Family Friendly
Accessible Trails
Photo Credit: Russell Colwell
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 mile … Read more
Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve & Marine Protected Areas
The Yachats shoreline is part of the North Marine Protected Area (MPA). The Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve with MPAs is the largest marine reserve network in Oregon.
Visitors here have opportunities for scenic and wildlife viewing, hiking, and guided outdoor learning, stewardship, and community science activities.
On summer weekends (through September), find a marine reserve volunteer posted on the 804 Trail at Smelt Sands State Park to answer questions about the marine reserve, sea birds, … Read more
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center and Programs
- The information window at Devil’s Churn and Kyleen (the little food/drink kiosk) have reopened, and host couples will be staffing Devil’s Churn seven days per week. Devil’s Churn is on the west side of Hwy 101, at Milepost 166.5, about a half-mile north of Cape Perpetua Visitors Center.
- Cape Perpetua Visitor Center will remain closed until further notice; however, the Visitor Center parking lot and restrooms have reopened. The Center will not be doing any
Day Use State Parks in Town
There are three (yes 3!) oceanfront day-use state parks in 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 a beautiful 3/4 mile stretch of the 804 … 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
- Closed until further notice.
The center is filled with great interactive exhibits for all ages, an 8-armed greeter, a theater, tidepool touch tanks, and walking trails outdoors. Admission by donation.
Heceta Head Lightstation
Photo Credit: Curt Peters
- For the month of December, the exterior of the assistant light keeper’s house is beautifully decorated for Christmas. You are welcome to view from the park grounds outside.
- The park grounds and trails are open during daylight hours.
- Park restrooms are open from 11am until dusk.
- $5/vehicle/day-use fee or valid OSP parking pass or Oregon Coast Passport
The historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, circa 1894, signals to seafarers from a spectacular … Read more
History of Oregon Bridges
The Waldport Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center is located at the base of the bridge in Waldport and is a marvelous center for learning about Oregon bridges. Small children may construct a wooden toy bridge here while adults and older youth view historic photos and other related exhibits.
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 is provided by Port of Alsea. Where/Directions: Port of Alsea is 8 miles N of Yachats; 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 have been canceled for the 2020 season.
- 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 from 8:00 … Read more
Lincoln County Historical Society – Burrow’s House Museum
This Queen-Anne Victorian building holds a long and colorful history – from home, to boarding house, to funeral parlor, to museum.
Hours: 11am to 4pm, Thursday thru Sunday
Admission: $5 for adults, kids under 12 get in free.
Please check the web site below for additional information.
Lincoln County Historical Society – Pacific Maritime Heritage Museum
This museum 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 for adults, kids 12 and under get in free.
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
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 zoo, and sea lions are wild … Read more
Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
Historic displays feature the pioneers whose occupations were primarily as loggers and fishermen, and whose primary means of transportation was the Siuslaw River.
If you are a group of 10 or more, please call to make reservations. Please check the web site linked below for additional information, current hours, and admission fees.
A History Walking Tour 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
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.
The guides linked below provide a map of locations for tide pools in our area (and the entire Oregon coast); information about tide pool zones and the many creatures that live in them; and important guidelines for tide pool etiquette and beach … Read more
Waldport Heritage Museum | Alsi Historical & Genealogical Society
Come on in and browse the exhibits, Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm and Thursday/Friday/Sunday 12Noon – 4:00pm. Admission is free.
Whale Watching
Gray whales (and occasionally others) are often viewed off the coast of Yachats from the 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 – large Highway 101 turnout south of tunnel (15 miles south of Yachats)
Gray whales live along our … 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 children’s playground and treehouse, and a wetland boardwalk trail. It is located behind the Yachats Commons, at the corner of W 4th St. and Hwy. 101.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport. It is also the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached, and the only historic wooden lighthouse in Oregon that is still standing.
The lighthouse has an unusual history. It was built in 1871, only to be decommissioned three years later, in 1874. More than a century later, it was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation, reopening … Read more
Yaquina Head Lighthouse & Outstanding Natural Area
The 100-acre site includes the lighthouse, an interpretive center, wildlife viewing – including whales, seals, tidepools, and seabirds – as well as short trails and incredible views.
This is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse at 93 feet. It was first lit on August 20, 1873 and has been guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast ever since. The lighthouse is located on a narrow point at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Please see the link below for information … Read more
