Whether you live in Oregon or are planning a ride through, don’t miss out on the spectacular views of a Highway 101 Oregon Coast Highway motorcycle trip. Read more about the ride, the sights, the attractions, and more below.
The Sights
See the Pacific Ocean beat on the rocks below over high cliff faces, pristine forests, and the sand dunes of The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. You’ll drive through several towns and cities as this main highway is “Main Street” through several towns you’ll pass through.
Lighthouse collectors may want to stop for photos of the lighthouses on the Oregon coast. See if you can find them all, including:
- Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
- Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Umpqua River Lighthouse
- Coquille River Lighthouse
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Some lighthouses offer tours, others are private, and others are closed permanently. Not all are visible from the road on your Highway 101 Oregon Coast Highway motorcycle trip.
The Route
Starting in Brookings at the state line between California and Oregon, head north on US-101N to Astoria if you plan to stay in Oregon, or cross the Columbia River on the Astoria-Megler Bridge to end your trip in Washington. The northern border of Oregon meets Washington in the Columbia River below the bridge, offering a 4-mile crossing between states.
The total drive time is approximately eight hours, making it a perfect weekend ride with a midpoint overnight stop or a great way to enjoy all day on a bike if you prefer easy riding with some fun twists and turns.
The Attractions
Visit some of the best beaches in Oregon at the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor to dip your toes into the Pacific.
Visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport for different marine animal exhibits, the new Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline exhibit (special exhibits rotate seasonally), the Giant Pacific Octopus Cave, and the Passages of the Deep Aquarium. You can also enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour to see how keepers manage nutrition and maintain aquarium operations safely for the animals.
Newport, the Dungeness Crab capital of the world, is a good place to stop for the night as the approximate midway point on your ride. Don’t miss out on the Deco District downtown with Art Deco buildings.
Nice natural spots near Lincoln City include Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area and The Roads End State Recreation Site, with its hidden cove.
The coastal town of Tillamook is home to Tillamook Creamery and its delicious ice cream and cheeses well worth sampling. Enjoy a cheesy burger, grilled cheese, or old-fashioned root beer float.
Don’t miss seeing Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach before the 101 turns inland. This famous figure stands 235 feet tall and is home to several marine species, including the tufted puffin.
The Eats
While in Cannon Beach visiting Haystack Rock, check out the Screw and Brew Restaurant and Hardware Store. They serve fish and chips, sandwiches, tacos, and more.
Don’t miss the Noodle Café for waterfront Asian fusion or Georgie’s Beachside Grill for seafood and steaks when in Newport. For a more intimate feel, check out Zach’s Bistro for crab cakes with giant chunks of crab, lightly battered fish and chips, and more.
Stop at the Broken Anchor Bar and Grill in Bandon for burgers, tacos, and drinks. Or visit the Bandon Fish Market for fish and chips, chowders, sandwiches, and more.
Contact Us at Law Tigers for Motorcycle Law in Oregon
When planning your Highway 101 Oregon Coast Highway motorcycle trip, don’t leave your free rider benefit card at home. Call us at Law Tigers for motorcycle legal advice at 1-888-863-7216 anywhere in the United States.
