Florence, OR to Sequim, WA: A Wild Pacific Coast Road Trip Guide

Florence, Oregon, sits at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, where the dunes meet the sea. This route along US-101 traces the edge of the continent, a 375-mile journey that takes roughly 7–8 hours of driving time, but demands at least two days to savor. It’s not just a drive—it’s a passage through the last great temperate rainforests of the contiguous United States.

The truly compelling fact: you cross not one but three major capes—Cape Perpetua, Cape Lookout, and Cape Disappointment—each with its own microclimate and heartbreaking view. Many travelers zoom past, missing the fact that the 35-mile stretch between Florence and Yachats is one of the most scenic in America.

This guide leaves no stone unturned: from fuel costs to pet-friendly parks, from child-pleasing tidepools to the best cup of chowder. And if you’re wondering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities is a must-read.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Florence is a surreal expanse of shifting sand, nearly 50 miles long. Go here for dune buggy rental (Sand Dunes Frontier) or hike the John Dellenback Trail. Then, north of Florence, the landscape transforms into a rocky shoreline with dramatic cliffs. The Heceta Head Lighthouse, just north of Florence, marks the 136-foot-tall beacon built in 1894—one of the most photographed on the Oregon coast.

• Best stops: The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (milepost 169) offers stunning views; trails lead to the Spouting Horn and Thor's Well.
• Yachats: A tiny town with a big food scene—try the Yachats Brewing Company for farm-to-table fare.
• Newport: The Oregon Coast Aquarium is world-class; also visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Continuing north, the farmland near Tillamook gives way to dairy and cheese (Tillamook Creamery is a busy tourist stop). The Three Capes Scenic Loop (Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, Cape Kiwanda) is worth the detour. In Washington, the landscape becomes dominated by the Quinault Rainforest—a temperate rainforest with ancient spruce and cedar. The town of Forks is the gateway to the Hoh Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (part of Olympic National Park).

• UNESCO sites: Olympic National Park is a World Heritage Site (1981). Also nearby: the Oregon Caves National Monument (not directly on route).
• Local commerce: In Sequim, lavender farms dominate (Lavender connection festival in July). Also explore the Olympic Game Farm for wildlife.
• Hidden off-route spots: The Sea Lion Caves (north of Florence) are a huge sea cave; Tree of Life (Kalaloch) is a 1,000-year-old Sitka spruce hanging over a bluff.

US-101 along the Oregon coast is a two-lane highway with many curves. Speed limits vary from 25 mph in towns to 55 mph on straightaways. Fog is the biggest hazard, especially between Yachats and Newport (check ODOT conditions). In Washington, the road from Raymond to Aberdeen is straight but sometimes slick with algae during rain. Deer and elk crossings occur near dusk in the Quinault area.

• Family suitability: Great! Kids love the tidepools at the Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach), the Aquarium in Newport, and the giant sand dunes near Florence. Many parks and rest areas have playgrounds.
• Pet-friendly: Most beaches allow dogs on leash (check local signs). Olympia's dog parks are excellent. Hotels: Best Western, La Quinta, and many motels in the chain rule.
• Safety: Bring an emergency kit, especially a flashlight and blanket. Cell service is spotty between Yachats and Newport, and near the Quinault River.

Fatigue management: Break up the drive with 15-minute stops every two hours. The best rest areas: State Park Rest Areas at Yachats (ocean viewpoint), Boiler Bay (pull-off), and the scenic viewpoint at Cape Disappointment (lighthouse). Also, the town of Westport, WA has a nice marina rest area.

• Rest zones: Designated rest areas every 30 miles on US-101 in Oregon; Washington has fewer, but rest stops at Raymond and Cosmopolis. Sleepy driver? There are motels in every town.
• Food on the go: Chowder at Mo's (Newport) or The Bowpicker in Astoria (ahi tuna). In Forks, try the Forks Coffee Shop (go early).

The entire route is paved with asphalt of varying quality. The Oregon section is generally well-maintained, with occasional frost heaves near the coast. Washington's stretch from Long Beach to Raymond can be narrow and potholed. Expect delays during summer due to RV traffic.

• Fuel stops: Every 20–30 miles in Oregon; in Washington, stations are sparse between Raymond and Aberdeen. Fill up in Florence, Newport, Lincoln City, and Astoria.
• Cost: Gasoline averages $4.50–$5.00 per gallon in coastal Oregon (2025). Washington adds ~$0.20 more. Budget for a full tank of diesel or premium.
• Electric vehicle charging: Level 2 chargers available in Florence, Newport, Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, and Astoria; Tesla superchargers near Coos Bay and Portland (off-route). Plan ahead for EVs — the coastal route lacks fast-chargers between major towns.

Tolls: None, except the Astoria-Megler Bridge (cashless toll $5). Driving time per segment: Florence to Newport (45 min), Newport to Lincoln City (40 min), Lincoln City to Cannon Beach (1.5 hours due to curvy roads), Cannon Beach to Astoria (1 hour), Astoria to Long Beach (20 min), Long Beach to Raymond (40 min), Raymond to Aberdeen (30 min), Aberdeen to Ocean Shores (25 min), Ocean Shores to Sequim (1.5 hours via WA-109/112).

• Road quirks: Watch for elk near Raymond; fog banks roll in quickly between Yachats and Newport.
• Best time: May–October for clear skies; winter drives require chains at higher elevations near the Columbia River.