From historic country roads to stunning coastal highways, Oregon is woven with scenic drives that’ll lead you on a journey through some of the state’s most incredible landscapes. These 11 best driving roads in Oregon represent the very best scenic drives in the Beaver State, sure to provide lots of memories and experiences for your bucket list.

1. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, Roseburg, OR, USA
flickr/ Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The 172-mile Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is perfect for a long, peaceful drive. This stunning route runs along the North Umpqua and Rogue Rivers, passing alpine lakes, waterfalls, trailheads, and more.
2. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Hells Canyon, Oregon 97842, USA
flickr/ Timothy Bishop,CMSM
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is a spectacular road that winds through the foothills of the Wallowa Mountains as well as past miles and miles of wilderness and bucolic countrysides dotted with charming small towns.
3. McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
McKenzie Pass, Oregon 97413, USA
flickr/ Xuan Che
This gorgeous loop drive will take you on a jaw dropping journey past otherworldly lava fields, emerald green forests, and snow-capped peaks.
5. Hood River Fruit Loop
Hood River, Oregon 97031, USA
Hood River, OR 97031, USA
flickr/ Mike McCune
One fun day trip is taking a drive along the beloved Hood River Fruit Loop. This bucolic country road passes numerous orchards, farms, and wineries. Pull over here and there to walk around, go to a U-Pick farm, buy fresh produce, and even taste local wines.
5. Mt Hood Scenic Byway
Mount Hood, Mt Hood, Oregon 97041, USA
flickr/ David Prasad
For a longer drive, continue past the Hood River Fruit Loop and into the Mt. Hood National Forest on the eponymous byway. This unique route leads up into gorgeous forests towards the snow blanketed summit of Oregon's tallest mountain, and then back down the other side towards Portland. It's also one of the most glorious places to see fall foliage in Oregon!

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6. Highway 101
Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Running from top to bottom of the western edge of Oregon, Route 101 is the quintessential path for an Oregon Coast. The highway passes countless incredible sights and destinations, including gorgeous beaches, charming towns, rugged cliffs, state parks, and more.
7. Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway
Steens Mountain, Oregon 97721, USA
flickr/ Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Greg Shine, BLM
Tucked into the southeastern corner of Oregon, Steens Mountain is a one-of-a-kind hidden gem. The Steens Mountain Backcountry Byway navigates the secluded mountain and its otherworldly foothills, with the unique Alvord Desert sprawling out to the south.
8. Historic Columbia River Highway
Historic Columbia River Highway, Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
If you've never visited the Columbia River Gorge, it's an absolute must-see. One incredible way to experience it is by taking a long drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway, which dates back over 100 years and ribbons past gorgeous waterfalls, viewpoints, wildflower meadows, and more.
9. Elkhorn Scenic Byway
Elkhorn Mountains, Oregon 97814, USA
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
Woven through eastern Oregon's remote Elkhorn Mountains, a drive along this open road will blow you away from start to finish.
10. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Sara Lucas/Flickr
The stunning Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway weaves through the Cascade Mountain Range, passing many of Oregon's most mesmerizing volcanos. Perhaps the most amazing part of the drive is Rim Drive, the 33-mile loop around the edge of Crater Lake.
11. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Biggs Junction, OR 97065, USA
flickr/ Timothy Bishop,CMSM
Winding through eastern Oregon, the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway combines breathtaking natural beauty with incredible history. The byway leads from Baker City to Biggs, passing small towns, historic sites, the incredible John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and more.

 

How many of these open roads have you driven? Do you agree that they’re some of the best scenic drives in Oregon? What are some of your favorite Oregon scenic drives? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

For more of the best scenic drives in Oregon, check out these scenic drives near me! And before you head on any scenic drive or road trip in the Beaver State, make sure you are prepared with the right gear and the right snacks!

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More to Explore

Best scenic drives in Oregon

Sarah | August 19, 2021

What are some more scenic drives in Oregon?

There's no shortage of scenic drives here in the Beaver State. Once you've tackled the above list of the best scenic drives in Oregon, definitely check out these incredible country roads. Not only are these some of the most beautiful road trips in Oregon, but they're extra fabulous during the fall. These eight scenic roads weave through Oregon’s colorful forests, charming covered bridges, amazing viewpoints, and other breathtaking scenery. While these country roads are lovely year-round, they’re especially spectacular in the fall, and truly make for some of the best scenic drives in Oregon --especially the aptly named Cornucopia Highway!

What's the best scenic overlook in Oregon?

While you're rolling down the Columbia River Highway (#8 on the above list of best scenic drives in Oregon), you have the option to take a detour to Crown Point and the Vista House. The Crown Point State Scenic Corridor and the Vista House offer the most incredible panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge, and all you need to do to enjoy this scenery is veer off an exit ramp and be open to a little adventure. This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is known as Crown Point State Scenic Corridor -- and its crown jewel is the Vista House. The panoramas offered here are unparalleled, making this magnificent overlook in Oregon bucket list worthy.

What's a scenic drive in Oregon that can be done in a single afternoon?

We don't always have an entire day or weekend to devote to a road trip. Sometimes, all we have is a few hours. And in these instances, the Three Capes Scenic Loop is an amazing afternoon adventure. This 40-mile drive is easy to tackle in a day, providing lots of time to stop and enjoy the views and landmarks you’ll pass along the route!

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