PCH Hwy 101 - top to bottom

Pacific Coast Highway from Top to Bottom

Driving Highway 101 and the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from top (Washington state) to bottom (Southern California) is a 1,600+ mile epic ride. You will ride closest to the ocean by traveling North to South. Expect towering redwoods, rocky cliffs, and crashing waves. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Top-to-Bottom Route Guide

1. Washington to Oregon Coast

• The Route: Start in Port Angeles and head south on US-101.

• Must-See Stops: Stop at Ruby Beach for dramatic sea stacks (rock towers in the ocean). Cross into Oregon and visit God's Thumb near Lincoln City.

• Safety Note: This stretch is very wet and misty. Rain tires are a must. [1, 2]

2. Northern California

• The Route: Cross into California on US-101.

• Must-See Stops: Ride through the Redwood National and State Parks. Stop at the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett to ride your bike right through a tree.

• The Transition: At Leggett, US-101 splits. Head south on Highway 1 (PCH) for the classic coastal road. [1, 2, 3, 4]

3. Central California (Big Sur)

• The Route: This is the best part of PCH. The road clings to the cliffs.

• Must-See Stops: Cross the Bixby Creek Bridge and stop to see the sea lions at Piedras Blancas.

• Safety Note: Check the Caltrans QuickMap before you ride. Big Sur is famous for mudslides and road closures. [1, 2]

4. Southern California

• The Route: Highway 1 merges with US-101 again near Los Angeles.

• Must-See Stops: Cruise past Santa Barbara and famous surf spots like Malibu. The official end of PCH is at Dana Point. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Essential Ride Tips

• Gas: Rural gas stations are far apart in Washington and Northern California. Never let your tank drop below half.

• Weather: Even in summer, the coast is very cold. Wear layers and have heated gear. [1]

Could you tell me what month you plan to ride and how many days you have for the trip?

I can help you build a custom daily itinerary or find motorcycle-friendly hotels along the route.

This custom 7-day, 6-night southbound itinerary is built for a motorcycle rider who wants classic coastal twisties combined with scenic inland detours and great campsites.

🏍️ The Top-to-Bottom Moto-Camping Itinerary

[Port Angeles, WA] -> [Kalaloch] -> [Astoria, OR] -> [Harris Beach] -> [Humboldt Redwoods, CA] -> [Kirk Creek, Big Sur] -> [Ojai Loop] -> [Dana Point]

Day 1: The Moody Olympic Peninsula (Washington)

• The Route: Start in Port Angeles, tracking US-101 West and South around the edge of Olympic National Park. [1]

• Inland Detour: Turn inland onto Hurricane Ridge Road. It is an incredible, winding asphalt climb to over 5,000 feet with jagged, snow-capped alpine views. [1]

• Where to Camp: Kalaloch Campground, located right on the ocean bluffs on US-101. It is misty, dramatic, and features a camp store nearby. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Day 2: The Great River Crossing & Rugged Oregon Headlands

• The Route: Ride US-101 South through Washington, crossing the massive Astoria-Megler Bridge into Oregon. Cruise down the northern Oregon coast. [1]

• Inland Detour: Turn east onto Highway 131 toward the Tillamook State Forest for a loop through dense, mossy logging country before returning to the coast.

• Where to Camp: Cape Blanco State Park Campground. This park sits on Oregon's westernmost peninsula, featuring a historic lighthouse, wind-sculpted forests, and highly private campsites. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Day 3: Southern Oregon Cliffs to the Redwoods

• The Route: Ride through the breathtaking sea stacks of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor. Cross into California.

• Inland Detour: Take the Avenue of the Giants (State Route 254). This is a 31-mile bypass parallel to US-101 that weaves tightly through ancient, massive redwood trees.

• Where to Camp: Burlington Campground in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. You will sleep directly under the canopy of giant old-growth trees. It has hot coin-operated showers. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Day 4: Entering the PCH & Wine Country Cruising

• The Route: At Leggett, pay the small cash fee to ride your bike through the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, then transition onto Highway 1 for tight, technical switchbacks down to the ocean.

• Inland Detour: Take Highway 128 inland through the Anderson Valley wine country. It is a smooth, flowing ribbon of tarmac bordered by vineyards and orchards.

• Where to Camp: Bodega Dunes Campground within Sonoma Coast State Park. It features hot showers and campsites nestled securely behind rolling coastal sand dunes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Day 5: Crossing San Francisco into Big Sur

• The Route: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, ride past Half Moon Bay, and hit Monterey. Enter the legendary cliffs of Big Sur.

• Inland Detour: Look out for the Caltrans QuickMap to ensure the road is fully open through Big Sur, as mudslides are common.

• Where to Camp: Kirk Creek Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. Every single campsite sits on an open bluff overlooking the crashing Pacific Ocean. It is considered one of the absolute best motorcycle camping spots in the country. Note: Pit toilets only, no fresh water. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Day 6: Central Coast Twisties & Canyons

• The Route: Ride past the Piedras Blancas elephant seals and drop down into San Luis Obispo.

• Inland Detour: The Ojai to Lockwood Valley Loop. Head inland on Highway 150 past Lake Casitas into Ojai, then blast up Highway 33 over the Pine Mountain Summit. This high-desert canyon road is a sport-touring paradise.

• Where to Camp: Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu. The campsites are shaded by giant sycamore trees and lie just a short walk away from sea caves and tide pools. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Day 7: The Malibu Cruise to the Finish Line

• The Route: Wake up early to beat Los Angeles traffic. Cruise through the beachfront flats of Malibu, pass the Santa Monica Pier, and follow Highway 1 south until it officially terminates at Dana Point. [1, 2, 3, 4]

🏕️ Summary Table: Moto-Friendly Campgrounds

Night

Campground

Highlights

Key Amenities

1

Kalaloch Campground (WA)

Stunning ocean bluff sunsets; coastal rainforest environment

Flush toilets, dump station, fire rings

2

Cape Blanco State Park (OR)

Wildest cape on the coast; historic 1870 lighthouse

Hot showers, water, electrical hooks

3

Burlington Campground (CA)

Camp directly underneath old-growth redwood giants

Flush toilets, hot coin showers, water

4

Bodega Dunes Campground (CA)

Wide sand dunes; beach access; close to wine valley loop

Coin showers, flush toilets, fire pits

5

Kirk Creek Campground (CA)

Unobstructed cliffside ocean views; highly coveted moto-site

Fire rings, pit toilets (No water)

6

Leo Carrillo State Park (CA)

Shaded sycamore canyon right across from Malibu reefs

Token showers, flush toilets, camp store

🧳 Motorcycle Camping Packing Tips

• Secure Food Storage: All coastal sites have active wildlife (raccoons, ravens, and black bears in WA/OR). Use the provided campsite metal bear boxes to store food.

• Locking Kickstand Plate: Bring a small plastic or metal puck for your kickstand. Many coastal campsites have soft sand or gravel dirt pads where a bike can easily tip over. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Map data ©2026 Google, INEGITerms

1000 km 

RedPacific Northwest Camping

GreenNorthern California Coast

OrangeCentral & Southern Coast

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