5 Best Summer Road Trips in Oregon (Epic Routes You Need to Drive)

Oregon is made for road trips. From coastal highways and mountain passes to hidden waterfalls and desert landscapes, the state is packed with some of the most scenic drives in the country.

If you’re looking for the ultimate summer road trip, these five Oregon routes offer jaw-dropping scenery, fun stops, and adventure at every turn.

Table of Contents

1. The Oregon Coast Road Trip – The Classic Highway 101 Drive
2. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – A High-Alpine Wonderland
3. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway – Waterfalls, Lava Fields, and Old-Growth Forests
4. The Painted Hills Road Trip – Oregon’s Most Surreal Landscape
5. The Crater Lake & Southern Oregon Road Trip – A Deep Blue Adventure
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1. The Oregon Coast Road Trip – The Classic Highway 101 Drive

Route: Astoria → Brookings (350 miles)
Why It’s Amazing: This stunning coastal highway takes you past rugged cliffs, charming seaside towns, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast.
Must-See Stops:
- Cannon Beach – Famous for Haystack Rock and scenic coastal views.
- Cape Perpetua – Hike to the stunning viewpoint above the ocean.
- Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor – Secret coves, sea stacks, and wild beaches near Brookings.
Best Time to Go: June–September for the best weather and sunsets.

💡 Pro Tip: Go north to south for the best ocean views (you’ll be driving on the side closest to the coast).

2. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway – A High-Alpine Wonderland

a SUPer on a lake with Mountain in the back in the Cascade Lakes in Oregon.

Route: Bend → Elk Lake → Sparks Lake → Mount Bachelor → Bend (66 miles)
Why It’s Amazing: This route winds through Oregon’s high-altitude lake country, with stunning mountain views, crystal-clear lakes, and amazing hiking spots.
Must-See Stops:
- Sparks Lake – One of the most photographed lakes in Oregon.
- Elk Lake – Perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, or a picnic.
- Mount Bachelor – Take the scenic chairlift to the summit for unreal Cascade Mountain views.
Best Time to Go: July–September (the road is closed in winter).

💡 Pro Tip: Pack a cooler—there are tons of great picnic spots along the way.

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3. The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway – Waterfalls, Lava Fields, and Old-Growth Forests

Route: Sisters → McKenzie Pass → Belknap Hot Springs → Sahalie & Koosah Falls → Detroit Lake (82 miles)
Why It’s Amazing: This stunning mountain road takes you through ancient lava flows, dense forests, and some of Oregon’s best waterfalls.
Must-See Stops:
- Dee Wright Observatory – A stone tower built into a lava field, with insane views of the Cascades.
- Sahalie & Koosah Falls – Two of the most powerful waterfalls in Oregon.
- Belknap Hot Springs – Soak in a steamy natural hot spring along the river.
Best Time to Go: June–October (closes in winter due to snow).

💡 Pro Tip: This drive is best in early morning or late afternoon to avoid traffic on the narrow roads.

4. The Painted Hills Road Trip – Oregon’s Most Surreal Landscape

The Painted Hills with their layered colors.

Route: Bend → John Day Fossil Beds (Painted Hills, Blue Basin, Sheep Rock) → Mitchell (200 miles round-trip)
Why It’s Amazing: The Painted Hills look straight out of Mars, with vibrant red, gold, and black layers that change color in different light.
Must-See Stops:
- Painted Hills Overlook – The best place to see the iconic rolling hills.
- Blue Basin – A short hike into a canyon of bright blue rock formations.
- Mitchell – A tiny Wild West-style town near the hills (stop by Tiger Town Brewing for food & drinks).
Best Time to Go: April–October (too hot in mid-summer).

💡 Pro Tip: Visit at sunset when the colors look the most vivid.

5. The Crater Lake & Southern Oregon Road Trip – A Deep Blue Adventure

Route: Medford → Crater Lake → Toketee Falls → Umpqua Hot Springs (180 miles)
Why It’s Amazing: Crater Lake is one of the most breathtaking places in Oregon, and this route lets you explore waterfalls, hot springs, and the best of Southern Oregon’s wild beauty.
Must-See Stops:
- Crater Lake Rim Drive – A 33-mile loop around the lake with epic viewpoints.
- Toketee Falls – One of Oregon’s most stunning waterfalls with columned basalt cliffs.
- Umpqua Hot Springs – A natural hillside hot spring with views of the river below.
Best Time to Go: June–September (Crater Lake roads can be closed due to snow outside of summer).