Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Hiking area · Newport ·

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Hiking area · Newport ·

Coastal lighthouse with ocean views, tide pools, and wildlife

Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null
Yaquina Head Lighthouse by null

Information

750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365 Get directions

Information

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750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365 Get directions

+1 541 574 3100
blm.gov

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Dec 12, 2025

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24 Hours in Newport, Oregon: Where to Eat, Drink, and Relax | Eater Portland

"The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is noted as the tallest lighthouse in the state and serves as a scenic final stop before arriving in Newport proper." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

https://pdx.eater.com/2022/8/23/23317514/24-hours-newport-oregon-restaurants-bars-seafood
Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Wade N.

Google
Yaquina Head is one of our favorite lighthouses on the Oregon Coast — definitely in our top three! We always enjoy coming here. The lighthouse itself is beautiful, and the area offers so much to see and do. Cobble Beach, just below the lighthouse, is one of our favorite spots for watching whales and exploring tide pools at low tide. On our most recent visit, we saw plenty of pelicans, a few California sea lions, and even spotted a couple of whales offshore. This is a must-visit stop for anyone traveling the Oregon Coast. We highly recommend it!

Joe D.

Google
A fantastic experience! I parked at the lighthouse parking and went to the information centre and got a free poster. The staff were super friendly and informative. The walk along the cliffside was beautiful and I was able to see whales off in the distance as well as plenty of sea birds. I couldn't go in the lighthouse but the park area was well worth the trip.

Kaustuv B.

Google
Our visit to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in the last week of April was absolutely wonderful! This is truly a must-visit destination on the Oregon Coast. Prepare to be captivated by a stunning 270-degree panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean – it's an incredible sight. You can also easily access the beach below via a staircase right next to the lighthouse, perfect for a quick stroll. This spot is an absolute dream for photographers, offering countless opportunities for picture-perfect snaps. Even if you're on a tight schedule, make sure to set aside at least an hour to fully appreciate the beauty here.

Vicky

Google
Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a must see on the Oregon Coast. The interpretive center offers exhibitions, a gift shop and restrooms. From the interpretive center you could walk along the short trail to the lighthouse, or you could park near the lighthouse as well. The tide pool near the lighthouse is great for observing some sea animals. We saw seabirds, seals and an eagle! In summer the wild flowers along the trail are abundant. The lighthouse is not open to go to the top. It might take about one to two hours to see everything at this site, or more if you want to observe the wildlife.

Cheryl C.

Google
We parked in the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center and walked to the lighthouse area. The walk on the path was easy. We didn't go over the hill. We spent a lot of time enjoying the scenery, birds, sea lions,and tide pools. The walk to the tide pools was harder because it's down stairs then back up. The rocks are not firm under your feet when walking on them around the tide pools.

Potjamarn Arpornratn (.

Google
This lighthouse is very easy to access. Elders can easily walked around and enjoy scenery. I strongly recommend this landmark. You can always stop by at the restaurants nearby for food and additional sightseeing. I didn't get on the hiking trails as we only made quick stop. However, I recommend this lighthouse as one of the many stops to make.

Ramakrishna

Google
Wonderful place to visit on a low tide day . A small entrance fee takes you to one of amazing places of the west coast . The 70 feet tall lighthouse stands majestically atop a hillock . Left side a take the stairs to reach cobble beach where there several tide pools can be seen with sea animals like star fish ( sea stars) ur hind etc and the sea lions get a peculiar white colour due to leucism . Thousands of sea birds can be seen . Children will definitely enjoy

Jessica H.

Google
We loved exploring around Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Unfortunately the door was locked to the lighthouse so we couldn’t climb up it but I believe you can make reservations for tours up it. Regardless, the lighthouse itself is beautiful and you get great views from bottom. We also went down into the tide pools. Omg this was so fun and we saw so many different living creatures!! The climb down to the tide pools is a little scary- you have to climb on rocks- but it is definitely worth it!
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H R.

