Columbia River Gorge - Scenic Drives

A popular way to experience the Gorge is via the Historic Columbia River Highway, the first federally designated scenic highway in the U.S. Much of the charming historic route, which runs adjacent to Interstate 84, can now be biked or driven.

For a longer drive, some make a loop of the Columbia River Highway, crossing at Cascade Locks to return west via Hwy. 14 on the Washington side to view Oregon's cliffs across the water from that small byway. Many visitors and natives also make a scenic driving loop from Portland, south to U.S. 26 and Route 35 over Mount Hood, west through the Gorge and back to Portland.

Contact the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area at (541) 308-1700 for more detailed info on driving or riding the historic highway. Click on any scenic byway or backway listed below for complete information.