Scenic Drives
Did you know that driving for pleasure is one of the most popular forest recreation activities? Upwards of 1.2 million people visit Mt. Hood National Forest each year primarily to view the scenery from their vehicle or to visit historic and scenic waysides
Scenic Byways in Mt. Hood National Forest
The National Scenic Byways program is a grass-roots collaboration effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States. The program is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation recognizes certain roads as All-American Roads or National Scenic Byways based on one or more archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. These roads are collectively known as America’s Byways.
Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway
Mt Hood National Scenic Byway follows an exhilarating route around the south side of Mt. Hood, offering outlooks of striking geologic diversity. Experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road.
West Cascades National Scenic Byway
West Cascades National Scenic Byway is a 220-mile drive extending from Estacada to Westfir, Oregon. This byway offers some of the best up-close views of thundering waterfalls, ancient forests, rushing whitewater, and cool, placid lakes.
Other Scenic Byways near Mt. Hood National Forest
Historic Columbia River Highway winds through the Columbia River Gorge providing spectacular vistas and intimate encounters with numerous waterfalls. When driven in tandem with Mt. Hood National Scenic Byway, the Columbia River Highway closes the loop around Mt. Hood.