Article Overview: Oregon Road Trip
It’s time to plan an Oregon road trip! Unquestionably one of the most beautiful states in the United States with miles of rugged coast, the snow-capped Cascade Mountain Range, lush forests, pristine alpine lakes, and spectacular wild & scenic rivers, Oregon really has it all.
All of this natural beauty has the makings of an incredible Oregon road trip (or multiple) and we’re here to tell you exactly how to do it and what you need to see.
Oregon is home to a whopping ten National Scenic Byways, including four All-American Roads (the highest designation in the National Scenic Byways program).
I’ll be using these scenic byways, which wind through national forests, parks, and miles of picturesque coastline and countryside, as the jumping-off points for your Oregon adventures in this article.
So let’s start making plans for your next visit to the beaver state!
Table of Contents: Oregon Road Trip
Oregon Road Trip
- Planning Your Oregon Road Trip
- Oregon Road Trip
- Oregon Road Trip Highlights
- Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
- Oregon Coast Road Trip: The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
- Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
- Mckenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
- Mount Hood Scenic Byway
- Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway
- Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
- West Cascades Scenic Byway
- When is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Oregon Road Trip?
- List of Oregon Road Trip Scenic Byways
Planning Your Oregon Road Trip
Things to Know Before Your Oregon Road Trip
Weather: Depending on where you’re traveling in Oregon, you could encounter a multitude of climates and various kinds of weather. While the northwestern part of the state sees a lot of rain, the eastern part of the state is very dry. The mountains tend to generate their own weather and forest fires are a problem throughout the state.
Gas: Until August of 2022, you weren’t allowed to pump your own gas in Oregon. Yes, that’s right, you were actually not allowed to. Now, most gas stations have self-service with full-service attendants standing by. You can choose which option you prefer in the 16 largest counties. New Jersey is now the only state where you aren’t allowed to pump your own gas.
Sunscreen: Depending on where you’re traveling in the state (like the coast) you may want to bring some sunscreen. We happen to like this one because it works AND it’s not full of a bunch of chemicals.
Leave No Trace: That’s right, as you visit Oregon’s parks and green spaces, remember to leave these places beautiful. We’re big fans of Leave No Trace here at MTJP. Want to learn more? Read about the seven principles of Leave No Trace here.
Clothing: Bring your rain jacket! This is the Pacific Northwest.
Insect Repellent: You hope not to need it, but you want to have it. We typically bring an Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent with us just in case.
Mapping Out Your Oregon Road Trip
An Oregon road trip can go any number of ways depending on where you’re starting. As you browse this article and find byways and points of interest that you want to check out we recommend using Google Maps “My Maps” tool to add POI’s, formulate a route, and share it with your copilots – more on this below.
Best Oregon Road Trip Map Tool
We always use google maps for this as the interface is hard to beat. However, they do currently have a 10 destination limit on the regular one.
If you want/need to add more points to your map than the 10 destination limit, google also has a “my maps” tool which is free and even savable right to your google account.
We’ve ranked the 15 BEST Road Trip Planning Tools if you’re looking for more!
Bend to Portland or Portland to Bend
Before I get into the bulk of this article I thought I’d cover the popular Portland to Bend (or Bend to Portland) road trip that’s great for a long weekend away.
Depending on your route you’ll traverse some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery along the way with plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs in the great outdoors.
Typically your GPS will route you via U.S. Route 26 heading east from Portland and before dipping south and eventually meeting with U.S. Route 97 in Madras, OR en route to Bend.
But by switching your route to the other recommended route (seen above in blue) you’ll get to drive through spectacular forest scenery with the opportunity to stop off at numerous waterfalls, campgrounds, and other scenic points of interest.
Adding the McKenzie Scenic Byway
My favorite way to do the Portland to Bend drive (or Bend to Portland) is via the above route, but also adding the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway (seen highlighted in green).
