6 epic drives across Oregon, from volcanic craters to desert plains

During the 19^th century, Oregon was considered the land of dreams — some 500,000 pioneers travelled by wagon to experience its riches. Almost 200 years later, this Pacific Northwest state is still a land of plenty, with nearly 370 miles of coastline, high deserts, volcanoes and over 700 wineries.

With 29 designated scenic byways and tour routes, exploring Oregon’s landscapes has never been easier. Whether marvelling at Crater Lake National Park's striking blue waters or cruising across Mount Hood’s volcanic slopes, there’s potential for unparalleled adventure. To give you a sense of what’s possible, we’ve selected six of the state’s most spectacular drives — from coasts to canyons.

1. Vineyard and Valley Tour Route 

With views of the Coast Range and Chehalem Mountains, this northwestern route winds through Oregon’s verdant vineyards, hazelnut orchards and berry farms for 60 miles. When passing through the Tualatin Valley, make sure to stop and sample award-winning pinot noir at family-owned wineries around Dilley and Gales Creek, where you can meet the winemakers themselves. Once heading northwest from Sherwood, visit Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge to spot migratory birds along wetland trails. Enjoy seasonal fruits at pick-your-own farms throughout the region — or pull off the road and grab farmstand goodies when opportunity strikes. 

2. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway 

Winding through volcanoes, this dramatic 140-mile route centres around Crater Lake National Park. Formed when Mount Mazama collapsed nearly 8,000 years ago, the crater’s electric-blue lake — the deepest in the US — is best experienced from the 33-mile Rim Drive or via the Cleetwood Cove Trail, the only hiking trail leading to the water. Beyond Crater Lake, explore the pumice plains and lava formations at nearby Newberry National Volcanic Monument, and watch for soaring pelicans and bald eagles at the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, located south of Klamath Falls.

3. Pacific Coast Scenic Byway 

Running along the iconic Highway 101, Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway stretches for 363 miles along Oregon’s west coast. Starting in the port city of Astoria, this dynamic route unfolds against a shifting backdrop of temperate rainforests, rugged headlands and sandy beaches. Begin your journey by driving towards the striking rock formations and plunging waterfalls of Cannon Beach and Tillamook, before continuing south to Thor’s Well — a mystifying, gaping sinkhole that drains water from the ocean. Once back on the road, head 12 miles south to Heceta Head Lighthouse, where you'll find panoramic views of Cape Cove and Devils Elbow. Go slowly along the route’s final stretch towards Brookings, where magnificent redwood trees stretch towards the sky and whales can be spotted offshore.

4. Mount Hood Scenic Byway

Beginning east of Portland, this 105-mile route flanks Oregon’s highest peak, Mount Hood. Hurtle along the lush orchards of Hood River Valley before climbing to the historic settlement of Government Camp, sitting at the base of the mountain. Just a 10-minute drive away, Trillium Lake provides mirror-like reflections of the 11,245ft peak, while footpaths at Cold Spring Creek allow for a moderate, two-mile hike to the icy waters of Tamanawas Falls. Once back on the road, explore Hood River’s symmetrical lavender fields — which typically bloom in June and July — before sampling local produce at fruit stands throughout the valley. To complete the route, step back in time on Barlow Road, a section of the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail that led pioneers to paradise.

5. Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway 

This 66-mile route passes along the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains, their shadows looming over crystal-clear lakes, meadows and the Deschutes National Forest. Begin in the city of Bend, where you’ll soon hit heights of 6,300ft and spot your first alpine lake within 30 minutes. Though the drive is quick, give this one a full day so you can paddle Sparks Lake, hike or bike Mount Bachelor’s slopes or pop by Lava Lake for a picnic by the water. Just be sure to plan ahead as the byway closes to all road traffic during the winter.

6. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway 

Curving across northeastern Oregon, this 218-mile horseshoe loop showcases Hells Canyon — North America's deepest gorge, plunging 7,900ft into the earth. Wind through historic towns like La Grande, whose welcoming, vibrant art community makes it a great stop off. Afterwards, get back on the road to explore the dramatic slopes and vast rangelands of the Wallowa Mountains. Once on the Wallowa Lake Highway, drive up Mount Howard for aerial views of Oregon’s ‘Swiss Alps’ or head on a jetboat tour across Hells Canyon. Continuing south on the OR-82, consider stopping at Joseph — a small town located south of the Old Western city of Enterprise. Stroll its galleries, studios and art installations before heading west to sample the brewpubs and heritage museums of Baker City.