Family Friendly
Accessible Trails
Photo Credit: Russell Colwell
Please open the FS link below to learn about premier accessible points in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area just south of Yachats and in other areas of the Siuslaw National Forest nearby.
Open the Yachats map to locate the oceanfront 804 Trail in Yachats. Most of this trail is accessible. The north section of the 804 Trail – beginning at Smelt Sands State Wayside and continuing north for three-quarters of a … Read more
Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve & Marine Protected Areas
The Yachats shoreline is part of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve with its MPAs is the largest marine reserve network in Oregon. Visitors here have opportunities for scenic and wildlife viewing, hiking, guided outdoor learning, stewardship, and community science activities.
Although subject to change due to Covid-19, usually on summer weekends (through September), you will find a marine reserve volunteer posted on the 804 Trail at Smelt Sands State Park … Read more
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and Programs
- The information window at Devils Churn (MP 165.5) has reopened for business. Stop by and say hi to the great volunteers from a safe distance. The Devils Churn window is open from Thursday through Sunday from 10am – 4pm. Merchandise and passes from Discover Your Northwest are available for purchase with debit/credit card only. Visitors can use the self-service fee station for cash day-pass purchases.
- Cape Perpetua Visitor Center (MP 166) will remain closed until
Day Use State Parks in Town
There are three (yes 3!) oceanfront day-use state parks in little Yachats, and no day-use fees.
(Oceanfront Trail) ♦ SMELT SANDS STATE RECREATION SITE is located at the north end of town. Turn west off Hwy 101 at the Smelt Sands sign onto a lane that leads to the park/parking lot. The park has a small pebble beach near the entrance and picnic tables and benches along the oceanside 804 Trail (accessible). At low … Read more
Go On An Oregon Coast Quest
In the Yachats Area:
Habitats of Diversity Quest – This Quest, created by the Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program (YYFAP), features a choice of paths to follow and takes explorers through a variety of coastal habitats.
Cape Perpetua Discovery Loop Trail Quest – Explore a lush, coastal forest! Created by YYFAP day-camp students, this Quest takes you along the Discovery Loop Trail at Cape Perpetua. Click Here for This Quest.
Quest Books (2019-20) … Read more
Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center
- Although the Visitor Center at HMSC is temporarily closed due to Covid-19, you are invited to check out their online exhibits and other resources!
- Outside the Center take a walk along the family-friendly Yaquina Estuary Trail, which remains open.
This public visitors center is filled with great interactive exhibits for all ages, an 8-armed greeter, tide pool touch tanks, and a theater. It also offers lectures, seminars, and other activities.
The Visitor Center is … Read more
Heceta Head Lightstation
Photo Credit: Curt Peters
Heceta Head Lighthouse signals to mariners from a spectacular forested promontory 205 feet above the ocean. It provides the strongest light on the coast, its beacon shining 21 miles.
Located just 14 miles south of Yachats, this is one of the most picturesque and photographed lighthouses in the nation. The assistant light keeper’s house is now a bed and breakfast. Both are circa 1894 and are listed in the National … Read more
Horseback Riding – C & M Stables
Guided beach or dune rides, about 25 minutes south of Yachats. Reservations required.
Kayaking & Other Paddling Near Yachats
Watercraft rentals are available at paddle shops in Waldport, Newport, Florence, and at Honeyman State Park just south of Florence.
NORTH OF YACHATS:
PORT OF ALSEA
ALSEA RIVER WATER TRAIL – WALDPORT
The Alsea River Water Trail offers 10 river miles, including the Alsea River, Drift Creek, and Lint Slough. Dockage and moorage are provided by Port of Alsea. Port of Alsea is 8 miles N of Yachats and 16 mi S of Newport. At … Read more
Kayaking Tours – Beaver Creek Natural Area
Brian Booth State Park
- The Beaver Creek Natural Area boat ramp, water and hiking trails are open to limited daytime use.
- Kayaking Tours were canceled for the 2020 season. 2021 still TBA.
- The Beaver Creek Welcome Center is temporarily closed.
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Rangers at Brian Booth State Park lead 4-hour guided kayak tours (kayaks and equipment provided) at Beaver Creek State Natural Area between July 1 and Labor Day, with sign-up beginning June 1. Tours are … Read more
Lincoln County Historical Society
Burrows House Museum
- The museum is temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
This Queen-Anne Victorian has had a long and varied history, serving as a home, a boarding house, and a funeral parlor, before becoming a historical museum.
Hours: 11am to 4pm, Thursday thru Sunday
Admission: By donation
Lincoln County Historical Society
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center
- The center is temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
Pacific Maritime Heritage Center is housed in an impressive former home on Newport’s historic bayfront.
