In a state as gorgeous and geographically varied as Oregon, pretty much any road trip is going to be scenic. But the following adventure might just be the most superlatively scenic of them all! Beginning in the Columbia River Gorge, we’re traveling through lush forests to the Oregon Coast, stopping by a few iconic beaches before heading back and ending at a little slice of Wine Country… in the heart of Portland! Come along with us on this Oregon Road Trip as we traverse forests, falls, fields, and shores.
This Oregon road trip travels from the commanding Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon Coast – and back! Total trip time is just over four hours; while doable in a day, we suggest breaking the trip into a weekend, and have some lodging ideas listed below.
Google Maps View the interactive Google Map to plan your journey!
Our trip begins in the incomparable and iconic Columbia River Gorge, where the Vista House provides unparalleled vistas of this epic expanse.
Darwin Fan/Moment Collection via Getty Images This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is known as Crown Point State Scenic Corridor – and its crown jewel is the Vista House, a place that belongs on every Oregonian’s bucket list! Vista House, 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
As America’s first scenic highway and a National Historic Landmark, the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway is a 70-mile route that, when you traverse, you’ll understand why it’s been hailed as “King of Roads.”
Bonnie Morland/Flick Take your time through this scenic stretch and enjoy the journey.
If you feel inclined to stop, you can view Oregon’s tallest and most famous waterfall from the road – no hiking necessary!
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
Settle in for a scenic drive through the forests of western Oregon; we’re headed to the Coast!
halbergman/E+ Collection via Getty Images Tillamook is a place that needs no introduction; in addition to its world-famous dairy, it’s also home to one of the most iconic PNW lighthouses, known colloquially as “Terrible Tilly.” If you’re ready to to break for the night, check out this charming covered wagon campground in Tillamook. Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
It would be a shame to visit the North Oregon Coast and not stop by Cannon Beach, so that’s where we’re heading next.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr Standing at 235 feet tall, this Oregon monolith is an incredible sight to see, and one of the most iconic places in the PNW. One of three “Haystack Rock” formations on the Oregon Coast, this is the one featured in the 1980s classic “The Goonies.” Looking for a place to stay at Cannon Beach? We don’t blame you, and the views from this coastal cottage are out-of-this-world! Cannon Beach, OR, USA
The last leg of the Oregon road trip has us returning back to Portland, via a scenic forested route leading to what we think is one of PDX’s coolest hidden gems.
Amaterra Wines/Facebook Amaterra Winery is a sublime slice of Oregon Wine Country just minutes from Portland, boasting dramatic city vistas and some of the finest wines in the PNW. Amaterra Winery, 8150 SW Swede Hill Dr, Portland, OR 97225, USA
Order a charcuterie, sit back, and raise a glass to an amazing scenic road trip adventure in the beautiful and beguiling Beaver State. Cheers!
Amaterra Wines/Facebook
What’s your favorite scenic road trip in Oregon? If you have any ideas for future adventures, please share them with us!
Google Maps
View the interactive Google Map to plan your journey!
Darwin Fan/Moment Collection via Getty Images
This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is known as Crown Point State Scenic Corridor – and its crown jewel is the Vista House, a place that belongs on every Oregonian’s bucket list!
Vista House, 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019, USA
Bonnie Morland/Flick
Take your time through this scenic stretch and enjoy the journey.
Bonnie Moreland/Flickr
Multnomah Falls, Oregon 97014, USA
halbergman/E+ Collection via Getty Images
Tillamook is a place that needs no introduction; in addition to its world-famous dairy, it’s also home to one of the most iconic PNW lighthouses, known colloquially as “Terrible Tilly.” If you’re ready to to break for the night, check out this charming covered wagon campground in Tillamook.
Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
Standing at 235 feet tall, this Oregon monolith is an incredible sight to see, and one of the most iconic places in the PNW. One of three “Haystack Rock” formations on the Oregon Coast, this is the one featured in the 1980s classic “The Goonies.” Looking for a place to stay at Cannon Beach? We don’t blame you, and the views from this coastal cottage are out-of-this-world!
Cannon Beach, OR, USA
Amaterra Wines/Facebook
Amaterra Winery is a sublime slice of Oregon Wine Country just minutes from Portland, boasting dramatic city vistas and some of the finest wines in the PNW.
Amaterra Winery, 8150 SW Swede Hill Dr, Portland, OR 97225, USA
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