This will add another 45 minutes to your drive time, and in all likelihood a lot longer as you’ll want to stop and gawk at the incredible views, but it’s well worth it if you have the time. More on this scenic byway later.
If you’re interested in other National Parks Road Trips, you might want to look over our post ranking the National Park Road Trips. You also might be interested in our ALL 63 National Parks Ranked post that lists all of the national parks. We ranked them from best to worst based on our comprehensive 50 point rating system.
Oregon Road Trip – Camping
There are more camping options along the scenic byways of Oregon than we could possibly have time to mention.
From private RV-friendly campgrounds to primitive tent-only campsites and everything in between, with it’s vast network of federal and state lands Oregon has something for everybody in terms of camping.
Tips to Avoid Camping Headaches
Now I should note that just because Oregon has an embarrassment of riches in it’s camping opportunities doesn’t mean they don’t fill up fast! Believe me, I’ve been on road trips here where I couldn’t find an open campsite to save my life and had to sleep in the car.
- Avoid holiday weekends if possible. You wouldn’t believe how fast and how far in advance campgrounds fill up for holiday weekends. As sad as it sounds it’s best to avoid these weekends if you’re wanting a hassle-free road trip.
- Reserve your campsites ahead of time. Gone are the days of rolling up to Forest Service campgrounds on a summer evening and picking amongst plentiful available sites for a peaceful night under the stars. Use recreation.gov to book your campsites in advance and avoid massive headaches.
- Mount Hood is very crowded. I’m just going to say it, Mount Hood is really crowded and it’s next to impossible to find a campsite there in the summer so maybe just plan a day trip or avoid it all together if you’re intent on camping.
- Don’t forget about privately run campgrounds. A beautiful Forest Service or National Park Service campground sounds postcard perfect for your camping weekend, but the reality is it’s extremely competitive to get a campsite on our federal lands these days. If you’re looking for a place to lie your head down for the night do sleep on private campgrounds!
Getting Gas During Your Oregon Road Trip
For some strange reason Oregon doesn’t allow you to pump your own gas (with a few exceptions in very rural areas at night). Yes, that’s right, you’re actually not allowed to. Why? An excellent question that beats the h…, anyway, I don’t know.
So don’t pull up to the gas station and think you’re going to be in and out in a jiffy. The reality is you have to stay put in your car and wait for the attendant to approach you and take your payment and pump your gas for you.
How quaint… Maybe they’ll throw in a frosted malt and sell you some war bonds while you awkwardly fiddle with your radio.
I should also note that some areas of Oregon, like the McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway, have long stretches without gas stations so be sure to take note of road signs indicating lengths of time without fuel and gas up when you get the chance, despite the inconvenience.
Oregon Road Trip
Oregon Road Trip Overview
National Forests: 11 (yes 11!)
National Parks: 1 (Crater Lake is still the only national park in Oregon)
National Scenic Byways: 10 (including 4 All-American Roads)
Oregon has a whopping 11 national forests spread throughout the state’s diverse regions. That number is second only to California’s 17 and tied with Montana, two states with significantly more land area than Oregon.
Suffice to say Oregon is packed with scenery and you can just about point your car in any direction and know that you’ll be in for a beautiful road trip.
Scenic Byways:
- Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway (3 hours from Portland, OR)
- Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (travels the length of the Oregon coast along Hwy 1)
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway (4 hours from Portland)
- Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway (3.5 hours from Portland)
- Mckenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (3 hours from Portland)
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (4 hours from Portland)
- Mount Hood Scenic Byway (25 minutes from Portland)
- Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway (25 minutes from Portland)
- Oregon Outback Scenic Byway (3 hours & 45 mins from Portland)
- West Cascades Scenic Byway (45 minutes from Portland)
Oregon Road Trip Map
Above is a map of Oregon with its 10 National Scenic Byways highlighted. Each of these highlighted routes represents a possible adventure taking you through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Oregon Road Trip Highlights
Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
- Location: Southwest Oregon
- Drive Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 172 miles
- Best Time to Visit: July – October
The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is 172 miles of jaw-dropping scenery punctuated by snow-capped mountain peaks, towering forests, and spectacular waterfalls.
