Oregon’s Scenic Routes: Exploring the State’s Natural Beauty

Oregon is a state that is blessed with natural beauty that is unmatched. The state boasts of a diverse landscape that includes stunning mountains, vast forests, breathtaking coastlines, and some of the most picturesque rivers in the country. For those who love to explore the great outdoors, Oregon’s scenic routes offer some of the best ways to experience the state’s beauty.

The state is home to several scenic routes that offer a unique perspective on its natural beauty. These routes take you through some of Oregon’s most beautiful landscapes, with stunning vistas, charming towns, and hidden gems along the way. Here are some of the top scenic routes in Oregon that you should consider exploring.

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway is one of the most popular scenic routes in Oregon, taking you through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. The route stretches for 80 miles and begins in Troutdale, located just east of Portland. From there, it takes you through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where you will see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, including Multnomah Falls, Horsetail Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

The route also takes you through several charming towns, including Hood River, which is famous for its windsurfing and kiteboarding, and The Dalles, which offers a glimpse into Oregon’s pioneer history. Along the way, you will also see some of the state’s most stunning landscapes, including towering cliffs, deep canyons, and rolling hills.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is another popular scenic route in Oregon, taking you along the state’s rugged coastline. The route stretches for 363 miles, from the California state line in the south to the Washington state line in the north. Along the way, you will see some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the state, including towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque lighthouses.

The route also takes you through several charming coastal towns, including Cannon Beach, which is famous for its Haystack Rock and quaint downtown area, and Newport, which offers a glimpse into Oregon’s fishing industry. You can also stop at several state parks along the way, including Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, which is a popular spot for hiking, surfing, and sandboarding.

The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway

The Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is a lesser-known scenic route in Oregon, but it is no less stunning than the others. The route takes you through the Cascade Range, where you will see some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Rogue River, Crater Lake, and Diamond Lake. The route stretches for 172 miles, from Roseburg in the north to Gold Hill in the south.

Along the way, you can stop at several charming towns, including Glide, which is home to the North Umpqua Trail, and Prospect, which is located near Crater Lake National Park. You can also stop at several state parks, including Toketee Falls and Natural Bridge, where you can see some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls.

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

The McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is another stunning scenic route in Oregon, taking you through the Cascade Range. The route stretches for 82 miles, from Sisters in the north to Springfield in the south. Along the way, you will see some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and dense forests.

The route also takes you through several charming towns, including Sisters, which is famous for its Western-themed downtown area, and McKenzie Bridge, which is located near the McKenzie River Trail. You can also stop at several state parks along the way, including Clear Lake and Proxy Falls, where you can see some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls.

In conclusion, Oregon’s scenic routes offer some of the best ways to experience the state’s natural beauty. Whether you are looking for stunning waterfalls, rugged coastlines, or alpine lakes, there is a scenic route in Oregon that will take you there. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and explore the beauty of Oregon’s scenic routes.