With California to the South, Oregon is often a State which is overlooked. I’m going to share a few reasons why to take your road trip there and more importantly, how to plan an Oregon road trip. For me, the main pull of Oregon is Crater Lake, one of the most beautiful places on earth. Other Oregon highlights include Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls, Portland and Astoria which is a famous American movie location. Firstly, let me share how best to plan an Oregon road trip with Kayak, then we’ll explore the things to do in Oregon.
Why Use KAYAK to Organise your Oregon Road Trip?
Using KAYAK you can compare hundreds of travel websites instantly online. Discover the best rate car rentals, hotels and flight prices with KAYAK. KAYAK searches many travel websites at once therefore you’ll find the best option for your road trip. Once you find the best option, simply click through and reserve. The booking process is completed within a few seconds and clicks.
Finding a Hire Car with KAYAK
Arguably, the most important part of an Oregon road trip is the vehicle you drive in. With KAYAK you can find the hire car best suited to your Oregon road trip. Kayak searches hundreds of different car options at once and within seconds. In fact, after searching you’ll likely find great value deals you didn’t even know existed. Upon discovering the best hire car for your trip, simply click and instantly confirm your reservation.
Finding a Hotel with KAYAK
More often than not, it’s best not to book hotels in advance for an Oregon road trip. Consequently, you’ll be able to spend longer in the places you like and pass by the places you don’t. Moreover, it’s likely you’ll discover places you didn’t even know existed whilst exploring Oregon state. If there is a place you know you’ll be like Portland on your first night, go ahead and book in advance through KAYAK. Lastly, download the KAYAK app on your phone in advance and search by location throughout your Oregon road trip.
Oregon Road Trip Inspiration from KAYAK – Mount Hood
The Kayak team have many suggestions for an Oregon road trip. Many of these routes pass several stunning Mount Hood viewpoints. One route which caught my eye is the Columbia River Gorge Infinity Loop. This beautiful road trip follows the Columbia River east from Portland before circling Mount Hood and heading back to Portland. As a result, you’ll witness Mount Hood from many different viewpoints as well as pass by Multnomah Falls.
More Oregon Road Trip Ideas – Crater Lake
I mentioned earlier that Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places on earth. For this reason alone, you must visit Oregon. Before we admire the beauty of Crater Lake, let me share some facts. Firstly, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. Crater Lake formed from a volcanic eruption around 6000 years ago. It’s famous for the dark blue colour and calm waters which reflect the sky above as well as the surrounding landscape. Finally, with your own car, you can drive right up to the side of the lake.
More Crater Lake facts and photography.
Multnomah Falls
If Crater Lake alone doesn’t encourage you to visit Oregon, then take a look at Multnomah Falls. This 186 meter tall waterfall really takes your breath away. What’s more, how about standing on Benson Bridge for an Instagram photo? Multnomah Falls is a 30 minute drive from Portland and there’s a car park a 5 minute walk away. Why not visit early morning before the majority of tourists arrive?
Hells Canyon
Hells Canyon features the deepest river gorge in the United States. Yes, that’s makes Hells Canyon deeper than the famous Grand Canyon in Arizona. Drive along the Oregon / Idaho border whilst in awe at the panoramas revealing themselves in front of you.
Portland
Portland is often overlooked in favour of Seattle and Vancouver (Canada) to the north or San Francisco and Los Angeles to the south. However, those who do make the effort to explore Portland will be rewarded with a hidden gem of the US. Firstly, with the Willamette River, Washington Garden, Japanese Garden and the huge Forest Park on the outskirts, Portland is a green city. What’s more, Portland features stunning architecture which will reward you while you walk the streets. That’s not to mention the endless food and drink options in the city. Finally, Portland is a good place to start and end your Oregon road trip with a well served airport as well as good car hire prices.
Astoria, Goonies Filming Location
If you’re in the mood for a coastal drive to the far north west of Oregon, you’ll reach a peaceful town called Astoria. Astoria may be instantly recognisable to you even though you’ve never been but why? Famous movies filmed in Astoria include, The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Short Circuit as well as The Guardian with Kevin Costner. If you’re staying overnight in Astoria, maybe you could binge watch these movies before exploring the next day.
Ecola State Park
You may recognise the ocean view from Ecola State Park. The beach from Ecola State Park also featured in the Goonies movie. Additionally, more recently it featured in Twilight. Take walking trails in Ecola State Park which offer many different viewpoints over the coves and rainforest-covered cape. Lastly, your own hire car gives you the freedom to stay as long as you want. I recommend you stay late and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Smith Rock State Park
Just from seeing the a picture of Smith Rock it becomes clear this area is popular with rock climbers. Additionally, you can park up and take one of the several hiking trails. The most popular route being the river trail although there are several interlinking trails you can combine. Wildlife in Smith Rock State Park includes golden eagles, falcons, deer, otters and beavers. Lastly, visit during spring time to see nesting raptors in the cliffs.
Silver Falls State Park
Silver Falls State Park features a 50 meter waterfall with a trail behind it. As a result you can see what it’s like behind a waterfall and get a true perspective of its power. Maybe a picture behind the South Falls could be the top Instagram spot in Oregon?
Enjoy Your Oregon Road Trip
Enjoy your Oregon road trip with the freedom to visit where you want when you want. Visit Crater Lake at sunrise when there’s only you and the wildlife about. Witness the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean from Ecola State Park. Pose for photos all by yourself early morning on Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls. Choosing a good value hire car with KAYAK and booking your hotels through the KAYAK app as you explore makes an Oregon road trip the best it could possibly be.
Visiting the United States? Read about a Nevada Road Trip, Colorado Road Trip, Arizona Road Trip, California Road Trip and a USA Road Trip. How about a drive to Olympic National Park in Washington? Alternatively, visit Lassen Volcanic National Park over the border in California.
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