There can be no doubt that this National Scenic Byway is more than deserving of its designation and, I would further argue, should be elevated to the rarefied air of an All-American Road.
This Oregon road trip can be started either from Gold Hill (near Medford) or Roseburg depending on where you’re coming from. You can also fly into Medford (just 10 minutes away) and rent a car from there to embark on this trip.
Oregon Coast Road Trip: The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
- Location: The entire Oregon coast
- Drive Time: 11-12 hours
- Distance: 363 miles
- Best Time to Visit: Spring
Oregon coast road trip anyone? The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway covers 363 miles of breathtaking views as it hugs the entire Oregon coastline. You’ll pass though picturesque beach towns and gorgeous overlooks as you make your way up or down the Oregon coast on this federally designated All-American Road.
The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is littered with state parks all along the way with plenty of opportunities to camp, fish, and explore.
Can’t miss sights on your Oregon coast road trip include:
- Oswald West State Park
- Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
- Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint
- Muriel O. Ponsler Memorial State Scenic Viewpoint
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Sisters Rock State Park
- Humbug Mountain State Park
- Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint
- Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor
- Arch Rock Point
- Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- Whaleshead Viewpoint
Oregon Coast Road Trip 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Start in Brookings, Explore Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and Camp at Harris Beach State Park
Begin your coastal journey in Brookings, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Traverse the picturesque trails, soak in the breathtaking ocean views, and revel in the tranquility of nature. Settle in for the night at Harris Beach State Park, where the crashing waves will lull you to sleep.
Day 2: Travel to Bandon, Visit Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, and Camp at Bullards Beach State Park
Continue your northward adventure to Bandon, another charming coastal town. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, taking some photos of the iconic rock formations. As the day draws to a close, set up camp at Bullards Beach State Park for another night on the water.
Day 3: Journey to Coos Bay, Explore Shore Acres State Park, Stay at Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
Head to Shore Acres State Park, where you can explore its beautiful gardens and dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean. For a touch of luxury and upscale coastal ambiance, check in at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast for the evening. With it’s spectacular views and old lighthouse charm, it’s sure to be a memorable stay.
Day 4: Travel to Newport, Visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, and Camp at South Beach State Park
After a nice breakfast continue north to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Here you can explore tide pools, admire the historic lighthouse, and drink in panoramic ocean vistas. As evening approaches, set up camp at South Beach State Park, surrounded by coastal forests and offering easy access to the sandy beaches.
Day 5: Detour to Tillamook Creamery, Continue to Astoria, and Stay at a Hotel
I had to add in time for a stop at the Tillamook Creamery, a destination for cheese and ice cream enthusiasts. Enjoy a tasty tour and a stop by the gift shop before continuing your journey. Head towards Astoria, the final destination of your coastal adventure. Explore the captivating Fort Stevens State Park, steeped in history and natural beauty. Finally, end your trip on a luxurious note with a stay at the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa in Astoria. This upscale hotel offers stunning views of the Columbia River and is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on your coastal journey.
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
- Location: Northeast Oregon
- Drive Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: 208 miles
- Best Time to Visit: July – October
Situated on the far eastern edge of Oregon, Hells Canyon Scenic Byway follows the Snake River as it winds its way through a picturesque and impossibly deep canyon. Overlooks are abound along this majestic drive and so is wildlife!
Much of the route traverses through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offering countless recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, camping, rafting, backpacking, hunting, and so much more.
This remote part of eastern Oregon sees far fewer visitors than other parts of the state while boasting an incredible array of scenery and recreational opportunities. This means less competition for campsites, trails, and parking!
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Start in Baker City, Visit National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and Camp at Union Creek Campground
Start your journey in Baker City, a charming town with a rich gold rush history. When you’re ready head to the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center where you can learn about the pioneers and their westward journey. Then, drive towards Anthony Lakes, a great spot for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. In the evening, make your way to Union Creek Campground in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for your first night under the stars. The campground is well equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and toilets.
