Editing U.S. Route 101 (section)

==Route description==
{{lengths table}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | [[U.S. Route 101 in California|{{abbr|CA|California}}]]<ref name="CA-Postmile"/>
|{{convert|806.60|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | [[U.S. Route 101 in Oregon|{{abbr|OR|Oregon}}]]<ref name="OR-Straightline"/>
|{{convert|363.11|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | [[U.S. Route 101 in Washington|{{abbr|WA|Washington}}]]<ref name="WSDOT-log"/>
|{{convert|365.56|mi|km|disp=table}}
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center;" | Total
|{{convert|{{#expr:806.60+363.11+365.56}}|mi|km|disp=table}}
|}

US&nbsp;101 is a major highway that generally follows the [[Pacific Ocean]] through the [[West Coast of the United States|West Coast]] states of [[California]], [[Oregon]], and [[Washington (state)|Washington]]. It spans over {{convert|1,500|mi|km}} from its southern terminus in [[Los Angeles]] to its northern terminus near [[Olympia, Washington]].<ref name="Mercury">{{cite news |last=Wigglesworth |first=Zeke |date=August 22, 1993 |title=Olympic Games: Old-growth forests, glacial peaks, hot springs...We have the British to thank for a peninsula with some of the most varied scenery anywhere |page=1G |work=[[The Mercury News]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=December 5, 2019 |title=This is America's most iconic road trip |url=https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/americas-iconic-road-trip |work=[[Men's Journal]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730063002/https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/americas-iconic-road-trip}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 generally runs parallel to [[Interstate 5|I-5]], which serves most of the West Coast's largest cities and is designated for long-haul freight.<ref name="OPB-Riprap">{{cite news |last=Foden-Vencil |first=Kristian |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Oregon tries to tweak land-use rules to save Highway 101 |url=https://www.opb.org/article/2022/02/01/oregon-land-use-rules-prevent-repair-highway-101-erosion-rip-rap/ |publisher=[[Oregon Public Broadcasting]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730064856/https://www.opb.org/article/2022/02/01/oregon-land-use-rules-prevent-repair-highway-101-erosion-rip-rap/}}</ref><ref>{{cite map |date=March 14, 2023 |title=National Highway Freight Network Map |url=https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/infrastructure/nfn/maps/nhfn_map.htm |publisher=[[Federal Highway Administration]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730064856/https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/infrastructure/nfn/maps/nhfn_map.htm}}</ref> The corridor is also designated as part of [[U.S. Bicycle Route 95]] (USBR&nbsp;95) in [[Northern California]] and is proposed to be part of [[U.S. Bicycle Route 40|USBR&nbsp;40]] and [[U.S. Bicycle Route 97|USBR&nbsp;97]] in Washington.<ref>{{cite web |title=USBRS Maps and Route Resources |date=October 12, 2015 |url=https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/us-bicycle-route-system/maps-and-route-resources/ |publisher=[[Adventure Cycling Association]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811220312/https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/us-bicycle-route-system/maps-and-route-resources/}}</ref><ref>{{cite map |title=United States Bicycle Route System (USBRS): Existing and Proposed Routes in Washington State |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/USBRS-Concept-Map.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730063437/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/USBRS-Concept-Map.pdf}}</ref>

The highway is known by several names that vary between the states. In California, portions of US&nbsp;101 are part of the [[Santa Ana Freeway]], [[Hollywood Freeway]], [[Ventura Freeway]], [[Bayshore Freeway]], and [[Redwood Highway]].<ref name="CA-Names">{{cite web |author=Caltrans Division of Research, Innovation and System Information |date=January 2022 |title=2021 Named Freeways, Highways, Structures, and Other Appurtenances in California |pages=61–72, 102–103 |url=https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/place-names/web-2021-named-freeways-final-a11y.pdf |publisher=California Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728051828/https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/place-names/web-2021-named-freeways-final-a11y.pdf}}</ref> In Oregon, it is officially the Oregon Coast Highway No. 9 under the [[List of named state highways in Oregon|named highways system]] and part of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, a [[National Scenic Byway]].<ref>{{cite web |title=2020 Cross Reference Table of Highway Route Number to State Highway Number |url=https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Routes-to-Highway-Cross-Reference-Table.pdf |publisher=Oregon Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724080113/https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Routes-to-Highway-Cross-Reference-Table.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=National Scenic Byways & All-American Roads: Oregon (OR) |url=https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/bywaysp/States/Show/OR |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=September 25, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925123458/https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/bywaysp/States/Show/OR}}</ref> In Washington, it is officially part of the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, a [[Washington State Scenic and Recreational Highways|state scenic highway]].<ref>{{cite web |year=2018 |title=Washington State's Scenic Byways & Road Trips |pages=68–71 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2018/07/17/scenic-byways-travel-planner.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022060522/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2018/07/17/scenic-byways-travel-planner.pdf |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |accessdate=July 29, 2023}}</ref> In [[Southern California]], US&nbsp;101 is commonly called "the 101" (pronounced "the one oh one").<ref>{{cite news |last=Masters |first=Nathan |date=November 10, 2015 |title=The 5, the 101, the 405: Why Southern Californians Love Saying 'the' Before Freeway Numbers |url=https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-5-the-101-the-405-why-southern-californians-love-saying-the-before-freeway-numbers |publisher=[[KCET]] |accessdate=August 4, 2017 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820000300/https://www.kcet.org/shows/lost-la/the-5-the-101-the-405-why-southern-californians-love-saying-the-before-freeway-numbers}}</ref>

===California===
{{Main|U.S. Route 101 in California}}
[[File:Highway 101 at night in Los Angeles.jpg|thumb|upright=0.666|US 101 on the [[Hollywood Freeway]] with [[Downtown Los Angeles]] in the background|alt=Aerial photograph of a freeway at night with car traffic turned into light trails with a long exposure; the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles is seen in the background.]]

