There are few places that can boast the wide variety of landscapes such as those found in Oregon (a prime medical marijuana location). From high deserts to mountains to beautiful coastlines, there’s something there for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you go though, the most epic road trip will always await you.
If you are looking for a guide to the best road trip for Oregon, then look no further!
What to Bring
Every road trip begins with the right supplies. For this kind of road trip, you do have to be prepared for any sort of problem especially because you will be traveling through different terrains. Many byways exist to take you through gorgeous country and some of these byways can be dangerous.
Here’s a list of things that you want to have in your trunk:
- Rope
- One to three gallons of water per person
- Tool kit
- Spare Tire
- Tire Chains
- Car battery charger (manual)
- Emergency blankets
- Spare cold and hot clothes
- Full day’s worth of food per person
Additionally, there are a few things that everyone will need to have access to:
- Cell phone / Smartphone
- Phone chargers
- Glass breaker and seatbelt cutter
- Leatherman
- Snacks
- Bathroom kit (shovel and toilet paper)
Keep in mind that these lists are not there to scare, but there to be proactive. Have these tools ready before you take the drive.
The Main Map
If you have your tools ready, snackage packed, and gas tank filled it’s time to go. Below is a list of the cities in one of the most epic cross-state road trips that give you a glimpse at the big and small, populated and unpopulated. From small towns to big cities, forests to oceans, this road trip will have something for everyone.
- Basque
- Burns
- Bend
- Sisters
- Marion Forks
- Salem
- Portland
- Clear Creek
- Astoria
The first part of the trip travels through some of the plainslands of Oregon then transitions into a high mountain desert. Along the way, there are plenty of small towns to stop in and explore, each with their own charm.
About midway, you’re going to enter forests and mountains and this is where driving can sometimes be a bit tricky if you plan to go off of the main path. Be wise, watch the weather closely, and make sure you know where you are going.
Finally, the last leg of the trip takes you through some of the thickest forests and plops you out along the coastline, right near Canada.
Not only are you going to go through some of the largest cities, but you’ll find heavy tourist spots, little known backwoods towns, and everything in between.
Key Places to Visit
Here are four of some of the top places to visit in Oregon. There are so many stops along the way, you won’t be able to choose where to go, but these four are a solid bet.
The Oxford Hotel
Found in the heart of historical downtown Bend, you won’t find a better place to stop for the day. With the historical district a stone’s throw away, adventures are sure to be had.
Three Creeks Brewing Company
A kid-friendly place to stop and get good food and craft beer, you’ll want to come here again and again.
Stevens Crawford Heritage House
One of the many historical sites found in Oregon, this heritage house focuses on the early 1900’s.
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
At the end of the trip, this reserve is a great place to stop and learn about the natural history of Oregon.
Conclusion
Going on a road trip takes far more planning than many people realize. You have to prepare food, make sure you know where the gas stops are, and also plan what places you actually want to stop at. This guide takes out the guessing work of the game and helps you focus on what the important decisions are such as how many bags of Corn Nuts are you going to buy along the way?
With this guide on hand, it’s time to head out to the closest spot on the map and travel into the unknown. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures and share your experiences below!