134 miles - 3 hour 15 minutes

This is the northern section of one of America's, if not the world's, great coastal drives, the Oregon Coast Highway. Heading south from Astoria where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean, it takes in rugged coastline; wide open beaches just made for kite-flying; the world's smallest natural harbor; and, oh yes, a cheese factory. ...

50 miles, about 3 to 5 hours

Willamette Valley Wine Country is less than an hour's drive from Portland via I-5 South. Note: Willamette is pronounced "wih-lam-it" (rhymes with dammit) and folks around there are sensitive about saying it right. Picture rolling hills carpeted with vineyards in varying stages of growth. Pace yourself. There are ...

175 miles, about 5 to 7 hours

When it comes to preserving and sharing coastal treasures, Oregon does it right. Around 80 state and national parks, recreational areas and scenic overlooks and nine historic lighthouses line Highway 101 south of Astoria. Oceanfront fishing villages boast friendly folks, fresh Pacific Coast cuisine and delightful diversions. ...

77 miles – 2 hours 45 minutes

‘Majestic’ is the adjective that springs most readily to mind when describing this most scenic of byways (which is actually split into two separate sections). Steep hills and cliffs rise up from the broad waters of the Columbia and you’ll find your drive being constantly interrupted by the temptation to follow a trail to a waterfall or stop off at a viewing point. ...

204 miles, 5.5 hours

This is a beautiful drive on U.S. Highway 195 through the plains of eastern Washington, changing to Wash. Highway 129/Ore. 3 at Clarkston, Wash., through the beautiful mountains of far northeastern Oregon. The road is slow but gorgeous as it winds down into a canyon and back up again, ...