In a world where overtourism has saturated many popular destinations, savvy roadtrippers are seeking out alternative routes that offer not just breathtaking scenery but also a sense of peace, history, and discovery. The Columbia River Highway in Oregon and the Connecticut River Valley in Connecticut are two such hidden gems, each offering unique landscapes and experiences that can rival any crowded tourist hotspot. These routes invite travelers to slow down, connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of these regions.
The Columbia River Highway, officially known as the Historic Columbia River Highway, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century engineering that winds along the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. As America’s first scenic highway, it was designed not just as a means of transportation but as a way to showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. For roadtrippers looking to escape the busy trails of places like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon, the Columbia River Highway offers a serene alternative that’s equally awe-inspiring.
Your journey along the Columbia River Highway begins in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its vibrant culture and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. As you leave the urban sprawl behind, the highway quickly immerses you in the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. The road itself is a marvel, with its graceful curves and stone guardrails that offer glimpses of the Columbia River below.
One of the first major stops on your journey is Vista House, perched atop Crown Point. This historic observatory offers sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding cliffs. Built in 1918, Vista House was intended as a rest stop for travelers, but its architectural beauty and strategic location make it much more than that. Standing here, you can take in the vastness of the gorge and begin to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape that awaits you.
As you continue along the highway, you’ll enter a section known as Waterfall Alley. This stretch of the Columbia River Highway is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, including the iconic Multnomah Falls. Plunging over 600 feet, Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most visited natural attractions in the state. However, the highway’s lesser-known waterfalls, such as Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls, offer equally stunning views without the crowds.
For those who enjoy hiking, many of these waterfalls are accessible by short trails that lead into the heart of the gorge. The trails vary in difficulty, but all offer an opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s forests, with their towering Douglas firs, ferns, and moss-covered rocks.
Beyond the waterfalls, the Columbia River Gorge itself is a highlight of this road trip. The gorge was carved by cataclysmic floods during the last Ice Age, creating a dramatic landscape of cliffs, canyons, and sweeping river views. The highway offers numerous pullouts and viewpoints where you can stop, stretch your legs, and take in the scenery. Each turn in the road reveals a new perspective, from sheer basalt cliffs to tranquil river scenes where the Columbia flows quietly between Oregon and Washington.
As you continue eastward, the landscape begins to change, transitioning from the dense forests of the western gorge to the drier, more open terrain of the eastern section. Here, the towns of Hood River and The Dalles offer a glimpse into the region’s history and culture. Hood River is a hub for outdoor activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding, thanks to the strong winds that funnel through the gorge. It’s also home to a thriving arts scene and a collection of craft breweries that make it a perfect stop for refreshments and relaxation.
The Dalles, further east, is steeped in history. This town was a key stop on the Oregon Trail, and its past is preserved in several museums and historic sites. The Dalles offers a more laid-back, small-town atmosphere, with opportunities to explore local vineyards, take a scenic river cruise, or simply enjoy the slower pace of life in this part of Oregon.
On the opposite coast, the Connecticut River Valley offers a different but equally rewarding road trip experience. Stretching from the Canadian border to Long Island Sound, the Connecticut River is the longest river in New England, and the valley it carves is a landscape of rolling hills, fertile farmland, and historic towns. This region is a perfect antidote to the overtourism of popular New England destinations like Cape Cod or Acadia National Park.
Begin your journey in Hartford, Connecticut’s capital city. Hartford is home to a wealth of cultural institutions, including the Mark Twain House and Museum and the Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the United States. While Hartford offers urban amenities, it’s also a gateway to the pastoral beauty of the Connecticut River Valley.
Heading south along the Connecticut River, your first stop should be Middletown, a charming town with a lively downtown and a deep connection to the river. Here, you can stroll along the riverfront, take a paddleboat cruise, or explore the campus of Wesleyan University, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant arts scene.
Middletown’s proximity to nature makes it a great base for outdoor activities. The nearby Wadsworth Falls State Park offers hiking trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls, while the rolling hills surrounding the town are perfect for a scenic drive or bike ride.
Continuing south, you’ll reach Essex, a quintessential New England town with a rich maritime history. Essex is home to the Connecticut River Museum, where you can learn about the river’s role in the region’s development, from Native American times through the Industrial Revolution. The museum also offers boat tours that take you out on the river, providing a unique perspective on the valley’s natural beauty.
Essex’s historic downtown is perfect for a leisurely walk, with its tree-lined streets, colonial-era homes, and quaint shops. The town’s location along the river makes it an ideal spot for a picnic or a quiet afternoon by the water.
As you approach the southern end of the Connecticut River Valley, you’ll arrive in Old Saybrook, where the river meets Long Island Sound. Old Saybrook is one of the oldest towns in Connecticut, with a history that dates back to the early 1600s. The town’s historic district is filled with colonial and early American architecture, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
Old Saybrook’s waterfront is a highlight, with views of the Connecticut River as it flows into the sound. The nearby Lynde Point Lighthouse and Saybrook Point Inn provide scenic spots to relax and enjoy the tranquility of this coastal area.
The Connecticut River Valley is not just about the destinations; it’s about the journey itself. The winding roads that follow the river’s course take you through some of New England’s most picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through small towns, farms, and forests that seem untouched by time. The valley’s quiet beauty is a stark contrast to the crowded tourist spots that have become synonymous with New England travel.
Both the Columbia River Highway and the Connecticut River Valley offer roadtrippers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations. These routes invite you to slow down, take in the scenery, and discover the hidden treasures of these regions. Whether it’s the dramatic waterfalls and towering cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge or the rolling hills and historic towns of the Connecticut River Valley, these road trips provide a connection to the land and its history that is increasingly hard to find in today’s overtouristed world.
So, if you’re looking for an alternative to the crowded highways and packed national parks, consider embarking on a journey along the Columbia River Highway or through the Connecticut River Valley. These routes offer a peaceful retreat into some of America’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes, where the road ahead is as inviting as the destination itself.
