Planning a trip to Oregon starts with getting a feel for the place. Oregon is bigger than many travelers expect. This guide offers an easy way to understand the state’s layout, how long it takes to get from place to place and the best ways to arrive.
How Big is Oregon?
Oregon is on the West Coast, right between Washington and California. Oregon covers more than 98,000 square miles — roughly the size of the entire United Kingdom. From north to south it’s about 635 miles (a solid day’s drive) and from west to east it’s about 450 miles (7 to 8 hours).
- I-5 runs north–south through Portland, Salem, Eugene and Medford.
- US-101 traces the full length of the Oregon Coast.
- US-97 is the main highway through Central Oregon, including Bend.
Oregon Regions
- Portland Region: Known for great food, abundant parks, art in every corner and easy access to the outdoors.
- Oregon Coast: 363 miles of public coastline with lighthouses, tide pools and small coastal towns.
- Willamette Valley: Vineyards, farms, covered bridges and Oregon’s historic cities.
- Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge: Waterfalls, windy viewpoints and the state’s highest peak.
- Central Oregon: High desert, lava landscapes, stargazing and the towns of Bend, Sisters and Redmond.
- Southern Oregon: Crater Lake, Shakespeare in Ashland, Rogue Valley wine and river adventures.
- Eastern Oregon: Steens Mountain, ranch country, dark skies and long scenic byways.
Learn more on our regions pages.
Understanding Distances and Drive Times
These drive times give a sense of scale and help you plan a route that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
From Portland
Portland → Cannon Beach: 90 minutes
Portland → Astoria: 2 hours
Portland → Salem: 1 hour
Portland → Eugene: 2 hours
Portland → Bend: 3 to 3.5 hours
Portland → Crater Lake: 5 hours
Portland → Brookings (South Coast): 6.5 hours
From Eugene
Eugene → Florence: 1 hour
Eugene → Bend: 2 hours
Eugene → Crater Lake: 3 hours
From Medford
Medford → Crater Lake: 1.5 hours
Medford → Ashland: 20 minutes
Medford → Brookings: 2.5 hours
From Bend
Bend → Painted Hills: 1.5 hours
Bend → Smith Rock: 30 minutes
Bend → Crater Lake: 2 hours
National Park and Iconic Site Distances
Painted Hills → Bend 1.5 hours
Multnomah Falls → Portland 30–40 minutes
Smith Rock → Bend 30 minutes
Steens Mountain → Bend 4 hours
Oregon Dunes (Florence) → Eugene 1 hour
Cross-State Distances
Astoria → Brookings | 340 miles | 7–8 hours |
Newport → Bend | 130 miles | 2.5–3 hours |
Tillamook → Portland | 75 miles | 1.5 hours |
Coos Bay → Crater Lake | 150 miles | 3 hours |
Baker City → Portland | 300 miles | 4.5–5 hours |
Bend → Ontario | 185 miles | 3 hours |
Which Airport Should I Fly Into?
Choosing an airport often means choosing a starting point, which can cut hours off your drive.
PDX – Portland International Airport: Best for exploring Portland, the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Hood, the North Coast and routes to Central Oregon.
EUG – Eugene Airport: A good starting point for the Willamette Valley, Salem, the mid-Coast and the University of Oregon or Oregon State University.
MFR – Rogue Valley International–Medford Airport: Closest to Crater Lake, Ashland, Rogue River adventures and the Southern Oregon Coast.
RDM – Redmond Municipal Airport (serving Bend): Your gateway to Bend, Sisters, high-desert scenery, Smith Rock and the Painted Hills.
Do you Need a Car?
While a car or RV gives you the most flexibility for visiting multiple regions, many cities are walkable and served by buses, trains and bike routes.
- Learn about traveling by train.
- Learn about bicycling around Oregon.
- See our Transportation page for regional busses, seasonal shuttles, Electric Vehicle charging stations and tour companies.
Explore Our Map
You can search for businesses, landmarks, hotels and more on our interactive map.
You can also order free maps and visitor guides online.
