The most efficient road trip in Oregon. One loop, no backtracking, four landscapes. Portland to the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River, Mt. Hood, Bend, McKenzie Pass, and the Oregon Coast — full 7-day itinerary with honest drive times and 2026 updates.

Oregon’s fall color is not New England. It’s something different — and, if you know where to look, arguably better. Eight drives ranked, the peak windows by elevation, and what to expect from vine maple, larch, and high-desert aspen.