US 101 & US 1 in the Northwest

There are few drives in the United States that have as much awesome beauty as driving along US 101 and US 1 along the Pacific Ocean. The highway clings to the ocean and hugs the shoreline giving you breaktaking views. Here are some sites to not miss. Most of these areas and attractions are free.

Leadbetter Point State Park & National Area
If you like sand dunes, wide sandy beaches, ocean surf, salt marshes, and birds, make sure you stop here. It is home to over 200 migratory birds including snowy owls and gyrfalcons.

Fort Canby State Park
Along with an interpretive center about Lewis and Clar, there are miles of ocean beach for beachcombing, two lighthouses and hiking trails.

Fort Clatsop National Memorial
Visit a reconstructed log stockade on the site of the 1805-1806 winter camp of Lewis and Clark.

Tillamook Cheese Factory
Great self guided tour through their creamery that ends with free samples. Learn all about the "entire cheese making process from cow to mouth." Make sure to get an ice cream cone, too!

Cape Meares State Park
This park has great views of the rugged coast and ocean along with a lighthouse built in 1890.

Depoe Bay
Watch the resident pod of grey whales, and enjoy the famous spouting horns shooting geysers of salt water into the air.

Oregon Coast Aquarium
Located in Newport, enjoy the indoor and outdoor exhibits along with tidal pools, beaches, and coastal caves. Admission fees: Adult Tickets $10.25; Senior Tickets $9.25; Youth Tickets (4-13) $6.25.

Sea Lion Caves
The world´s largest sea cave is home to numerous birds and the noisy Steller sea lions. It is necessary to ride a 208 foot elevator down to the 25 million old cave. Admission fees: Ages 16 and older $6.50; Ages 6-15 $4.50; Ages 5 and younger are free.

Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park
This gem of a park has two fresh water lakes, sand dunes, ocean beaches and forests to explore. $3 daily day-use fee.

Shore Acres State Park
Near Coos Bay, this was once the estate of pioneer timber baron Louis Simpson. The landscaped grounds include a formal garden, an oriental-style pond and two rose gardens. There is a trail to a secluded ocean cover and tremendous views of the ocean and cliffs. $3 daily day-use fee.

Sunset Bay State Park
Sandy beaches, huge cliffs, beachcombing, fishing, swimming, and boating are all available at this beautiful park. You can rent a yurt for $27 per night.

Cape Arago State Park
If you enjoy fishing, beachcombing, and viewing colonies of seals and sea lions, this headland should be on your list of places to see.

Cape Blanco State Park
Close to the old fishing and timber town of Port Orford, this park is home to hiking trails, ocean vistas, woodland and wetland settings, a lighthouse and the historic Hughes House.

Gold Beach
Beautiful beaches and an opporuntity to pan for gold.

Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
This is a 12 mile, forested linear park with a rugged, steep coastline and small sandy beaches. Includes Arch Rock and Natural Bridges, Twin Rocks, Whaleshead Cove, and Natural Bridge Cove.

Redwood National and State Parks
This 39,000 acre park is home to an ancient coast redwood forest.

Patrick´s Point State Park
In the midst of fog and dense forests, you can explore tide pools, search for agates and driftwood, and watch for whales and sea lions. There´s also a reconstructed Yurok village, a Native American plant garden, and miles of trail.

Fort Ross State Historic Park
Located on a scenic bluff on the coast, this park has quiet coves and beaches, historic buildings, and a Russian burial ground dating back to the 1800´s.

Sonoma Coast State Beach
One of the most scenic parks in California, this park has long sandy beaches, rugged headlands, natural arches and secluded coves.

Tomales Bay State Park
If you like sheltered coves, beaches, tidal marshes, and forests, this is a place to visit. Activities include hiking , picnicking, swimming, clamming and boating.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Lots to see and do at this unique treasure. Take time to visit a few of the beaches.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
This area includes Alcatraz Island, Fort Point National Historic Site, Muir Woods National Monument, the Presidio of San Francisco, Marin Headlands, Fort Funston, Fort Mason. It is the largest urban national park in the world with 74,000 acres of land and water and approximately 28 miles of coastline.

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