U.S. Route 30 Runs Through All Of Oregon And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Christy Articola|Published September 26, 2022
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and memorable scenic drive in Oregon, then you should drive clear across the state on U.S. Route 30. This highway begins at the mouth of the Columbia River in the west, and goes all the way to the Oregon/Idaho border near Ontario in the east. Much of this route runs along the river before it turns southward in the eastern part of the state. Along the way, you’ll see incredible sights and vistas. This is a drive that you’ll never forget. Read on to learn more about the towns and areas that you’ll pass through on this adventure.
Astoria, Oregon is where you'll start this journey. This small town of just under 10,000 residents is one of the most beautiful in the state, not only due to its riverside setting, but also because of the many historical homes found here.
Portland is the biggest city you'll pass through on U.S. Route 30 in Oregon; in fact, it's the biggest city in the entire state. This city has a population of more than 650,000 people, but it somehow still has a the feel of a welcoming small town. Its many parks and gardens make Portland very green, which helps to make it unusually beautiful for such a large city.
The small town of Cascade Locks got its name from the locks built there to help improve Columbia River navigation almost 100 years ago. You'll see amazing views of the river in this town.
Hood River is a port city on the Columbia River and is where the actual Hood River meets the Columbia River. Mount Hood is due south of here, so you'll get spectacular views of this iconic peak from town.
The Dalles is a town at a bend in the Columbia River. With a population of 16,000, it's one of the largest cities in this part of the state - but it's a lovely place to spend some time marveling at the beauty of both the river and the mountains.
By the time you reach Pendleton, you will have left the Columbia River and you will be headed southeast. The terrain is quite different here, as you pass through a dry and rocky area that is far different from where you came from, and that is also much different from where you're headed.
La Grande is surrounded by beauty. To the west is the Umatilla National Forest; to the east is the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This is an excellent area for camping and hiking.
Only 600 people live in the tiny town of North Powder. However, like La Grande, its the perfect starting point for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
Baker City is a small city that is beautiful for reasons different from the other places on this list - its people are dedicated to historic preservation of the local buildings, so it's like stepping back in time. The Geiser Grand Hotel, shown here, is one example.
As you continue east on U.S Route 30 from Baker City, the terrain will change again and become much drier on your way to Ontario - the final town on this route that took you all the way across Oregon!
Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the nation and every resident should make an effort to drive clear across it every now and then. No matter what time of year you drive on U.S. Route 30 across Oregon, you’ll see and visit some very special places. Plan a road trip today – you’ll be glad that you did!
