From epic canyon highways to charming historic byways, there’s beauty to behold all across the Beaver State. We’ve searched high and low to narrow the list of the best scenic drives in Oregon to these 10 roads, routes, and byways. Gas up the car and get ready to embark on a scenic tour de force across the Beaver State with these 10 best scenic drives in Oregon:

1. Historic Columbia River Highway
flickr/ Maciek Lulko
The legendary Columbia River Highway dates back to the 1910s. This stunning road winds through the Columbia River Gorge along the river, passing tons of incredible waterfalls, lookout points, and more.
2. Rim Drive and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
flickr/ jdegenhardt
What could be a more scenic drive than a road that circles the rim of Crater Lake? Located along the (also stunning) Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Rim Drive is a spectacular 33-mile road that will give you a 360 degree view of Oregon's most incredible natural wonder. Luckily, you can pull over every few minutes -- there are tons of viewpoints along the way, as well as hikes, information plaques, and more.
3. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
Located in eastern Oregon, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway is another unique road that navigates one of Oregon's amazing natural wonders. This byway winds around the beautiful Wallowa Mountains, passes 11 small towns, and goes through part of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
4. Route 101
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
This legendary highway stretches along the coast from northern Washington all the way down to southern California. The Oregon section of this highway is absolutely breathtaking. Drive along the coast past amazing beaches, stunning cliffs, natural wonders, old-growth forests, charming small towns, and more.
5. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
flickr/ Timothy Bishop,CMSM
This unique scenic byway weaves through eastern Oregon from Baker City to the town of Biggs. Along the way, you'll pass through amazing scenery, charming towns, ghost towns, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, and Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.

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6. Hood River Fruit Loop
flickr/ Pete
There are lots of beautiful roads in the Mt Hood area. One great day drive is the Hood River Fruit Loop, which passes numerous lovely orchards, farms, vineyards, and more, with many charming places to stop along the way. This area is particularly breathtaking during the spring, when the Hood River Valley's apple and cherry blossoms bloom.
7. McKenzie Highway
flickr/ Kirt Edblom
The McKenzie Highway, AKA Route 242, is a beautiful, historic road that travels from Belknap Hot Springs to the town of Sisters, passing through the incredible McKenzie Pass along the way.
8. Steens Mountain Loop Road
flickr/ Donnie Kolb
The Steens Mountain Loop Route is a breathtaking, remote road that circles through the incredible Steens Mountain landscape in southeastern Oregon.
9. Elkhorn Scenic Byway
Baker County Tourism Travel Baker County/Flickr
At just over 100 miles long, the Elkhorn Scenic Byway explores the rolling Elkhorn Mountains and passes many fascinating hidden gems including ghost towns, lakes, museums, camping areas, rivers, and more.
10. Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour
flickr/ turcottes78
The Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour is a short but stunning drive that leads you through lovely scenery past numerous historic covered bridges. It's the perfect way to find out why Cottage Grove is Oregon's covered bridge capitol.

Can you believe these 10 best scenic drives in Oregon? They’re truly extraordinary! Now go forth and enjoy an epic Oregon adventure!

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best scenic drives in Oregon

Sarah | July 28, 2021

Are there many scenic places in Oregon?

Absolutely there are! The Beaver State is simply bursting with beauty, and you really don't have to look far to experience it. One of our favorite scenic places in Oregon is the Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon's first and most unique natural sanctuary. Nearby, in Cape Meares, you'll also find the Octopus Tree, a contorted Sitka spruce that looks like something from a fairy tale, and is one of the most spectacular and scenic places in Oregon. Another beautiful place is South Beach, which boasts pristine white sands that rival the Caribbean. Really, you don't have to look far to discover beauty in the Beaver State!

What's the best scenic drive on the Oregon Coast?

Hands down, if you're looking for the best way to take in the beauty of the Oregon Coast, take the Three Capes Scenic Loop. 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. The Three Capes Scenic Route is one of the best ways to experience the Oregon Coast and will leave you with a newfound appreciation for our beautiful state. As its name suggests, the Three Capes Scenic Loop swoops by three amazing capes: Cape Meares, an outcrop at the southern end of Tillamook Bay that's home to the eponymous state park and historic lighthouse; Cape Lookout State Park, a favorite for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers; and Cape Kiwanda, the smallest of the three capes along the Three Capes Scenic Route, where you'll see some of the state’s wildest surf battering the sandstone headland.

What are the best trips to take in Oregon?

There's no shortage of amazing trips in Oregon, and road trips are such a great way to experience the state's splendor. We suggest starting with this list of 13 superlative day trips in Oregon, which visits amazing places such as Crater Lake, Cannon Beach, Smith Rock State Park, the Wallowa Mountains, and Oregon's Painted Hills. Where will you go first?

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Historic Columbia River Highway, Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR, USA
Rim Village Drive & Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Rim Village Dr & Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, Oregon 97604, USA
Hells Canyon, Oregon 97842, USA
Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA
Baker City, OR 97814, USA
Hood River, OR 97031, USA
McKenzie Highway, McKenzie Hwy, Springfield, OR, USA
Steens Mountain Loop, Oregon, USA
Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA