7 Oregon Road Trip Routes That Will Blow Your Mind!
Oregon might just be the most road-trip-worthy state in the U.S. Yeah, OK, fine, we might be a bit biased, but for good reason!
From its iconic coastline to its wild high desert, the state offers a diverse range of scenic drives.
You’ll cruise past waterfalls, volcanoes, ancient lava flows, alpine lakes, coastal cliffs, and more—all within a few hours of each other.
Our guide covers the most beautiful and adventure-packed road trips in Oregon. After growing up here and road tripping the state year after year, I think we can confidently say, yeah, Oregon really does have it all!
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Each route comes with highlights, travel tips, and advice on how many days you should plan. Some can be done in a long day, others deserve an entire week—but all are worth the gas money—We promise!
TIP: We didn’t want this list to be a novel (trust me, it could have been), so be sure to click our guides that we’ve linked below for more info on the destinations we mention here.
Table of Contents
1. Oregon Coast Highway (Hwy 101)
You can’t talk about road trips in Oregon without starting with the legendary Highway 101.
This coastal route hugs the Pacific from Astoria in the north to Brookings near the California border, passing windswept beaches, rocky headlands, lighthouses, and forested bluffs along the way.
It’s one of the most diverse and dramatic stretches of coast in the U.S. Period!
We’ve driven this route multiple times and never get bored—every pull-off is a photo op, every town has a killer seafood spot, and you’ll want to stop constantly for beach walks, hikes, and sunset views.
Highlights:
- Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and Thor’s Well
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Depoe Bay for whale watching
- Oregon’s Lighthouses
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Trip Tips:
- Ideal trip length: 3–7 days
- Great year-round, but best April–October
- Can be done in sections (north and south)
2. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway
Just 30 minutes from Portland, this iconic byway showcases towering basalt cliffs, over 90 waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River. It’s compact enough for a day trip but rich enough to fill a long weekend (or two).
This is where you’ll find Multnomah Falls (yep, the one on all the postcards), plus other stunners like Latourell, Wahkeena, and Bridal Veil.
You can cruise the historic highway, hike through mossy forests, and even stop in Hood River for craft beer and windsurfing.
TIP: Check out this must-have road trip accessory!
Highlights:
- Multnomah Falls (duh!)
- Vista House at Crown Point
- Rowena Crest Viewpoint
- Hood River breweries
- Waterfall-packed hikes like Oneonta or Eagle Creek
Trip Tips:
- 1–3 days
- Can get very busy in summer—go early or midweek
- Watch for parking permit requirements
READ MORE:
- 21 BEST Columbia River Gorge Hikes
- 17+ Must-Visit Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
- 17 Amazing Spots to Go Camping on The Columbia River Gorge
3. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
If you like your road trips with a heavy dose of lakes, volcanoes, and alpine air, this one’s for you. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway runs for about 66 miles from Bend past some of Central Oregon’s most stunning natural features.
We’ve done this route in a single day dozens of times, but you’ll definitely want more time to kayak on Sparks Lake, hike around Devil’s Lake, or chill on the shores of Elk Lake with a drink in hand.
Oh, and that’s not even including some of the epic hikes in the area, which would take you weeks to explore. It’s the quintessential high-altitude escape.
We are lucky to call this area our home base so we are hanging out and exploring this area A LOT!
Highlights:
- Sparks Lake, Elk Lake, Lava Lakes, and Devil’s Lake
- Mt. Bachelor views everywhere
- Short hikes to Tumalo Falls and Green Lakes
- Or a grueling day hike up South Sister might be more of your cup of tea
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
Trip Tips:
- 1–3 days
- Road is closed in winter (open roughly late May–October)
- Bend is the perfect basecamp unless you camp out here
READ MORE:
- 30 EPIC Things to Do in Bend, Oregon
- Bend in Winter: 21 Coolest Things to Do!
- Exploring The Cascade Lakes in Oregon—Hiking, Camping, & Water Sports
- 23 Prime Spots to Go Camping Near Bend Oregon
4. McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
This loop through the Cascades is pure magic. You’ll pass waterfalls, lava fields, old-growth forest, and plenty of dramatic viewpoints. The route connects Sisters, Belknap Springs, and McKenzie Bridge in a ~85-mile loop.
The Dee Wright Observatory, perched in the middle of a lava flow, offers unreal views of the surrounding peaks. Meanwhile, waterfalls like Sahalie and Koosah are an easy stop, and the legendary Proxy Falls trail feels straight out of a fairytale.
