Most Scenic Road Trips in Portland, Oregon, United States
1. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway
A picturesque drive along the Columbia River offering breathtaking views of waterfalls, cliffs, and lush forests.
- Vista Points: Multiple scenic viewpoints to pull over and take in the stunning landscapes
- Hiking Opportunities: Accessible hiking trails for exploring the forests and waterfalls along the route
- Bridges: Iconic bridges, like the Historic Bridge of the Gods, adding to the scenic charm
2. Oregon Coast Scenic Byway
A coastline drive featuring sea cliffs, beaches, coastal towns, and lighthouses.
- Beaches: Countless opportunities for beachcombing and picnicking along the way
- Lighthouses: Historic lighthouses at locations like Cape Meares and Yaquina Head
- Sea Life: Chances to spot gray whales, sea lions, and seals along the coast
3. Mount Hood Scenic Byway
A drive through the Cascade Range with stunning views of Mount Hood, timberlands, and meadows.
- Mountain Views: Magnificent vistas of Mount Hood and other majestic peaks
- Timberlands: Lush forests with opportunities for wildlife spotting
- Recreational Activities: Access to hiking, skiing, and camping within the Mount Hood National Forest
4. Sunset Highway (US-26)
A winding drive through the Tualatin Mountains with panoramic views of Portland and beyond.
- City Views: Stunning vistas of the city skyline, bridges, and Willamette River
- Gardens: Passing by attractions like Washington Park and International Rose Test Garden
- Scenic Stops: Popular spots to stop for meals, souvenirs, or simply taking in the views
5. Columbia River Highway (OR-30)
A historic road trip through the Columbia River Gorge with landmarks like Multnomah Falls.
- Waterfalls: Visits to numerous waterfalls, including famous Multnomah Falls
- Historic Sites: Iconic architecture and historic sites along the way
- Scenic Walks: Short hikes or scenic walks to viewpoints and bridges
6. Oregon Trail Scenic Byway
Following in the footsteps of pioneers, this route offers a glimpse into history and beautiful landscapes.
- Historical Sites: Visits to forts, museums, and trail markers along the route
- Scenic Vistas: Panoramic views of high desert plateaus and Blue Mountains
- Ranch Life: Opportunities to learn about ranching, farming, and life on the trail
7. Mount St. Helens Scenic Byway
A drive through the Toutle River Valley offering views of Mount St. Helens and surrounding wilderness.
- Volcano Views: Close-up vistas of the active volcano, Mount St. Helens
- Wildlife Refuges: Visits to wildlife refuges for birdwatching and nature observation
- Hiking Trails: Access to trails leading to viewpoints, lakes, or historic sites
8. Willamette Valley Wine Country Scenic Byway
A scenic drive through vineyards and farmlands, with stops at wineries and tasting rooms.
- Wineries: Visits to award-winning wineries for tastings and tours
- Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of rolling hills, vineyards, and farmlands
- Farm Stands: Opportunities to sample local cheeses, fruits, and other regional foods
9. Washington Park Arboretum Scenic Drive
A peaceful drive through the Washington Park Arboretum showcasing a variety of trees and gardens.
- Tree Collections: Display of over 6,000 tree species from around the world
- Gardens: Beautiful gardens such as the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden
- Scenic Walks: Countless trails for walking, jogging, or biking within the arboretum
10. Oregon Trail of Waterfalls Scenic Byway
A drive through the Mt. Hood National Forest with numerous opportunities to see waterfalls.
- Waterfalls: Visits to cascading waterfalls in the National Forest
- Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of forests, mountains, and rivers
- Hiking Trails: Access to hiking trails leading to waterfalls or viewpoints
11. Crater Lake Scenic Byway
A drive through the Cascade Range ending at Crater Lake National Park with breathtaking views.
- Crater Lake Views: Views of the deepest lake in the United States, Crater Lake
- Scenic Drives: Drives along winding mountain roads with panoramic views
- Hiking Trails: Access to trails leading to viewpoints, lakes, or around the rim of the lake
12. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
A coastal drive from Astoria to Brookings with ocean views, sea cliffs, and quaint towns.
- Coastal Views: Stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean along the entire route
- Sea Cliffs: Awe-inspiring sea cliffs and rock formations
- Quaint Towns: Visits to charming coastal towns with unique shops, restaurants, and galleries
13. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Scenic Drive
A drive through the high desert with stops at three fossil sites showcasing prehistoric life.
- Fossils: Visits to fossil sites displaying ancient animal remains
- Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of the high desert, hills, and canyons
- Historical Sites: Opportunities to learn about early human life in the area
14. Mount Washington Scenic Byway
A drive through the Mount Washington Wilderness Area with stunning views of the mountain and valleys.
- Mountain Views: Breathtaking vistas of Mount Washington and surrounding peaks
- Wildlife Observation: Opportunities for wildlife spotting, such as deer, elk, and bears
- Scenic Hikes: Access to trails leading to viewpoints, alpine lakes, or meadows
15. Oregon Caves National Monument Scenic Drive
A drive through the Siskiyou Mountains ending at Oregon Caves National Monument with unique geological formations.
- Cave Tours: Guided tours of the underground caves featuring stalactites and stalagmites
- Scenic Views: Stunning vistas of forests, mountains, and valleys
- Geological Formations: Opportunities to learn about unique geological formations such as marble caverns