Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway

A National Treasure

Imagine crafting a national treasure on a landscape so beautiful that each viewpoint is protected and people come from all over the world to marvel at its perfection. This is the Historic Columbia River Highway. Whether you are seeing it for the first time or you know every inch by heart, each time you drive, bike, or hike along the Historic Highway, you begin the journey anew.

Construction Began in 1923

The Historic Columbia River Highway was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the modern age.

As its name implies, the Byway is incredibly rich in cultural history. This stretch of the Columbia once served as fishing and meeting grounds for the many indigenous peoples of the Columbia Basin. Oregon Trail Pioneers also traveled down the Columbia in the mid 1800s.

Historic Highway opens in 1916

When the highway first opened in 1916, Teddy Roosevelt praised its scenic grandeur and remarkable engineering. And The Illustrated London News went on to call it “the king of roads.” With its mossy stone walls and graceful viaducts winding past dozens of waterfalls, this All-American Road still reigns as one of the world’s most glorious drives.’

Columbia River Gorge Construction

I-84 & U.S. 30 (Historic Columbia River Highway)

The Columbia River Gorge is one of Oregon’s seven wonders – home to the first highway in the Pacific Northwest, sweeping vistas and rich history. And for more than 100 years, it’s been an important corridor for freight movements, both in the water and on the road.

Over the next several years many construction projects are planned on Interstate 84 between Interstate 205 and Hood River, and on the Historic Columbia River Highway between Troutdale and Hood River.

Each project brings benefits to residents, businesses and visitors by increasing safety, extending the lifespan of the highways or completing a gap in walking and biking infrastructure.

Trip Check and Learn more about each project on the Oregon Department of Transportation website.

Oregon has more designated scenic byways and tour routes than any other state. The Oregon Association of Independent Inns is the only State Association for independent lodging partners and a welcoming property awaits you as you travel the backroads. Enjoy our series of scenic bikeways, byways, and tours posts, helping you to create amazing getaways and tours in Oregon. Thanks Travel Oregon for sharing this information

Start planning your road trip through the Columbia River Gorge by booking a room at a Mt Hood Region property of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.

Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.

Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.

If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:

Your gift certificate does not expire
Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.

Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.

As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.

The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.

Important Notes:

All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.

Questions or Assistance:

If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.

Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.

Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.