Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area | Oregon
Plan Your Visit
Visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, a stunning stretch of Oregon coastline shaped by ancient lava flows and home to the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse. With dramatic cliffs, tidepools, and centuries of maritime history, it’s an ideal place to explore geology, wildlife, and coastal heritage.
Things to Do
- Visit the Interpretive Center: Start your visit at the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center to learn about the natural and cultural history of Oregon’s central coast. The Center offers exhibits, a short film, an educational store, and self-guided activities.
- Visit the Lighthouse: A paved path circles the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse and offers sweeping coastal views. Access inside the lighthouse is limited - check at the Interpretive Center for details.
- Go Tidepooling: Explore marine life in tidepools along the shore. Check the tide chart to see when low tide will happen during your visit.
- Hike and Explore: Yaquina Head features a network of flat, paved walking paths - like the Lighthouse and Quarry Cove trails - that wind along the coastline and offer easy access to tidepools, seal haul-outs, and the lighthouse. For visitors seeking more elevation, two hiking trails - Salal Hill and Communications Hill - provide panoramic views from above.
- Attend a Ranger Program: Programs may be available during your visit; look for posted signs when you arrive for same-day events. See Special Events for unique offerings and activities that require a permit. See For Educators and Kids for information about visiting with a school group.
Hours and Seasons
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is open year-round and a great place to visit in all seasons. Trails and restrooms are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily. The Interpretive Center is open 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Holiday closures include Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Features and Services
- Access and Parking: Roads within the Natural Area are paved. The parking lot at the Interpretive Center accommodates large vehicles like buses and RVs. Large vehicles and buses are restricted from parking at the lighthouse, tide pool, and Quarry Cove lots due to space constraints.
- Cell service: Coverage within the Natural Area is typically intermittent to fair.
- Toilets: Accessible restrooms are available at the Interpretive Center, the lighthouse parking lot, and the Quarry Cove parking area.
- Drinking water: Water fountains are available at the Interpretive Center and the lighthouse parking lot.
- Pets: Pets may accompany visitors on trails and walkways except near the lighthouse and in the Cobble Beach tide pools. Pets must remain on a 6-foot leash at all times. Owners are responsible for disposal of pet waste.
- Camping: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is day-use only. State-run campgrounds are available nearby.
Be Safe and Prepared
- Cliffs and unstable areas abound, and footing can be slippery. Stay on maintained trails or walkways and hold handrails on stairs.
- Never turn your back on the ocean and keep children within arms' reach when near the water.
- Wear non-slip, close-toed shoes in tide pools and on lighthouse tours.
- Winter weather along the coast can be dramatic, beautiful and extremely dangerous. High winds can yank car doors from hands and make walking difficult. High surf leaves little beach exposed for walking, and sudden tidal surges called "sneaker waves" can strike at any time and sweep you off your feet. Stay alert and use caution near the water.
Photos
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
The Interpretive Center at Yaquina Head is ADA wheelchair accessible; a standard sized wheelchair is available to borrow. A captioned video and some tactile elements are included in exhibits.
Observation decks and restrooms throughout the Natural Area are wheelchair accessible. Quarry Cove's observation platform is accessible to those who have physical challenges by requesting a gate opener from the Entrance Station or Interpretive Center.
Service animals, trained to perform tasks for persons with disabilities, may accompany visitors inside the Interpretive Center and on guided lighthouse tours. Sorry, but neither therapy animals nor pets are allowed inside buildings.
A pass, called America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands - Access Pass, is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who have a documented permanent disability that limits a major life function. These passes are available at no cost and honored at Yaquina Head.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Directions
Yaquina Head is located approximately five miles north of Newport on the central Oregon coast.
External Map
Fees
Yaquina Head honors and issues all America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (senior, annual, military, access, volunteer and 4th grade). Yaquina Head also honors and issues Oregon Pacific Coast passes.
Here is a complete list of fees, and annual and lifetime passes, accepted at Yaquina Head.
- Personal passenger vehicle: $7 for a 3-day pass
- Annual Yaquina Head: $15 for a 12-month pass
- Motorcycle: $3 for a 3-day pass
- Bicyclist, walker: free 1-day pass
- Commercial van, 21 passenger capacity: $25 for a 1-day pass
- Commercial bus, >21 passenger capacity: $50 for a 1-day pass
Additional Information
Respect and Protect
Stay well away from wildlife and leave rocks, plants, and shells in place. It is prohibited to remove or damage cultural objects. Flying kites, model airplanes, and drones is disruptive to wildlife and not permitted.
Harbor seal pupping season from mid‑May to mid‑June and seabird nesting season from May through September may result in limited or no access to Cobble Beach, the tidepools, and other locations with active nests. These restrictions help protect the animals and their offspring from disturbance.
By practicing responsible outdoor ethics, you help ensure future visitors can enjoy this remarkable site.