Hit the Road

See Oregon's beauty from some of the most scenic aeas in the state

Oregon's scenic byways are a part of the larger National Scenic Byways Program under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

The program is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States.

The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities.

Why "Scenic" Byways?
Our definition of "scenic" reaches beyond breathtaking vistas. These routes represent the depth and breadth of scenery in Oregon - natural and man-made panoramas; electrifying neon landscapes; ancient and modern history coming alive; native arts and culture; and scenes of friends, families and strangers sharing their stories.

These are gateways to adventures where no two experiences are the same.

	Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway The towering Cascade Mountains provide the backdrop for this scenic drive. They offer fabulous hiking and challenging rock climbing. This Byway also crosses paths with early explorers and trappers like Kit Carson, John C. Fremont, and Nathaniel J. Wyeth.
	Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Oregon A journey along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway can forever change your perspective of nature. The dramatic landscape enfolds and inspires you as the 225-mile journey takes you from the river's edge up to the mountaintop and back down to the valley floor.
	Historic Columbia River Highway The Columbia River is exquisite, and the Columbia River Highway gives travelers the chance to follow this beautiful river for nearly 50 miles. You can also sweep past majestic waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural site in Oregon.
	McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway This Byway flaunts the highest concentration of snowcapped volcanoes (and associated glaciers) in the lower 48 states. Broken Top Mountain and The Three Sisters, along with their waterfalls, tower gloriously above the route.
	Outback Scenic Byway Take an expedition through Oregon's remote and rugged Great Basin Country. Here you can explore volcanic remnants like Fort Rock, find fossils at Fossil Lake, see Old Perpetual Geyser, or visit Albert Rim, the largest geological fault in North America.
	Pacific Coast Scenic Byway This Byway sweeps along the full length of Oregon's stunning coast. Dazzling beaches and hushed temperate rain forests govern the northern section, while sandy beaches, dunes, rugged cliffs, and farms dominate the southern portion.
	Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway From rolling oak-covered hills to towering coniferous forests, from roaring white water rapids to inter-canyon lava flows, the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway, or "highway of waterfalls", entices many with 172 miles of diverse river and mountain adventures.
	Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway Explore the wonder and beauty of a dramatic volcanic landscape, from Crater Lake in Oregon to Mount Lassen in California. Encounter the ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes and snow-capped peaks throughout this driving adventure.
	West Cascades Scenic Byway This 220-mile scenic Byway isn't the shortest route between Portland and Eugene, but it does offer some of the best "up-close and personal" views of thundering waterfalls, lush ancient forests, rushing whitewater, and cool, placid lakes.

We strive to include information on all byways or backways in Oregon. This information may be incomplete or contain byways that overlap.

Information included in this section was provided by and reproduced by permission of the National Scenic Byways / U.S. Department of Transportation