If you’re planning a road trip through Oregon, knowing how to pay tolls to avoid fines and delays is essential. Whether driving through the scenic Columbia River Gorge or exploring the Pacific coast, several bridges and highways require toll payment in Oregon. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the different payment options, fees, and procedures for paying tolls in Oregon, including the iconic Bridge of the Gods and Hood River Bridge.
Oregon has breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural wonders, making it a popular destination for road trips and outdoor adventures. However, navigating its highways and bridges can be challenging, especially when paying tolls. Tolls in Oregon fund the construction, operation, and maintenance of the state’s transportation infrastructure, including bridges, highways, and tunnels.
Types of Toll Roads in Oregon
There are two types of toll roads in Oregon: the bridge tolls and the road tolls. Bridge tolls are charged to vehicles that use specific bridges to cross a body of water, while road tolls are charged for using a specific road or highway.
Bridge Tolls in Oregon
Bridge tolls are charged for using the following bridges in Oregon:
- The Bridge of the Gods
- The Hood River Bridge
- The Astoria-Megler Bridge
- The Yaquina Bay Bridge
- The Coos Bay Bridge
In this blog post, we’ll focus on the Bridge of the Gods and Hood River Bridge, two of the most iconic bridges in Oregon.
The Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Stevenson, Washington. The bridge was completed in 1926 and is named after a legendary land bridge that was said to have connected the two sides of the Columbia River before it collapsed.
The Bridge of the Gods is a toll bridge, and the toll rates vary depending on the type of vehicle and payment method. The toll for a standard passenger vehicle is $2 each way, and the toll for a motorcycle is $1 each way. Pedestrians and bicyclists can cross the bridge for free.
How to Pay Tolls on the Bridge of the Gods
There are several ways to pay tolls on the Bridge of the Gods:
- Cash: You can pay the toll in cash at the toll booth on either side of the bridge. Make sure to have exact change as the toll booths do not provide change.
- Credit Card: You can pay the toll with a credit card at the toll booth. The toll booth accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
- Online Payment: You can pay the toll online through the Bridge of the Gods website. You must create an account and register your vehicle’s license plate number. The toll will be charged to your credit card on file.
Hood River Bridge
The Hood River Bridge is a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Hood River, Oregon, and White Salmon, Washington. The bridge was completed in 1924 and was the first bridge to cross the Columbia River east of Portland.
The Hood River Bridge is a toll bridge, and the toll rates vary depending on the type of vehicle and payment method. The toll for a standard passenger vehicle is $2 each way, and the toll for a motorcycle is $1 each way. Pedestrians and bicyclists can cross the bridge for free.
How to Pay Tolls on the Hood River Bridge
There are several ways to pay tolls on the Hood River Bridge:
- Cash: You can pay the toll in cash at the toll booth on either side of the bridge. Make sure to have exact change as the toll booths do not provide change.
- Credit Card: You can pay the toll with a credit card at the toll booth. The toll booth accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
- Online Payment: You can pay the toll online through the Hood River Bridge website. You must create an account and register your vehicle’s license plate number. The toll will be charged to your credit card on file.
Tips for Paying Tolls in Oregon
Here are some tips to make paying tolls in Oregon easier and more convenient:
- Have exact change: If you plan on paying tolls in cash, make sure to have exact change, as the toll booths do not provide change. This will help you avoid delays and keep the traffic moving.
- Use credit cards: If you prefer not to carry cash, you can use a credit card to pay tolls. Most toll booths in Oregon accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
- Register your vehicle: If you frequently cross toll bridges in Oregon, consider registering and setting up an online account. This will allow you to pay tolls online and avoid long lines at the toll booths.
- Plan ahead: Before you embark on your road trip in Oregon, research the toll roads and bridges you’ll encounter along the way. This will help you budget for tolls and avoid surprises.
- Follow the rules: Make sure to follow the rules and regulations for paying tolls in Oregon. Failure to pay tolls can result in fines and penalties, which can be costly.
Paying tolls in Oregon is essential to driving on the state’s highways and bridges. Whether you’re crossing the iconic Bridge of the Gods or Hood River Bridge, it’s necessary to know the toll rates, payment options, and procedures. Following these tips and guidelines, you can avoid delays, and fines, and enjoy a smooth road trip through Oregon’s scenic landscapes.