West coast USA - coastal/mountain drive/ride

[bitwrx]

Brother is getting married in Oregon in July. I have 11 days to myself before the wedding prep happens. Flying in to San Francisco with the intention of making my way overland to Portland. Undecided whether by bike or car. (Probably the latter, but will definitely be hiring a bike for a couple of days.)

Please give me your dos and don'ts. In particular I'd like to know what the 'best' few hundred miles of the pacific coast road are. Or if there are any inland mountainous bits that are a compelling alternative.

Please forgive my lack of independent research/forward planning. Congenital disorder I'm afraid. No cure.