Yelp
Perched on the edge of the Pacific, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is pure magic. The moment you step out of your car, the coastal wind hits your face and the view stretches endlessly in both directions--crashing waves, rugged black basalt, and that striking white tower standing tall against the sky. We skipped the interpretive center, but met a very nice volunteer docent on the stairs that lead to the rocky beach. She gave us an extensive knowledge of the birds and seals, and some recent history. She even loans binoculars so you can get a closer look. The docents are warm, knowledgeable, and eager to share, they turn a visit into a deeper experience, pointing out wildlife, explaining the lighthouse's history, and offering fascinating insights about the surrounding marine life. A short walk takes you to tide pools that feel like tiny, living worlds. Sea stars cling to rocks, anemones sway in the water, and harbor seals occasionally laze on the nearby rocks. The trails wind to viewpoints where the coastline seems to go on forever. The $7 entrance fee is a small price for what feels like a front-row ticket to nature's best show. Between the views, the wildlife, and the welcoming atmosphere, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is a place that sticks with you long after you've driven away.
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Kylie P.

Yelp
100% MUST visit while in Newport! Sweeping views of the magnificent pacific coast, tide pool access, and bird/sea lion watching. $7 entry fee (if you don't have a national parks pass) and was definitely worth it. While we didn't enter the lighthouse itself, we thoroughly enjoyed taking in the views and fresh air. We came on a Saturday afternoon in July and had no trouble with parking or crowds. Bring a jacket though as it was very windy even on a nice sunny day. Can't miss while in the area!
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Catherine P.

Yelp
I wish I could say the stop at this light house was a great experience but the day we got there was not fun at all. We pulled into the road leading up to the light house and were stopped by a line of cars. No problem, the wait time ended up being 20 min but it was a blue sunny sky day or so I thought. We got up to the guard shack and displayed our national park pass and were told the look out may be packed so to visit the parking lot before for a better chance at parking. As we were driving up the road, the weather suddenly turned overcast and windy. By the time we got to the visitor center there was fog all around us. We decided to try the lighthouse parking lot because of the windy and coldness from the fog and found a few open stalls. Now this is where it got worse. The strength I had to use to force the door open was a lot. Talk about whole body weight to get myself out of the car. Now the other side of the vehicle we had to stop the door from swinging out and smashing into the car next to us. Walking to the light house was miserable with the wind and cold. I snapped one picture and walked straight back to the car. I could have done without the stop due to the time it took to get out there for us to not even enjoy being outside. Hard to think that just down the road at the light it was blue sunny skies. I couldn't tell if the light house was open or not because it said the tours were starting in July but I couldn't find any available tickets via their website. It also seems like they only open availability a month or two out so getting tickets the day of is impossible. You are better off stopping at Umpqua lighthouse in Reedsport for a tour. At least that light house they do tours more than twice and allow you to climb to the lens.
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Betsy B.

Yelp
One of the highlights of going to the lighthouse is the look from the cliff of the seal and sea lions. We didn't stop at the interpretive center but am sure that is a good idea prior to your visit. When you enter the area in your car, there is a charge but the person at the gatehouse offered suggestions of discounts you might have and I have a senior pass that got us in free so we didn't have to pay the $10.00. Be sure to ask what discounts they offer. There is a path down to the sea level for a closer look at the wildlife and there are also some tide pools with a variety of animals. There is some seating at the top of the cliff if you don't want to take the path down which its a little steep. They warn you that if you go out on the rocks, you could get cut off when the tide comes in and we saw a couple of people that had a challenge getting back to shore without getting in the water. There were also a lot of coastal birds on the rocks nearby.
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Lindsey H.

Yelp
Visited from Eastern Washington with the family. Amazing views and wonderful place to watch wildlife!
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Madison L.

Yelp
We walked to the lighthouse from our Airbnb and had an incredible visit! The paths are clean and easy to traverse. There are plenty of sings with information about the area. The lighthouse itself is gorgeous and is surrounded by a beautiful view. We loved walking on the rocky shoreline, seeing the seals and tide pools, and exploring the area. If you're in the area, this is a must see!
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Diana D.

Yelp
I love visiting lighthouses and this one won't disappoint you. This is your classic white lighthouse but also the tallest one in the Oregon coast. They do charge a small entrance fee. We went on a weekend in summer and it was moderately crowded. There's plenty of parking spots in the area around the lighthouse. Wonderful views of the ocean and the landscape nearby. The visitor center inside the lighthouse was closed on the day we went, it was still lovely to walk around the lighthouse and learn about the history.

T B.

