Part of our Oregon guide.
3 places and guides from our Oregon coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: 9 Breathtaking Road Trips In Medford, Oregon and Lost Pioneer Routes Of Oregon's High Desert.
How To Plan An Oregon Road Trip With Kayak
Plan an Oregon road trip with a kayak by mapping your route around the state’s major waterways, packing essential gear (life jacket, spray skirt, paddle, and dry bags), and checking seasonal conditions before you go. Oregon’s rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries offer year-round paddling, but spring snowmelt can create fast currents on rivers like the Deschutes and Willamette, while summer brings calm conditions ideal for beginners on Crater Lake and the Smith River. For a multi-day trip, reserve campsites at state parks along the coast or at national forest campgrounds near the Cascade lakes; many require advance booking up to six months ahead.
Scenic Stops: An Epic Itinerary For An Oregon Coast Road Trip
Stretching from the northern border with Washington to the southern border with California, the Oregon coast boasts views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine beaches, and outdoor adventures. Start in Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River, then head south on U.S. Route 101. Key stops include Cannon Beach (home to Haystack Rock), the Tillamook Cheese Factory tour, and the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. For tidepooling, visit the interpretive center at Cape Perpetua during low tide. End the day in Newport or Yachats, where you can find lodging in the $100–$200 range per night depending on season. The route covers roughly 350 miles; allow at least three days to avoid rushing.
The Ultimate Oregon Road Trip - Be My Travel Muse
Start in Portland, then take I-84 east to the Columbia River Gorge (30 minutes from downtown). Visit Multnomah Falls (free, year-round), then continue to Hood River for windsurfing or hiking. Drive south on Highway 35 to Mount Hood, where Timberline Lodge offers ski access in winter and hiking in summer. From there, head to Crater Lake National Park (entrance fee $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days). The Rim Drive (33 miles) circles the lake with overlooks every few miles; it is typically open from late June through October. End the trip in Bend, where you can explore the Deschutes River Trail or the high desert landscapes east of the city. This loop covers about 500 miles and works well over five to seven days.
Along the way, look for hidden landscapes and secrets in Oregon such as the Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil Beds, or the ghost towns and hidden villages in Oregon like Sumpter and Shaniko. For a quieter day, seek out secret lakes and mountain springs in Oregon, including the turquoise waters of Lost Lake near Mount Hood.
