While the Pacific Northwest is known for its expansive evergreen forests, there are still plenty of changing trees all around to enjoy in the fall. Here are seven country roads that can take you far away from city life and drop you in the middle of a fall foliage spectacular. Take these roads this weekend and get away from it all, even if it is just for a short time.
- Columbia River Highway
Scott McCracken / Flickr Crossing a beautiful swath of land from Troutdale to the Dalles, this 100-year-old highway is a local treasure. Cruise a stretch of the scenic highway and enjoy the trees changing colors, as well as several waterfalls viewable from the car along the path.
- Hood River Fruit Loop
Pete / Flickr Enjoy this loop through orchard country on its own from the I-84, or combine it together with the Columbia River Highway drive for a lovely scenic trip that will pop with fall colors.
- Oregon State Highway 99
Doug Kerr / Flickr Once you break free from the suburban sprawl that spills onto Highway 99 near Portland, there is a lovely stretch of wide open road and amazing foliage to enjoy.
- Oregon State Highway 22
Doug Kerr / Flickr While you are down in wine country, take a meander on Highway 22 west for some impressive views and lovely fall foliage.
- Oregon State Highway 18
Doug Kerr / Flickr Pick up on Highway 18 in McMinnville and head southwest towards Sheridan for a lovely fall drive with an impressive mix of changing foliage and evergreens.
- Oregon State Highway 47
Doug Kerr / Flickr Hop on Highway 47 around Banks and take this country road north through beautiful scenery to Clatskanie before meeting up with State Road 30 and the I-5 home.
- Oregon State Highway 213
Doug Kerr / Flickr Take this scenic road near Silverton for a refreshing break from city life and enjoy the changing trees and sweeping views.
What are your favorite country roads near Portland? Share in the comments below.
Scott McCracken / Flickr
Crossing a beautiful swath of land from Troutdale to the Dalles, this 100-year-old highway is a local treasure. Cruise a stretch of the scenic highway and enjoy the trees changing colors, as well as several waterfalls viewable from the car along the path.
Pete / Flickr
Enjoy this loop through orchard country on its own from the I-84, or combine it together with the Columbia River Highway drive for a lovely scenic trip that will pop with fall colors.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
Once you break free from the suburban sprawl that spills onto Highway 99 near Portland, there is a lovely stretch of wide open road and amazing foliage to enjoy.
While you are down in wine country, take a meander on Highway 22 west for some impressive views and lovely fall foliage.
Pick up on Highway 18 in McMinnville and head southwest towards Sheridan for a lovely fall drive with an impressive mix of changing foliage and evergreens.
Hop on Highway 47 around Banks and take this country road north through beautiful scenery to Clatskanie before meeting up with State Road 30 and the I-5 home.
Take this scenic road near Silverton for a refreshing break from city life and enjoy the changing trees and sweeping views.
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