Yelp
Definitely worth a stop. I love to go around Christmas time when they have it decorated. I'm not sure someone told me that you can stay there certain times of the year. I don't know if they're still doing that or not. Might be worth checking into.
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Cam C.

Yelp
This whole area is sooooooo cool! The lighthouse is beautiful, the interpretive center has so much great info, the tide pools are AMAZING, and the quarry is awesome too. It's one of my favorite places in Newport!
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Sierra W.

Yelp
Such a beautiful view point and beautiful lighthouse! A must stop along the Oregon coast. They do charge $7 fee upon entrance if you don't have a national park pass but sooo worth it. For some reason cobble beach was closed sadly so we just stopped by the Yaquina Head Interpretation Center before leaving. Definitely recommend stopping by, but be prepared parking gets busy!
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May A.

Yelp
Oregon's tallest lighthouse [Newport OR] Hubby and I love visiting lighthouses. There are two beautiful lighthouses in Newport and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of them. Oregon's tallest lighthouse, she stands at 93-ft tall. It is located on the westernmost point extending a mile out into the Pacific Ocean from the coast. We did a self-guided tour around the perimeter of the lighthouse. There are plenty of interpretive signs to read along the paved trail towards the lighthouse. It had withstood winds and rains over the years since 1872. It took approx one year and over 370,000 bricks to build. We stood at the foot of the structure and savored the sight of Oregon's tallest lighthouse on the Central Oregon coast and with the majestic Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. We were not able to tour inside the lighthouse. We usually try to but I think we had to make reservations way in advance plus I'm not sure we could climb 114 steps that day. It was still nice to see. Review #3257
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Danielle P.

Yelp
Yaquina Head is a Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast. This was one of our stops along our PNW road trip. You must pay or use your park pass to go enter. Visit the visitor first to pick up some maps and other good info. Very beautiful views of the ocean and lighthouse, you cant go inside. Lots of walking and the guides where all friendly and helpful. You will see tide pools, seals and birds, great photo opportunities. The weather was perfect for our adventure. Lots of history and I highly recommend stopping here on your journey! This was an amazing road trip along the Oregon coast. Tip: Invest in a Ntl prk pass, its worth it
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Patrick S.

Yelp
The BLM manages this beautiful piece of history very well. The headlands are well maintained and preserved for all to enjoy. Lots of wildlife and a rich history as a lighthouse give you so much to see do and learn. The tide pools are great below the light house during low tide. The interpretative center provides a great deal Of information about the area and it's history. Worth a stop. We've been to the are many times and generally gravitate to the outdoors options. Often times there is wildlife in cobble beach and the staff does a great job of helping to maintain an appropriate amount of space between humans and nature so both can coexist with interference. Entry fee is affordable. We use our national parks pass to get in which is a nice bonus. I highly recommend stopping here whenever you are in the area.
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Sparkle H.

Yelp
Another incredible experience @ Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area near Newport, OR. !!! What a great St. Patrick's Day!! I absolutely love visiting this beautiful site. It has so much to offer from man-made structures of the glorious 93 foot Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Interpretive Center, and Quarry Cove to preserved nature sites of tide pools on Cobble Beach, views of Agate Beach, and hiking areas galore! This Outstanding Natural Area is exceptional and well-maintained by the State of Oregon, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean with protected land & sea animals comfortably enjoying their day and basking in the sun. Numerous parking areas throughout, as well as countless picnic tables, benches, and clean bathrooms.
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Kelvin Y.

Yelp
Nice stop in Newport. Worth the visit for the view, the history and the tide pools l.

Brenda N.

Yelp
Great place to view seals and coastal birds. Nice educational area, paths to walk and a long trek down to the beach. Something for everyone and dogs are welcome.
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Scott M.

Yelp
A picturesque lighthouse surrounded by nature with a museum that explains everything that you might see on your visit here. If you're in to birdwatching or whale watching, or if you just like to hike some trails or relax and enjoy a moment of pure coastal/natural bliss, this is a great spot to do any of that. The grounds are immaculately kept, and the museum has a variety of informative exhibits that provide a nice guide to go along with your experience as well as a gift shop. There is a nice paved path that runs along the water to the lighthouse, as well as a road that allows you to drive all the way to it in case you don't feel like walking. This is a bureau of land mangement area so there is a small fee at the gate, or you can use a national park pass to gain entry. No reason not to stop here and take it in if you're passing through. Definitely worth an hour or so of your time.
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Jim W.

