Oregon Coast Highway
FAQFrequently asked questions
What kind of road is this and where does it lead?
This is US 101 along the Pacific coast of Oregon, about 363 miles (almost 580 km) long. It stretches from the California border near Brookings in the south to the Columbia River in the north, where the state borders Washington near Astoria.
What is interesting to see on the way?
Cape Blanco is the westernmost point of the entire US federal highway system, Cape Perpetua with observation decks, the dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the Newport Aquarium and Ecola Park near Cannon Beach. Bridges are also a separate story: the 345-foot Thomas Creek Bridge is the tallest in Oregon.
Is it an expressway?
No, it's mostly a normal two-lane highway without a dividing line, so catching up with a truck and crawling behind it is a common thing. In the town of Lincoln City, the highway turns into a seven-mile long main street that regularly gets stuck in traffic jams.
When is it better to go and what to watch out for?
Stay away from the season of heavy rains: some areas are periodically blocked by landslides after downpours. A drier season will be more comfortable both for viewing the scenery and for driving.
Does the road have a history?
Construction began in 1921 as the Roosevelt Coast Military Highway, in 1926 the section was included in US 101, and it received the name Oregon Coast Highway in 1931. In 1934-1936, five New Deal bridges replaced the old ferry crossings.
