Written Directions
This is a little alternate route off Highway 20 and I suspect it may be the old highway. Starting at the Newport Historic Bayfront, go east, following the bay inland. Continue past the docks, marine supply houses, etc until you leave Newport. Once on Yaquina Bay Road proper, the speed limit will open up a bit and the scenery will get less touristy and more beautiful. Follow the bay and then river past fishing docks and rural homes. For the most part, you simply follow the main roadway all the way to the small town of Toledo where you meet a business loop off highway 20. One can take a left to rejoin highway 20 less than a mile up the road, or right through town, which rejoins the main highway on the other side.
Scenery
For my money, the coastal Pacific Northwest is as beautiful as it gets and this is a prime example until you get into Toledo proper, which is spoiled slightly by the paper mill (though the town probably wouldn't be here without it). Fishing docks,a gently winding river, green trees all around... what's not to love.
Drive Enjoyment
Sweeping curves and the occasional tighter bend. Not super technical, but enjoyable enough that the scenery isn't the only star of the show. The road surface (summer 2025) is less than perfect, but not too rough for a coastal road. Some small potholes but nothing severe.
Tourism Opportunities
At the western end of the route, Newport is arguably the prime tourist destination on the Oregon Coast. Good hotels, good restaurants, loads of history, whale watching, guided fishing... I'm not even going to attempt to scratch the surface here, but it's a favorite destination of mine.
Motorcycle Road Additional info
I come to Newport fairly regularly. I tend to take a different route into town, spend the night and take this route out of town. Coastal mornings can be on the cool side, so grab a good breakfast somewhere and hit the road once the clouds have burned off to catch this at its most impressive. If you're planning to head north on 101, you can take this route, then cross 20 and head toward the town of Siletz, then follow that road back to 101 between Depot Bay and Lincoln City.