US&nbsp;101 travels on several major freeways in the [[Greater Los Angeles area]], including some of the most congested roads in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |author=((FHWA Office of Highway Policy)) |year=2021 |title=The 25 Most Traveled Route Locations by Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tables/02.pdf |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810193630/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tables/02.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Laura J. |date=March 15, 2016 |title=Los Angeles area can claim the worst traffic in America. Again |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-worst-traffic-20160314-story.html |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728051828/https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-la-worst-traffic-20160314-story.html}}</ref> Its southern terminus is in [[Boyle Heights, Los Angeles|Boyle Heights]] at the {{convert|135|acre|ha|adj=mid}} [[East Los Angeles Interchange]], one of the busiest freeway junctions in the United States, where US&nbsp;101 meets I-5, [[Interstate 10|I-10]], and [[California State Route 60|SR&nbsp;60]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dillon |first1=Liam |last2=Poston |first2=Ben |date=November 11, 2021 |title=The racist history of America's interstate highway boom |url=https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2021-11-11/the-racist-history-of-americas-interstate-highway-boom |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727020848/https://www.latimes.com/homeless-housing/story/2021-11-11/the-racist-history-of-americas-interstate-highway-boom}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gamboa |first1=Suzanne |last2=McCausland |first2=Phil |last3=Lederman |first3=Josh |last4=Popken |first4=Ben |date=June 18, 2021 |title=Bulldozed and bisected: Highway construction built a legacy of inequality |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/america-highways-inequality/ |publisher=[[NBC News]] |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=June 24, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624054418/https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/america-highways-inequality/}}</ref> The highway travels north on a section of the Santa Ana Freeway and turns west to cross the [[Los Angeles River]] after merging with the [[San Bernardino Freeway]].<ref name="CA-Names"/> The Santa Ana Freeway continues across [[Downtown Los Angeles]] and passes [[Union Station (Los Angeles)|Union Station]], a major transit hub, and government buildings before it reaches a junction with [[California State Route 110|SR&nbsp;110]]. Beyond Downtown Los Angeles, US&nbsp;101 uses the Hollywood Freeway as it travels northwest through the [[Hollywood, Los Angeles|eponymous neighborhood]] towards [[Cahuenga Pass]], where it crosses the [[Hollywood Hills]] and passes [[Universal Studios Hollywood]].<ref name="LATimes-Cahuenga">{{cite news |last=Simon |first=Richard |date=December 19, 1994 |title=Hollywood Freeway spans magic and might of L.A. |page=A1 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-19-mn-10830-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729032021/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-19-mn-10830-story.html}}</ref> The highway leaves the Hollywood Freeway to turn west onto the Ventura Freeway, which travels along the southern edge of the suburban [[San Fernando Valley]] and intersects [[Interstate 405 (California)|I-405]]. US&nbsp;101 continues into [[Ventura County, California|Ventura County]], where it joins [[California State Route 1|SR&nbsp;1]] and serves communities in the [[Conejo Valley]] and [[Oxnard Plain]].<ref name="google">{{google maps |title=U.S. Route 101 |url=https://www.google.com/maps/dir/34.0289832,-118.2139833/47.0212782,-122.9062948/@40.60196,-131.9325751,3476338m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m44!4m43!1m40!3m4!1m2!1d-120.306674!2d34.7703559!3s0x80ec050b5f1c2a1b:0x8db5b9367d4922a!3m4!1m2!1d-122.0784263!2d37.4122168!3s0x808fb7515aece6b5:0xa11d2332b0d5a66!3m4!1m2!1d-122.4406874!2d37.7993101!3s0x808580d6ae5e4089:0xe331014beb67bd6a!3m4!1m2!1d-124.3984596!2d42.2566154!3s0x54dab89732730c53:0x3c794b0c929c2dc1!3m4!1m2!1d-124.0394112!2d44.8584946!3s0x54ea88effd596fe7:0x4847f63f9fd25649!3m4!1m2!1d-124.052869!2d46.3219217!3s0x54936d73ad238135:0x8e193f32a334ca73!3m4!1m2!1d-124.2283092!2d48.0651861!3s0x548e8aa5f56cbe37:0xda64e09042649688!3m4!1m2!1d-123.1315677!2d47.4177499!3s0x5491c6e8d1ae8489:0x5ef4ce81cf98b0e5!1m0!3e0?entry=ttu |accessdate=July 27, 2023}}</ref>

