U.S. Route 101 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Route information | |
| Length | 1,540 mi (2,478 km) |
| Existed | November 11, 1926–present |
| Major junctions | |
| South end |    I-5 / I-10 / SR 60 in Los Angeles, CA |
|
|
| North end |  I-5 in Tumwater, WA |
| Location | |
| States: | California, Oregon, Washington |
| Highway system | |
| United States Numbered Highways List • Bannered • Divided • Replaced |
|
U.S. Route 101, also known as U.S. Highway 101 (or US 101), is a famous highway in the United States. It runs from south to north along the beautiful West Coast of the United States. This long road travels through three states: California, Oregon, and Washington.
For much of its journey in California, US 101 travels very close to, and sometimes even shares the road with, California State Route 1. This makes it a great route for seeing amazing coastal views!
Contents
Exploring US 101: A Coastal Journey
US 101 is about 1,540 miles long. That's like driving from one end of California to the other, and then some! It starts in the big city of Los Angeles, California. Here, it connects with other major highways like Interstate 5, Interstate 10, and California State Route 60.
California Adventures
From Los Angeles, US 101 heads west. It passes the northern part of Downtown Los Angeles. Then, it reaches the coast near Oxnard. From this point, the highway turns north and follows the coastline.
Some of the main cities you'll see in California include Santa Maria, San Jose, and the famous city of San Francisco. In San Francisco, US 101 takes you right over the amazing Golden Gate Bridge. This is one of the most well-known bridges in the world! Further north, it passes through Santa Rosa and Eureka, California.
Oregon's Scenic Route
When US 101 enters Oregon, it continues its journey north along the coast. The cities it passes through here are smaller than in California. These include North Bend, Florence, Newport, and Astoria. Oregon's coast is known for its natural beauty and charming towns. While US 101 goes through these smaller towns, another highway, Interstate 5, runs further inland through bigger cities like Salem and Portland.
Washington's Wilderness Path
Finally, US 101 reaches Washington state. Here, it passes through cities like Aberdeen, Forks, and Port Angeles. The highway ends in Tumwater, where it connects with Interstate 5.
History of US 101
US 101 was once the most important highway along the West Coast. It was the main way people traveled up and down the coast. Today, many people use Interstate 5 for faster travel. However, US 101 is still a popular choice for scenic drives.
When US 101 first opened in 1926, it used many small roads that were already built. Over time, the highway was improved. In 1933, new sections with modern bridges and ramps were built. This made the journey much faster and easier for drivers. For example, the part of US 101 between San Diego and Los Angeles was replaced by Interstate 5 in the 1960s.
Important Connections Along the Way
US 101 connects with many other major highways. These connections help people travel to different parts of the country. Here are some of the key intersections:
- In Los Angeles, California, US 101 meets Interstate 5 and Interstate 10.
- In San Francisco, California, it connects with Interstate 80.
- Near Crescent City, California, it meets U.S. Route 199.
- In Newport, Oregon, US 101 connects with U.S. Route 20.
- In Astoria, Oregon, it meets U.S. Route 30.
- In Aberdeen, Washington, it connects with U.S. Route 12.
- Its northern end in Tumwater, Washington, is at Interstate 5.
Images for kids
-
Highway 101 running through Hollywood. Downtown Los Angeles is in the background.
-
The Golden Gate Bridge carries US 101 across San Francisco Bay.
-
The Astoria-Megler Bridge carries US 101 over the Columbia River.
-
Hwy 101 as a gravel road in Depoe Bay on the central Oregon coast in 1938.
-
Historic Route 101 in Solana Beach.