Yelp
After (mistakenly) visiting the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, we drove the few miles here to Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The approach road intersects with Hwy 101 and there are signs for this. You proceed about a mile to the large parking lot for the visitors' center. You then have the option to drive the remaining 1/3 mile to the much smaller lot adjacent to the lighthouse or you can walk on a pedestrian trail which has great views of both the ocean and the lighthouse as you approach it. We checked out the visitors' center first. They had some exhibits on the construction and function of the lighthouse, plus local wildlife including whales. This was popular with families with shcool-age kids. The ranger on duty advised us that parking could be an issue out at the lighthouse, so we then opted to just walk the rest of the way. It was a sunny day and we had jackets against the wind. It turned out to be a nice walk with good opportunities to photograph the lighthouse. You also can see the hill which rises just behind the visitors' center; there appeared to be paths up to the summit, though we did not hike that. Parking did seem scarce at the small lot at the end of the road. There were quite a lot of people at the large circular plaza around the base of the lighthouse. Most were checking out a large rock with thousands of birds. However, there was also a passing whale, which you could see every couple of minutes as it came to the surface for a breath. I had never seen a while in the wild before, so it was an extra treat! The ranger indicated that (depending on the season) it was a good spot to see whales. I thought this was a highly worthwhile stop on our drive.
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Jacqui C.

Yelp
Until now I've never seen a lighthouse up close and in person. This was definitely worth the trip out to Newport! My boyfriend's mom has a national park pass so we were able to get into Yaquina Head nice and easy. We are staying in Lincoln City so it was about a 40 minute drive to here from there. We took her beagle down with us and he was so happy and excited to be here! Even though it was chilly and windy outside we had the most amazing view of the ocean. I wanted to go inside of the lighthouse but we weren't able to unfortunately. There are steps that you can use to go down on the beach and walk on the cobblestones. The cobblestones are a little slippery so watch where you are walking and keep your balance! I was worried that I was going to slip and fall but I didn't. My grandparents love lighthouses (they are from Maine) so I made sure to get a picture of it for them. If you're driving through Newport, then this is the place to stop by!
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Kim R.

Yelp
This is a very fun and interesting place to visit! Beautiful, albeit windy, grounds with trails, a gorgeous lighthouse, and a special beach. We found the beach to be the best part, so unique! Black, smooth, cobblestones make up the entire beach. The sounds they make under foot, as well as the music the waves make as they toss them around...truly awesome. Cherry on top was getting to enjoy the seals playing around in the water just a few feet away. We didn't get to spend enough time, lots more to see and enjoy next time!
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Brandon H.

Yelp
Yaquina Head Lighthouse was an unexpected stop for me, and it was awesome. This park is considered a natural park and has a $7 entrance fee. I had a National Park Pass, so the entrance was free. The park consists of a lighthouse, a visitors center, a few hiking trails, a beach, and stunning views of the ocean. It was really foggy when I went, so the views were limited but still a really cool experience. They give 2 tours of the inside of the lighthouse every day. I was unable to go on one because of arriving later in the day. If you are interested in taking a tour, they are in the morning and times change daily. Check the visitors' center for more details and times. I hiked 2 trails while I was there and couldn't see anything because of the fog. If it was a clear day, I bet it would have been worthwhile. The hikes where esey out and back inclined trails with views at the top. One hike half mile service road, and the other was a mile unpaved path way. Overall, this stop at the cost was amazing and fun. You can spend a few minutes to a few hours depending on your day. Also, I was able to see some sea lions at the beach pretty cool.
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Joy L.

Yelp
My trip to Yaquina Head lighthouse was spectacular. We took the tour inside the lighthouse. Currently visitors are not able to climb to the top because of ongoing renovations, but it was still a nice, informative , short tour. The walk around the lighthouse provides good views of birds and seals and lots of photo opportunities. Be sure to take the stairs to the ocean in order to experience the black stone beach. If you go at low tide, there's great tide pooling to be done and you can learn about sea anemones, starfish and their sea creatures.
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Daniel Q.