The highway follows the Pacific Ocean northwest from [[Ventura, California|Ventura]] through [[Santa Barbara, California|Santa Barbara]], where it separates the downtown from its beach, and [[Goleta, California|Goleta]]. US&nbsp;101 becomes a [[divided highway]] beyond Goleta as it turns north at [[Gaviota State Park]] to cross the [[Santa Ynez Mountains]] at [[Gaviota Pass]]; SR&nbsp;1 splits to remain closer to the coastline, as it does in several areas of the state. The highway continues inland and travels around the [[Purisima Hills]] to reach [[Santa Maria, California|Santa Maria]], where the freeway resumes as it bypasses the city. US&nbsp;101 briefly returns to the coastline near [[Pismo Beach, California|Pismo Beach]] and turns inland over the [[Irish Hills (California)|Irish Hills]] towards [[San Luis Obispo, California|San Luis Obispo]] alongside SR&nbsp;1.<ref name="google"/> The highway crosses the [[Santa Lucia Range]] through [[Cuesta Pass]] and follows the [[Salinas River (California)|Salinas River]] northwest through [[Atascadero, California|Atascadero]] and the wine-growing region surrounding [[Paso Robles, California|Paso Robles]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Robert |date=March 7, 1993 |title=California's secret heart |at=sec. 6, p. 22 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/07/magazine/california-s-secret-heart.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728065055/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/03/07/magazine/california-s-secret-heart.html}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 passes near [[Pinnacles National Park]] and travels through the city of [[Salinas, California|Salinas]], where it turns northeast to cross the [[Gabilan Range]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Reynolds |first=Christopher |date=February 10, 2022 |title=Why are so many people heading to California's newest national park? |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2022-02-10/where-is-pinnacles-national-park-and-why-are-so-many-people-going-there |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=July 27, 2023 |archive-date=July 26, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726215134/https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2022-02-10/where-is-pinnacles-national-park-and-why-are-so-many-people-going-there}}</ref> From there, the highway descends into the [[Santa Clara Valley]] and [[Gilroy, California|Gilroy]], the southernmost city in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]].<ref name="google"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Murphy |first=Katy |date=May 1, 2017 |title=As California grows, Menlo Park and other Bay Area cities see population boom |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/01/as-california-grows-menlo-park-and-other-bay-area-cities-see-population-boom/ |work=The Mercury News |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075939/https://www.mercurynews.com/2017/05/01/as-california-grows-menlo-park-and-other-bay-area-cities-see-population-boom/}}</ref>

US&nbsp;101 continues northwest into [[San Jose, California|San Jose]] on the South Valley Freeway and later the Bayshore Freeway, which travels around the east and north sides of downtown San Jose. The ten-lane freeway generally follows the west side of [[San Francisco Bay]] as it traverses several [[Silicon Valley]] communities, including [[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], [[Redwood City, California|Redwood City]], and [[San Mateo, California|San Mateo]], and passes offices for high-tech companies.<ref name="SPUR-Bayshore">{{cite web |last1=Amin |first1=Ratna |last2=Pugh |first2=Graham |date=October 28, 2015 |title=Will rail rule the Bay Area Peninsula corridor again? |url=https://www.spur.org/news/2015-10-28/will-rail-rule-bay-area-peninsula-corridor-again |publisher=[[SPUR (San Francisco organization)|SPUR]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075938/https://www.spur.org/news/2015-10-28/will-rail-rule-bay-area-peninsula-corridor-again}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Budman |first=Scott |date=August 4, 2009 |title=Highway 101: The tech industry's Madison Avenue |url=https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/the-tech-industrys-madison-avenue/1842759/ |publisher=[[KNTV|NBC Bay Area]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075937/https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/the-tech-industrys-madison-avenue/1842759/}}</ref> It parallels [[Interstate 280 (California)|I-280]], which travels along the foothills of the [[Santa Cruz Mountains]] to the west, as the two continue up the [[San Francisco Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Egusa |first=Christopher |date=February 6, 2020 |title=Why does Highway 101 have so many billboards and 280 has almost none? |url=https://www.kalw.org/show/crosscurrents/2020-02-06/why-does-highway-101-have-so-many-billboards-and-280-has-almost-none |publisher=[[KALW]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075936/https://www.kalw.org/show/crosscurrents/2020-02-06/why-does-highway-101-have-so-many-billboards-and-280-has-almost-none}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 passes [[San Francisco International Airport]] and briefly turns northeast to rejoin the coastline before it enters the city of San Francisco near [[Candlestick Point]]. The Bayshore Freeway intersects I-280 and terminates at an interchange with [[Interstate 80|I-80]] near the [[South of Market, San Francisco|SoMa]] neighborhood in the city center.<ref name="google"/> US&nbsp;101 then uses city streets to continue through San Francisco; it travels north on [[Van Ness Avenue]], a wide boulevard with [[bus lane]]s, and west on [[Lombard Street (San Francisco)|Lombard Street]] to the [[Presidio of San Francisco]], a historic landmark and city park.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nolte |first=Carl |date=June 30, 2018 |title=Streets of San Francisco are always being dug up |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nativeson/article/Streets-of-San-Francisco-are-always-being-dug-up-13039269.php |work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075939/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/nativeson/article/Streets-of-San-Francisco-are-always-being-dug-up-13039269.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last1=Bunse |first1=Meta |last2=Allen |first2=Polly |date=December 2009 |title=Van Ness Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Project: Historic Resources Inventory and Evaluation Report |pages=29–32 |url=https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/VanNess_BRT_EIR/FEIR-FEIS/Tech%20Memos/Cultural%20Resources%20Reports/Historic%20Resources%20Evaluation%20and%20Inventory%20Report/Final_HRIER_Van_Ness_December%202009.pdf |publisher=[[San Francisco County Transportation Authority]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075937/https://www.sfcta.org/sites/default/files/content/Planning/VanNess_BRT_EIR/FEIR-FEIS/Tech%20Memos/Cultural%20Resources%20Reports/Historic%20Resources%20Evaluation%20and%20Inventory%20Report/Final_HRIER_Van_Ness_December%202009.pdf}}</ref>

[[File:Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marshall's Beach, March 2018.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Golden Gate Bridge]] connects sections of US&nbsp;101 between [[San Francisco]] and [[Marin County, California|Marin County]].|alt=The Golden Gate Bridge, a two-tower suspension bridge painted a dull orange, seen on a sunny day from a beach with mist over the water.]]

