Driving along Highway 26, which crosses the state of Oregon, you can feel that it truly reflects the character of the region.

This road starts in downtown Portland and heads west towards the beach towns, while to the east it crosses volcanic areas and wide plains, showcasing the diverse expressions of Oregon. Depending on who the traveler is, this road leaves completely different memories. Some people take Highway 26 to feel the coastal breeze, while others head over the mountains towards the desert-like east. Following one road, the road itself decorates the landscape.

For most people, Highway 26 is remembered as the road that connects Portland to Cannon Beach. Leaving behind the gray tones of the city and starting to drive west, the forest soon approaches. The densely growing fir trees on both sides of the road block the sky like a green wall, and depending on the season, rainwater falls through the leaves or fog gently covers the road. Since it is a region that often experiences rain, the road is frequently damp, and the unique humid smell of Oregon and the scent of wood strangely seep into the car through the wind, creating a comforting feeling. When you drive with the window partially open, it feels like the journey has begun just by leaving the city for a moment.

The Nehalem Mountain section, encountered just before heading to the coast, is one of the highlights of Highway 26. In spring and summer, the green forest looks deep, and in autumn, the trees turn red and yellow, changing the entire mountain into warm colors. The scenery created by the winding mountain roads and fog as you pass through this section feels like a scene from a movie. When rain suddenly falls and then stops, and the yellow sunlight spreads through the fog, just looking out the window in silence calms the heart.

One of the fun aspects of Highway 26 is that the road itself draws people to the beach. Most Portlanders, when the weather is clear, casually ask, "Shall we go to the beach today?" and take this road. Even if you start without any particular plan, after about an hour and a half of driving, the huge rocks, waves, and cold sea breeze of Cannon Beach await. When you get out of the car, the wind brushes your face, and the sound of the waves immediately fills your ears. The greatest reward for driving this road is not the destination, but the sense of freedom felt at the destination. A sense of liberation that cannot be felt in the city rushes in all at once.

However, Highway 26 is not only famous for its western route. Heading east, Mount Hood appears. Cars heading to the ski resort in winter, snow-covered mountain roads, and white snow piled on the trees decorate the roadside. This section has a completely different atmosphere from the western coastal road. As the car slowly ascends, the air becomes clearer, and the scent of the mountains changes. During ski season, this road is crowded with people carrying snowboards and ski equipment. Some days, snowstorms block the road, forcing a brief stop, while on other days, the mountain is clearly visible under a clear sky, making the drive exciting throughout.

Further east past Mount Hood, the forest and mountains suddenly end, and dry plains and desert-like land unfold. This section, where the scenery completely changes from green forests to brown plains, gives the feeling of having instantaneously teleported to another state. The desolate landscape is lonely, but the freedom offered by the wide sky and barren road is another charm. The dramatic change in scenery makes the road itself an enjoyable long-distance journey.

Ultimately, Highway 26 seems to be a road where the essence of Oregon seeps into the car during the slow passage of time along the long stretch of road.