The drive
This is the stretch of US 101 where the Oregon Coast gets steep. It leaves Yachats heading south, climbs around the headland of Cape Perpetua, and runs along the shore with the ocean on your right. The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a couple of miles south of Yachats, has Thor's Well and Devil's Churn, where the surf pounds into rock channels, and a paved trail called the Trail of the Restless Waters.
Farther south the highway rises and falls through two twisty stretches, one near the start and one about two-thirds of the way along, with turnouts for views. Heceta Head, with its lighthouse, sits about 13 miles from both Yachats and Florence, and Sea Lion Caves is just south of it on the highway. The drive finishes in Florence, at the edge of the dunes.
Along the way
- Yachats
- Heceta Head
- Florence
Good to know
- Parking at Cape Perpetua and at Heceta Head Lighthouse costs a day-use fee, or an Oregon Coast Passport or a recreation pass covers it; the day-use pass is not a ticket to see inside the lighthouse.
- Thor's Well and Devil's Churn can be dangerous at high tide and in winter storms, so stay back from the rock edges.
- Pull fully off the highway to look at the view; the turnouts are the places to stop, not the travel lane.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT TripCheck.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 101 from Yachats to Florence take?
Highway 101 from Yachats to Florence is 21.9 miles and takes about 35 minutes without stops. Plan longer for the turnouts at Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head.
Is Highway 101 between Yachats and Florence twisty?
It is mostly gentle with two twisty stretches, one in the first two miles out of Yachats and another about 14 to 16 miles in. The road is rated Sweeping.
Is there a fee to stop at Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Yes, there is a day-use parking fee at Heceta Head, which an Oregon Coast Passport also covers. The parking pass is not a ticket to enter the lighthouse.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.