Day 2: Explore Wallowa Lake State Park and Stay at Wallowa Lake State Park Campground
Awake to the sounds of Union Creek and enjoy breakfast in the forest. Then, head for Wallowa Lake State Park. Spend the day exploring the park, taking in the majestic mountain views, boating, fishing, or hiking one of the many trails. As dusk falls, settle into the Wallowa Lake State Park Campground. The campground offers several amenities, including hot showers and flush toilets, and is nestled in a mature forest, offering a scenic setting for an overnight stay.
Day 3: Drive Through Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Camp at Hells Canyon Campground
Day three sees you driving through the heart of Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, taking in the awe-inspiring views of rugged canyons and the Snake River. You can stop at the Hells Canyon Overlook for panoramic vistas. Along the way, consider a detour to Buckhorn Lookout for an up-close view of the deepest canyon in North America. As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Hells Canyon Campground, a Forest Service campground located near the river. The campground offers basic amenities like pit toilets and picnic tables.
Day 4: Explore Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Return to Baker City
Start your final day exploring the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, home to diverse wildlife and mesmerizing landscapes. Enjoy a morning hike or try your hand at fishing in the Snake River. After soaking in the natural beauty, pack up and begin your drive back to Baker City. Along the way, stop at the Hells Canyon Dam and the Wallowa Mountains Visitors Center if time allows. Your four-day journey concludes upon your return to Baker City, enriched by the experiences and sights of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
- Location: Bend, Oregon
- Drive Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 66 miles
- Best Time to Visit: July – October (road closed in winter)
I first visited this byway back in 2014 and was absolutely floored by the breathtaking scenery of the Cascade Lakes. Despite numerous devastating wildfires since then, the landscapes and lakes are still awe-inspiring – as evidenced by the picture above.
Timing is everything for your visit to the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway as the road is closed seasonally and only opens once things thaw out (which can vary from year to year). Your best bet is planning on later in the summer though you’ll have to contend with full campgrounds.
If the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway looks like an adventure you’d be up for just wait until you see our film on the Deschutes National Forest – which surrounds this scenic byway.
Further Reading: A More Than Just Parks Guide to the Deschutes National Forest
Mckenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Location: Bend, Oregon
- Drive Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: 82 miles
- Best Time to Visit: July – October (road closed in winter)
Another one of my favorite scenic byways in the country, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway (commonly referred to as the McKenzie Highway) is a spectacular tour of Oregon’s volcanic past and the beauty it has created.
Strangely twisted and scarred landscapes intertwine with vast green forests and rushing streams to create a fascinating beauty here that beckons to be explored.
Now if you’re thinking this is just about a bunch of old volcanic rocks you’d be very wrong, though there are plenty of those and even a historic CCC-built observatory made entirely of them.
The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is also home to numerous hiking trails, campgrounds, lakes, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls I’ve ever seen. You can visit the Willamette National Forest website for more information on road conditions, campgrounds, and points of interest here.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
- Location: Southern Oregon
- Drive Time: 5-7 hours
- Distance: 140 miles
- Best Time to Visit: July – October (road closed in winter)
If you’ve been wondering when Crater Lake was going to be mentioned, wonder no more. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a federally designated All-American Road, includes the park’s Rim Drive taking drivers around the entirety of the world famous Crater Lake.
In addition to being a national park and being featured on Oregon’s state quarter, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and is the cleanest and clearest large body of water in the world.
If you plan on visiting Crater Lake be sure to check out our Crater Lake Things To Do guide here. Also don’t miss our Crater Lake National Park Facts article filled with interesting facts on this one-of-a-kind national park.