The divided highway travels through the north side of the Presidio and tunnels under a portion of the park as it approaches the [[Golden Gate Bridge]],<ref>{{cite news |last=King |first=John |date=July 16, 2022 |title=S.F.'s Tunnel Tops park is open. But it might not be the best new park at the Presidio |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/presidio-park-tunnel-tops-open-17308693.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075937/https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/presidio-park-tunnel-tops-open-17308693.php}}</ref> a [[toll bridge|tolled]] [[suspension bridge]] across the [[Golden Gate]] at the entrance to San Francisco Bay.<ref>{{cite news |last=Swan |first=Rachel |date=December 18, 2018 |title=Golden Gate Bridge toll may climb near $10 by 2023 |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Golden-Gate-Bridge-toll-may-climb-near-10-by-2023-13476526.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075939/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Golden-Gate-Bridge-toll-may-climb-near-10-by-2023-13476526.php}}</ref><ref name="NPR-Bridge">{{cite news |last=Stamberg |first=Susan |date=April 26, 2011 |title=The Golden Gate Bridge's accidental color |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/04/26/135150942/the-golden-gate-bridges-accidental-color |work=[[Morning Edition]] |publisher=[[NPR]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=May 24, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524000236/https://www.npr.org/2011/04/26/135150942/the-golden-gate-bridges-accidental-color}}</ref> It is operated by the [[Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District]] and is not legally defined as part of US&nbsp;101 and SR&nbsp;1.<ref>{{cite web |title=FAQs |url=https://www.goldengate.org/bridge/history-research/statistics-data/faqs/ |publisher=[[Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District]] |accessdate=April 24, 2024}}</ref> The orange-colored bridge, considered an icon of the city,<ref name="NPR-Bridge"/> has six lanes with a [[reversible lane|movable barrier]] and walkways on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 11, 2015 |title=Golden Gate Bridge closes for safety improvements |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/11/gaolden-gate-bridge-closure/21589661/ |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728075936/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/11/gaolden-gate-bridge-closure/21589661/}}</ref> North of the bridge, US&nbsp;101 is designated as the Redwood Highway.<ref name="CA-Names"/> It splits from SR&nbsp;1 and continues as an eight-lane freeway through suburban communities in [[Marin County, California|Marin County]], including an elevated viaduct in downtown [[San Rafael, California|San Rafael]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Graff |first=Amy |date=July 7, 2022 |title=Major closure coming to Highway 101 in Marin, delays up to 1 hour expected |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/highway-101-marin-lanes-closing-17288546.php |work=[[SFGate]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728082149/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/highway-101-marin-lanes-closing-17288546.php}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Harrison |first=Robert L. |date=September 14, 2020 |title=Super-highway on viaduct to break San Rafael bottleneck |url=https://medium.com/anne-t-kent-california-room-community-newsletter/super-highway-on-viaduct-to-break-san-rafael-bottleneck-3006dd4482e |publisher=Anne T. Kent California Room at [[Marin County Free Library]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728082149/https://medium.com/anne-t-kent-california-room-community-newsletter/super-highway-on-viaduct-to-break-san-rafael-bottleneck-3006dd4482e}}</ref> The highway continues along the west side of [[San Pablo Bay]] into [[Sonoma County, California|Sonoma County]], where it turns northwest to head inland through [[Petaluma, California|Petaluma]] and [[Santa Rosa, California|Santa Rosa]] in the [[North Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)|North Bay]]'s [[Wine Country]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Sachs |first=Andrea |date=February 16, 2018 |title=After the October wildfires, California Wine Country is ready to pop some corks |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/after-the-october-wildfires-california-wine-country-is-ready-to-pop-some-corks/2018/02/15/9b17cf26-0c2f-11e8-8890-372e2047c935_story.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127072036/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/after-the-october-wildfires-california-wine-country-is-ready-to-pop-some-corks/2018/02/15/9b17cf26-0c2f-11e8-8890-372e2047c935_story.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Swan |first=Rachel |date=August 25, 2019 |title=North Bay's SMART train, beloved but not bustling, looks to extend sales tax |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/North-Bay-s-SMART-train-beloved-but-not-14376250.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728082149/https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/North-Bay-s-SMART-train-beloved-but-not-14376250.php}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 follows the [[Russian River (California)|Russian River]] upstream through wineries and vineyards into [[Mendocino County, California|Mendocino County]] as the freeway narrows to four lanes and eventually ends.<ref name="google"/>

Beyond the San Francisco Bay Area, US&nbsp;101 is primarily an undivided highway with some short freeway sections and serves as the primary route in the rugged [[North Coast (California)|North Coast]] region.<ref>{{cite news |last=Riley |first=Frank |date=July 14, 1985 |title=Adventure awaits visitors on the Redwood Trail |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-14-tr-6575-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728085943/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-07-14-tr-6575-story.html}}</ref> It traverses the [[Mendocino Range]] and reaches the northern terminus of SR&nbsp;1 at [[Leggett, California|Leggett]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Wall |first=Jonathan |date=May 2, 2004 |title=Long and winding road |page=50 |work=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref> The Redwood Highway then follows the [[South Fork Eel River]] north into [[Humboldt Redwoods State Park]], where it runs parallel to the [[Avenue of the Giants]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Steigerwald |first=Bill |date=October 31, 2010 |title=Travels without Charley: Riding the Oregon-California coast truly mesmerizing |page=E5 |url=https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2010/10/31/Travels-Without-Charley-Riding-the-Oregon-California-coast-truly-mesmerizing/stories/201010310301 |work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]] |url-access=subscription |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728085943/https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2010/10/31/Travels-Without-Charley-Riding-the-Oregon-California-coast-truly-mesmerizing/stories/201010310301}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 continues northwest along the [[Eel River (California)|Eel River]] to reach the coastline near [[Eureka, California|Eureka]], which it travels through on city streets before becoming a divided highway around [[Humboldt Bay]]. The highway travels north along the coast through the [[Redwood National and State Parks]], where it passes through old-growth [[coast redwood]] forests, and reaches [[Crescent City, California|Crescent City]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Dixon |first=Chris |date=April 29, 2005 |title=A coast less traveled |page=F1 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/29/travel/escapes/a-coast-less-traveled.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 28, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230728085943/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/29/travel/escapes/a-coast-less-traveled.html}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 intersects [[U.S. Route 199|US&nbsp;199]] north of the city and continues northwest along the coast to the Oregon state line.<ref name="google"/>