We love day tripping from Bend and riding this epic route, but if you have more time, consider camping along the way to explore it further.
Highlights:
- Dee Wright Observatory
- Proxy Falls hike
- Sahalie and Koosah Falls
- McKenzie River Trail
Trip Tips:
- 1–2 days
- Best in summer and early fall (high elevation = snow)
- Some sections narrow and winding—drive cautiously
Road Trip Tip
Get these must have road trip accessories before you head out on the road!
This dash cam can be handy for documenting your drive (and navigating those narrow curves). It has GPS and night vision!
– Jump Starter with Air Compressor Tire Inflator
This tool is a smart backup in case you run into tire issues or a dead battery out here! It also has fast charging ports and an emergency flashlight.
5. Steens Mountain Loop Road
Welcome to the most jaw-dropping road trip you’ve never heard of. The Steens Mountain Loop in Southeast Oregon climbs to nearly 10,000 feet with views of deep gorges, glacial valleys, and the high desert stretching for miles.
It’s remote, rugged, and only open in summer, but the reward is next-level. Kiger Gorge and Wildhorse Lake are mind-blowers, and there’s a good chance you’ll have many viewpoints all to yourself.
Highlights:
- Kiger Gorge Overlook
- Wildhorse Lake hike
- Alvord Desert nearby
- Frenchglen (tiny town, big character)
- Head north towards Owyhee for even more remoteness
Trip Tips:
- 2–3 days
- Summer only (July–October)
- High-clearance vehicle recommended (but our old VW Lucy made it, just very slowly)
READ MORE:
- Steens Mountain: Everything You Need to Know!
- Camping at Alvord Desert: What to Know!
- 6 Eastern Oregon Hot Springs You Didn’t Know Existed
- 29 Awesome Things To Do on an Eastern Oregon Road Trip
6. Blue Mountain Scenic Byway
Eastern Oregon doesn’t get the love it deserves—but that’s kind of the point.
The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a quiet, winding route through the Umatilla National Forest that’s perfect if you want solitude, wildlife sightings, and big skies.
Fall is especially beautiful here with fiery foliage and crisp temps. You’ll feel like you’ve entered another state entirely. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and a great escape from the tourist crowds.
TIP: Check out this must-have road trip accessory!
Highlights:
- Ukiah–Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor
- Battle Mountain viewpoints
- Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway connection
- Head towards the Wallowas if you have more time
Trip Tips:
- 2–3 days
- Little to no cell service—download maps
- Fill up on gas and snacks in Pendleton or Heppner
7. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Southern Oregon is a volcanic wonderland, and this route shows off the best of it. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway starts at Crater Lake and winds south toward Klamath Falls, with detours to waterfalls, caves, and forested hikes.
Of course, Crater Lake steals the show—but it’s worth going beyond. Lava Beds National Monument (just over the border in California) is a cool extension if you’re up for it.
It actually extends even further into California into the Mount Shasta area, which is definitely our recommendation for continuing your road trip!
Highlights:
- Crater Lake National Park
- Toketee Falls and Umqua Hot Springs (small detour)
- Rogue River viewpoints
- Lava Beds National Monument (CA side)
Trip Tips:
- 2–4 days
- Summer/fall are best (Crater Lake gets snowed in)
- Park passes required for Crater Lake
READ MORE:
- Crater Lake Rim Drive: Everything You Need to Know!
- 9 Best Crater Lake Hikes You’ve Got to Take On!
- TOP 13 Things To Do in Southern Oregon
Final Tips for Planning Your Oregon Road Trip
- Pack smart: A rearview mirror dash cam can give you an extra layer of safety and capture your trip in crisp detail, while a portable jump starter with an air compressor is a smart backup for remote stretches or unexpected tire trouble.
- Check seasonal closures: Snow sticks around well into spring in the mountains.
- Watch for wildfires: Summer can bring smoke and road closures.
- Book lodging early: Especially on the coast or near Crater Lake.
- Go slow: These roads are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
- Water bottle with a filter: Oregon has tons of places to fill up along the way, especially at state parks.
- Offline maps are your friend: Cell service is spotty on many of these routes.
READ MORE: Your Ultimate Oregon Road Trip—1 Week to 1 Month Oregon Itinerary
With the right planning and sense of adventure, these scenic Oregon road trips are some of the best in the West. Gas up, grab your gear, and hit the road—you won’t regret it.
We hope this helped you choose an epic road trip in Oregon to take!
