Neskowin Scenic Drive

If you are driving up the Oregon Coast on US 101 between Lincoln City and Tillamook or heading on OR Highway 18 to the coast, you may pass by a sign for an Old Scenic US 101 Highway. That old road is the Neskowin Scenic Drive, which is an old alignment of US 101. A new, and at times steeper, alignment of US 101 past Cascade Head on the way to the Neskowin Ghost Forest in Neskowin has since replaced this narrow, twisty forest road. Fortunately, you can still explore the old road as it winds its way through the Siuslaw National Forest's Cascade Head Experimental Forest, whether it be by car, on foot or by bicycle. The Neskowin Scenic Drive is about 10 miles long, using Slab Creek Road and Old Scenic US Highway 101 as it meanders from Neskowin to Otis. That's just what I did following a hike to nearby Drift Creek Falls and a visit to the Neskowin Ghost Forest.

An informational sign about the Neskowin Scenic Drive, which goes through some lush coastal forests.

That is an one lane bridge going over a small creek.

A typical view of the forest on the Neskowin Scenic Drive.

The Otis Cafe, at the corner of the Neskowin Scenic Drive and OR 18. This long operating greasy spoon apparently has some delicious molasses bread.

The Neskowin Scenic Drive ends at OR 18. It's just a short drive back to US 101, or a longer drive to Salem or Portland.

Sources and Links:
Waymarking.com - South End of Neskowin Scenic Drive - Oregon
Motorcycle Roads NorthWest - Slab Creek Road / Scenic 101

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