Looking for a spring road trip adventure packed with waterfalls, mountain views, charming small towns, and winding scenic highways? Then a road trip to the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood is exactly what you’re looking for! Spring brings new life to the landscape, with wildflowers blooming as snow still caps the peaks. Follow two of Oregon’s most scenic routes – the Historic Columbia Highway Scenic Byway and the Mount Hood Scenic Byway – for an iconic road trip filled with outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
Exploring the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood Scenic Byways
From Eagle Point to the Gorge
Before leaving Eagle Point, make a stop at Eagles Market & Gas for your road trip essentials. Fill up your vehicle with premium fuel and stock up on snacks, drinks, and everyday necessities. Then head north on I-5 with your sights set on the Columbia River Gorge.
The drive to the Gorge takes about five hours, but there are great detours along the way. With a stop at Silver Falls State Park, you can stretch your legs with a short hike on the Trail of Ten Falls and experience the thrill of walking behind a waterfall. Downtown Hood River is a great place to grab a coffee, check out local shops, and gear up for the scenic byways ahead.
As you approach the Gorge, the landscape transforms. Towering basalt cliffs and dense forests frame the mighty Columbia River, and you’ll soon find yourself on one of the most iconic drives in America.
Explore the Columbia River Gorge via the Historic Highway
Once you reach the Gorge, switch off the interstate and cruise the Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway. Built in the early 1900s, the byway was America’s first planned scenic roadway. It was designed to showcase Oregon’s natural beauty, and it still delivers. This 70-mile route is a spring dream, winding past cascading waterfalls, hidden hiking trails, and epic vistas carved by ancient floods.
Multnomah Falls is the crown jewel of the Gorge and a must-see. In the spring, the falls roar with snowmelt, and the surrounding landscape is lush and vibrant. Nearby, shorter hikes to Latourell and Wahkeena Falls offer equally spectacular views without the crowds. At Vista House, you can take in panoramic views of the Columbia River and imagine what early 20th-century travelers felt like on this very same road.
Whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the drive, the Historic Columbia River Highway delivers one scenic surprise after another.
Circle Mount Hood on the Scenic Byway
From the Gorge, make your way south along the Mount Hood Scenic Byway, a loop that leads you around Oregon’s tallest peak and connects you back toward the I-5 corridor. With alpine forests, snowy vistas, and high-mountain lakes, this route is the perfect contrast to the lush canyon walls of the Gorge.
Top stops along the byway include Timberline Lodge, a historic mountain retreat with stunning views and spring skiing (it was also a filming location for The Shining ). Even if you’re not hitting the slopes, the lodge’s rustic charm and dramatic backdrop are worth the visit.
Just a short drive away, Trillium Lake begins to thaw in the spring and reflects the image of Mount Hood like a mirror on calm days. It also has an easy lakeside trail if you’d like to stretch your legs. At Government Camp, a cozy mountain village, you can grab a bite or warm up with hot cocoa before winding your way south.
Take the Scenic Route Back to Eagle Point
On your way back from the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, you can retrace your steps or follow Highway 97 through Central Oregon for wide-open views of the Cascades. Either way, the journey offers plenty of opportunities to stop, stretch, and soak in more of Oregon’s natural beauty along the way.
By the time you pull back into Eagle Point, you’ll have experienced the full range of Oregon’s spring magic – from the thundering waterfalls of the Gorge to the peaceful forests surrounding Mount Hood.
Road Trip Tips for Spring Travel
- Bring waterproof layers
- Check road conditions (especially near Mount Hood)
- Fill up your gas tank before heading into more remote areas
Start Your Spring Getaway at Eagles Market & Gas
This spring, trade crowded beaches for roaring waterfalls, snow-dusted peaks, and scenic byways as you explore the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood. Before you set out for a scenic springtime road trip, stop at Eagles Market & Gas for everything you’ll need on the road. With premium fuel for your vehicle, beverages, snacks, and on-the-go essentials, Eagles Market has you covered. You’ll even find Scratch Dig-In Chicken for a picnic along the way. Start packing – your spring vacation adventure is waiting.