While many travelers begin their West (Pacific) Coast Highway journey in southern California and drive north along the coast, driving the route south from Washington keeps you in the lane closest to the ocean.

From the dense green forests of Washington, to the wide open beaches of Oregon to the redwoods of California, this coastal route is still a mostly wild, open and astoundingly beautiful route, well, except for the somewhat frequent cities.

In Washington, the West Coast Scenic route follows US Highway 101 along the western coast but on the north coast the route follows US 101 and a few other state routes.

In Oregon, the West Coast Scenic Route follows US 101 through the entire state coast.

In northern California, the West Coast Scenic Route follows US 101, but near the small town of Leggett, California, the West Coast Highway transitions from US 101 onto scenic SH 1 which, for most travelers, is one of the favorite parts of the West Coast Highway journey. Then, at Dana Point and after crossing over San Juan Creek, SH 1 ends and the routes continues mostly along the beach on several other roads including Coast Hwy, S El Camino Real and others after crossing San Mateo Creek.

US 101 highway: 1926

California SH 1: 1936

and other roads