===Oregon===
{{Main|U.S. Route 101 in Oregon}}
[[File:Beach north of Cape Sebastian.jpg|thumb|right|A coastline section of US&nbsp;101 near [[Cape Sebastian]]|alt=A view from the shoulder of a highway of several large rock outcroppings on a coastal beach with small trees and grasses in the foreground.]]

The Oregon Coast Highway begins at the California state line near [[Brookings, Oregon|Brookings]] and carries US&nbsp;101 north along the Pacific coast. It is generally a two-lane highway that passes through small towns and near 77 [[List of Oregon state parks|state parks]] on the rugged coastline, as well as some inland areas.<ref name="AAA-Trip">{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Bruce |date=March 1, 2019 |title=Highway 101: The ultimate West Coast drive |url=https://mwg.aaa.com/via/road-trips/highway-101-west-coast-drive |work=Via |publisher=[[AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729051719/https://mwg.aaa.com/via/road-trips/highway-101-west-coast-drive}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Merriam, Jr. |first1=Lawrence C. |last2=Talbot |first2=David G. |year=1992 |title=Oregon's Highway Park System, 1921–1989: An Administrative History, Including Historical Overview and Park Directory |chapter=Directory of Oregon State Park Areas |chapter-url=http://npshistory.com/publications/oregon/admin_history/directory.htm |publisher=[[Oregon Parks and Recreation Department]] |location=Salem, Oregon |oclc=28184451 |via=NPS History Electronic Library & Archive |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729051710/http://npshistory.com/publications/oregon/admin_history/directory.htm}}</ref> From Brookings, US&nbsp;101 traverses the {{convert|12|mi|km|adj=mid}} [[Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor]], which includes roadside viewpoints and trailheads that face the ocean.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Jamie |date=February 12, 2017 |title=The most scenic stretch of the Oregon coast: Touring beautiful Boardman state park |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2017/02/the_most_scenic_stretch_of_the.html |work=[[The Oregonian]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729051707/https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2017/02/the_most_scenic_stretch_of_the.html}}</ref> The highway remains elevated from the coastline and briefly descends to [[sea level]] near the [[Pistol River State Scenic Viewpoint]] before climbing [[Cape Sebastian]] on its way to [[Gold Beach, Oregon|Gold Beach]]. US&nbsp;101 travels through Gold Beach and crosses the [[Rogue River (Oregon)|Rogue River]] to continue north along the coast.<ref name="google"/> The highway turns west to follow the base of [[Humbug Mountain]], a {{convert|1,761|ft|m|adj=mid}} mountain that rises from the Pacific Ocean,<ref>{{cite news |last=Urness |first=Zach |date=May 2, 2016 |title=The joy of disappointment on Humbug Mountain |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2016/05/03/humbug-mountain-state-park-trail-oregon-coast/83830398/ |work=[[Statesman Journal]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316074054/https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2016/05/03/humbug-mountain-state-park-trail-oregon-coast/83830398/}}</ref> and northwest to reach [[Port Orford, Oregon|Port Orford]], where it leaves the coastline.<ref name="OR-Map">{{cite map |date=April 2023 |title=Oregon Official State Map |url=https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Map_Official_State_Front.pdf |at=[https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Map_Official_State_Back.pdf Astoria and Coos Bay–North Bend] insets |publisher=Oregon Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717135748/https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Data/Documents/Map_Official_State_Front.pdf}}</ref><ref name="ODOT-Context">{{cite report |last1=Gratreak |first1=Leesa |last2=Stuart |first2=Patience |last3=Jones |first3=Shoshana |last4=Becker |first4=Anisa |editor-last=Ranzetta |editor-first=Kirk |date=February 2, 2015 |title=US 101 Coast Highway Historic Context |page=22 |url=https://www.oregon.gov/odot/GeoEnvironmental/Docs_CulturalResource/US_101-Historic_Context.pdf |publisher=[[AECOM]] |via=Oregon Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 26, 2023 |archive-date=July 27, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727042755/https://www.oregon.gov/odot/GeoEnvironmental/Docs_CulturalResource/US_101-Historic_Context.pdf}}</ref>

