The season less traveled offers plenty of extra enticements. It’s the perfect time to don your rain gear, put on cozy socks, and breathe deeply in the moisture-rich, highly ionized, golden-hued atmosphere that defines the coastal winter months.
The sheer and sublime beauty of the coast can be more than enough. Simply pausing to observe moisture gathering and dripping from the needles of our conifers can be a treasure that lingers for a lifetime. Watching the winter waves at the first light of dawn—now arriving at a pleasantly reasonable hour—unveils rainbow spindrifts that release into the moisture-rich air above.
For those who seek even more, something tangible to take home as a gift for friends or as a keepsake of your coastal experience, Yachats now has even more to offer.
The discovery of Art, found in unfamiliar places.
In 2023, Yachats embarked on an experiment with the potential to become a cherished tradition. Every Saturday, the trail gnomes hide artistically crafted sculptures in hidden corners along easily accessible trails, inviting explorers to discover these whimsical treasures.
Similar to beachcombing but even more rewarding, these treasures are limited in number and uniquely special. Unlike traditional beachcombing, however, these handcrafted artisan mushrooms are safely hidden each Saturday morning through the winter—celebrating the mycological wonders that sustain the majestic Siuslaw Forest.
This year, three local artists are contributing their talents to create one-of-a-kind, handmade mushrooms. Paris Birdwell Designs is crafting vibrant glass mushrooms with colorful, mind-bending swirls. Billow Cloud Soaps is shaping charming soap mushrooms from their signature saltwater blend. And Swallows Nest Homemade is adding beautifully crocheted mushrooms to the mix—making for a truly unique trio to discover and enjoy!
All three artists are making original one of a kind, collectible shrooms with the hope of bringing smiles and encouraging adventure to be a year round endeavor.
Each Saturday, after these treasures have been placed – hints are created and shared to help direct where one might find these gifts. Check in each Saturday morning for clues here and on our @visit.yachats Instagram.
They are a present, from Yachats, to you, They are an offering for your efforts to get out into nature during the winter months and walk, breath, rejuvenate and embrace the stunning yet subtle beauty that our coastal home has to offer.
When: Every Mushroom Festival (October) to February 28th, 2026
More about the artists:
Billow Cloud Soaps: https://www.billowcloudsoaps.com/
Swallows Nest Homemade: @swallowsnest_homemade
Holmes Birdwell Glass: https://www.instagram.com/holmes.birdwell.glass.art/