Unearth The Voyage
Oregon isn’t just one big road trip – it’s dozens of them. Beyond the famous Portland-to-coast route, the state hides a network of designated scenic byways and under-the-radar drives that locals swear by. From high desert volcanic vistas to cliff-hugging ocean roads, these drives prove you can experience Oregon’s wild beauty without the crowds. Below are 9 true scenic road trips you can take through Oregon, each confirmed by official byway programs or widely cited travel guides.
1. McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Volcanic landscapes transform into alpine wonderlands along this spectacular 82-mile loop through the Cascade Mountains. Ancient lava fields stretch endlessly, creating an otherworldly moonscape that photographers absolutely love.
Connecting the charming town of Sisters with Belknap Hot Springs, this route climbs through old-growth forests where massive Douglas firs tower overhead. Alpine meadows burst with wildflowers during summer months, creating colorful carpets against dramatic mountain backdrops.
Oregon Route 242 closes during winter due to heavy snowfall, making this a seasonal adventure best enjoyed from late spring through early fall when mountain passes remain accessible.
2. Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
High desert country reveals Oregon’s wild side along this remote 170-mile journey from La Pine to the California border. Fort Rock rises dramatically from sagebrush plains like an ancient fortress, while Summer Lake shimmers in the distance.
Volcanic wonders dot the landscape, including mysterious lava tubes and cinder cones that tell stories of fiery geological history. Wildlife refuges provide sanctuary for migrating birds, creating unexpected oases in this rugged terrain.
Following Oregon Route 31 and US Highway 395, this byway showcases a completely different side of Oregon that many visitors never experience, offering solitude and stunning sunsets over endless horizons.
3. H. B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor
Cathedral-like groves of towering Douglas fir create natural tunnels along this peaceful 12-mile stretch through Oregon’s Coast Range. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dancing shadows on the forest floor below.
Route 18 between Polk County and Lincoln City becomes a tranquil escape from busy highways, where ancient trees stand like silent guardians. Morning fog often drifts between massive trunks, creating mystical scenes that feel almost magical.
This shorter drive offers perfect opportunities for roadside stops and forest photography, making it an ideal addition to any Coast Range adventure or quick detour for nature lovers seeking serenity.
4. Oregon Coast Highway (Pacific Coast Scenic Byway)
Dramatic sea stacks rise from crashing waves while historic lighthouses stand sentinel along nearly 400 miles of rugged Pacific coastline. Quaint beach towns offer fresh seafood and local charm between stretches of wild, windswept shores.
US Highway 101 winds past massive sand dunes, hidden coves, and tide pools teeming with colorful marine life. Each curve reveals new coastal wonders, from the iconic Haystack Rock to mysterious sea caves carved by centuries of pounding surf.
Beach towns like Cannon Beach, Newport, and Bandon provide perfect stops for clam chowder, local art galleries, and beachcombing adventures along Oregon’s spectacular Pacific shoreline.
5. Historic Columbia River Highway & Gorge Route
Engineering marvels from the 1910s showcase stunning stone bridges and cliffside overlooks throughout the magnificent Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two spectacular tiers, creating Oregon’s most photographed natural landmark.
Historic segments of the original scenic highway offer car-free zones perfect for cycling and hiking, while Interstate 84 provides additional viewpoints of the dramatic gorge. Crown Point’s Vista House offers panoramic views that stretch for miles in every direction.
Waterfalls cascade from towering basalt cliffs throughout this geological wonderland, where the mighty Columbia River carved its path through the Cascade Mountains over millions of years.
6. Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park
Impossibly blue waters fill an ancient volcanic caldera along this breathtaking 33-mile circular route around Oregon’s crown jewel. Dramatic cliffs plunge nearly 2,000 feet to the lake’s pristine surface, creating one of America’s most spectacular drives.
Seasonal closures due to heavy snowfall make this a summer adventure, when wildflowers bloom along the rim and crystal-clear air offers unlimited visibility. Multiple viewpoints provide different perspectives of this geological wonder formed by an ancient volcanic eruption.
Wizard Island rises mysteriously from the deep blue depths, while the surrounding Cascade peaks create a stunning backdrop for this natural masterpiece that attracts visitors from around the world.
7. Umpqua Highway Scenic Byway (Route 138)
Countless waterfalls tumble through lush river canyons as Oregon Route 138 connects coastal forests with interior mountains through the heart of Umpqua National Forest. Each bend reveals another cascading wonder hidden among towering evergreens.
Starting from Roseburg, this scenic route follows the rushing Umpqua River through dense old-growth forests where hiking trails lead to secluded swimming holes and picnic spots. Watson Falls drops an impressive 272 feet, making it one of Oregon’s tallest waterfalls.
Forested river canyons create cool, shaded corridors perfect for summer drives, while autumn brings brilliant displays of changing leaves that reflect beautifully in the crystal-clear river waters below.
8. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Ancient volcanic peaks and recent lava fields tell the fiery story of southern Oregon’s geological past along this multi-state route that includes Crater Lake’s dramatic south entrance. Volcanic terrain stretches endlessly, showcasing the raw power of geological forces.
Part of a longer route extending into California, Oregon’s segment features some of the most spectacular volcanic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Lava tubes, cinder cones, and hardened lava flows create an alien-like terrain that fascinates geology enthusiasts.
Highway 62 provides access to numerous volcanic features and hiking opportunities, where visitors can explore recent lava flows and learn about the ongoing volcanic activity that continues shaping this remarkable landscape today.
9. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Painted Hills reveal millions of years of geological history in brilliant bands of red, yellow, and black clay that change colors throughout the day. This 286-mile route through eastern Oregon’s high desert connects the Columbia River with fascinating fossil beds.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument preserves ancient plant and animal fossils, while historic Old West towns like Mitchell and Dayville offer glimpses into pioneer life. The landscape transforms dramatically from river valleys to high desert plateaus.
Geological wonders and paleontological treasures make this route a living museum where visitors can literally journey through time, experiencing landscapes that reveal Oregon’s prehistoric past in stunning detail.