US&nbsp;101 continues north, separated from the coastline by prairies and marshes, to [[Bandon, Oregon|Bandon]]; there, it briefly turns east and crosses the [[Coquille River (Oregon)|Coquille River]] to traverse more marshes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Muldoon |first=Katy |date=June 29, 2010 |title=The once and future marsh: In Bandon, Oregon, a salt marsh is re-engineered |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2010/06/the_once_and_future_marsh_in_b.html |work=The Oregonian |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729051708/https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2010/06/the_once_and_future_marsh_in_b.html}}</ref> The highway travels further inland to the northeast and follows a slough off [[Coos Bay]] to the neighboring cities of [[Coos Bay, Oregon|Coos Bay]] and [[North Bend, Oregon|North Bend]], where it splits into a pair of [[one-way pair|one-way streets]].{{sfnp|Gratreak|Stuart|Jones|Becker|2015|p=20}} US&nbsp;101 leaves North Bend and crosses Coos Bay on the [[Conde McCullough Memorial Bridge]]; from there, it heads north along the edge of a {{convert|40|mi|km|adj=mid}} exposed [[coastal dune|coastal sand dune]] that forms the [[Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area]], along with freshwater lakes to the east.<ref>{{cite news |last=Richard |first=Terry |date=April 6, 2003 |title=Northwest Outdoors — Umpqua Dunes: Highest, widest in Oregon |page=T7 |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2007/07/umpqua_dunes.html |work=The Oregonian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420003038/https://www.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2007/07/umpqua_dunes.html |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |accessdate=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Tizon |first=Alex |author-link=Alex Tizon |date=November 17, 1999 |title=Dune Buggy: Here's a spectacular playground |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19991117&slug=2995781 |work=[[The Seattle Times]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729051709/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19991117&slug=2995781}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 diverts northeast to cross the [[Umpqua River]] at [[Reedsport, Oregon|Reedsport]] and passes through a meandering section near [[Tahkenitch Lake]] before it returns to the coastal dunes around [[Dunes City, Oregon|Dunes City]].<ref name="google"/><ref name="OR-Map"/>

The Oregon Coast Highway crosses the [[Siuslaw River]] into [[Florence, Oregon|Florence]] and intersects [[Oregon Route 126]] (OR&nbsp;126), a major east–west route that traverses the [[Oregon Coast Range|Coast Range]] to [[Eugene, Oregon|Eugene]].<ref name="OR-Map"/> US&nbsp;101 returns to the coastline near the [[Heceta Head Lighthouse]] and continues north along several high cliffs around [[Cape Perpetua]] and [[Yachats, Oregon|Yachats]] that overlook the beaches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yenckel |first=James T. |date=May 24, 1987 |title=The coast |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/travel/1987/05/24/the-coast/5b926ce7-2815-48be-8a0b-22e482fdc55a/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |accessdate=July 28, 2023}}</ref><ref name="CNTraveler">{{cite news |last=Moss |first=Tyler |date=May 2, 2016 |title=The Oregon Coast: The U.S. road trip as beautiful as Highway 1 |url=https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2016-05-02/the-us-road-trip-thats-as-beautiful-as-highway-1 |work=[[Condé Nast Traveler]] |url-access=subscription |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729060047/https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2016-05-02/the-us-road-trip-thats-as-beautiful-as-highway-1}}</ref> The Oregon Coast Highway then crosses the [[Yaquina Bay Bridge]] into [[Newport, Oregon|Newport]] and serves as the western terminus of [[U.S. Route 20|US&nbsp;20]], a transcontinental route to [[Boston]] and the longest highway in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last=Weingroff |first=Richard |title=What is the longest road in the United States? |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm |publisher=Federal Highway Administration |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=June 19, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619063537/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/longest.cfm}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 continues along the coastline and [[Siletz Bay]] into [[Lincoln City, Oregon|Lincoln City]], where it serves as the city's main street for {{convert|7|mi|km}}<ref name="Bulletin">{{cite news |last=Gottberg Anderson |first=John |date=January 5, 2014 |title=Oregon's scenic byways |url=https://www.bendbulletin.com/lifestyle/oregon-s-scenic-byways/article_d7910ad2-d26d-5a60-bfbe-82c924fe63cd.html |work=[[Bend Bulletin]] |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=December 2, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202025648/https://www.bendbulletin.com/lifestyle/oregon-s-scenic-byways/article_d7910ad2-d26d-5a60-bfbe-82c924fe63cd.html}}</ref> and turns away from the coast to bypass the [[Cascade Head]] biosphere reserve.{{sfnp|Gratreak|Stuart|Jones|Becker|2015|p=14}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Roemeling |first=Alisha |date=January 18, 2014 |title=Cascade Head hike ends with great views |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2014/01/19/cascade-head-hike-ends-with-great-views/4608247/ |work=Statesman Journal |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=March 16, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316074054/https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2014/01/19/cascade-head-hike-ends-with-great-views/4608247/}}</ref> The highway briefly returns to the coastline before beginning a long inland stretch that follows the [[Nestucca River]] and other streams to [[Tillamook, Oregon|Tillamook]].<ref name="google"/>{{sfnp|Gratreak|Stuart|Jones|Becker|2015|pp=9–11}}

US&nbsp;101 passes the [[Tillamook County Creamery Association]] factory and travels northwest along [[Tillamook Bay]] to rejoin the coast near [[Garibaldi, Oregon|Garibaldi]], but later turns inland to skirt [[Nehalem Bay]] and avoid [[Cape Falcon, Oregon|Cape Falcon]].{{sfnp|Gratreak|Stuart|Jones|Becker|2015|pp=9–11}} The highway travels around the community of [[Cannon Beach, Oregon|Cannon Beach]], home to the landmark [[Haystack Rock]],<ref name="CNTraveler"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Hale |first=Jamie |date=July 11, 2017 |title=The 12 most iconic landmarks on the Oregon coast |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2017/07/the_12_most_iconic_landmarks_o.html |work=The Oregonian |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=August 10, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810195756/https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2017/07/the_12_most_iconic_landmarks_o.html}}</ref> and turns northeast to bypass [[Tillamook Head]] and intersect [[U.S. Route 26|US&nbsp;26]]—a major route to [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]].<ref name="OR-Map"/> US&nbsp;101 continues north along the [[Necanicum River]] to reach the coast at [[Seaside, Oregon|Seaside]] and travel through the city and nearby beach communities. The highway turns northeast and crosses [[Youngs Bay]] from [[Warrenton, Oregon|Warrenton]] to [[Astoria, Oregon|Astoria]], where it meets the western terminus of [[U.S. Route 30|US&nbsp;30]]; that highway continues into downtown Astoria and east towards [[Portland, Oregon|Portland]].<ref name="google"/><ref name="OR-Map"/> US&nbsp;101 turns south onto a loop ramp that leads north to the [[Astoria–Megler Bridge]], a {{convert|4|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} bridge that spans the mouth of the [[Columbia River]] and carries the highway into Washington.<ref name="OR-Map"/><ref name="Oregonian-AstoriaBridge">{{cite news |last=Read |first=Richard |date=December 27, 2015 |title=Astoria-Megler Bridge straddles 4 miles, guides ship pilots, withstands gusts: 'Spanning Oregon' |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2015/12/astoria-megler_bridge_columbia.html |work=The Oregonian |accessdate=July 28, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729063237/https://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/2015/12/astoria-megler_bridge_columbia.html}}</ref>

