AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway

Oregon
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Summertime in the Hood River Valley · Public Domain. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

On this byway, volcanoes once erupted and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges. Discover geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers. Explore pastoral valleys with farm-fresh produce. Experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road. Enjoy this bountiful wonderland that the pioneers called paradise.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
From Middle Mountain, a sweeping view of Mt. Hood is presented.
Summertime in the Hood River Valley
Public Domain. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service · Photo credits
Next to evergreens, a smattering of trees show the touch of fall. The snowcapped peak of Mt. Hood provides a lovely backdrop.
Autumn in the Mountains
Public Domain. Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.