# Oregon Coast Highway 101

> US 101 follows the Oregon coast for about 363 miles, from the Columbia River at Astoria to the California line near Brookings. Much of it is a two-lane road t

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/oregon-coast-highway-101/

US 101 follows the Oregon coast for about 363 miles, from the Columbia River at Astoria to the California line near Brookings. Much of it is a two-lane road through coastal towns.

- **State:** Oregon
- **Length:** About 363 miles (584 km)
- **Start / end:** Columbia River (Astoria) – California line
- **Top elevation:** 780 ft (Cascade Head)
- **Best season:** Late spring to early autumn

No toll roads expected for a car.

## What should you know before visiting Oregon Coast Highway 101?

- The highway is generally two lanes and widens only in towns. Some stretches are narrow and winding, so plan for slower average speeds than the distance suggests.
- The road passes through many coastal towns, among them Astoria, Seaside, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay and Brookings, so expect town traffic. Plan fuel and supplies around these towns.
- Oregon State Parks runs campgrounds along the coast. Most take reservations up to six months ahead, a few are first-come. Check its official page for rules and opening times before you go.

## The drive

US 101 in Oregon runs 363 miles from the California line south of Brookings to the Washington line on the Columbia River near Astoria. It is officially the Oregon Coast Highway and was declared complete in 1936. Towns on the route include Astoria, Seaside, Tillamook, Newport, Florence, Coos Bay and Brookings. Big bridges are part of the drive, among them Thomas Creek Bridge, Oregon's highest, at 345 feet above the creek, and the Yaquina Bay Bridge at Newport.

## Road character

For most of its length US 101 is a two-lane undivided highway, and it widens mainly in urban areas. Many stretches are narrow and winding. Some hug the coast, others swing inland. The route was designated as part of the US highway system in 1926. The highest point of US 101 in Oregon is the Cascade Head summit, about 780 feet above sea level. Older guides may be outdated, so check current road work with Oregon DOT.

## Camping

Oregon State Parks runs campgrounds along the coast. Most of them take reservations up to about six months ahead, and a few are first-come, first-served. Rules, opening times and fees change, so check its official page before you go. The sources we used do not give a single wild camping rule for the coast, so do not assume roadside or beach overnight stays are allowed. Ask the park or the local authority first.

## FAQs

**How long is Highway 101 in Oregon?**
About 363 miles (584 km), from the California line south of Brookings to the Columbia River at Astoria. Allow several days if you want to stop at state parks and viewpoints.

**Is the road suitable for a motorhome?**
It is a normal two-lane highway through towns, and Oregon State Parks says most of its campgrounds fit RVs up to about 50 feet, though site lengths vary. We could not confirm tunnel or height limits, so check Oregon DOT before driving a tall rig.

**Can I camp wild along the Oregon coast?**
We found no clear coastwide rule, so assume it is not allowed unless the landowner permits it. State park campgrounds are the reliable choice. Ask Oregon State Parks or the local authority beforehand.

## Places to see

- [Hoh Rain Forest](https://camping-spirit.com/places/hoh-rainforest/)
- [Crater Lake National Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/crater-lake/)
- [Heceta Head Lighthouse](https://camping-spirit.com/places/heceta-head/)
- [Pike Place Market](https://camping-spirit.com/places/pike-place/)
- [Fremont Troll](https://camping-spirit.com/places/fremont-troll/)
- [Haystack Rock](https://camping-spirit.com/places/haystack-rock/)
- [Multnomah Falls](https://camping-spirit.com/places/multnomah/)
- [Oregon Dunes](https://camping-spirit.com/places/oregon-dunes/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in Washington](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/washington/)
- [All campsites in Oregon](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/oregon/)