===Washington===
{{Main|U.S. Route 101 in Washington}}
[[File:US 101 northbound approaching downtown Aberdeen, WA.jpg|thumb|right|Northbound view of US&nbsp;101 as it descends into downtown [[Aberdeen, Washington]], to intersect [[U.S. Route 12|US&nbsp;12]]|alt=Looking down from a one-way bridge with two lanes at a city skyline with low-slung buildings and hills in the background; a sign reading "101 North Hoquiam, Port Angeles; 12 East Olympia" hangs over the highway.]]

US&nbsp;101 enters Washington state at the north end of the Astoria–Megler Bridge and immediately turns west to follow the Columbia River. The highway traverses [[Fort Columbia State Park]] in a tunnel and passes through [[Chinook, Washington|Chinook]] on the north side of the river's mouth towards [[Ilwaco, Washington|Ilwaco]], near [[Cape Disappointment (Washington)|Cape Disappointment]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Zahn |first=Andy |date=June 14, 2012 |title=Explore century-old Fort Columbia, now a state park |url=https://tdn.com/lifestyles/explore-century-old-fort-columbia-now-a-state-park/article_0223fa04-b700-11e1-8125-0019bb2963f4.html |work=[[The Daily News (Longview, Washington)|The Daily News]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729070332/https://tdn.com/lifestyles/explore-century-old-fort-columbia-now-a-state-park/article_0223fa04-b700-11e1-8125-0019bb2963f4.html}}</ref> From Ilwaco, US&nbsp;101 briefly travels north before turning east at [[Seaview, Washington|Seaview]], the southernmost city on the [[Long Beach Peninsula]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Frank |first=Michael |date=May 5, 1991 |title=Historic cape in the Pacific Northwest |at=sec. 5, p. 8 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/05/travel/historic-cape-in-the-pacific-northwest.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730052319/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/05/travel/historic-cape-in-the-pacific-northwest.html}}</ref> and following [[Willapa Bay]] to a junction with [[Washington State Route 4|State Route 4]] (SR&nbsp;4) on the [[Naselle River]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 2, 2018 |title=Corridor Sketch Summary – US 101/SR 100: Astoria Bridge to Cosmopolis |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS210-US101SR100-AstoriaBridge-Cosmopolis.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208204724/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS210-US101SR100-AstoriaBridge-Cosmopolis.pdf}}</ref> The highway continues along the east side of the bay through [[South Bend, Washington|South Bend]] to [[Raymond, Washington|Raymond]], where it travels inland to cross the forested [[Willapa Hills]] to reach [[Aberdeen, Washington|Aberdeen]]. US&nbsp;101 enters the city by crossing the [[Chehalis River (Washington)|Chehalis River]] and turns west onto a pair of one-way streets after an intersection with [[U.S. Route 12|US&nbsp;12]].<ref name="google"/><ref name="WSDOT-Map">{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |accessdate=July 29, 2023}}</ref>

The streets travel through western Aberdeen and neighboring [[Hoquiam, Washington|Hoquiam]], where the highway is split by the [[Hoquiam River]], and rejoin north of downtown. The highway continues north along inland streams into the [[Quinault Indian Reservation]], which it enters near [[Lake Quinault]] at the edge of [[Olympic National Park]].<ref name="OlympicNP-Map">{{cite map |date=July 2021 |title=Olympic National Park |url=https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/olymmap1.pdf |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=September 24, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924213125/https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/upload/OLYMmap1.pdf}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 circumnavigates the [[Olympic Peninsula]] and provides the main access to the national park and various sites via spur roads;<ref name="NatGeo">{{cite news |last=Nelson |first=Andrew |date=September 14, 2010 |title=Road Trip: The Olympic Peninsula, Washington |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/olympic-peninsula-washington-road-trip |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420011715/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/olympic-peninsula-washington-road-trip |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 20, 2021 |work=[[National Geographic]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023}}</ref> there are no roads that cross the [[Olympic Mountains]], which separate areas of the national park and adjacent [[Olympic National Forest]].<ref name="OlympicNP-Map"/><ref name="HAER-OlympicNP">{{cite web |last=Swope |first=Caroline |editor-last=Ottoboni |editor-first=Gina |date=March 2004 |title=HAER No. WA-166: Olympic National Park Road System |pages=6, 9, 21–22 |url=http://npshistory.com/publications/olym/haer-wa-166.pdf |work=[[Historic American Engineering Record]] |publisher=National Park Service |accessdate=August 6, 2023 |archive-date=August 6, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806235712/http://npshistory.com/publications/olym/haer-wa-166.pdf}}</ref> The highway turns west from Lake Quinault to reach the Pacific coastline, which it follows for {{convert|15|mi|km}} between [[Queets, Washington|Queets]] and [[Ruby Beach]] within Olympic National Park.<ref>{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Don |date=December 19, 1993 |title=Sand for all seasons: Where sea meets land in wild abandon, the state's long, dramatic coastline presents a pageant of history and nature |page=L1 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19931219&slug=1737717 |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730052320/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19931219&slug=1737717}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 then heads northeast to follow the [[Hoh River]] upstream and intersects the main access road to the [[Hoh Rainforest]].<ref name="Bee-1952">{{cite news |date=June 25, 1952 |title=Olympic Loop Highway in Washington is scenic marvel |page=V18 |work=[[The Sacramento Bee]] |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-olympic-loop-highway/129121073/ |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730070123/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sacramento-bee-olympic-loop-highway/129121073/}}</ref> It then travels north through [[Forks, Washington|Forks]] and follows the [[Sol Duc River]] east to re-enter the national park.<ref name="google"/><ref name="OlympicNP-Map"/>