The byway continues south from Crater Lake and eventually reaches Upper Klamath Lake, a world-renowned birdwatching destination with plenty of hiking trails and recreational opportunities. Eventually the byway continues on into California taking travelers to the incredibly beautiful Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway 4 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Klamath Falls to Lava Beds National Monument
Start your volcanic adventure in Klamath Falls. Grab breakfast and supplies, then head out to Lava Beds National Monument. Spend the day exploring the lava tube caves and the high desert wilderness, immersing yourself in the geological history. Discover Petroglyph Point and learn about the Modoc War at the Visitor Center. As the day winds down, set up camp at Indian Well Campground inside Lava Beds National Monument. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and provides basic amenities like picnic tables, grills, and restrooms.
Day 2: Lava Beds National Monument to Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge to Tule Lake
Wake up early for a sunrise over the lava beds before packing up and moving on to Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge, a hotspot for bird-watching. Spend some time taking in the views and looking for rare birds, then head north the Tule Lake Segregation Center for a glimpse into World War II history. In the evening, settle down for the night at the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge’s Sump Campground, where you’ll find free camping spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Day 3: Tule Lake to Crater Lake National Park
Day three sees you venturing into the highlight of the trip, the spectacular Crater Lake National Park. Spend your day marveling at the deepest lake in the U.S., enjoying a drive around Rim Drive, and hiking a few of the park’s numerous trails. Come evening, pitch your tent at Mazama Campground or Lost Creek Campground, both located within the park and offering beautiful forested sites. Make sure to get a reservation in advance as these campgrounds can fill up quickly during peak travel times.
Day 4: Crater Lake National Park to Diamond Lake and Mt. Thielsen Viewpoint
For your final day, break camp early and head out to Diamond Lake, situated near Mount Bailey. Enjoy a morning by the water before continuing on to the Mt. Thielsen Viewpoint for panoramic vistas. If time allows, stop by the Natural Bridge Viewpoint on your return journey to Klamath Falls.
Mount Hood Scenic Byway
- Location: Northwest Oregon
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 105 miles
- Best Time to Visit: September – April
This scenic byway traces the base of Mount Hood and offers spectacular views of the lonely mountain that looms over Portland. Mount Hood National Forest offers plenty of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, biking, hiking, and camping to name a few.
In the winter you can take a slight detour from the byway and head to the summit of Mount Hood to pretend you’re in the 1980 classic horror film The Shining. The Timberline Lodge served as the exterior of the infamous Overlook Hotel in the film.
The Mount Hood Scenic Byway’s proximity to Portland makes it an easy day trip or weekend trip for those looking to escape the city. It also means you can fly in to PDX and start your Oregon road trip from there.
Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway
- Location: Northwest Oregon
- Drive Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: 70 miles
- Best Time to Visit: May – June
America’s first scenic highway, the Columbia River Highway takes drivers through the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. With its high rock walls, iconic waterfalls, dense forests, and the wide Columbia River, the gorge is a true testament to the beauty and power of nature.
The devastating Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 inflicted serious damage on the forests of the gorge and has resulted in the closure of some recreational areas. But even this reckless destruction cannot overshadow the lasting beauty of this place.
As you can see on the map the byway is dotted with numerous waterfalls that empty into the gorge from various tributaries of the Columbia River. These waterfalls are popular weekend destinations for Portlanders in the summer so plan accordingly and think early in the morning if you want to have them mostly to yourself.
Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
- Location: South Central Oregon
- Drive Time: 4-6 hours
- Distance: 171 miles
- Best Time to Visit: Spring & Fall
The aptly-named Oregon Outback Scenic Byway takes drivers through the remote high desert region of Oregon where you’ll encounter few other tourists or people at all.
Solitude can be hard to find in the outdoors these days, without strapping on the backpack for a multi-day hike, so a trip to Oregon’s outback can be a refreshing change of pace and scenery.
Along this scenic byway you’ll continue to find evidence of Oregon’s volcanic past, including at Fort Rock, a fascinating natural landmark that beckons visitors for a closer look. Fort Rock is also home to evidence of some of North America’s earliest inhabitants as some artifacts here have been dated to nearly 10,000 years ago.
