highway 101 south from port angeles

X2. It'll take a bit longer to follow the coast all the way down,but you'll never forgive yourself if you don't do it. Nice easy,relaxed driving.
If you go down the west side of the Olympic Peninsula,I'd suggest that you run out to Westport and then down to Raymond that way. There is a nice rv park in Hoquiam,one at Westport,a really nice state park at Grayland and then a private one a little bit off the road at Tokeland. There are a whole bunch in the Long Beach and Astoria area,but the two nicest are the state parks at Ilwaco and Astoria. From there down,you'll have your choice of a LOT of state and private parks.

From your title and your dialogue it looks like your goal is to get from Port Angeles to S. Cal. on 101. Unless you're making a side trip to see friends and/or relatives, why would you want to go to Tacoma? It is way off the 101 beaten path and can be a real hassle what with I-5, etc.

There are two South 101's in the State of Washington: one on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula and one on the east side along Hood Canal. Personally, if my goal was to get from Port Angeles to S. Cal on 101 I would be heading west on 101 out of Port Angeles and then head south on 101 on the west side of the Olympics. I would not go any where near Tacoma. I wouldn't want to be tempted to take I-5 to California and miss 101 through Washington, Oregon, and northern California.

I use Black Ball ferry to PA then 101 to I-5 at Olympia every year when I go south. A bit narrow and curvy along the Hood Canal section, but otherwise a good road. 2 1/2 hrs from PA to I-5 towing a 26 ft trailer.

If you plan on getting on I5, you might want to check the ferry rates for the Anacortes ferry which runs from Sidney. Washington state ferry offers a very reasonable rate up to 60 feet. On the other hand as others have stated, 101 South to I5, I find a nice scenic drive with some short hills and curves. Dependant on timing, it is nice to miss that Seattle traffic.

101 loops around the Olympic Peninsula in both directions. If you go from Fort Angeles west, that is a gorgeous drive, and must stops are Ruby Beach and if you have time the Hoh Rain Forest. You can continue south and cross at Astoria and then continue down the coast. Cape Disappointment State Park is an awesome overnighter with 2 lighthouses and an interpretive center. This way you will bypass Portland also.
If you go east on 101, it will take you to Olympia, (You can go to Tacoma via Bremerton if you need to but why deal with that traffic. You will hook up to I5 at Olympia and then on to Portland.

PA to Tacoma leaves US101 south of Port Townsend and crosses the Hood Canal Bridge, and eventually takes the Tacoma Narrows bridge. It's a fairly busy route, but from Silverdale south is divided highway. I5 Tacoma to Olympia is busy urban freeway. I5 traffic does not become rural until south of Olympia.

PA to Olympia (I5) is coastal 2 lane highway. No ups/downs but plenty of curves as it follows the shore. It's somewhat like the BC99 drive along Howe Sound (pre-Olympics) (and much better than drive west from Victoria to Port Renfrew).

US101 going the other direction from PA is good 2 lane, mostly inland through working forest (as one would see through out BC).

Beautiful drive all the way down to Santa Barbara. Rest-A-While campground is one of my most favorite for just kicking back.

101 from Port Angeles all the way down into California is a very good 2-lane highway suitable for big RVs. Absolutely no problems and the scenic way to go. 101 thru Oregon is a must for great ocean views. If you want to go fast you need to get on an interstate.

There are many highways from PA to Tacoma, 101 does not go to Tacoma it goes to Olympia or if you go along the coast to Forks. Do you want to stay on the coast or get over to I-5? We have taken the coast route and like it. Dick

From PA to Olympia is not a problem. Easy drive, but it can be slow and curvy. Not a big deal. If your not really interested in freeway south, at Longview cross the bridge to hwy 30 to Astoria. 101 south from there is a really nice drive.