Yelp
I've been to Oregon several times and this is my first time on the coast. I believe it was about an hour drive from Albany with beautiful scenery on the way. The trees were huge and the forest and mountains were amazing. There's restrooms there (kinda like outhouse style lol) and free public parking. The light and views were amazing! We walked down to the beach and that was a whole new experience of beach for me. I'm born and raised in Hawaii and I'm used to white sand beaches and even black sand but never have I seen black smooth rock beach like this. These rocks are something we could only buy in stores and it's decorative rocks because it's nice and also expensive. The entire beach was covered in these rocks. The water was crystal clear and cold there's also lots of seals hanging out on the large rocks near shore. It's very peaceful and beautiful. During the time I was there, there wasn't much people which was great for us (probably because it's in the middle of December ). I definitely recommend visiting this amazing place and please pick up after yourself and keep this beautiful place beautiful!
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John H.

Yelp
Seen one lighthouse and you've seen them all. But this one has such a dramatic setting with the churling ocean crashing against the cliffs and jutting rocks. Don't forget to head down towards the gorge as I almost missed a bunch of dozing sea lions. Quite windy so come prepared. After walking to the gorge I had to peel of a layer. Trails are short and well labeled. There is an entrance fee for vehicles but free for hikers and bikers.
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Milain C.

Yelp
Beautiful lighthouse and views. There is a beach you can access down many stairs called Cobble Beach. It is worth the walk. There were many seals on Seal Rock, located just off the beach, some on the beach too. Some cool rocks (just for looking-the park ranger will tell you to leave them), and driftwood pieces. Kites, drones and model airplanes are not allowed on this beach because of all the wildlife. It does cost to park but it also allows access to the interpretive center which is open 10am to 4pm daily. The cost to park is $7 for passenger vehicles. The lighthouse is open year round to walk around. There are ranger-led tours but we missed out on that opportunity. Highly recommend adding Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to your trip!
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Lori H.

Yelp
This was a fun and picturesque stop! There's a $7 entrance fee, and although the interpretive center and lighthouse tours aren't available right now because of covid, we felt it was still worth it. We stopped first at the parking area for the Outstanding Natural Area. There's a nice paved path down to the rocks and beach viewing area. There were lots of birds around...binoculars would have come in handy. Our next stop was up at the lighthouse. Even though there are renovations happening currently, you can still get close enough for decent pictures. We also saw a trail access to the tide pools below. Would highly recommend!
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Sandee L.

Yelp
We thought this was going to be a bust due to COVID, renovations, rain and fog, but actually turned out to be the highlight of our day! Yay! - We found lots of sea goodies at the tide pools! - We've never seen a beach quite like this: filled with HUGE, smooth black rocks. Be careful! You can easily twist your ankle! - They're trying their best at social distancing and the hiking trails are set up to be one way loops. - The lighthouse still looks cool even though you can't get up close and personal. FYI: - Interpretive center closed due to COVID. - Lighthouse closed for renovations and no tours are available at this time (as of Nov 2020). - $7 entrance fee, waived if you have an annual National park pass.
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Hannah S.

Yelp
This gorgeous, eerie lighthouse is the one they used in The Ring. It was made in Paris during the Victorian era and still uses its original Fresnal lens. It's also the tallest lighthouse in Oregon! This was a very short, easy walk up a paved roadway and walkways with lots of paved parking. They weren't charging any fees due to the interpretive center and interior of the lighthouse being closed due to Covid. We were pretty much the only ones there while visiting! They also have it labeled where to walk to keep everyone socially distanced and walking up one way and down another. Even in the fog, it's gorgeous and is a great place to play with my camera! Also has some breathtaking vistas around the cliffs. There's a large, whimsical compass etched into the concrete near the information signs. I'd love to come back and tour the inside of the lighthouse! There are some nice, clean restrooms at the interpretive center that are still open so that was useful! Will definitely come back once all is open again.
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Tara B.

Yelp
Love it! Of course parking can be painful but so worth it. The cobble beach is amazing to listen to at high tide and the tide pools are extensive at low tide!
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Wang T.

Yelp
Ah US101 took me to another paradise of the Oregon coastline. Remember my first vacation to this attraction in 2015, my dad and I had spend some time finding where we wanted to go and enjoy the sightseeing. The tour was self guided, we paid $5 entrance fee for parking because we did not hang a national park pass in our vehicle. The park is a compilation consist of sandy rocks, a lighthouse as a landmark, some trails that leads you down to the beach and endless oceanic view. We took plenty of photo of the tidal waves and it was very stunning. Their sunset is also worth it watching. Overall, one of the most beautiful park along the West Coast.
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Rick N.

