Oregon vs washington state scenery12/16/2023 ![]() The Highway 101 has several great points to stop and wander including the Lewis & Clark National Park in Naselle, WA. In Raymond WA, the road turns south and the coastal viewing begins. You can see a blend of old and new growth forestry and there are signs stating exactly when each grove was planted. From there we took a short jaunt down 107 S and then intersected HWY 101 and continued south.Īs HWY 101 heads towards the coastline it takes you through miles of beautiful pine groves that have been used by the logging industry for years. We headed out from Tacoma towards Olympia, WA and along HWY 8 which took us through a town called Montesano, where we saw a great car show. As we drove Highway 101 we were completely entombed by the sounds of the sea in a constant reminder that there is something larger than us out there. For someone that is used to seeing miles of sunbathers and beach umbrellas it was astounding to be presented with waves crashing against a 300 ft cliff while staring in wonder at the massive rock outcroppings that dot the coastline. ![]() There’s something truly raw and elemental about them. For an East Coaster like me, who’s used to the glass-like water and manicured beaches of South Beach and the Gulf Coast, the Washington and Oregon Coastlines were absolutely breathtaking and stood in stark contrast. I’ve always heard the Pacific Coast was beautiful, but we were both amazed by just how striking it truly is. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. We were looking for something much more scenic so we decided to hug the Pacific Coastline and ramble along Highway 101. The easiest way to make the trip is to simply shoot down I-5 and you can do it in a little over 13 hours. Our trip began in Tacoma, Washington with our final destination being San Francisco, California. In this Road Trip Planner for Highway 101 we’ll cover the first leg from Tacoma, WA to Grants Pass, OR. We followed Scenic Highway 101 for two days, from Washington to Oregon to California. It includes winding roads, elevation changes, coastal cliffs, and beaches. This route has everything you could ask for in a classic road trip. While touring the country we came to one of our favorite routes along the Pacific Coast – Highway 101. These include the towns of The Dalles, Hood River, and Troutdale.Road trippers are always looking for the next great road trip challenge. There are several towns located along the highway should you wish to plan an overnight stay. See this article on a guide to the Columbia River Gorge to learn about all the must see sights in the area. There are plenty of activities to enjoy here such as hiking, fishing and sailing, along with several places of interest worth visiting including the Bonneville Dam, Bonneville Fish Hatchery, and the Bridge of the Gods. The area is best known for its high concentration of waterfalls and if you’d like to learn more about where to find these falls you can see this article on the best waterfalls to see in the Columbia River Gorge. The mighty Columbia River which cuts through the gorge is bordered by the cliff’s of Washington state on one side and Oregon on the other. The highway is 75 miles long and transitions between temperate rainforest to dry grasslands. ![]() The Historic Columbia River Highway which runs through the Columbia River Gorge was the first ever scenic highway in the United States and is therefore a designated National Historic Landmark. The city of Vancouver is closer to St John’s then downtown Portland, so if you’re looking for affordable accommodation your best bet would be to stay in Vancouver. Our favorite place to eat in the St John’s neighborhood is the Santa Cruz Taqueria which serve authentic Mexican food and the best horchatas you will ever have! You can find the taqueria on the main street through town inside a Mexican grocery store which also features a yummy bakery section. who specialize in German-style beers and the Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe which are both located on the edge of Cathedral Park. This area is a popular backdrop for wedding photographers so don’t be surprised to see a wedding shoot taking place during your visit.įor beer and chocolate lovers, it is worth stopping at Occidental Brewing Co. ![]() From the park you can view the Gothic arches of the bridge’s legs which visitors enjoy taking pictures of. You can walk across the bridge which spans the Willamette River, although I will warn you it can be a little nerve-wracking because the sidewalk is so narrow and vehicles are flying past only inches away from you!Īfterwards, spend some time strolling beautiful Cathedral Park which is located underneath the bridge. St Johns Bridge is iconic to Portland and structurally the most beautiful suspension bridge ever built. ![]()
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