Choosing a road trip in the state of Oregon begins as a drive and ends as a voyage in the land of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you enjoy the sight of rugged shores, gigantic mountains, or vast desert lands, you will find them all in Oregon for an exciting road trip. It can show you everything from pretty fishing villages in the coastal zone to stunning impressive natural attractions.
Why Oregon is the Best for a Road Trip
An Oregon road trip is perfect because the state can be described as diverse. Think about a four-wheel drive along the densely wooded terrains, the cliffs of the marine coastline, and the vast sandy planes in one route. The numerous attractions in Oregon besides the scenery are as follows; The richness of culture in the state makes every stop on your road trip worth a visit.
Staring Your Oregon Road Trip
The following are some of the tips that should be considered before going on with the Oregon road trip. The best period to go for a road trip is during the autumn particularly the late spring and early autumn seasons as the weather is good and free from traffic congestion. Some of the items that one has to ensure that he or she has included some of the most important items include boots for hiking, folded clothes for the varying weather conditions, and a good GPS or map.
Scenic Drives of Oregon
The Pacific Coast Highway (US-101)
An Oregon road trip would not be cool if I did not take a window along the Pacific Coast Highway US 101. There are many beaches, and beautiful sights along the coastline, several coastal towns, and many state parks. Some of these places are Oregon dunes, Cannon Beach Town, and Tillamook Cheese Factory with all these places you can taste Oregon delicacies.
The Columbia River Gorge
Another place that you should not miss on your trip to Oregon is the Columbia River Gorge. It is most famous for waterfalls with the Multnomah Falls being among the most popular ones. In the course of the trip, one can engage in various activities such as hiking and visiting interesting places like the Bonneville Dam.
The Cascade Loop
If there’s one thing that mountain lovers will adore while on a road trip in Oregon, it’s the Cascade Loop. This route drives you through the splendid Cascade Mountains’ with picnic station and beautiful townships like Bend. Try not to visit the Crater Lake National Park which is one of the most stunning attractions of the Cascade Loop.
The High Desert Route
Discover a lesser-known part of Oregon on the High Desert Route. This road trip introduces different parts of the desert that are interesting to visit with the two noticeable attractions being the Painted Hills and the Alvord Desert. The trip is quite interesting given the difference between the deserts that you crossed and the forests you have earlier been through.
Must-Visit Destinations
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake should not be missed when planning for a road trip in Oregon. The Crater Lake is famous for its water, which is deep blue, and cliffs and tourist attractions include hiking and walking, boat riding, cruises, and car drives along Crater Lake’s shores. Perhaps, it’s one more feature that enlivens your trip and brings a touch of fairy tale in the remaining part of the journey.
Mount Hood
It does not matter if you plan to visit Mount Hood for a few hours or days, the volcano has something for everyone on your Oregon road trip. During winter it is also a center for skiing and snow-boarding activities due to the cold environment that prevails during this season.
Painted Hills
Another interesting geological formation that cannot be missed is the Painted Hills. Although these are hills, they are quite picturesque and offer some good photographic moments a splendid way to visit these hills is by trekking through the trails formed here where the colors of the hills are best displayed.
Well Kept Secrets with the Route
Smith Rock State Park
Smith Rock State Park is one of the offbeat attractions on your drive through the Oregon state. It is popular for rock formations in the area and has an opportunity for climbing and it is also a good area for photographers and people interested in the outdoors.
Silver Falls State Park
Another attraction that can be found in Silver Falls State Park is the Trail of Ten Falls which will attract all lovers of waterfalls. This trail provides you with an opportunity to enjoy ten various waterfalls, so this is one of the most valuable highlights of your trip to Oregon.
Alvord Desert
The Alvord Desert is one of the places that offer a remote experience. This excellent desert-like sedimentary formation is perfect for camping and a natural bath in natural hot springs. A relaxed stop when on your Oregon trip.
Wallowa Mountains
The Wallowa Mountains for me offer a picturesque, and quite a wild experience on your otherwise exciting road trip through Oregon. Walking and camping within the park will help you discover the park’s beauty if not for the crowd that opposes it.
Food and Drink During Your Oregon Road Trip
Local Oregon Cuisine
Road-tripping through and in Oregon is also a feast for the tongue. Taste the Oregon’s local options such as fish products, and cheese, and the real Oregon bits such as farm-to-plate foods. There are delicious meals from each region that are none other than the good foods that you will get from those regions that are associated with their production.
Craft Breweries and Coffee Culture
Oregon is known to have numerous craft breweries and great coffee. When traveling on a road trip, take time to discover breweries across these places where you get to taste peculiar beers as well as coffee shops providing rich and flavorful coffee.
Accommodation Options in Oregon Road Trip
Camping and RV Parks
Outdoor lovers can choose to take a camping and RV park since they offer accommodation if you are on your Oregon road trip. To this end, there is post after post of campgrounds and RV sites with beautiful scenery and wildlife within proximity.
Unique Stays
Think about getting accommodations that are different from the usual Inn, Motel or Hotel like log cabins, Tree houses, or trendy hotels. They can enhance your Oregon road trip and create a rather unique overall impression.
Budget-Friendly Lodging
Needless to say, if you want to find cheap motels or lodgings, Oregon is loaded with great places for this. There is a generous offer of economical motels and inns that you can find when planning your journey so that you safely pull off to the side of the road to rest.
Travel Safety Tips: Your Oregon Road Trip
To a certain extent, you must plan before driving in Oregon particularly if you are going to explore the rural areas. Note that depending on the place you’re going, there may be various kinds of weather or even specific natural disasters, and your automobile is in the proper state.
Sustainable Travel Tips
The good news is that it is possible to have an environmentally responsible road trip in Oregon with some easy changes. Nonetheless, lower your overall influence on the environment by reducing waste, patronizing local producers, and avoiding disruption of ecosystems.
Conclusion
An Oregon road trip is a trip of discovery of new areas, variety, interesting activities, and events. Much as general tourists may set off with anticipation of a place that they will tour, they will never ask for a different scenery since Oregon has it all. Folks, start planning your road trip today and get ready for the journey of your lifetime across one of the most picturesque states of the U.S.
FAQs
When is the best time of year to go on a Oregon road trip?
The preferable time to be on Oregon roads is from late May up to September because of its fine weather and free from the usual traffic congestion.
How many hours to drive through the length of the state of Oregon?
Crossing through Oregon usually takes about 8-10 hours depending on the specific road or highway to be taken and also the number of stop-overs that one considers necessary.
Are there tollways in Oregon road trip?
There are no toll roads in Oregon and this is very encouraging for road users.
Which are the best Scenic byways in Oregon road trip?
The most popular auto-touring are Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway), the Columbia River Gorge, and the Cascade Loop.
Is it possible to camp anywhere in Oregon road trip?
When it comes to camping many areas have formal camping grounds and areas for recreational vehicles but otherwise, camping is only permissible in certain zones.
