About Adrienne Devecka Expertise Portland, camping/fishing Central Oregon(Bend)
Experience Native Oregonion/Life long explorer of state.
Fly fishing,river rafting,rock hound,and an added bonus of knowing health care providers in Portland
Question Hello! My Mom & I visited OR last year, and drove down from Newport to Florence on what Mom called the "ride from hell"! We were both quite scared of how the road would hug the coast (being up so high) and having no guard rails along this route. My question is , are there many "scary" twist & turns like this all along the state? Specifically when you are so close to the edge, and cars are coming toward you, it being a one-lane, God forbid if a semi-truck was making those turns! We were hoping to drive (North) to Astoria from Newport, but are hesitant since we've never been, and would hate to encounter a ride (similar) to the one we had mentioned above. Also, is there another route to get to Florence say from Newport (w/out drving thru the Devil's elbow)? Thank you for your time!
Answer Hello,
Sorry this response so late,my computer has been actually unplugged!!!
The whole length of 101 hugs the coast,however the northern stretch is not quite as nerve wracking as the southern.The drive from Newport to Astoria is fine,some high points but guardrails all the way.However,it is heavily traveled and can,at times,get quite slow.
I know of no other way from Newport to Florence other than very small inland roads that all interconnect and would take hours to drive...these are scary!
You can also drive directly off 1-5 at Eugene on hwy.126 which takes you directly into Florence.
By all means try Astoria though.It has been"discovered"and is a charming old town.
Happy travels,
Adrienne
