Autumn is the best driving season in Oregon. The summer traffic thins out, the light gets low and long, and from late September the colour comes in across the Gorge and the mountain. Four routes worth the day, all comfortably doable from Portland.
1. The Historic Columbia River Highway
Roughly 90 miles round trip · half a day · peak colour late September to late October
The classic Oregon drive, and the one to do first if you only do one. The old highway runs above the Columbia through a corridor of waterfalls, Latourell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah, with the Vista House at Crown Point looking out over the whole gorge.
Go early. It is popular, parking near Multnomah Falls fills by mid-morning, and some access points require a timed permit in peak season. Check current requirements before you leave.
What to drive: anything. The road is paved, slow and scenic. This is a drive where comfort matters more than capability.
2. The Mt Hood Loop
Roughly 120 miles round trip · a full day · best late September through October
Out on Highway 26 through Sandy and Government Camp, up to Timberline Lodge, then down the other side through Hood River and back along the Columbia. The larch and the vine maple turn, the mountain is usually out, and the fruit loop orchards around Hood River are at harvest.
Timberline Lodge is worth the detour up the access road even if you do not stop long. Conditions change fast at that elevation in autumn, check before you go.
What to drive: an SUV. Ground clearance and all-wheel drive are useful on the mountain roads once the weather turns. Our Mercedes GLE or the Jeep Wagoneer both suit this route.
3. Cannon Beach and the North Coast
Roughly 160 miles round trip · a full day · autumn is arguably the best season
Highway 26 west through the Coast Range to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, then north to Ecola State Park for the view down the coastline. Autumn on the Oregon coast means storms, empty beaches and far fewer people than July.
Bring layers and expect weather. That is the point of it.
What to drive: something with space for wet coats and boots. The Wagoneer at eight seats suits a group; a GLE suits a smaller one.
4. The Willamette Valley
Roughly 100 to 140 miles round trip · a full day · September and October are harvest
Southwest on 99W through Newberg, Dundee and Carlton. Harvest is the valley's peak season, crush underway, vines turning, and the busiest tasting rooms of the year.
If the group is tasting, plan the driving first. One designated driver, or one vehicle with someone who is not drinking.
What to drive: for a group, one vehicle rather than a convoy. Our 12-seat Sprinter is what most wine country groups book.
A note on mileage
Our rentals include 200 miles per day, with additional miles at $1.25. Every route above fits inside a single day's allowance. Bend and Crater Lake do not, they are around 350 and 500 miles round trip respectively, and are better planned as multi-day trips.
Getting the car
We deliver anywhere within 25 miles of Portland, Oregon for $120, so the drive starts at your front door rather than at a rental counter. Minimum rental is two days, which suits a weekend of two routes.
Questions
When is peak autumn colour near Portland?
Late September through October in the Columbia River Gorge and on Mt Hood. Lower elevations in the city turn later, often into November.
Do you need a special vehicle for the Mt Hood loop?
Not in early autumn. Once snow arrives, all-wheel drive and clearance help, and traction devices may be required. Check conditions before you go.
What is the best autumn day trip from Portland?
The Historic Columbia River Highway if you have half a day. The Mt Hood loop if you have a full one.