With sensational coastal routes, verdant forests, mountains capped with snow and plenty more besides, driving in Oregon can be a complete joy. Whether you’re stringing together the towns that line the ocean or navigating the lower slopes of Mount Hood, you’ll find timeless views and make memories that last forever.

Don’t forget that, as you’re in the US, you’ll be driving on the right and overtaking on the left. The maximum speed limit is to be found on rural interstates, where you can drive up to 70mph, although some maintain a limit of 65mph. In towns, you can drive at 45mph on roads with traffic lights, 35mph on other roads. School zones have a top speed of 20mph. All two-land roads in the state have a 55mph limit – and this includes Route 101 which hugs the coast.

That’s perhaps the most scenic drive in the state, while the interstates that criss-cross Oregon are less so, but will get you from A to B quicker. I-5 is the most prominent of these, heading south from Portland all across the state and into California. To travel west to east, take I-84, which runs next to the Columbia River from Portland for a long stretch then drops south-east to the border with Idaho and beyond.

For the heart of the state, take your pick of picturesque drives on US routes. Route 395 will take you north to south, intersecting with Route 26 as it comes down from Mount Hood and through national forests. Route 97 passes through Deschutes National Forest and close to Crater Lake National Park and Klamath Falls, a pathway of natural beauty with numerous places to stop off to soak it all up.

Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, ideal for those who love their cities independent and welcoming, Oregon has it all. You can witness the beauty of highlights like Crate Lake before indulging in the legendary food truck scene of Portland… all before you take in the stellar coastline.

The weird and wonderful

You’ll see ‘Keep Portland Weird’ on many a sign or piece of graffiti once you dip into this most singular of cities. This is a place with a vibe all of its own, and one that it’s keen to preserve. This is one of the least corporate towns in the US, packed with artisan coffee roasters and craft shops where everything is one of a kind.

Stumptown offers fine vistas too – there’s Mount Hood in the distance, a gorgeous waterfront and the truly special Japanese Garden, one of the best beyond the Far East. Both Washington and Forest Park boast woodland trails and local wildlife, while the Rose Test Gardens are home to hundreds of species.

It seems like folly to pick the best food cart or truck – there are many, and new ones springing up all the times – but look out for the heavenly poutine at Potato Champion and the Korean delights of Kim Jong Grillin’.

Crater expectations

Oregon’s south, Crater Lake is the state’s sole national park. Then again, when you have something as awe-inspiring as this, why would you need another? It has to be one of the prettiest lakes in the world, and it’s the US’ deepest, its water sat in the crater of a dormant volcano.

Check ahead to see if it’s visible – sometimes clouds obscure it – and drop by one of the two visitor centres to get a fix on what’s available to do in the park. With the right weather, the boating, hiking and camping spots here are some of the best in the US, while winter sees visitors donning snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Peaks and troughs

Sightseeing is made easy in Oregon – there’s something spectacular to be enjoyed everywhere you look. Head for Mount Hood in the summer for wildflowers and views of the state or visit in the colder months for winter sports. Trace the Columbia River Gorge which separates Oregon from Washington, admiring the numerus waterfalls and canyons, trails and hot springs.

South of Portland, you’ll find Salem, the state capital, and the numerous vineyards and wineries of Willamette Valley. It’s an area with numerous places to park up. Make sure you visit Silver Falls State Park, with plenty of recreational opportunities but also the accessible Trail of Ten Falls Loop hiking trail. As the name suggests, you’ll find 10 waterfalls on the 8-mile route, including some you can hide behind – expect to get wet. Oregon car hire is the very best way to bounce between the borders of this captivating state, allowing you to sample city life, the cool coast and the majesty of Mount Hood.