There’s an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Oregon’s natural beauty. Between our incredible coastlines and majestic mountains, old-growth forests and sublime high deserts, there’s nowhere in the world that’s more magical than the Beaver State. But when you’re literally surrounded by immense beauty 24/7, it’s easy to take it for granted. So we designed the following scenic road trip in Oregon that allows you to sit back, relax, and see the state’s splendor from a fresh perspective. So hop in the car and grab a travel partner, and get ready to fall even more in love with the beauty of Oregon all over again.

Our scenic road trip in Oregon visits several beautiful destinations in the Beaver State. It's designed to be taken over a weekend, and we have suggested accommodations listed below.
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We're starting our trip off on the right foot -- literally! -- with a hike to a beautiful waterfall in Government Camp: the Little Zigzag Falls Trail.
Little Zigzag Falls Trail #795C, Oregon, USA
Octaviano Merecias Fotografia Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail follows Little Zigzag Creek to the eponymous falls. It's accessible for hikers of all ages and abilities, offering lots of scenic beauty without a whole lot of effort.
After you've gotten your waterfall fix, turn around and head back to Government Camp, where an amazing al fresco feast awaits at Skyway Bar and Grill. This seasonal roadside restaurant has been delighting hungry diners since the '70s with its friendly service, delicious fare, and delightful ambiance.
Skyway Bar and Grill/Facebook
Best-known for barbecue and brisket, Skyway Bar also makes killer sandwiches and burgers. You can view a full menu at the restaurant's website.
Skyway Bar & Grill, 71545 E US-26, Zigzag, OR 97049, USA
Skyway Bar and Grill/Facebook
Fortified, you'll next drive through the heart of the high desert of Central Oregon, a lush and fertile region that's so vibrant and colorful, it almost doesn't seem real.
Sunriver Resort/Facebook
Admire the views -- golden fields of sagebrush and wild grasses, snow-capped mountains, cobalt rivers, and rolling, resplendent landscape -- and tell us you haven't fallen madly in love with Oregon.

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As late afternoon sets in, you'll arrive at your accommodations for the night: Sunriver Resort.
Center Drive, Center Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707, USA
Sunriver Resort/Facebook
This high desert destination is a 3,300-acre resort community with world-class amenities, luxurious accommodations, and stunning scenery. You're all but guaranteed the best, most restorative sleep of your life here!
New day, new possibilities: today we're kicking things off with a covered bridge tour!
Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA
Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington/Flickr
Known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the West," Cottage Grove is home to no less than six charming covered bridges within a 30-mile radius.
All of Cottage Grove's bridges are worth checking out, but if you're short on time, definitely be sure to visit the Centennial Covered Bridge.
Centennial Covered Bridge, Centennial Bridge, W Main St, Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA
Harold Litwiler/Flickr
This charming white pedestrian footbridge was built in 1987 by volunteers to commemorate Cottage Grove's 100th birthday. Built in the Covered Howe truss style, the Centennial Covered Bridge is actually comprised of old timber from two demolished covered bridges in the area: the Brumbaugh and Meadows bridges. It spans 84 feet across the Coast Fork Willamette River, and is open to both foot and bicycle traffic.
After a morning of covered bridge sightseeing, it's time for some waterfall chasing! In the Drift Creek Wilderness area of the Siuslaw National Forest, you'll find this stunner of a cascade.
Drift Creek Falls, Oregon 97385, USA
Explore Lincoln City/Facebook
Drift Creek Falls plunges 75 feet off a steep cliff into the rocky ravine below. Accessing the falls involves a perfect little three-mile hike... and, for the best views, summoning your courage to cross the 240-foot-long suspension bridge that spans the ravine!
The last leg of our scenic road trip in Oregon brings us to Portland, where scenic skyline views await. Hailed as one of the best river walks in the country, the Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a wonderful way to experience PDX's most iconic views.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, USA
Patrick C/Google Local
Because at its heart, Portland is a port city, and the waterfront is one of its most distinguishing features.
Now, there are many places you can choose to rest your head for the night, but none quite compares to Mt. Hood Tiny House Village.
65000 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR 97067, USA
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village/Facebook
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is surrounded by pristine nature and includes everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Though small in size, these Airbnbs are big in charm, with bright exteriors, front porches, lots of natural light, cozy loft beds, and adorable living areas.

There’s nowhere in the world more beautiful than Oregon, and we hope this scenic road trip helped open your eyes to the immense splendor that surrounds us!

Looking for more scenic road trips in Oregon? Here are some of our favorites…

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More to Explore

oregon road trip

Sarah M. | February 02, 2023

What are some other scenic road trips in Oregon worth checking out?

Want to fall head over heels in love with Oregon? The following road trips visit some of the most scenic parts of the state and are sure to give you a newfound appreciation for Oregon:

  • Oregon Coast Road Trip: Explore the best of the Oregon Coast on this road trip, which visits favorite spots like Hecta Head Lighthouse, Florence, Coos Bay, Shore Acres State Park, Bandon, and Port Orford. You'll also dine at some of the best seafood restaurants on the Oregon Coast, including Mo's Seafood & Chowder, Luna Sea Fish House, Bandon Fish Market, The Schooner Restaurant & Lounge, Restaurant Beck, and Local Ocean Seafoods.
  • Columbia River Gorge Road Trip: There's no place quite like the Columbia River Gorge, and this road trip visits some of the best of the Gorge, including: Multnomah Falls and Vista House, and we recommend staying in the area to enjoy some waterfall chasing! There are some 80 waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, and it's one of the best places to hike and admire waterfalls in the entire PNW.
  • Scenic Road Trip in East-Central Oregon. Oregon is a stunner of a state, full of wondrous places and immense natural beauty. It’s also incredibly geographically diverse, with everything from stunning shorelines and old-growth forests to rolling countrysides and high desert regions. This road trip traverses east-central Oregon, best-known for the Alvord Desert, ghost towns, and the Painted Hills. Hood River (including the Hood River Fruit Loop), John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Cottonwood Canyon, Prineville Reservoir... the world is yours on this trip! At least, the world of east-central Oregon.

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