Boise to Newport Road Trip Guide

Ontario, OR, is a culturally rich and diverse region, and Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum does an excellent job of celebrating this ethnic diversity in the form of spreading knowledge and awareness. There are several interactive exhibitions and introductory videos that offer everyone a chance to learn about the cultures of groups that helped shape the Ontario region as it stands today.

The museum delves deep into the history and culture of Paiute Native Americans, miners, white settlers, Basque sheep-herders, and Japanese American and Mexican American farm workers. The history ‑ as it often is ‑ is both spirit-lifting and heartbreaking. There are tales of human perseverance and bravery, and tales of human’s atrociousness.

The museum covers every aspect of history. From politics and mining to irrigation and traditions, it exhibits everything in the most interesting manner. Take a tour of this museum and you’ll depart from this place a much better-informed person than you entered.

Deschutes National Forest near Bend, OR, is just the place to stop and camp after a day out learning about history and driving. You can even take a nap in your RV surrounded by nature, and lulled by the rich smell from the pines around you. In winters, you can completely lose yourself here with the number of recreational activities offered.

The entire expanse of the national forest gets blanketed by snow and you can have your pick of any snow sports, including skiing and snowboarding. This retreat is also home to thousandsof migratory elk and deer and you might even come face to face with some.

To be fair, any time of the year is the perfect time to visit the forest. In warmer months, you can pull out your mountain bike from the trailer or take an ATV for a spin. You can also enjoy a pleasant horseback ride in nature or a leisurely hike.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is but a slice of heaven on earth. Regardless of how much time you have already spent surrounded by nature during this road trip, you’ll regret not visiting here.

This scenic area is focused on the passage of the Columbia River that slices through the 4000 feet deep canyon in the Cascade Range and results in amazingly green vistas, lush green forests, picturesque trails, and nearly 100 waterfalls. Multnomah Falls, in particular, will grab your attention, not just because it is the tallest one in the scenic area but beautiful in a way that cannot be described with words.

Save most of your time on this trip for this stop because you need at least a day to see all the viewpoints and enjoy outdoor activities. The most popular and fulfilling activities here include hiking and mountain biking. You can also partake in fishing, kayaking, ziplining, windsurfing and much more.

Make a stop at Salem, OR, to admire the magnificent architecture of the Oregon State Capitol. The building that houses the government today is surrounded by the ardent Oregon State Capitol State Park.

The vibrant flora of the state park contrasts with the stark white marble of the Capitol’s exterior. Catching the sun and providing an Instagram-worthy shot is the gilded Oregon pioneer statue that stands tall on the central tower of the structure.

The statue pays homage to the early settlers of Oregon, and you can get a close-up view of it by climbing 121 steps of a spiral staircase. Adding even more charm to the grand structure are four murals on the inside of the rotunda. It’s a great place to take a break from driving, and just admire the views before you.