THE ROADS TO RICHES.

Byline: Mark Baker The Register-Guard

Two words: Road trip. Otter uttered them in "Animal House," and now we're uttering them to you.

Because if you're reading this, there's a good chance you live in Lane County. Or at least in Oregon. And if not, you probably lived here once, or maybe you're thinking of moving here; either because of a choice made by you, or your parents, or your grandparents, or someone, somewhere down the line. And that choice probably had something to do with this word: beauty.

As in "pleasing to the eye." As in "scenic."

And that's what the Oregon Scenic Byways are all about. Hitting the road and seeing the beauty of this place we call home.

It's also a way to market Oregon and promote tourism.

"Oregon is pretty much leading the country in marketing our byways," says Michelle Godfrey, a spokeswoman for Travel Oregon, the promotional agency of the Oregon Tourism Commission. "We're setting an example for other states to follow."

The Oregon Scenic Byways Program is part of the National Scenic Byways Program created in 1992 by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration to recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the contiguous 48 states.

Oregon is tied with Colorado for the most recognized scenic byways (10) in the nation, says Pat Moran, manager of the state's scenic byways program for the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Oregon was one of the first states to take advantage of federal dollars and join the national program, Moran says. The state's first designated byway was U.S. Highway 101, a natural and obvious selection that runs the entire length of the Oregon Coast, from Astoria to Brookings. The highway is now one of four listed in Oregon as an "All-American Road" with the national program, along with the Historic Columbia River Highway, the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway in Eastern Oregon and the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway that runs from Crater Lake to Lassen Peak in Northern California.

After the designation of U.S. Highway 101 a decade ago, the Oregon Transportation Commission developed a process whereby counties, cities and communities could nominate stretches of Oregon roads for the program, Moran says.

In Lane County, in addition to U.S. 101, other recognized byways in the program include the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway, the continuous loop that begins near the McKenzie River Ranger Station and includes parts of Highway 126, Highway 242 (the old Mc- Kenzie Highway) and U.S. 20; the West Cascades Scenic Byway that runs all the way from Oakridge to Estacada; and Robert Aufderheide Drive between Highway 126 and Highway 58.

On the docket for future scenic-bypass status is the stretch of Highway 126 between Walterville and the McKenzie Bridge area, and the stretch of highways 138 and 38 from Sutherlin to Elkton to Reedsport, Moran says.

Also close to home is the recognized byway called the Over the Rivers and Through the Woods Scenic Byway, the stretch of U.S. Highway 20 that runs from Interstate 5 through Brownsville and Sweet Home, until it connects with Highway 126 just west of Hoodoo Ski Area.

But what qualifies a road as a scenic byway? According to the National Scenic Byways Program, it's based not only on the obvious scenic qualities of a route, but also the archaeological, cultural, historic, natural and recreational ones.

"Is it a good route?" Moran says. "Does it have good driveability? How does it fit in with our other (scenic byway) routes?"

OREGON SCENIC BYWAYS

Of the 24 roads officially recognized by the Oregon Scenic Byways Program, 10 are part of the federal National Scenic Byways Program. Here they are:

ALL-AMERICAN ROADS

To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities (scenic, archaeological, cultural, historic, natural and recreational) that are nationally significant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a `destination unto itself.' That is, the road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway: This 363-mile stretch between Astoria and Brookings provides breathtaking coastal scenery high above the world's largest body of water. Experience estuarine marshes, seaside cliffs, agricultural valleys, wind-sculpted sand dunes, charming small towns, museums, state parks, overlooks, historic bridges and lighthouses.

Historic Columbia River Highway: Seventy miles of magnificent overlooks that provide views of the Columbia River and waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls. Springtime has magnificent wildflower displays, including many endemic plants. The Columbia River formed the last leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and was part of the early route of the Oregon Trail.

Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: Allow a couple of days to drive this 500-mile stretch from Crater Lake National Park to California's Lassen Volcanic National Park, or more like five days if you really want to stop and enjoy it all. You'll see ancient natural forces that shaped exquisite mountain lakes.

Hells Canyon Scenic Byway: This stretch spans the Umatilla National Forest and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and is 218 miles of panoramic views, rugged basalt cliffs, fertile fields and snow-tipped peaks. You can also stop and see the weathered track of the historic Oregon Trail and watch the majestic Snake River tumble through North America's deepest canyon.

NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least one of the six intrinsic qualities and be regionally significant. These roads are often the `roads less traveled.'

McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway: This 82-mile stretch includes the Willamette and Deschutes national forests and dramatic views of the snow-capped Cascades. Enjoy the striking contrast between the black lava fields and the whiteness of the peaks. The mountains are mirrored in crystal-clear lakes and you'll pass gorgeous waterfalls, including Sahalie Falls and Koosah Falls.

West Cascades Scenic Byway: Includes three national forests - Willamette, Deschutes and Mount Hood. It's 220 miles of some of the best up-close views of thundering waterfalls, ancient forests, rushing whitewater and cool, placid lakes. The drive begins in the historic logging city of Estacada along Highway 224, immersing you in old growth forest, and travels south all the way to Westfir.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway: Sixty-six miles through the Deschutes National Forest. Take Highway 46 near Crescent Lake off Highway 58 all the way to Bend and see mountains, lakes and forests. Volcanism and glaciation formed more than 150 lakes for which the region is well known. You'll see outstanding examples of lava flows, alpine lakes and meadows.

Outback Scenic Byway: Travel 170 miles from La Pine to Lakeview on Highway 31 and see Oregon's rugged outback that includes marshes, mountains and seamless vistas.

Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway: This route travels east from Roseburg and is 172 miles of rolling, oak-covered hills and towering coniferous forests that winds through Glide, Diamond Lake, the rim of Crater Lake National Forest and down into Union Creek, Prospect and Gold Hill. Drive alongside the Upper Rogue and North Umpqua Wild and Scenic Rivers that contain world-class fisheries.

Mount Hood Scenic Byway: On this 105-mile stretch, volcanoes once erupted and mammoth floods scoured deep gorges. Discover geologic wonders, waterfalls, temperate rain forests and wild rivers. Experience the formidable last leg of the Oregon Trail, the Barlow Road.

OTHER ROUTES OF INTEREST

Here are some other Oregon byways you may want to check out:

Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive: This 145-mile drive is reached from the Eugene- Springfield area either by traveling Highway 126 to a point 3.5 miles above Blue River or by traveling Highway 58 and then turning north to Westfir. The road travels along the South Fork of the McKenzie River and the North Fork of the Willamette River and through Box Canyon.

Over the River and Through the Woods Scenic Byway: A 66-mile route on U.S. 20 between Interstate 5 and where U.S. 20 meets Highway 126, through Brownsville and Sweet Home. Route travels much of the Santiam Wagon Road.

Cow Creek Tour Route: Starting at Exit 103, 21 miles south of Roseburg, this 45-mile route loops toward the west and ends when it joins I-5 at Exit 80, 18 miles north of Grants Pass.

Myrtle Creek-Canyonville Tour Route: Sixty-eight miles that follow South Myrtle Creek. The trees are often so dense that they only occasionally let you peek at the Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness to the east.

Silver Falls Tour Route: Begins and ends on I-5. A 55-mile route - take Exit 271 in Woodburn if heading from the south, and Exit 248 near Turner if you're northbound. Majestic mountains (including Mount Hood) tower over lush green fields and thick Douglas fir forests.

Sources: www.oregon.com /byways; www.byways.org