The exhibits and programming are dedicated to telling the stories of those who have shared a desire to live and work where the sea meets land, and along its rivers and estuaries.
Hours: 11am-4pm, Thursday through Sunday
Admission: $5; Free for kids 12 and under
Marine Discovery Tours
Sea life cruises with fun activities.
Reservation requests, 72 hours or less in advance, must be made by phone. Other reservations may be made online through the “Contact Us” link on their web site.
Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a living classroom for all learning styles and ages, and includes exhibits on Sandy Shores, Rocky Shores, Coastal Waters, Secrets of Shipwrecks, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Giant Pacific Octopus, Seabird Aviary, Turkey Vultures, Orford Reef, Halibut Flats, Open Sea, Aquarium Grounds, and Big Bites.
Plan to stay a couple of hours and enjoy.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Beginning just 26 miles south of Yachats, the Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, stretch out for 40 miles between Florence and Coos Bay.
Check out the website for the recreation area below, and “A Local’s Guide to the Oregon Dunes,” linked below, for more information.
Sea Lion Caves
- Mask required. | Observe 6′ distancing.
Sea Lion Caves is proud to be part of the Oregon/Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve helping to protect the local marine animals and marine environment.
Sea Lion Caves, America’s largest sea cave, is a privately owned (since 1932) wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary located between Yachats and Florence. It is the year-round home of the Steller sea lion, but sea lions are not always in the Cave. This is not a … Read more
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
- Mask required. | Observe 6′ distancing.
Historic displays feature the pioneers, whose occupations were primarily as loggers and fishermen, and whose primary means of transportation was the Siuslaw River.
Hours: 12noon to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday
Admission: $5; Free for kids 13 and under accompanied by an adult.
If you are a group of 10 or more, please call to make reservations.
A self-guided History Walking Tour of Old Town Florence is also available.
The Oreo Cows
Take a drive on Yachats River Road for a possible view of grazing belted bovines – and sometimes also a majestic herd of elk. These black cattle with their signature cream-colored stripe are known affectionately by local children as “the oreo cows.” The river valley is also home to herds of bleating goats, sheep, and less vocal horses and llamas, as well as ducks, peacocks, and other wonderful beings.
Tidepooling
Photo Credit: Girl In Water Photography
Video: Exploring the Tide Pools: Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve
Know before you go when visiting tide pools. Check the local tide table and plan to get to the tide pools about an hour before low tide.
Take a look at the guides linked below for a map of locations for tide pools in our area (and the entire Oregon coast); information about tide pool zones and the many creatures … Read more
Waldport Heritage Museum
Alsi Historical & Genealogical Society
- Waldport Heritage Museum is temporarily closed due to Covid-19.
When the museum reopens it will be in a new location (in the former interpretive center at the base of the Alsea Bay Bridge). Please watch their Facebook page for updates.
Whale Watching
Gray whales are the most commonly viewed whale on the Oregon coast, and they are often viewed off the coast of Yachats from our three day-use state parks in town. Other favorite nearby spots to watch for whales include the following:
- Cape Perpetua Visitors Center (about 3 miles south of downtown Yachats)
- Cook’s Chasm Turnout (about 3.25 miles south of downtown Yachats)
- Sea Lion Caves Turnout – (15 miles south of Yachats)
About 200 Gray … Read more
White Wolf Sanctuary
White Wolf Sanctuary offers guided tours by appointment only. The tour begins with an educational talk about wolves and the White Wolf Sanctuary. Guests are then escorted around the sanctuary to learn about each wolf’s history.
Tours are approximately three hours depending on the size of the group, activity of the wolves, and interests of guests. Reservations are required.
Please check the web site for current fees and hours.
Yachats Commons Wetland Park and Playground
In downtown Yachats find a community park with a wetland boardwalk trail, children’s playground and treehouse. It is located behind the Yachats Commons, at the corner of W 4th St. and Hwy. 101.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
& Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
- Park Hours:
The Yaquina Bay Recreation Site, including trails and picnic areas, is open with reduced services. Public restrooms are open 9am to 6pm. - Masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- The lighthouse is temporarily closed and tours suspended due to Covid-19.
This site is located on a forested bluff on the north side of Yaquina Bay with views of the bay, the Yaquina Bridge, and the North Jetty. Trails lead to the … Read more
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
& Outstanding Natural Area
- Park Hours:
Trails, beaches, and restrooms are open
8am to 5pm, Monday-Friday
8am to sunset, Saturday-Sunday - Masks are required when social distancing cannot be maintained.
- The lighthouse and interpretive center are temporarily closed and tours suspended due to Covid-19.
This beautiful 100-acre site includes the lighthouse; an interpretive center; wildlife viewing of whales, seals, tide pools, and seabirds; short trails; and panoramic views.
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon’s tallest at 93 feet, is located on … Read more
