Favorite West Coast Drives

[Pirate Zee]

I'm pretty partial to the Coastal Highways and Mountainous Passages. But there are a lot of gorgeous places on the West Coast!
Several of these can be strung end to end, too.

I want to see NV-50 "Loneliest Road in America" and CA-49/N Auburn to Downieville.

Please, please, please feel free to comment on these spots and add your own! I look forward to seeing what else is out there!

Places You Can't Miss:

Lost Coast and Redwood Run (CA-101)


Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
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Home to some of the biggest redwoods in the world, this foresty drive will have you awestruck. Jedediah State Park is the centerpiece but, unfortunately, the roads aren't asphalt in the park. So mind your babies. The town of Leggett along CA-101 meets the top of CA-1 and makes for some wicked switchbacks.



Shoreline Highway (CA-1): Point Reyes to Fort Bragg


Russian Gulch State Park
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This drive but is definitely one of the most beautiful. You're driving along Nor Cal's gorgeous twisting, rocky coastline, and the sights definitely don't get old. The area is loaded with hidden beaches and overlooks. Russian Gulch State Park is one of my favorite hideaways. Irish Beach in Mendocino, Point Reyes should definitely be checked out, but you will find so many more neat stops and vantage points along the way.



Cabrillo Highway (CA-1):Monterey to Cambria


Big Sur Along Cabrillo Hwy
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Another nice drive, rolling hills and smooth curves. Be sure to eat in Carmel and visit the Sur during sunset!

Olympic National Park (WA-101): Aberdeen to Port Angeles


Hoh Rainforest

Miles of easy driving amongst the Washington's Evergreens. There are logging trucks on these roads and, from experience, are VERY good about moving over or keeping pace. Seriously. One of my favorite all time spots, shown above, is the Hoh Rainforest. The roads into the park are slow though, so if you're just looking for a drive I'd skip it, but come back and see some beautiful sights! West of the town of Forks is La Push. I've taken some great panoramic shots here. Rialto Beach is also close by.

Note: I would have included Astoria, OR into this area, but its one hell of a day trip if you're visiting Olympic National in the same day.



The Divide Run (CA-49, CA-193, CA-50): Auburn, CA to Ice House Resort, CA


American River Confluence
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This starts with six miles of excellence! Something close to home for me, too. Tasty mountainous switchbacks to challenge yourself with while overlooking the American River Confluence. Visit Cool, CA and head up CA-193 for some more good switchbacks. You'll come into Placerville, so head up CA-50/E. Ice House Rd is newly paved and there isn't a lot of traffic, always a bonus.



Lake Tahoe (CA-50, CA-89): Placerville, CA to Kings Beach, CA


Emerald Bay At Sunset
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Come check out Lake Tahoe! I wouldn't recommend this drive in the winter without 4WD (or something you mind salting up) but it's still excellent. Starting in the foothills of California, your destination is a definite must-see. South Lake Tahoe has some great eats and the beaches are definitely easy on the eyes. Be sure to stop in Emerald Bay and King's Beach!