As I'm sure you know, 101 doesn't go to/through Salem, though it does travel along the very best part of the Oregon Coast. I've traveled the full length of this road from its beginning in California to its end in Washington and in my opinion the stretch in Oregon is the best, beauty-wise. Unlike in Washington/California, 101 in Oregon is right along the water for most of the full length of the State. Lots of beautiful State Parks along the way. (Even in September the more popular ones can be full, though since school will be back in session it might be easier to get in than at other times.)
Hwy 20 at Newport is a decent route to the interior/Salem...in my opinion the more northerly Salmon River highway's more scenic, though slightly out of the way.