[[File:U.S. Route 101 flight over Elwha.webm|thumb|right|Aerial view of US&nbsp;101 near the [[Elwha River]] west of [[Port Angeles, Washington]]|alt=Video of a drone flight over a highway as it crosses a river in a dense coniferous forest.]]

US&nbsp;101 travels along the southern shore of [[Lake Crescent]], one of the deepest lakes in the state,<ref>{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Ron |date=August 8, 2014 |title=Our deep lakes incite curiosity and conjure legends |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/our-deep-lakes-incite-curiosity-and-conjure-legends/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730052319/https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/our-deep-lakes-incite-curiosity-and-conjure-legends/}}</ref> and the foothills of the Olympic Mountains until it crosses the [[Elwha River]] near the site of the demolished [[Elwha Dam]].<ref>{{cite news |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Elwha River bridge could need replacement after dam removal |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/oct/20/elwha-river-bridge-could-need-replacement-after-da/ |work=[[The Spokesman-Review]] |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730052319/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/oct/20/elwha-river-bridge-could-need-replacement-after-da/}}</ref> The highway enters [[Port Angeles, Washington|Port Angeles]] and uses city streets to reach the northernmost point of US&nbsp;101,<ref name="NatGeo"/><ref name="Bee-1952"/> near the [[ferry terminal]] for the [[Puget Sound Navigation Company|Black Ball Line]] to [[Victoria, British Columbia]].<ref name="WSDOT-Map"/> The four-lane highway turns east to follow the [[Strait of Juan de Fuca]] through a rural prairie and becomes a [[super two|super two expressway]] as it bypasses [[Sequim, Washington|Sequim]].<ref>{{cite web |date=March 28, 2018 |title=Corridor Sketch Summary – US 101/SR 104/SR 117: US 101 Jct at SR 112 to SR 104 Jct at SR 3 |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS213-US101SR104SR117-US101JctatSR112-SR104JctatSR3.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311211330/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS213-US101SR104SR117-US101JctatSR112-SR104JctatSR3.pdf}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 dips south to travel around [[Sequim Bay]] and turns south to follow [[Discovery Bay, Washington|Discovery Bay]] to a junction with [[Washington State Route 20|SR&nbsp;20]], which serves [[Port Townsend, Washington|Port Townsend]] and the [[North Cascades]].<ref name="WSDOT-Map"/>

The highway travels south and crosses a [[mountain pass|pass]] in the Olympic Mountains near [[Mount Walker (Washington)|Mount Walker]] before it reaches the west shore of [[Hood Canal]], which it follows for more than {{convert|50|mi|km}}.<ref name="Bee-1952"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Blair Jr. |first=Seabury |date=February 7, 1993 |title=Hike o' the Month: They didn't name Mt. Walker that for nothing |page=3 |work=[[Kitsap Sun]] |department=R&R |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-hike-o-the-month-they-didn/129121162/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=July 30, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730070125/https://www.newspapers.com/article/kitsap-sun-hike-o-the-month-they-didn/129121162/}}</ref> US&nbsp;101 passes several [[List of Washington state parks|state parks]] and additional access points for the national park, including [[Lake Cushman]] near [[Hoodsport, Washington|Hoodsport]].<ref name="OlympicNP-Map"/> It leaves Hood Canal on the [[Skokomish Indian Reservation]] and continues south on a super two bypass around [[Shelton, Washington|Shelton]], where it intersects [[Washington State Route 3|SR&nbsp;3]]. US&nbsp;101 then becomes a freeway and cuts across several inlets and bays of [[Puget Sound]] as it turns southeast towards the Olympia area.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 27, 2019 |title=Corridor Sketch Summary – US 101: SR 102 Jct (Shelton) to I-5 Jct (Tumwater/Olympia) |url=https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS215-US101-SR102JctShelton-i5JctTumwaterOlympia.pdf |publisher=Washington State Department of Transportation |accessdate=July 29, 2023 |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306175032/https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-10/CSS215-US101-SR102JctShelton-i5JctTumwaterOlympia.pdf}}</ref> The freeway merges with [[Washington State Route 8|SR&nbsp;8]] and continues southeast to reach its northern terminus at I-5 in [[Tumwater, Washington|Tumwater]],<ref name="Mercury"/> near the [[Washington State Capitol]] campus in nearby Olympia.<ref name="google"/><ref name="WSDOT-Map"/>

The section between Lake Crescent and Sequim is generally [[Direction, position, or indication sign|signed]] east–west,<ref name="WSDOT-log"/> while the section south of the intersection with SR&nbsp;20 is signed north–south but turned 180 degrees.<ref name="Mercury"/> The direct route between Aberdeen and Olympia uses US&nbsp;12 and SR&nbsp;8, which complete the Olympic Loop Highway.<ref name="WSDOT-Map"/>