Route 20: Portland to Driggs Through the Heart of the West

This route traces the Oregon Trail from the Willamette Valley across the high desert of Eastern Oregon, through Hells Canyon country, and into the Teton Basin of Idaho. The road—US-26 to OR-201, then I-84, US-20, and ID-33—climbs from sea level to over 7,000 feet at Teton Pass. This 540-mile journey typically takes 9–10 hours of driving time, but most travelers stretch it to two or three days. Did you know this corridor follows portions of the old Oregon Trail? The section near Glenns Ferry, ID, features ruts still visible from 19th-century wagon trains.

A quintessential road trip across the American West, this drive offers everything from lush forests to arid plains, hot springs, and the towering Teton Range. For tips on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide. We’ll break down natural landscapes, fuel stops, family suitability, and more.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (mile 0–80) offers waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and panoramic views from the Vista House. After crossing into Oregon’s high desert, the landscape flattens to sagebrush steppe. The Blue Mountains (mile 200–250) provide a forested climb to over 4,000 feet. Near Baker City, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest offers hiking and fishing. In Idaho, the Snake River Plains are vast and empty, with Craters of the Moon National Monument (mile 450) as a surreal volcanic landscape. Finally, the Tetons rise abruptly near Driggs.

• Must-see: Multnomah Falls, OR
• Photo op: Pendleton Woolen Mills
• Hidden gem: Hells Canyon Overlook near Oxbow, OR

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on this route, but the Oregon Trail ruts in Wyoming and Idaho are part of a UNESCO tentative listing. near Glenns Ferry, ID, you can see preserved ruts. This route also passes near the City of Rocks National Reserve (Almo, ID), which is on the tentative list for its unique geology and pioneer history.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Summer temperatures range from 80°F in the gorge to 100°F in the desert. Winter brings snow to the Blue Mountains and Teton Pass (ID-33 requires chains). Spring offers wildflowers; fall has golden aspens. The route is most scenic in September and October. Morning fog in the gorge clears by midday. Afternoon thunderstorms in the high desert are brief but intense.

Culinary Infrastructure

Portland’s food carts (try Nong’s Khao Man Gai). In Pendleton, the Hamley Steakhouse offers ranch-style meals. Baker City’s Barley Brown’s Brewpub serves award-winning beer. Boise’s Basque Block (Bar Gernika) for pintxos. In the tiny town of Arco, the Pickle’s Place for burgers. Driggs has a handful of cafes like Forage + Fleece. Pack snacks for the long stretches.

Local Commerce & Culture

Pendleton is known for wool mills and the Pendleton Round-Up. Baker City has a historic downtown with Oregon Trail artifacts. Boise offers tree-lined streets, the Idaho Capitor Building, and the Basque Museum. Mountain Home is a military town with a diner strip. Arco is home to the world’s first nuclear power plant (Experimental Breeder Reactor I). Driggs is a growing Teton Valley hub with art galleries and outdoor gear shops.

This route is straightforward and well-maintained. Major highways dominate. I-84 is a four-lane interstate through Oregon and into Boise. US-20 from Boise to ID-33 is a two-lane highway with a 65 mph speed limit. The entire route is paved. Cellular coverage is intermittent east of Boise, especially on US-20 between Mountain Home and Arco. Download offline maps.

• Fuel Economics: Gas stations are sparse east of Mountain Home. Fill up in Boise. Prices drop in Idaho compared to Oregon. Expect $3.50–$4.00 per gallon.
• Road Quality: Oregon interstates are excellent. Idaho highways are good with occasional patches. Watch for frost heaves in spring. Snow in winter.
• Restrooms: Rest areas every 50–70 miles. Plenty of gas stations and fast food. Cleanest rest areas: Baker City Rest Area (OR) and Snake River Rest Area (ID).

Best stops Portland, OR to Driggs, ID are concentrated around the Columbia River Gorge, the Blue Mountains, and the Snake River Plain. Plan for a fuel stop in Pendleton, OR (mile 210) and an overnight in Boise or Mountain Home. Is it worth driving this route in one day? Only if you start early and share driving. Most recommend a two-day trip for scenic appreciation.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

I-84 through Oregon is safe with wide shoulders and median barriers. Idaho’s two-lane roads lack medians; head-on collisions are rare but possible. Deer and elk are common at dawn/dusk near the Blue Mountains and Tetons. Avoid driving at night on US-20. Every town has a sheriff’s office. Cell coverage: reliable on interstates, spotty on US-20.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is family-friendly with regular rest stops and kid-friendly attractions. Pendleton’s Children’s Museum, Baker City’s Oregon Trail Interpretive Center (interactive exhibits), and Boise’s Zoo Boise. The drive is long, so plan for 30-minute activity breaks. Most hotels have pools. In Driggs, Grand Targhee Resort offers summer alpine slides and hiking.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Many hotels along the route accept pets (La Quinta, Motel 6). Rest areas have pet areas. Hiking in national forests is dog-friendly. In Craters of the Moon, dogs must be leashed. Driggs has a fenced dog park. Carry water and poop bags.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles. Ideal rest stops: Rowena Crest Viewpoint (OR, mile 75), Emigrant Springs State Park (OR, mile 225), Snake River Rest Area (ID, mile 370). Caffeine: coffee at Dutch Bros in Pendleton. If drowsy, pull over at a rest area. Don’t rely on shoulder parking.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just off US-20 near Arco, you can visit the EBR-I museum (free, open summer). Another detour: Silver City ghost town, south of Mountain Home, requires 4WD. Near Driggs, hike to Darby Canyon Wind Cave (a 6-mile round trip with a natural arch). These add depth to your road trip from Portland to Driggs.