“Oregon's Beautiful Coast”

Embark on today’s thrilling motorcycle journey along the majestic Route 101 from Garibaldi to the picturesque Gold Beach, exploring the very essence of the Oregon Coast's breathtaking beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Garibaldi, renowned for its maritime heritage, and today’s 255 miles lead you through a series of enchanting coastal towns, each with its own unique allure. From the cheese lovers' paradise of Tillamook and the sandy shores of Lincoln City to the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, this journey is a feast for the senses. 

Discover the expansive Oregon Dunes in Florence, the bustling cityscape of Coos Bay, and the scenic golf courses of Bandon. Port Orford, with its artistic vibe and status as the westernmost city in the continental U.S., offers a creative twist to your journey. As you wind your way down to Gold Beach, you're treated to a symphony of natural wonders, culinary delights, and the timeless charm of Oregon's coastal communities. This itinerary is a passage through the heart and soul of the Oregon Coast, promising an unforgettable adventure on the open road.

Newport harbors the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon's tallest lighthouse, standing as a guiding light for ships since 1873. The adjacent Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area offers rugged coastal scenery, tide pools rich with marine life, and interpretive programs. The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is another highlight, offering up-close encounters with marine species from the Pacific Northwest, including sea otters, jellyfish, and sharks, making it a fascinating visit for all ages.

Florence - The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area near Florence is one of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. These shifting sands provide a playground for a variety of recreational activities, from dune buggy tours to sandboarding. Beyond the dunes, Florence is a hub for exploring the Siuslaw River, historic Old Town, and the beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse, offering a mix of adventure, history, and scenic beauty.

A notable and thrilling detour off Route 101 that would captivate any motorcycle enthusiast is a journey through the heart of the Oregon Coast Range to visit the majestic Crater Lake National Park . While this detour takes you off the coastal path, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the deep, pure waters of the United States' deepest lake and the serene, awe-inspiring landscapes that surround it.

Detour Itinerary:

Departing from Route 101: To embark on this adventure, you would initially head inland from Route 101, navigating through Oregon's lush forests and winding mountain roads, which are a joy to ride on a motorcycle. The transition from the coastal breeze to the crisp mountain air is exhilarating. Cut inland in Reedsport and ride East on Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River. Head South on Hwy 138 until Sutherlin. Take 99 South until you get to Bank Rd and turn left. After a few miles along the river you’ll reconnect with 138 East which will lead you to Crater Lake.

Crater Lake National Park: After a scenic ride, you'll arrive at Crater Lake National Park. The park is famous for its stunning blue lake, formed by the collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama around 7,700 years ago. The lake's deep blue color, clarity, and the surrounding cliff walls offer breathtaking views that are unlike anything else. Motorcycle riders will find the ride around the rim of the crater especially rewarding, with numerous overlooks providing different perspectives of the lake and the surrounding terrain.

Rim Drive: A must-do while in the park is the Rim Drive, a 33-mile road that encircles Crater Lake, offering numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities. The road is typically open from July to October, weather permitting, and provides some of the most spectacular views of the lake and the park's geological features.

Return to the Coast: After exploring Crater Lake, you can head back towards the coast, rejoining Route 101 south of where you left off. This detour not only enriches your journey with the natural beauty and wonders of Oregon's inland but also adds a layer of adventure and exploration to your coastal trip.

Hwy 138 will lead you back West and connect with Hwy 99 in Roseburg. Take 99 South/West to Winston and pick up 42. In Myrtle Point turn left onto Lampa Ln and connect with 42S (Coquille-Bandon Hwy) which will get you back on track with 101 in Bandon.

Taking this detour adds a significant portion to your trip (~250 mls to Crater Lake and ~230 mls from Crater Lake to Bandon) and requires at least an additional two days to fully enjoy, but the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Crater Lake National Park is well worth the extra miles. It's a perfect blend of coastal charm and mountain majesty, making your motorcycle journey through Oregon truly unforgettable.

Here's a full and detailed list of great places to eat along the way. The blue “thumbs up” dots state our top recommendation(s).

PS: since we don’t know when you’re feeling peckish, we have included an “along the way list” - pick your poison…

Congrats! You have successfully mastered Day 4 of Highway 1.