State of Jefferson Scenic Byway
State of Jefferson Scenic Byway is a National Scenic Byway in Oregon. Within Oregon it covers roughly 21 miles. The map below shows its route. Use “Plan a drive” to open it in the Road Sorties route planner — already routing along State of Jefferson Scenic Byway with scenic roads turned on, ready to add your own stops.
The State of Jefferson Scenic Byway runs from Yreka, California, to O'Brien, Oregon, taking Highway 263 north over five Pioneer bridges to Highway 96. It follows the Klamath River west to Happy Camp, then climbs over the 5,000-foot Grayback summit before ending at Highway 199. Happy Camp, roughly the halfway point, is home to the Karuk Tribe and built its economy on gold and copper mining, sawmills and logging, and salmon and steelhead fishing, activities that still shape the town today. The climb over Grayback runs eight miles through changing stands of trees, including groves of rare Brewer spruce, with numerous Forest Service side roads branching off to natural and historic sites. On its eastern end, the byway follows the Klamath River through long, sweeping curves mostly marked only with recommended speeds rather than hard limits. The route takes its name from the informal 'State of Jefferson,' a proposed breakaway state straddling the Oregon-California border that never came to be, whose identity locals still embrace today.
- Klamath River
- Happy Camp
- Grayback summit
- Karuk Tribe
- Brewer spruce forest
- Yreka to O'Brien
- State of Jefferson identity
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What is a National Scenic Byway?
National Scenic Byways are roads recognized at the federal level for at least one outstanding quality — scenic, natural, historic, cultural, archaeological or recreational — that gives travelers a reason to seek them out rather than just pass through.
Where to Stay along State of Jefferson Scenic Byway
1 campground or RV park sits within about 5 miles of State of Jefferson Scenic Byway.
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