The sun wasn’t quite up yet and I was the only person at the gas station. Suddenly, she emerged from the bushes and stood, staring at me in the gaining light.
A small white tailed doe looked at me curiously as I checked my tire pressure. She was less than 20 feet away. Then, just as suddenly, she was gone. It was a joyful moment.
I headed west out of Longview, Washington on WA-4, also known as the Lewis & Clark Trail. This road is on the north bank of the mighty Columbia River. The river is so big that it can accommodate seafaring vessels.
At times, the road skirts the water’s edge. Other times, it winds through the woods. It was at one of these latter moments that I found a hidden gem. The Grays River covered bridge.
At the water’s edge I rode past the wreck of the USS Plainview before riding across a very long and, at one point, tall bridge into Astoria, Oregon.
Oregon 101 . . . What lessons would be learned on this famous road? The most obvious is the opportunity to see a beautiful coastline.
At times, the road was down at the beach level, and other times it was hundreds of feet above.
Winding through twisties and sweepers, one can also discover historic lighthouses. This is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
The road has many historic bridges spanning deep ravines and coulees.
You can even find a place where they can really cut the cheese. The Tillamook Creamery offers the opportunity to see how cheese is made, and to taste their products. Oh yeah, and they make ice cream, too.
US-101 is a connection to the many towns and cities on or near the coast. These towns were almost always congested with traffic. But when the road left the towns, it went right back to the coast and less traffic. This is the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
My day ended near the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The campground was filled with RVs towing ATVs. I have a friend in Arizona who would probably enjoy this place very much.
I’ve seen a lot on Oregon 101. Tomorrow, I will move on to Northern California. With four days of riding left, I still have more to see.
Thanks for reading.
The Ride of Life 
Coastal highways are eye candy! Your pictures share spectacular views of the ocean and the gorgeous coastline created by the constant pounding of the surf. The wooden covered bridge looks very quaint. Is there a story about who built it? Why at that spot on the river? How about that sad little scuttled boat? What happened there? Finally, I’m in awe of your skilled selfie shot – yummy ice cream bar in one hand and your cell phone in the other. Wow! Stay safe!
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What a great adventure. Oregon coast is so beautiful. One tends to forget the beauty of nature when we are living in a city world.
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