations can be pricey. Rates are usually more affordable before Memorial Day and after Labor Day.

Continue planning your Oregon adventure:

Discover the top activities Learn essential information before your journey Find out how to navigate the state