If you want to get away from it all, head east toward the Historic Columbia River Highway. This scenic road is over 100 years old and was meant for touring the beauty of the gorge, making it a perfect escape from your day-to-day life. Hop on the slow-moving highway and pass by waterfalls, scenic viewpoints and forested beauty on this journey miles away from it all.
Stretching 75 miles between Troutdale and The Dalles, this scenic highway has plenty of distance to put between you and your everyday life.
Kara Brugman / Flickr
Started in 1913 and finished in 1922, this picturesque highway passes next to several waterfalls alongside its twisting turns and scenic viewpoints.
Kirt Edblom / Flickr
One of the most famous spots along the highway is Crown Point’s Vista House.
Andrewmw91 / Flickr
Sitting high on the gorge, this historic house was built in 1918 and has some of the best views imaginable of the gorge.
KaCey 97078 / Flickr
Continuing east from Crown Point, the highway twists and turns and enters a fern-covered paradise that gives way to waterfalls.
A.F. Litt / Flickr
Passing by 5 waterfalls in 8 miles, including the most famous, Multnomah Falls, the highway is built for cruising and getting lost in the beauty of the gorge.
Adam Mizrahi / Flickr
If you want, you can get out of the car and hike to the visible falls or you can delve deeper into the woods to an off-road waterfalls such as Horsetail Falls, Triple Falls, or Oneota Falls.
Joe Parks / Flickr
Whatever you do, be sure to stop and get some great glimpses of the Columbia on your journey.
Scott Smithson / Flickr
In Hood River, the highway ends to motorized traffic until Mosier, so you can either take the Mt Hood Scenic Byway or continue on foot or bike.
Oregon Ducatisti / Flickr
This 5-mile section of the highway is carved out of the gorge and is a perfect strip of non-motorized land that is a cyclist and pedestrian dream with its sweeping views.
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
While this stretch of highway celebrated its 100th birthday last year, things have not changed too much outside of ongoing restoration. You can still see some classic cars every once in awhile, which will throw you back to a simpler time.
A.F. Litt / Flickr
Finish your drive by watching the sun set on the way back. The sun going down in the gorge is an amazing sight, and one that should definitely be included on this epic drive.
Rob DeGraff / Flickr
What is your favorite driving road in or around Portland? Let us know in the comments below.
Kara Brugman / Flickr
Kirt Edblom / Flickr
Andrewmw91 / Flickr
KaCey 97078 / Flickr
A.F. Litt / Flickr
Adam Mizrahi / Flickr
Joe Parks / Flickr
Scott Smithson / Flickr
Oregon Ducatisti / Flickr
OakleyOriginals / Flickr
Rob DeGraff / Flickr
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