Oregon Outback Scenic Byway 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Begin in La Pine, Explore Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Reach Fort Rock
Start your adventure in La Pine, just a short drive from Bend. From there head to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument for your first taste of the region’s volcanic landscapes, featuring the impressive Lava Butte and Paulina Peak. Journey southeast along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, aiming for your next stop: Fort Rock. This fascinating geological formation is an ancient volcanic tuff ring that looms impressively from the desert floor. If time allows, visit the Fort Rock Valley Historical Homestead Museum to delve into the area’s rich history.
Day 2: Visit Summer Lake Wildlife Area, Take in Albert Rim, End at Lakeview
After breakfast, continue your journey to Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a haven for birdwatchers. On the way be sure to stop at Picture Rock Pass for incredible views of ancient. Spend the morning spotting local and migratory bird species at Summer Lake before you carry on down the scenic byway towards the towering Albert Rim. One of the highest fault scarps in the United States, Albert Rim offers an excellent playground for hiking and photography. End your day in Lakeview, known as the “Tallest Town in Oregon”.
West Cascades Scenic Byway
- Location: South Central Oregon
- Drive Time: 7-9 hours
- Distance: 215 miles
- Best Time to Visit: Fall
Winding through the heart of the Willamette National Forest, the West Cascades Scenic Byway is quintessential Oregon. Gushing waterfalls, vivid green forests, turquoise streams, and plenty of hiking opportunities are the hallmarks of this scenic byway.
Around every bend there’s another view of a beautiful creek or river with places to park and explore the lush forest all around you. The fall is a particularly nice time to drive this byway as the summer tourist season is over and many of the trees along the road are draped in fall color.
West Cascades Scenic Byway 3 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Start in Estacada, Enjoy Bagby Hot Springs and Set up Camp in Detroit
Begin your journey from Estacada, a small town about an hour’s drive from Portland. From here, embark on the West Cascades Scenic Byway, heading towards Bagby Hot Springs. After a relaxing soak in the geothermally heated waters, visit the nearby Ripplebrook Ranger Station for some local tips and a map of the area, and perhaps a picnic lunch by the Clackamas River. Continue along the byway towards Detroit, where you’ll set up camp for the night at Detroit Lake State Park. Enjoy the serene evening by the lake, savor a delicious meal around the campfire, and fall asleep under a canopy of stars.
Day 2: Explore Detroit, Hike to Tumble Lake and Drive to McKenzie Bridge
Start your day by exploring the small town of Detroit, with its quaint charm and friendly locals. Follow this with a moderate hike to Tumble Lake, a glacial cirque lake surrounded by rugged cliffs. Pack a lunch and savor it while admiring the stunning lake views. In the afternoon, get back on the byway and make your way towards McKenzie Bridge. Along the way, stop at the numerous viewpoints and waterfalls, including the majestic Sahalie and Koosah falls. Reach McKenzie Bridge by the evening and check into a cozy cabin or set up camp at a local campground.
Day 3: Rafting on the McKenzie River, Visit Belknap Hot Springs and Return to Estacada
For your final day, start with an adrenaline rush by white-water rafting on the McKenzie River, an activity offered by various local operators. After your rafting excursion, it’s time for some relaxation. Head to Belknap Hot Springs and let the therapeutic waters soothe your muscles. Post lunch, embark on your drive back to Estacada, taking in the last views of the scenic byway. Don’t miss the Proxy Falls on your way, a striking two-tiered waterfall set amidst lush greenery. As your journey draws to a close, look back on an unforgettable three days immersed in the beauty and adventure of the West Cascades Scenic Byway.
When is the Best Time of Year to Plan Your Oregon Road Trip?
The best time to embark on your Oregon road trip is in the late summer. Many of these scenic byways and destinations are closed seasonally and spring comes late here. Late summer gives you perfect weather and the ability to see and experience everything in peak form.
