Best Scenic Drives Near Portland, Oregon

The Portland region offers dramatic scenic variety: river gorges, volcanic peaks, coastal highways, and wine country. Most routes are within an hour of the city. Spring and fall offer ideal driving conditions; summer is pleasant but crowded.

Columbia River Gorge / Historic Highway — 30 Miles, 1.5-2 Hours

The most iconic drive near Portland. Interstate 84 follows the Columbia River through a dramatic basalt gorge with waterfalls visible from the road. The slower, more scenic Historic Highway (Route 30) parallels I-84 on the Washington side with multiple waterfall viewpoints and pulloffs.