The Best West Coast Scenic Drives You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Everyone knows about Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway, but the West Coast has way more scenic roads that most people never take.

If you’re looking for winding mountain passes, hidden coastal highways, and jaw-dropping backroads, these are the best under-the-radar drives you need to experience.

1. Steens Mountain Loop (Oregon) – A High-Desert Alpine Wonderland

• Where It Is: Southeast Oregon, near the Alvord Desert
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Climbs to nearly 10,000 feet, with panoramic views over the Oregon Outback.
  • Takes you past glacial gorges, wild mustang herds, and aspen groves.
  • Ends with a stunning overlook of the Alvord Desert below.
• Why No One Knows About It: Most people think Oregon is all forests and waterfalls—this high-desert landscape is a hidden gem.

💡 Pro Tip: The road is only open from July to October due to snow.

2. Chuckanut Drive (Washington) – The Pacific Coast Highway’s Secret Twin

• Where It Is: Western Washington, between Bellingham & Bow
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Winds along the edge of cliffs, with epic ocean and island views.
  • A mix of old-growth forest, rocky beaches, and farmland.
  • Less crowded than Highway 101, but just as scenic.
• Why No One Knows About It: It’s only 21 miles long, so most travelers skip it.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop at Taylor Shellfish Farms for fresh oysters right on the water.

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3. Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (California) – The Most Epic Mountain Drive

• Where It Is: Highway 395, from Lone Pine to Reno
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Towering peaks on one side, endless desert on the other.
  • Passes hidden alpine lakes, massive waterfalls, and ancient bristlecone pines.
  • Stops include Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake, and Bodie Ghost Town.
• Why No One Knows About It: Everyone sticks to I-5 or Highway 1, missing this stunning mountain route.

💡 Pro Tip: Take a detour to Alabama Hills—one of the most unique desert landscapes in California.

4. Rim Drive (Oregon) – The Best View of Crater Lake

• Where It Is: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • A 33-mile loop around the deepest lake in the U.S.
  • Endless views of Crater Lake’s bright blue water from every turn.
  • Stops at Phantom Ship Overlook, Watchman Peak, and Wizard Island.
• Why No One Knows About It: People visit Crater Lake but don’t always take the time to drive the full loop.

💡 Pro Tip: The road is only open from July to October—snow blocks it the rest of the year.

5. Avenue of the Giants (California) – A Drive Through Giant Redwoods

• Where It Is: Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Northern California
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • A 31-mile scenic detour off Highway 101 that takes you right through the tallest trees in the world.
  • Massive redwood tunnels and pull-offs for short hikes.
  • The Eel River runs alongside, adding to the views.
• Why No One Knows About It: Most people stick to Highway 101 and miss this more intimate redwood experience.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop at Founders Grove to see the famous fallen Dyerville Giant.

6. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California & Oregon) – A Route Through Fire & Ice

• Where It Is: Runs from Lassen Volcanic National Park (CA) to Crater Lake (OR)
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Connects two incredible but underrated national parks.
  • Passes lava fields, cinder cones, alpine lakes, and waterfalls.
  • Stops at Medicine Lake, Burney Falls, and Lava Beds National Monument.
• Why No One Knows About It: Lassen and Crater Lake aren’t as famous as Yosemite or Mount Rainier, so this drive gets overlooked.

💡 Pro Tip: Take your time—this route has so many hidden stops that you’ll want to spend at least two days.

7. The Three Capes Scenic Route (Oregon) – The Most Stunning Coastal Drive No One Talks About

• Where It Is: Central Oregon Coast, near Tillamook
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Takes you to three of Oregon’s most jaw-dropping capes:
    • Cape Meares – Home to a lighthouse and the famous Octopus Tree.
    • Cape Lookout – A long, rugged headland with epic ocean views.
    • Cape Kiwanda – Massive sand dunes and one of the best sunset spots on the coast.
  • Way less traffic than Highway 101, but just as scenic.
• Why No One Knows About It: It’s not part of the main Oregon Coast route, so people miss it.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop in Pacific City for some of the best seafood on the coast.

8. Spirit Lake Highway (Washington) – A Drive Into Mount St. Helens’ Blast Zone

• Where It Is: Southwest Washington, leading to Mount St. Helens
• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Ends at Johnston Ridge Observatory, with stunning views of Mount St. Helens’ crater.
  • You drive through the eerie remains of the 1980 eruption’s blast zone.
  • Lava flows, wildflower-covered hills, and Spirit Lake create an unforgettable drive.
• Why No One Knows About It: Most visitors only see Mount St. Helens from a distance and never drive into the heart of the destruction.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit in late spring when wildflowers start covering the blast zone.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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