If you’re looking for a beautiful and memorable scenic drive in Oregon, then you should drive clear across the state on U.S. Route 30. This highway begins at the mouth of the Columbia River in the west, and goes all the way to the Oregon/Idaho border near Ontario in the east. Much of this route runs along the river before it turns southward in the eastern part of the state. Along the way, you’ll see incredible sights and vistas. This is a drive that you’ll never forget. Read on to learn more about the towns and areas that you’ll pass through on this adventure.
- Astoria
Tina Webb/Google Local Astoria, Oregon is where you’ll start this journey. This small town of just under 10,000 residents is one of the most beautiful in the state, not only due to its riverside setting, but also because of the many historical homes found here. Astoria, OR 97103, USA
- Portland
Google Local Portland is the biggest city you’ll pass through on U.S. Route 30 in Oregon; in fact, it’s the biggest city in the entire state. This city has a population of more than 650,000 people, but it somehow still has a the feel of a welcoming small town. Its many parks and gardens make Portland very green, which helps to make it unusually beautiful for such a large city. Portland, OR, USA
- Cascade Locks
Cascade Locks Marine Park/Google Local The small town of Cascade Locks got its name from the locks built there to help improve Columbia River navigation almost 100 years ago. You’ll see amazing views of the river in this town. Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
- Hood River
Full Sail Brewing Company/Google Local Hood River is a port city on the Columbia River and is where the actual Hood River meets the Columbia River. Mount Hood is due south of here, so you’ll get spectacular views of this iconic peak from town. Hood River, OR 97031, USA
- The Dalles
snobunni/Google Local The Dalles is a town at a bend in the Columbia River. With a population of 16,000, it’s one of the largest cities in this part of the state - but it’s a lovely place to spend some time marveling at the beauty of both the river and the mountains. The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
- Pendleton
Eduardo Hernandez/Google Local By the time you reach Pendleton, you will have left the Columbia River and you will be headed southeast. The terrain is quite different here, as you pass through a dry and rocky area that is far different from where you came from, and that is also much different from where you’re headed. Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
- La Grande
Tom Hanson/Google Local La Grande is surrounded by beauty. To the west is the Umatilla National Forest; to the east is the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This is an excellent area for camping and hiking. La Grande, OR 97850, USA
- North Powder
Eric Valentine/Google Local Only 600 people live in the tiny town of North Powder. However, like La Grande, its the perfect starting point for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures. North Powder, OR 97867, USA
- Baker City
Jonathan Fischer/Google Local Baker City is a small city that is beautiful for reasons different from the other places on this list - its people are dedicated to historic preservation of the local buildings, so it’s like stepping back in time. The Geiser Grand Hotel, shown here, is one example. Baker City, OR 97814, USA
- Ontario
Osman Bayram/Google Local As you continue east on U.S Route 30 from Baker City, the terrain will change again and become much drier on your way to Ontario - the final town on this route that took you all the way across Oregon!
Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the nation and every resident should make an effort to drive clear across it every now and then. No matter what time of year you drive on U.S. Route 30 across Oregon, you’ll see and visit some very special places. Plan a road trip today – you’ll be glad that you did!
Tina Webb/Google Local
Astoria, Oregon is where you’ll start this journey. This small town of just under 10,000 residents is one of the most beautiful in the state, not only due to its riverside setting, but also because of the many historical homes found here.
Astoria, OR 97103, USA
Google Local
Portland is the biggest city you’ll pass through on U.S. Route 30 in Oregon; in fact, it’s the biggest city in the entire state. This city has a population of more than 650,000 people, but it somehow still has a the feel of a welcoming small town. Its many parks and gardens make Portland very green, which helps to make it unusually beautiful for such a large city.
Portland, OR, USA
Cascade Locks Marine Park/Google Local
The small town of Cascade Locks got its name from the locks built there to help improve Columbia River navigation almost 100 years ago. You’ll see amazing views of the river in this town.
Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Full Sail Brewing Company/Google Local
Hood River is a port city on the Columbia River and is where the actual Hood River meets the Columbia River. Mount Hood is due south of here, so you’ll get spectacular views of this iconic peak from town.
Hood River, OR 97031, USA
snobunni/Google Local
The Dalles is a town at a bend in the Columbia River. With a population of 16,000, it’s one of the largest cities in this part of the state - but it’s a lovely place to spend some time marveling at the beauty of both the river and the mountains.
The Dalles, OR 97058, USA
Eduardo Hernandez/Google Local
By the time you reach Pendleton, you will have left the Columbia River and you will be headed southeast. The terrain is quite different here, as you pass through a dry and rocky area that is far different from where you came from, and that is also much different from where you’re headed.
Pendleton, OR 97801, USA
Tom Hanson/Google Local
La Grande is surrounded by beauty. To the west is the Umatilla National Forest; to the east is the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. This is an excellent area for camping and hiking.
La Grande, OR 97850, USA
Eric Valentine/Google Local
Only 600 people live in the tiny town of North Powder. However, like La Grande, its the perfect starting point for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
North Powder, OR 97867, USA
Jonathan Fischer/Google Local
Baker City is a small city that is beautiful for reasons different from the other places on this list - its people are dedicated to historic preservation of the local buildings, so it’s like stepping back in time. The Geiser Grand Hotel, shown here, is one example.
Baker City, OR 97814, USA
Osman Bayram/Google Local
As you continue east on U.S Route 30 from Baker City, the terrain will change again and become much drier on your way to Ontario - the final town on this route that took you all the way across Oregon!
Are you looking for more great scenic drives in Oregon? Check out this list! 10 Gorgeous Roads In Oregon That Will Make You Want To Pull Over Every Five Minutes
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