Driving The Infinity Loop

Route.

The Infinity Loop’s name stems from the shape of this road trip, which is like a figure eight or the infinity symbol. Regardless of how many stops you make or which way you travel, you can’t go wrong.

Highlights.

High on the must-stop list is Multnomah Falls, which plunges in two cascades totaling 620 feet. A short hike takes you to Benson Bridge for a closer view of the falls and epic photo opportunities. Drive east to another cinema-worthy feat of engineering: the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks. (You might have seen it and the nearby Pacific Crest Trail in the film Wild.) The town hosts Thunder Island Brewing, a local and visitor favorite, with indoor and outdoor seating right along the Columbia River.

Twenty-five minutes down the road you will hit Hood River, which is famous for its windsurfing and kiteboarding. Take a short drive or walk to the river to witness some of the world’s best watersport athletes. Hood River also offers charming downtown shops, breweries, and cideries, (including Full Sail Brewing Company, Double Mountain Brewery, and Fox-Tail Cider & Distillery). You’ll get great views of Mount Hood from town, and a forty-five-mile drive west to Vista House at Crown Point will provide a panoramic Gorge view and true photographic grandeur.

Depending on the season, you might want to veer off course with a thirty-five-mile drive through the “Fruit Loop.” It is a beautiful drive through the Hood RiverValley dotted with orchards, wineries, lavender farms, and more.

If you make the trek to Mount Hood, you won’t be disappointed. There you will find Timberline Lodge, which was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The National Historic Landmark (that served as the exterior for The Shining) now functions as a ski lodge and offers a restaurant, pub, and gift shop for hotel guests and visitors.

Nature.

Be prepared to be wowed by the dramatic landscape. The scenery is there to remind you to slow down and relish the view while sampling some Columbia River Gorge berries, artisanal cheeses, smoked salmon, craft beers, and wines. Whether you hike to a waterfall, sample local brews, or simply enjoy stunning vistas, this road trip is sure to be a favorite memory of your Oregon travels.