Warning: Climate-fueled wildfires are a serious problem in Oregon and may mean your summer road trip is smoked out. Keep flexible plans and think about visiting in the spring or fall to increase your odds of avoiding wildfires.
How Long Will the Road Trip Take & How Much Time Do I Need?
Next step is determining how much time you have vs how much you “need”. On average, we recommend allowing for at least 1-2 days per major destination on your trip.
That means if you’ve got a week (5-7 days) to do your road trip, the most major destinations you should include is probably about 5.
You want to be able to give yourself time to appreciate and enjoy each destination and not feel rushed.
Choosing a Starting Point for the Road Trip
One of the toughest parts of planning a road trip can be choosing the right starting point. If you’re driving your own car and starting from your residence then feel free to skip on to the next part. For everyone else, especially if you plan on flying to your destination and renting a car, there’s a bit of a decision matrix to consider.
The question we always ask ourselves which makes it easier for us is: what is the cheapest price we can pay combined for rental car + airfare? Price is easily our biggest determining factor when choosing a starting point.
If you’re interested in a National Parks Road Trip, you might want to look over our post on Best US National Parks Road Trips that lists all of the best national road trips.
Getting the Best Price for Rental Car + Airfare
Consider the following example. You’re doing a Utah National Parks Road Trip to see the Mighty 5. The most convenient airport options are Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Say you find amazing flight deals to Salt Lake City – great, we fly into salt lake, right? Maybe.
Sometimes the rental car prices in one airport are so bad that it makes flying into another destination more worthwhile despite a great flight deal and vice versa. Always check both the flight price and rental car price at each destination before booking.
Choosing the Right Lodging Options
We’ve all been there before… arriving at the campsite late at night praying we there’s an open spot only to find nothing. Or pulling into town after a 4 hour cell-service blackout only to find that all the hotels are all booked up.
Or realizing upon arriving to your destination that you didn’t make reservations anywhere and the prices are astronomical (we’re looking at you, Yellowstone). Like way more than a national park should ever cost seeing that it’s a tax-payer funded, publicly owned resource managed for the benefit and enjoyment of the people (all people).
The point is, planning ahead of time on lodging and deciding on the right accommodations for your budget is important. I recommend starting early and scanning what hotel prices are like during the time of year you want to visit (covered below). This will give you an idea of what availability looks like and how expensive it is.
Camping on a Road Trip
If you plan on camping, check out recreation.gov to see if you can reserve a site ahead of time. One pro-tip we recommend is seeing if there are any nearby national forests where you might be able to camp.
National forest campgrounds are amazing for a number of reasons, two of them being price (they’re usually cheaper if not free) and availability (they’re usually way less crowded than national park campgrounds).
With that being said, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for each night that you are unable to book something in advance.
Oregon Road Trip Food Planning
Ah, nothing says US road trip quite like the smell of glistening hot dogs rotating over an open warming pan at Love’s gas station at 2 in the morning… With that being said, planning out your road trip food is absolutely essential.
We’ve all seen the beloved road trip companion turn Mr. Hyde after being forced to miss their self-appointed feeding hour. Avoiding this doomsday scenario can mean the difference between a warm ride home full of fond reminisces or an unscheduled stop at the Twin Falls airport conducted in total silence.
We recommend a budget friendly mix of dining at local eateries and “cooler food”. Feeling the fatigue of too much fast food can tank a day in a hurry so we highly recommend finding a cooler for the trip to pack something on the healthier side.
Pro-Tip #1: We often pack a soft cooler (this is our current go-to) full of clothes on the way over (if flying) that can be removed upon arrival and replaced with ice and lunch food/snacks (sandwich fixings, dips, greens, drinks, etc).
Road Trip Groceries
Typically our first stop after the airport is to a Trader Joe’s (who is not paying us to say so) to stock up on essentials. We often end up in places during dining hours that either have no food options or very limited unhealthy options and so it’s nice to have an alternative in the car.
Making food stops also slows down trip momentum and can mean the difference between “making it there before sundown”.