Yelp
We didn't even get the lighthouse tour and we felt it was worth the $7 for parking that is valid for three days, not one. The views from the lighthouse were outstanding! After checking out the lighthouse, we went down to the tide pools and spent a fair amount of time there, even spotting a small colony of seals frolicking not too far offshore. On our way out, we stopped at the visitor's center. It's small, yet the 15 minute movie about the lighthouse was informative, and our kids liked it. We live 400 miles away but will likely be back.
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Tom S.

Yelp
I love lighthouses and this one doesn't disappoint. This one is on BLM land and has an entrance fee and isn't open 24 hours. Gates close at sunset, which is a bummer if you'd like to see the light at night and maybe grab some astro-photos. There's an interpretative center before you get to the lighthouse. On a busy day, park there and walk the 1/4 mile as there isn't a lot of parking down lower. There are some tidal areas to explore next to the cobble stone beach if the tide's out. My visit saw plenty of birds, seals and a whale. There is a trail up the hill behind the lighthouse that brings you to eye level and above the actual light. No tours while I was there, but it's interesting if you get the chance.
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Lisa W.

Yelp
If you go to just one lighthouse while in Oregon, this is the one to go to! This was our favorite lighthouse we visited while touring the Oregon coast. It's breathtakingly beautiful to look at! It towers above all the rest and has the most amazing view of the Oregon coast. There is a fee of $7 to park but it is well worth it. From there, you walk along a paved path to the lighthouse, which has a beautiful view of the ocean below the entire length of the path. Seals can be seen in the rocks below and they were quite fascinating to watch. There is a very large visitor center which also serves as a museum and has several different exhibits as well as a gift shop. Several times a day they play a short film which covers in detail the complete history of the lighthouse, which I found very fascinating. We are planning another trip to the coast and this is definitely on our list of places to visit again!
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KC B.

Yelp
I wish I could have done the tour inside but of course, with COVID-19, the tour was unavailable. Regardless, the view is amazing all around! My friend and I came at the right time (close to 3 PM) so it was not as crowded. The lighthouse had me in awe because I never seen one before so I was just simply fascinated. The fresh breeze watching the ocean was serene. I even saw a seal swimming in the water. There is a small trail (forgot the name) near the bathrooms by the lighthouse that leads to a view spot. There are a set of stairs that lead to Cobble Beach. Not a typical sand beach. Instead, there are lots of smooth, round rocks. My friend walked barefoot and said the rocks were comfortable and felt like a massage lol. We saw more seals swimming here close to shore. Didn't get to check out Quarry Cove but this whole place was definitely worth our 2.5 hour drive.
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Billy D.

Yelp
I never pass a lighthouse. I find myself intrigued by the history and inner workings of a functioning lighthouse. I only wish the public were allowed a peak inside. The park is well maintained and parking is ample. You can buy a pass for all the coastal parks which we did. Worth it totally. We explored the area and checked out the tide pools but in my opinion the tourists were ruining my time by pulling things out of the tide pools and generally not being good stewards of the park. That's no reflection on the park of course. This is worth a stop.
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Kristen K.

Yelp
Beautiful lighthouse and breathtaking view of the ocean. I usually come here for my workout. The hiking trail is very open and great for a light jog. If you live in the area, I highly recommend getting the annual pass which is only $15.
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Jack G.

Yelp
Beautiful lighthouse; exceptionally scenic. This is probably one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US. Worthy destination.
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Jackie M.

Yelp
The light house is cool and the views can be amazing on a clear day, but for me, the tide pools are the real draw. Check the tide table and come check it out. I prefer to arrive about an hour before low tide so that it's still on its way out. This makes it feel safer with small kids and for myself, honestly. Always keep a lookout for unexpected large waves and note signage about exploring in a way that doesn't harm the sea life in the area.
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Cris I.

