Over the River and Through the Woods: The Ultimate Fall Road Trip Begins in Troutdale!

There’s a crispness in the air. Leaves are shifting from vibrant greens to golden yellows, fiery reds, and oranges as the road winds its way through farm country, charming small towns, and breathtaking vistas. Troutdale is the perfect starting point to explore the natural wonders of Oregon in all of their autumnal glory!

Your journey begins with two scenic drives that bring you up close and personal to some of the most awe-inspiring views in the Pacific Northwest.

The Historic Columbia River Highway 

The terminus of America’s first scenic highway starts in historic downtown Troutdale. Heading east, you’ll cross the Sandy River before meandering your way into the woods, kicking off a beautiful drive past historical sites, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil, country farms.  

Vista House at Crown Point
Perched on a promontory 700 feet above the iconic Columbia River, this historic, 1917 Art Nouveau-style building offers an extraordinary, panoramic view of the western gorge. Read about updating parking fees for this location here.

Waterfall Corridor 
The world-renowned Waterfall Corridor features a breathtaking collection of the highest concentration of waterfalls in the country. One look and you’ll know why the Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest. The grandest of the Gorge’s waterfalls, and also one of the highest, it features a 620-foot plunge between two towering tiers. 

Keep in mind that the section from Multnomah Falls to Oneonta is closed for viaduct repair. Read the latest construction updates here.  

Bonneville Lock and Dam
It took four years for 3,000 workers clocking non-stop, eight-hour shifts, 24 hours a day, to build the Bonneville Dam, which was completed in 1938. As you visit this National Historic Site, be sure to check out the underwater windows that allow you to watch the salmon migrate up the fish ladder. 

Cascade Locks
You’ll find native fish markets and craft breweries in this charming, small town in the heart of the Gorge. It’s also home to the Bridge of the Gods, a modern toll bridge connecting Oregon to Washington. It was named for a natural land bridge that once spanned the Columbia River and served as one of the main crossing points for Native Americans before it collapsed, creating the Cascade Rapids.

Learn more about points of interest along the Historic Columbia River Highway!

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway

Running just over 100 miles, the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway follows the path of the old Barlow Road, a rough and tumble wagon trail built in the 1840s that served as the final section of the Oregon Trail. 

The Fruit Loop
Farm stands, u-picks, lavender fields, cideries, orchards, wineries… the famed Hood River Fruit Loop is ripe for the picking. This magnificent rural farm experience will take you along 35 miles of scenic country roads on a self-guided tour, passing through portions of the 14,500 acres of lush pears, apples, and cherries that cover the valley. Delicious!

Mt. Hood National Forest
The loop around the mountain begins as you climb out of the valley, taking in incredible views of the 11,249’ summit and basin below. After OR-35 merges with US-26, stretch your legs with an easy, 1.9-mile hike on the Trillium Lake Loop that promises postcard-perfect views. Make another pit stop at the Timberline Lodge, which might look familiar. The resort served as the exterior of the hotel in The Shining.

Villages of Mt. Hood
As you meander away from Mt. Hood, the Sandy River Valley will take you past the towns of Rhododendron, Zigzag, and Welches, home to the 550-acre Wildwood Recreation Site. This beautiful, forested land of old-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar sits in the bend of the wild and wonderful Salmon River.

Ready to go? Learn more about the sights and sounds of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway!