Oregon Route 22
Oregon Route 22 is a major state highway located in the U.S. state of Oregon. This highway serves as a crucial connector between the Oregon Coast and the Cascade Mountains, traversing a diverse range of geographical landscapes and communities.
Route Description
Oregon Route 22 begins at its western terminus at a junction with U.S. Route 101 in the coastal town of Hebo. This initial stretch is known as the Three Rivers Highway No. 32, a scenic but narrow and winding route. It is not well-suited for high-volume traffic, and drivers may encounter logging trucks and other vehicles along its two-lane road. This section runs eastward through the Coast Range, following the Sourgrass Creek, a tributary of the Little Nestucca River.
In the community of Grand Ronde, Oregon Route 22 joins with Oregon Route 18 at a junction known as Valley Junction, overlapping for a segment along the Salmon River Highway No. 39. This section of the route is primarily a two-lane highway, serving as a major freight corridor between Willamina and Dallas.
Within the Dallas/Rickreall area, Oregon Route 22 intersects with Oregon Route 223 and Oregon Route 99W, with a spur route of OR 223 further to the west.
Connectivity and Importance
The highway's importance is underscored by its role in connecting various communities with larger urban centers and facilitating the movement of freight. Additionally, it provides access to recreational areas in the Cascade Mountains, making it an important route for tourists and residents alike.
Oregon Route 22 also intersects with several other major highways, including U.S. Route 20 near Santiam Pass, highlighting its role in the broader transportation network within Oregon.