Oregon Driving Tours
As you travel Oregon’s roads and byways, you will see verdant valleys, majestic mountains, dry deserts, sparkling streams, craggy canyons and many other sensational sights. You can stand where Lewis and Clark stayed in 1806, see the awe-inspiring Columbia Gorge, step in the ruts made by those travelling the Oregon Trail and so much more. So, sit back, buckle up and begin your driving tour of Oregon.
Columbia River Highway
Distance-70 miles
Best time- Spring for waterfall, Fall for best weather and mid-week for less traffic
Minimum drive time- 3-5 hours 
Built by Engineer Samuel C. Lancaster in 1913, the Columbia River Highway was ranked as one of the most impressive roadways of its time. Thanks to his determination to “not marring what God put there” the roadway is a truly magnificent route along which you can see cascading waterfalls, orchards, snow-capped Mt. Hood and numerous historic landmarks and sites.
Begin your trip in Portland heading east on I-84 to exit 17 then follow the signs to Troutdale; then over the Sandy River to Historic Columbia River Highway. When you reach Crown Point, find a place to park and you can see Latourell Falls –half a mile to the east is Horsetail Falls or you can traverse the easy 3 mile Horsetail-Oneonta Loop Trail to the Oneonta Chasm. Also nearby is the Bridal Veil Falls State Park with its cascading falls, be sure you take time to visit the 620 foot Multnomah Falls which can be reached by one of the park’s paths. Further up the road is the Oneonta Gorge where you can explore—just be sure to bring along protective wading shoes or sneakers so you can ford the creeks to see the solid-rock walls and waterfalls at the trails end.
Continue east of Highway 30 and meet up with I-84 at Dodson. At exit 40 there is Bonneville Lock & Dam and the visitor’s center with assorted displays and on the lower floors look out the underwater windows to see the fish. Just ahead is The Dalles, where the Indians once fished for salmon. The churning waters were so strong that if they fell in, they would drown before they could be pulled to safety. It was not until 1957 that a dam was built and the raging river was tamed.
Back on I-84 head to Hood River then south on Hwy. 35. As you begin the journey up, you will see Mt. Hood, Oregon’s highest point. Make your way to Government Camp, turn North on Timberline Lodge and spend some time at the gorgeous lodge before returning to Hwy. 30 and going back toward Portland.
The Pacific Coast
Distance- 350 miles
Best time-Winter/Spring for whale watching; summer for best weather; fall for fewest people
Drive time-10-12 hours
This route travels the length of Hwy. 101 along Oregon’s coast. As you make your way past marshes, weathered cliffs, rainforest and shoreline towns, you will quickly understand why this coastline is one of the most photographed beach areas in the U.S. From the road’s start in Astoria to the drive’s end in Brookings, you will pass by 9 lighthouses, can tour and taste cheese at Oregon’s largest factory, see the migratory whales (fall/spring) and observe the sea lions at the Sea Lions Caves or the wildlife at South Slough National Estuarine Preserve.
The salmon and steelhead fishing locations are marvelous and plentiful, so be sure to grab your tackle box, pole(s), cooler, and plan to stay a few days. You will also find the beaches open, so beach combing is a great way to get out, stretch and explore. More activity is available in the numerous state parks’ hiking trails, flying kites in Lincoln City or exploring the shifting sands at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
While here consider hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, or at least part of it. This north to south trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trials in the U.S.
The High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway
Distance-127 miles
Best time- Late spring through early fall
Driving time- 5-7 hours
 For beautiful vistas and serene sights cohabitating with spectacular mountains and numerous animals, plan to travel Oregon’s desert region. Your journey begins in Burns at the junction of Highways 20, 78, and 395 where you will take Hwy. 205 south until you reach Fields. Along the way be sure to stop at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge where you will find over 300 bird species. Depending on the season, you may see Northern pintails, sandhill cranes, assorted geese, swans and numerous other birds and waterfowl.
Farther up the road is the Blitzen Valley, the community of Frenchglen and Steens Mountain, Area outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, camping, birding, and winter sports. South of Frenchglen is the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge which is home to many of the area’s pronghorn antelope herds. As you continue down 205, be sure to check out Catlow Rim and Catlow Valley where you can see herds of wild horses and bighorn sheep.
The Silver Falls
 Distance-55 miles
Best time- Spring for waterfalls and wildflowers; fall for color
Drive time-2-3 hours
Beginning just outside of Salem, take exit I-5 at Delaney Road, cross route 22, take a left onto Cascade Hwy. and a right on route 214 which climbs up into vineyards, tree farms, and Silver Falls State Park. The park is known for splendid falls and has a winding 7 mile loop past 10 waterfalls in the Silver Creek Canyon. If you want a shorter trek, try the ¼ mile trail to Upper North Falls.
When you leave the Park, continue toward Silverton and Mount Angel. Here you will find a picturesque American town where fine dining, shopping, and art galleries provide much to do. Continue north to the town of Mt. Angel, known for its Oktoberfest, and then on to Woodburn and the “end” of the trail.
Photo Credits: Road by Charles DawleyWahclella Falls by Jesse Millan; Foggy Coast by Brian Michelsen; Coastal Road by Jeff Kramer; Malheur by John & Peggy Bromley; Silver Falls State Park by Frank K |