Pro-Tip #2: A few years back we (finally) started packing a small, inexpensive one burner stove (this one) and it has made all the difference. Having the option to make hot food (we camp/car camp a lot) can make all the difference after a long day in the parks.
Finally, in the dining category of this post, comes the topic of coffee (should’ve been #1, I know). We are hopeless caffeine junkies and need our morning fix. New Mexico piñon coffee is my favorite and I try to always pack some. We use this gadget to heat the water and this metal pour over tin to do the job (usually with good results I must say).
Planning Your Oregon Road Trip Budget
It’s a good idea to come up with an overall budget at the outset of planning your road trip. A budget makes it easy to remove unnecessary stops and keep everyone in check. A sample budget breakdown for one of our trips looks something like this:
Sample Road Trip Budget
- Food – $50/person/day
- Lodging – $150/day if hotels per two people
- Gas – $30/day (this is pretty variable depending on what kind of car you’re driving)
- Rental Car – $70/day (this is fluctuating wildly given the current vehicle shortages)
- Flights – $300 round trip/person (extremely variable)
- Fees/Attractions – $100 total (park pass, etc)
- Miscellaneous – $300 total (the unforeseen expenses)
- SAMPLE TOTAL for 7 Day Trip for 2 People = $3300 ($700/food + $900/lodging + $210/gas + $490/rental car + $600/flights + $100/fees + $300/miscellaneous)
*this is very fungible up or down depending on how many nights are spent in hotels (if any), if you can get cheap flight deals vs gauging prices, driving your own car vs renting, if you eat at nicer places vs average & groceries, how fuel efficient your vehicle is, etc
Flexibility Is The Key To A Happy Road Trip
The whole reason we take road trips is to see new sights, experience new things, and most importantly to have a good time. Being flexible is the most important factor we’ve found in overall trip happiness (and life).
A few tips based on many years of experience and running the whole gamut of trip emotions:
Tips for a Happy Trip
- Don’t plan out every second of your road trip. Leave free space to either leave places early, linger longer, or just relax.
- There’s no such thing as being late on a road trip. If you miss a sunset it’s not the end of the world. If you have to nix a destination there’s always next time.
- Hydrate well and have plenty of snacks on hand. Hungry ≠ happy and neither does thirsty.
- Take time to enjoy the moment rather than always being concerned about making it to what’s next.
And Finally, The Weather
The most unpredictable factor and potentially biggest damper (intended was the pun) on any trip is the weather.
If you have a plan beforehand for how to spend your time or alternative routes if specific places have bad weather you won’t be as disappointed when it inevitably rains on your parade.
We like to check monthly forecasts to see average temperatures and precipitation before making plans.
List of Oregon Road Trip Scenic Byways
- Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway
- Pacific Coast Scenic Byway
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
- Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
- McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway
- Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
- Mount Hood Scenic Byway
- Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway
- Oregon Outback Scenic Byway
- West Cascades Scenic Byway
Pin Oregon Road Trip
Summary – Leave us a Comment!
That’s all I’ve got for you to plan your next great Oregon road trip. I hope you’ll let us know what we missed and what else we should include. And please drop us a note if there’s a road trip that we haven’t written about that your interested in knowing more about!
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Further Reading
- 10 EPIC Oregon National Parks You’ll Love (+ Beautiful Photos)
- 20 Things To in Crater Lake National Park
- 11 Fascinating Crater Lake National Park Facts
- 6 Amazing National Park Sites Near Portland
- 10 Must See Historic Sites in Oregon
- A More Than Just Parks Guide to the Deschutes National Forest
- UTAH National Parks ROAD TRIP: An Epic Guide + Overlooked Spots
- ALL 63 National Parks Ranked from Best to Worst 2021
- 10 Best National Parks Road Trips in America
- 35+ ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS (You’ll Love + Packing List)
- 15 BEST FREE ROAD TRIP PLANNING Tools (& Apps) 2022
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