A road trip through Oregon will take you through incredibly varied landscapes, from coastal roads to lakes and rivers as well as desert regions with routes that pass volcanoes. These diverse settings provide travelers with endless outdoor exploration and unique activities to enjoy along the way.
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Most Scenic Road Trips in Oregon
Whether you are looking to head out on a drive across the coast of Oregon or a road trip that takes you past waterfalls and mountain landscapes, the following top 5 most scenic road trips are sure to keep you entertained.
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1. Columbia River Gorge
Just a 30min drive away from Portland is the Columbia River Gorge, a meandering route that carves its way through this vast gorge, with a river winding its way alongside you. On this trip, expect to see glorious waterfalls including Multnomah Falls and Wachella Falls - there are plenty of scenic hiking trails enjoy along the way, so don't forget your camera!
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2. Mount Hood
The drive from Portland to Troutdale will take you through Mount Hood on one of the best Oregon Coast road trips, especially for lovers of vast glaciers - there are 11 of them on the mountain in total. Mount Hood is a volcano and the most famous mountainous region in Oregon. Water sports including windsurfing and kiteboarding are excellent in the nearby Hood River, and for those looking for a bite to eat or a drink, there are a few local breweries and restaurants along the way.
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3. Hells Canyon
This route to the deepest river gorge in North America takes travellers past lakes and rivers and into the valleys, surrounded by the majestic Wallowa Mountain range. For the finest views on the route, take a detour to the Hells Canyon Overlook and take some pictures of the incredible surrounding area.
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4. Umpqua River
The route from the cosmopolitan city of Oakland to Kellogg will take travellers from a city of rich history to a riverside paradise with some of the best fishing in the state. This route has a variety of restaurants to stop in on the way through, as well as some breathtaking scenery when you get to the water. Pack a picnic for when you arrive at the Umpqua River and settle down for a relaxing meal on its banks.
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5. Volcanic Legacy
The road to Crater Lake National Park heads through beautiful country scenes, but once you are at the lake the true fun starts. Enjoy a tour of the waterway by boat or hike around its banks to admire Wizard Island. Fans of mountain biking can travel around the lake on a mountain bike for more than 50km of some of the finest natural trails in Oregon. Travelling to Lassen Volcanic National Park will also take you past the Klamath Falls - well worth a detour and some photos.