Oregon is not all rain, dense forests, and chai-tea stands. Take a trip inland and within 300 miles you'll experience lava fields, high-altitude desert, and pristine river valleys that evoke visions of Lewis and Clark canoeing toward the Pacific. Throw in rugged mountain ranges, countless trout streams, and the U.S. kite-surfing capital at Hood River and the journey becomes a thrill for every member of the family. So pack up the car (Cookie road-tested the Cadillac SRX, a midsize SUV with a panoramic sunroof) and head for the open road. The best weather is from July to September, but most routes remain passable year-round—just remember your rain gear if traveling between November and March.
Next Page: Day 1: Portland to Mt. Hood
