One great way to experience the beauty of winter in Oregon is to take a scenic drive. From charming covered bridges to stunning frozen waterfalls, these wonderful drives are packed with beautiful sights. Come enjoy some of the most beautiful places in Oregon.

**In the winter months, many byways in Oregon are closed due to snow or ice, but these ones are typically open year-round. However, the conditions vary day by day, so you’ll need to check the weather conditions, and, in some cases, be prepared with snow tires, chains, and four-wheel drive. Some years, in particular, are notorious for icy roads, so make sure to be extra careful and do your research before heading out.**

1. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, Roseburg, OR, USA
Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr
Much of this 172-mile scenic byway in Oregon runs alongside the gorgeous Umpqua River. You'll find lots of great hiking opportunities, stunning views, frosty evergreens, countless waterfalls, and the lovely Diamond Lake. It even reaches the north entrance of Crater Lake (which is closed during the winter, but if you'd like, you can take a detour to reach the South Entrance, which is open year-round).
2. Linn County Covered Bridge Tour
Linn County Covered Bridge Tour, Linn County, OR, USA
Simply Shar♥n ~ on again off again/Flickr
The Linn County Covered Bridge Tour is another great winter drive that will lead you past multiple picturesque covered bridges and miles of beautifully bucolic scenery.
3. Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour
Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour, Cottage Grove, OR 97424, USA
Cameron Yee/Flickr
Experience Oregon like never before on this magical covered bridge drive. This is a great leisurely afternoon drive that you can complete in an hour or two.
4. Mt. Hood Scenic Byway
Mt. Hood Scenic Byway, Mt Hood, Oregon 97041, USA
Shawn/Flickr
For a snowy drive through a winter wonderland, head to Oregon's tallest mountain, Mt Hood. The Mt Hood Scenic Byway weaves through bucolic countryside and up through Government Camp, which is a great launching pad for trips to Timberline Lodge or Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort. After that, you'll descend back down the other side of the mountain towards Portland. You'll definitely be needing snow tires/chains for this one.

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5. Three Capes Scenic Loop
Three Capes Scenic Loop, Tillamook to Pacific City, OR, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
This lovely, 38-mile byway is positively magical. Branching off from Highway 101, this scenic drive will lead you along the coast past Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, and Cape Meares. The views are simply spectacular.
6. Historic Columbia River Highway
Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale to The Dalles, OR, USA
Oregon Department of Transportation/Flickr
For an unforgettable experience, take a winter drive through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. The Historic Columbia River Highway will take you past numerous waterfalls, trailheads, and viewpoints that will take your breath away. **Be sure to check conditions and drive carefully, as there have been icy roads in the area this season.
7. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, Biggs to Baker City, OR, USA
Timothy Bishop,CMSM/Flickr
The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway is a unique route that winds through parts of central and eastern Oregon, past gorgeous plains, rugged canyons, ghost towns, and even natural wonders like the iconic Painted Hills.
8. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, Astoria, OR to Megler, WA, USA
OCVA/Flickr
This winter, take an unforgettable drive along the legendary Highway 101, which leads all the way down the beautiful Oregon Coast and splits off into numerous other coastal roads. It can be rainy or foggy in the winter, but the scenery is simply spectacular.

All of these river highways, covered bridge tours, and scenic byways in Oregon are missing only one thing – people to appreciate them. If you are looking for something to do in Oregon, why not hop in the car and take in some wonderful sights, while staying nice and toasty inside your vehicle?

Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in winter in Oregon. Find out about Oregon’s most amazing winter festivals while you are in town for the holidays.

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Things to do in winter in Oregon

Chris Muras | November 21, 2022

What are the best places to visit in Oregon in December?

Oregon in December is a magical time with holiday activities, scenic frozen waterfalls, cultural events, and hot cocoa. Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Oregon in December:

1. Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike: Corbett, OR.
2. Holiday Lights at the Grotto: Portland, OR.
3. Hot springs
4. Historic chocolate shops: Portland, OR.
5. Tumalo Falls: West of Bend, OR.
6. Sunriver Lodge: Sunriver, OR.
7. Crater Lake National Park: Southern, OR.
8. Jacksonville Victorian Christmas Festival: Jacksonville, OR.

What is there to do on the Oregon Coast in December?

The Oregon Coast in December is a magical place to visit, no matter what adventure you are looking for. Here is a list of some of the best things to do on the Oregon coast in December:

  • Whale watching
  • Bird watching
  • Beach glass hunting
  • Ride the Candy Cane Express
  • Christmas lights road trips
  • Backcountry skiing
  • Mountain hikes
  • Stone skipping at Cannon Beach

Although the days may be grey and rainy in a typical Oregon winter, the crisp ocean views and dramatic coastal landmarks remain a beautiful destination in any weather. Avid bird watchers can take advantage of the peak season when some species flock south from the north for winter. If sunshine is more your speed, head out on a whale-watching tour in search of some friendly gray whales passing through on their annual migration!

Oregon's Coastal Range remains open year-round, with dense forests and snow-capped mountains ideal for weekend hikes or backcountry skiing. No matter what type of excursion you plan, an afternoon spent overlooking the rugged shoreline will remind you why it pays to brave whatever Mother Nature throws at you!

With unparalleled beauty, diverse wildlife, and plenty of outdoor experiences just waiting to be discovered, there is never a shortage of things to do on the Oregon Coast in December.

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