Oregon’s Highway 101 is more than a road. The stretch connecting California to Washington runs through breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, where rocky shorelines neighbor green forests. Vibrant communities are connected by the major thoroughfare, from Astoria to Brookings. This year marks its 100th anniversary of being designated a federal highway, and to celebrate, photographer Peter Marbach captured contemporary scenes of life along the road. These images are a love letter to Oregon’s Highway 101.
“For most of my photography career, Highway 101 has served as a gateway to the scenic wonders of the coast, with little attention paid to the road itself. This project opened my eyes to how seamlessly this marvel of engineering blends itself into the rugged landscape of the coast.
From the massive retaining walls around Neahkahnie Mountain, to the graceful spans and designs of historic bridges, the undulating curves along the Samuel Boardman State Scenic Corridor, and the drama of Thor’s Well sinkhole, the highway takes you on a journey through time.
What you see here is a snapshot in time, highlights of what I witnessed over the spring and summer of 2025, on or adjacent to Highway 101. Weather on the coast was always a challenge, often enduring days of rain and fog that would never burn off. But there are always mystical moments that nature provides, if one is patient. ”
