Oregon is full of so much natural beauty, that it can be overwhelming trying to see it all! This is what makes road trips so great — they allow you to sit back and revel in the state’s utter resplendence. Happily, Oregon is full of scenic state routes, beautiful byways, and incredible country roads, and you don’t have to have a full idea or plan in place to enjoy them; just hit the open road and see where it takes you! All you really need is a fresh tank of gas and some scenic routes to follow. And for this, we can help! Here are nine of the best scenic byways in Oregon — pick a drive and go on an adventure in the Beaver State!

1. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA
Doug Kerr/Flickr
This byway takes you through the entire coastline on Highway 101. You'll be taken across cliffs, dunes, and winding roadways in the rain forest. This beautiful byway is known for its stunning coastal views and lighthouses and is one of the best drives in Oregon.
2. Blue Mountain Scenic Byway
Blue Mountains, Oregon 97876, USA
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Looking for "scenic drives near me?" If yes, then you must take the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. This stretch of byway takes you over the Anthony Lakes, past Granite and Sumpter, via winding curves and views of the Wallowas. It's definitely one of the best drives in Oregon!
3. East Steens Tour Route
Steens Mountain Loop, Oregon, USA
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Looking for some rugged views of Oregon's high desert? This route, which starts out in the town of Burns, will do that for you, taking your past hot springs, lakes, and the sublime Steens Mountains.
4. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
Hells Canyon, Oregon 97842, USA
Baker County Tourism/Flickr
Snake alongside the Snake and Powder rivers on this desolate but magnificent stretch of canyon byway. Contrary to its name, this is one of the best and most beautiful scenic drives in Oregon!

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5. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, 22267 OR-86, Baker City, OR 97814, USA
Baker County Tourism/Flickr
Take a trip back in time, as this byway suggests, and check out long-lost ghost towns, sleepy farms, and the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. This byway is a must for history lovers.

Take a look at this video by @evstraventure7881:
6. McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
McKenzie Pass, Oregon 97413, USA
Kirt Edblom/Flickr
Take a drive through the mountain city of Sisters, while catching a stunning glimpse of the majestic peaks. You'll be able to stop by the Dee Wright Observatory as well.

Take a look at this video by @RobertWitham:
7. Mt Hood Scenic Byway
Mount Hood, Mt Hood, Oregon 97041, USA
dmytrok/Flickr
Get up close and personal with one of Oregon's most well-known landmarks, Mt. Hood, and also catch views of the beautiful valley down below -- especially in the fall!

Take a look at this video by @timewarp336:
8. Umpqua River Scenic Byway
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 855 US-101, Reedsport, OR 97467, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Check out the pioneer town of Oakland, which is sprinkled with charming historic shops and buildings. Follow the Umpqua, swing by some wine-tasting rooms, and drive through gorgeous forests. You'll finish your tour in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. See why this is considered one of the best drives in Oregon.
9. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Crater Lake, Oregon 97604, USA
Jonathan Miske/Flickr
Here, you'll wind past Crater Lake on Highway 138 and catch a view of Wizard Island. Continue on to southbound Highway 62 and 97 to swing by Klamath Lake and maybe stop for some bird-watching at the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This may become one of your favorite scenic byways in Oregon.

These roadways will take you on some unforgettable journeys. We encourage you to check them out. Also, please tell us about your picks for the best scenic byways in Oregon — we would love to hear about them!

Looking for more beautiful and scenic places to visit in Oregon? Check out these stunning spots. And if you’re looking for a place to spend the night while traveling around the state, check out the absolute best places to stay in Oregon.

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More to Explore

Most Scenic Places In Oregon

Sarah | August 19, 2021

What are some of the most beautiful places in Oregon?

Some of the most beautiful places in Oregon include:

  • Columbia River Gorge
  • Multnomah Falls
  • The Oregon Coast
  • The Oregon desert
  • Mount Hood
  • Crater Lake
  • Smith Rock State Park
  • Deschutes River
  • Siskiyou Forest.

 

But -- these Oregon wonders really are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of beautiful spots in the state!

What's the most scenic drive in Oregon?

We love the above nine options and really do think they're some of the best scenic drives in Oregon. But in terms of *the* most scenic drive? It's a tie: first, the Columbia River Highway, which offers the most incredible panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge, as well as Crown Point and the Vista House; and the Three Capes Scenic Loop, an undeniably beautiful, 40-mile loop that showcases the best of the Oregon Coast.

What's the most scenic place in Oregon?

Numerous overlooks and spots in Oregon are iconic and known for their immense scenic beauty. Among the most scenic are:

  • Multnomah Falls
  • Cape Perpetua
  • Mount Hood Fruit Loop area
  • Crater Lake
  • Cannon Beach
  • Silver Falls.

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