A curated selection of the most breathtaking mountainous routes and destinations in the Pacific Northwest, ideal for travelers seeking dramatic alpine scenery, winding passes, and memorable driving experiences through Washington and Oregon.
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Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway before turning west toward the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. This route offers stark volcanic landscapes, lush forest tunnels, and awe-inspiring views of Mount St. Helens' rebuilt crater.
Navigate the challenging, switch-backing road to Sunrise, the highest point in the park. The drive provides unparalleled panoramic views of the glacier-capped peak and vast alpine meadows that bloom with wildflowers in summer.
Known as 'The Highway to the Olympics,' this route cuts through rugged, glaciated peaks with steep drop-offs and serene lakes. It is a premier destination for hikers and drivers seeking remote, wild mountain scenery without crowds.
Connecting Yakima to the Canadian border via Skagit Valley, this road climbs over 3,000 feet with hairpin turns and historic bridges. The drive is celebrated for its wildflower displays and stunning vistas of the North Cascades.
Explore the North Cascades Highway's eastern segment, passing through old-growth forests and alongside the Skykomish River. The route connects seamlessly with Highway 2, offering secluded campgrounds and trailheads for adventurous motorists.
Climb from the Clackamas River Valley up to Park Avenue, winding through dense forests and meadows. The road terminates near the Timberline Lodge, offering easy access to skiing, hiking, and iconic views of Mount Hood.
Take the historic paved road up to the National Historic Landmark lodge at 6,000 feet elevation. The drive itself is a scenic experience, ending with panoramic views of the Glacier Basin and the Columbia River Gorge below.
Drive the lower portion of Mount Hood's scenic loop, stopping at dramatic waterfalls and old-growth stands. This segment is less crowded than the upper loops and offers intimate encounters with Oregon's temperate rainforest ecosystems.
Winding along the South Santan River toward the Three Sisters Wilderness, this route features deep canyons and old-growth forests. It serves as a gateway to the Willamette National Forest and is perfect for autumn foliage viewing.
Join the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail's driving counterpart, featuring iconic waterfalls like Multnomah. The road hugs the river gorge, offering frequent pull-offs for photography and access to the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Known as the 'Mountain View Highway,' this route climbs into the Umpqua National Forest with sharp curves and high-elevation vistas. It offers a more rugged, less-traveled alternative to Highway 99E, with stunning views of the Cascade crest.
Ascend the winding road to Diamond Peak Ski Area, passing through dense Douglas fir forests and rocky outcrops. The summit provides 360-degree views of the Cascade Range and is a popular spot for mountain biking in the off-season.
Circle the deepest lake in the United States on a high-elevation paved road. The route features numerous pullouts for viewing the caldera's steep walls, Wizard Island, and the vibrant blue waters, all under clear high-desert skies.
Access the historic Watchman Overlook via a short drive from Rim Village. This spot offers one of the most famous perspectives of Crater Lake, especially during sunset when the lake's colors shift from deep blue to violet.
Explore the lower section of the rim drive, stopping at historic restrooms and ranger stations. The drive is gentle and accessible, providing educational context about the volcano's formation while maintaining stunning visual impact.
Drive from Klamath Falls toward the Cascade Mountains, passing through high-desert landscapes that gradually transition into pine forests. The route offers quieter mountain driving with occasional views of the Fremont-Winema National Forest.
While primarily coastal, the eastern approaches to the Siuslaw Highway climb into the Coast Range mountains. Drivers can enjoy views of ancient rainforests and deep river valleys, blending maritime and alpine environments.
Climb to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Mount Adams, the second highest peak in Washington. The drive offers serene lake views and access to wildflower-rich meadows, often less crowded than other Cascade destinations.
Navigate the rougher gravel roads leading to the Goat Rocks Wilderness area near Mount Rainier. These routes provide a rugged driving experience with unparalleled views of the southern Cascade Range and diverse wildflower habitats.
Drive from Eugene into the Willamette National Forest, winding past Lake Washington and toward the Three Sisters. The highway offers continuous mountain scenery, with numerous trailheads and campgrounds accessible directly from the road.