Detour #310: Driving Down the 101, California, Here We Come, USA
Jamie HEarne travels America’s most famous coast road with a little musical inspiration.
For me, California by Phantom Planet has always been an iconic anthem played on any road trip, and now, the song is blaring out the speakers of my Ford Transit as I make my way southward along the coastal U.S. Route 101 – starting in Washington, passing through Oregon, and ending in Northern California. From here, the U.S. Route 101 becomes the Scenic Highway 1 as you continue into southern California. Together, these two roads make the Pacific Coast Highway, surpassed only in fame by America’s Route 66.
“We’ve been on the run, Driving in the sun, Looking out for number one, California, here we come”
The drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is simply joyous, thanks to its continuously changing scenery, variety of wildlife, and magnificent coastal culture. Not only this, but the quaint towns and impressive cities that pepper this route make this road trip one of the most diverse.
To start, the 101 loops the Olympic Peninsula, where you’re met with grassy mountains flecked with wildflowers and surrounded by temperate rainforest on your left, and the rugged coast and turbulent Pacific Ocean on your right. Blue rivers run through verdant forests and onto the wild beaches shaped by the relentless ocean. One minute, the sky could be bluer than blue, and the next, you could be shrouded in the thickest of sea mists. Olympic marmots, deer, and even bears can be spotted in the dense foliage around here, but as you gaze out to sea, you’re almost guaranteed to spot a dolphin or whale.
Eventually, the spectacular Astoria-Megler Bridge will take you over the Columbia River – and the Washington-Oregon border – to a beautiful town called Astoria, which is worth stopping at before continuing down the Oregon Coast. You’ll continue to weave your way through temperate rainforests, stopping at countless viewpoints, and you’ll explore several of the historic lighthouses that decorate this wild section of coast. Our favourites were Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, and Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Other notable stops along this part of the highway are Haystack Rock, Pacific City, and Hobbit Beach (and yes, only because it's called Hobbit Beach).
The Oregon Dunes make for an interesting change of scenery, being the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America and one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. Supposedly, they’re also the inspiration behind the classic novel, Dune.
Before you know it, you’ll be on the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, where you’ll find more incredible views worth pulling over for. This section of the coastal road is simply remarkable, especially if you go at golden hour! The Natural Bridges and Whaleshead Rock are breathtaking at this time of day.
“On the stereo, Listen as we go, Nothing’s gonna stop me now, California, here we come”
As you cross into Northern California, the 101 veers away from the coast for a brief moment, where you’ll find yourself amongst the gigantic Redwoods. These otherworldly specimens of trees need no introduction and form another exceptional segment of this world-class road trip. To continue the movie trivia, these Redwood forests were made the home of the Ewoks in Star Wars.
After driving through the Redwoods, the 101 will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco, before going through Big Sur and into the section of this road that is a little less wild, but full of surf heritage and beach town vibes. Stop at places like Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Malibu, and Santa Monica, before finally heading to Los Angeles and San Diego – two of America’s extraordinary cities.
Overall, America’s Pacific Coast Highway is a world-class road trip packed full of unbelievable locations that have something for everyone. It truly deserves its place as the second most famous road trip in America. So, roll down the windows, crank up your favourite tunes, and enjoy the drive. Coastal road trips don’t get more iconic than this.
“California, here we come”
Words & Photography James Hearne Instagram
ROADBOOK
CLASS: Ocean Drive
NAME: Highway 101
ROUTE: olympia, Wahsington to San Diego, California
COUNTRY: USA
Distance: 1,760 Miles
Jamie Hearne travels America’s most famous coast road with a little musical inspiration.