Have you started planning any awesome summer road trips yet? If not, don’t stress about it – we’re here to help you out! Here’s one amazing road trip itinerary we put together; it will take you through some of the most beautiful places in northern and central Oregon on just one tank of gas.
Oregon is big state, but it turns out one tank of gas can take you quite far (300 miles per tank is the average). This 273-mile road trip will take you from Portland all the way to Bend. On the way, you’ll pass beautiful orchards, stunning waterfalls, mountaintop lodges, and more.
We used Google Maps to put together this itinerary; you can check it out in more detail here. There is nearly six hours of driving time all together, so you can choose whether to do the trip in one day or to spread it over two (I always recommend taking a little extra time to explore each area).
Here’s a step-by-step overview of this awesome trip:
1. Start your trip in the beautiful City of Portland.
Oregon's largest city is absolutely enchanting. The opportunities for activities here are just about endless. In one day, you can eat at award-winning food carts, stroll through a Japanese garden, peruse the shelves of Powell's Books (the largest independent bookstore in the world), and so much more.
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2. Make a stop at the magnificent Multnomah Falls.
As you drive through the stunning Columbia River Gorge on I-84, take the time to pull over at Multnomah Falls - you won't regret it. This waterfall is the second tallest in the country, and it's absolutely breathtaking. Stretch your legs and take a short stroll to the historic pedetrian bridge, where you'll be able to see the falls up close and feel the cool mist. If you have some extra time, you can hike to the top of the falls or explore the many other beautiful waterfalls in the area like Horsetail Falls, Punchbowl Falls, Elowah Falls, Wahclella Falls, and many more.
Your next stop will be in the lovely town of Hood River. You can stop for lunch in town, watch wind surfers on the water, or relax at a winery. For an incredible detour, we recommend taking the Fruit Loop through the Hood River Valley. This 35-mile scenic loop road will give you a taste of the countryside as you pass lovely wineries, orchards, farm stands, U-Pick farms, and more. This will add a bit of mileage to your trip, but it's totally worth it.
Next up: Mt Hood. After you finish checking out Hood River, you'll take the 35 onwards to the Mt Hood National Forest and then drive up past Government Camp to Timberline Lodge, near the mountain's summit, where you'll find jaw dropping views of the surrounding scenery. This historic, beautiful lodge is also a great place to stay the night if you're spreading the trip over multiple days, or even if you just want to stop in for a hot, tasty meal.
Timothy Lake is a beautiful body of water tucked away in the Mt Hood National Forest. This large, serene lake is intensely blue and reflects the picturesque summit of Mt Hood. For a fun detour, grab your swim suits and take a dip. If you have any interest in camping, there's a great campsite here as well.
As you continue along the 26 you'll pass through the beautiful Warm Springs Reservation. Be sure to stop by the Museum at Warm Springs where you can see fascinating displays of artifacts, photographs, heirlooms, and more, and learn about the history and culture of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Be sure to check their event calendar as well.
After turning onto the 97, you'll start seeing signs for the amazing Smith Rock State Park. This beautiful place is an absolute must-see. Spend a few hours hiking around or pitch a tent at a campsite if you want to stay the night.
Stop by Sisters for a taste of Oregon's small town charm. This historic town is a wonderful place to grab a meal and walk around the downtown area, stopping into stores and cafes.
There's so much to see and do in the wonderful city of Bend. Relax with a beer at the Deschutes brewery, check out the amazing High Desert Museum, watch a movie at the Old St Francis Theater, float down the river on an innertube... the opportunities are endless.
This road trip is very customizable, so feel free to switch it around a bit and let us know where you end up going! This is just one of the many options for an unforgettable road trip in Oregon. Where should we travel next?
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