The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center includes a panoramic ocean view, a deck with viewing scopes, natural and cultural history exhibits, a theater with nature films, and a gift shop. Summer Ranger Forest to Sea Programs, Marine Reserve Education and Activities, and Guided Walks are scheduled here, as is a Saturday Speakers Series in winter and other seasonal programs, such as Spring and Winter Whale Watch.

The U.S. Forest Service maintains the Cape’s 26 miles of interconnected hiking trails through coastal mature and old growth rainforest, to breathtaking vistas, tidepools, and the beach. Trails range in length from a fraction of a mile to 10 miles, and from easy to difficult. The scenic area’s viewpoints and trails are open to the public year round. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible, and one 6-mile loop trail is open for mountain biking. 

Fees: $5/vehicle/day use fee or valid recreation pass or Oregon Coast Passport
Restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area.

The Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center, located at the base of the bridge in Waldport, 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.

Housed in an impressive former home on Newport’s historic bayfront, the museum’s exhibits and programming are dedicated to telling the stories of those who share a desire to live and work where 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.

From town, take a 9-mile scenic drive up the Yachats River Road to visit the historic North Fork of the Yachats River Covered Bridge. Seven miles up Yachats River Rd., you will cross a small cement bridge – turn left here onto the N Fork Yachats River Rd – a well-maintained gravel road – for the final two miles. (Street cars are fine, but the road will not accommodate RVs). Park in the small turn-out before the bridge and walk across. The N Fork Yachats Covered Bridge was built in 1938 with a Queenpost truss, one of the few of this type remaining in Oregon. It was faithfully restored in 1989, and in 2014. Look up the hillside above the bridge for a view of a giant old-growth Spruce tree that is 350 years old. If you make this trip in the early morning or evening, watch for elk grazing in pastureland shared by goats, sheep, horses and belted black cattle, affectionately referred to by local children as the oreo cows. 

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 just 15 miles south of Yachats and 11 miles north of 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 animals, so these protected animals come and go as they please. In winter months, hundreds of sea lions are usually found in the Cave, but when spring arrives, breeding and birthing time, the sea lions will move from the Cave to the rookery areas (the rock ledges out in front of the Cave) and remain there through summer. Please check the web site, linked below, for current admission prices and hours.

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 bleeting goats, sheep, and less vocal horses and llamas, as well as ducks, peacocks, and other wonderful beings. 

Features a large fiction selection and a children’s library. Offers internet connection with WiFi. Sit outside on one of the benches and enjoy access to the internet at your leisure. Come inside during library hours – Mon: 12-4pm; Tues: 12-5pm; Wed: 12-6pm; Thurs: 12-5pm, Fri: 12-4pm, Sat: 10am-4pm – and connect at the front seating area or go to the back work table for a quieter setting. WiFi has been provided by funding from the Friends of Yachats Library. Your donation to help defer costs is appreciated! Closed Sundays.

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 about guided tours of the lighthouse.

Yaquina Head Interpretive Center & Interpretive Store Hours:  10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Park Hours:  8:oo am – Sunset