14 Best Scenic Drives In Oregon For Nature Lovers
Wide-open highways and unforgettable scenery make Oregon a dream destination for road trip lovers.
Rugged coastlines, towering forests, volcanic peaks, and desert canyons unfold mile after mile across the state.
Chase waterfalls, weave through mountain passes, or cruise along the coast, these scenic byways turn every drive into an adventure worth savoring.
Each route offers its own story, inviting you to slow down, explore, and soak in Oregon’s natural beauty.
1. Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway
Imagine cruising along a road that feels like a time machine, where every curve reveals a new waterfall or vista.
This legendary route hugs the Columbia River Gorge, treating you to over a dozen cascades, including the iconic Multnomah Falls.
Built over a century ago, the highway showcases engineering marvels like stone bridges and viaducts.
You’ll wind through moss-draped forests and past viewpoints that make your heart skip a beat.
Pack a picnic and stop at Crown Point for panoramic views that stretch for miles.
2. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
North America’s deepest river gorge isn’t just a statistic—it’s a wild, untamed spectacle that demands your attention.
Carved by the Snake River, Hells Canyon plunges deeper than the Grand Canyon, offering jaw-dropping overlooks at every bend.
Wildflowers blanket the hillsides in spring, while golden eagles soar overhead year-round.
The route takes you through remote terrain where cell service fades and nature takes center stage.
Bring binoculars and watch for bighorn sheep scaling the cliffs above.
3. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Ever wondered what it’s like to drive through a volcanic wonderland?
This byway connects Crater Lake to Lassen Volcanic National Park, threading through landscapes shaped by fire and ice.
Crater Lake’s impossibly blue waters will leave you speechless—it’s the deepest lake in the U.S. and filled entirely by rain and snow.
Lava fields, cinder cones, and geothermal features dot the route, telling stories of explosive eruptions.
Visit in summer when the snow melts and wildflowers burst into color.
4. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
With nearly 400 miles of coastline to explore, this drive is pure magic from start to finish.
Massive sea stacks rise from the surf like ancient guardians, while tide pools teem with starfish and anemones.
Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock is a must-see, towering over the sand at 235 feet tall.
Further south, you’ll find charming coastal towns, lighthouses perched on cliffs, and beaches perfect for beachcombing.
Stop at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor for some of the most dramatic coastal views imaginable.
5. West Cascades Scenic Byway
Hidden waterfalls and covered bridges make this route feel like a fairytale come to life.
Winding through old-growth forests, the byway follows rushing rivers and crosses historic wooden bridges that photographers absolutely love.
Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second-tallest waterfall, thunders 286 feet into a misty canyon.
The route also passes hot springs where you can soak your travel-weary muscles in naturally heated pools.
Autumn transforms the forest into a kaleidoscope of gold and crimson hues.
6. McKenzie Pass–Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
Driving across a frozen lava flow feels otherworldly, like you’ve landed on a different planet.
This high-elevation route crosses the Cascade crest, showcasing the raw power of volcanic eruptions that happened relatively recently in geologic time.
The Dee Wright Observatory, built from lava rock, offers 360-degree views of surrounding peaks.
Clear mountain lakes reflect towering volcanoes, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every stop.
Note that the pass closes in winter due to heavy snowfall, so plan your trip between June and October.
7. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
A string of sparkling alpine lakes makes this loop an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
Each body of water has its own personality—some mirror Mount Bachelor perfectly, while others hide tucked away in pine forests.
Kayakers, anglers, and swimmers find endless opportunities to play in these pristine waters.
The route also passes lava flows and cinder cones, reminding you of the region’s fiery past.
Campgrounds dot the byway, making it easy to spend several days exploring at a leisurely pace.
8. Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
Prepare for solitude on an epic scale as you venture into Oregon’s remote southeastern corner.
This isn’t the Oregon most people picture—it’s a land of sagebrush, volcanic plateaus, and endless horizons.
Steens Mountain rises dramatically from the desert floor, offering panoramic views from its summit.
Hot springs bubble up in unexpected places, and wild horses roam freely across the range.
Fill your gas tank before you go—services are scarce, and that’s part of the adventure.
9. Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
Two of Oregon’s wildest rivers guide you through a landscape of thundering waterfalls and deep green forests.
The Rogue and Umpqua rivers have carved spectacular canyons, creating swimming holes that locals guard like secrets.
Toketee falls is a showstopper, dropping in elegant tiers through a narrow basalt gorge.
You’ll also pass natural hot springs where steam rises from riverside pools.
Rafters and kayakers flock here for world-class whitewater, while hikers find countless trails branching off the highway.
10. Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Travel back millions of years as you cruise through landscapes rich with fossils and geological wonders.
The John Day Fossil Beds reveal ancient ecosystems preserved in vibrant layers of rock—reds, yellows, and blacks stripe the hillsides like a natural painting.
Painted Hills is the crown jewel, where mineral-rich clay creates stunning color patterns that shift with the light.
Small historic towns offer glimpses into Oregon’s pioneer past.
Spring rains intensify the colors, making it the best time for photography enthusiasts.
11. Blue Mountains Scenic Byway
Climbing into the Blue Mountains feels like entering a forgotten wilderness where elk outnumber people.
Dense forests give way to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer, while autumn transforms aspens into shimmering gold.
The route passes through the Umatilla National Forest, where hiking trails lead to hidden lakes and mountain peaks.
Historic mining towns add a touch of Old West charm.
Watch for elk, deer, and even black bears crossing the road, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
12. Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway
Ghost towns and gold rush history haunt this mountain loop in the Elkhorn Range.
Sumpter Valley Dredge, a massive gold mining relic, sits preserved as a reminder of the area’s prospecting past.
The route climbs through pine forests to alpine elevations where views stretch across valleys and peaks.
Granite, a tiny town with Victorian charm, offers quirky shops and friendly locals.
Autumn brings hunters and leaf-peepers, while winter blankets the mountains in snow perfect for snowmobiling.
13. High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway
Vast and untamed, this byway showcases central Oregon’s dramatic high desert character.
Juniper trees dot the landscape like sentinels, while rimrock cliffs glow orange and red at sunset.
The route passes through working ranches where cowboys still ride the range.
Stargazing here is phenomenal—minimal light pollution means the Milky Way stretches overhead in stunning clarity.
Bring layers, as temperatures can swing wildly between day and night in this elevation zone.
14. Silver Falls Scenic Byway
Oregon’s largest state park anchors this byway, where ten major waterfalls await your discovery.
The Trail of Ten Falls lets you walk behind several cascades, feeling the spray on your face as water thunders down.
Ancient Douglas firs tower overhead, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere in the forest.
Spring runoff makes the falls most powerful, while autumn colors add extra beauty.
This drive sits close to Portland, making it perfect for a quick escape from city life.