Yelp
After visiting the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, we proceeded to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. This is the tallest lighthouse in the state of Oregon. Entrance is free although there is a $5 parking fee per car. From the parking lot, we were greeted by the amazing view of the coast. We then walked towards the paved trails to reach the lighthouse. The paved trail continues all around the lighthouse which makes it easier to explore the surroundings. From here, you can see 180 degrees view of the ocean. We were able to see birds and whales while we were looking out the ocean. I also took a video of the top of the lighthouse and saw the clouds blown away by the strong winds. It felt so eerie and thought I saw this same scene before. I had been thinking so hard where until I learned a few days after that the lighthouse shown in the movie "The Ring" was actually this lighthouse. After going around the lighthouse, we took the wooden stairs down to Beverly Beach. Although the shore was very rocky, we still had a good time watching the waves.
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Sarah E.

Yelp
Worth a stop (and $7 park fee if you don't have a National Park pass). It's a pretty, picturesque view in sun or fog. We saw sea lions, tons of sea birds and the very small black sand beach. It's very windy and was 53 degrees when we visited in late July The interpretive center wasn't open when we stopped but it was worth the hour just for the views.
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Michael S.

Yelp
Savvy movie buffs will recognize this towering lighthouse on a cliff atop a narrow point of land. Yaquina Head Lighthouse played a haunting role in the disturbing black & white video of the 2002 U.S. version of 'The Ring' starting Naomi Watts. Luckily, on the beautiful sunny day we visited, there was no sign of Samara or her suicidal mother. Whew... At 93 feet (28 m), this is Oregon's tallest lighthouse. It's also one of the oldest ... standing alone against the wind, rain, and fog of the Oregon coast near Newport since 1873. The original 1868 Fixed Fresnel lens made in France is still in use today although it was automated in 1966. The light from the lighthouse is visible up to 19 miles (31 km) at sea. Entrance per vehicle to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is $7 and good for 3 days. Annual passes are $15. Oregon Pacific Coast, America the Beautiful National Parks, and Federal Recreational Lands passes are accepted, too. The Interpretive Center (with gift shop) and the lighthouse are both open to the public. The gate opens at 8 a.m. (7:00 in summer) and closes at sunset. During the summer it opens an hour earlier at 7:00 a.m. The Interpretive Center opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. (5:00 in summer). Free first-come, first-served ranger-led tours of the lighthouse are at varied times and availability depending on staffing and weather. Participation is limited with sign-up available at 10:00 a.m. when the Interpretive Center opens. In 1993, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. I recommend it for anyone visiting the area for the history and beautiful coastal setting.
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April H.

Yelp
If you are road tripping on the Oregon coast or if you love lighthouses this is a great place to stop. You enter the grounds and have to pay a vehicle day use fee but it is very affordable. You can then stop at the info center or drive to the end where the lighthouse is. Don't let them trick you like they did for us. It appeared like you HAD to park at the visitors/info center but that wasn't the case. We parked there and looked at all the exhibits inside and the walked the rest of the way to the lighthouse. The walk isn't bad/far but it was really windy and cold. If you are here on a nice day walking would be fine. The lighthouse is photogenic and there are also areas where you can walk down to the beach.
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Courtney K.

Yelp
This lighthouse is worth the stop if you are exploring along the Oregon coast! It cost us $7 to get our car here, but I quickly discovered that may have been the best $7 I ever spent. The lighthouse is absolutely stunning! I have always loved lighthouses and their symbolism in life, so I was kind of a sucker for this kind of thing from the beginning. Besides the lighthouse itself, there is a lot more going on here! For starters, it has one of my very favorite views of the Oregon coast on both sides. Absolutely stunning! We saw two bald eagles hanging out on the rocks just south of the lighthouse. We read that they like to hang out and hunt there. There are also a lot of seals hanging out in the surrounding rocks as well. It is fun to watch them swim around and tease each other. If you walk down to the south side, you can explore around Cobble Beach. (Fair warning: walking around on those rocks can be kind of difficult. It feels like what I would imagine walking around in a gumball machine would feel like.) Once you get down there, you can explore the tide pools! We saw beautiful starfish and colorful anemones. Overall, I loved it and was so happy we made the time to stop here!
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Isaiah G.

Yelp
We we're driving down the coast to the Bay Area saw this light house and decided to come. The entrance at the front I think was only $5. I have been to a lot of light houses and this one has been the most accessible one. It has the shortest walk and it's paved. Really well kept up definitely worth coming.
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Sue G.

Yelp
Great place to visit and perfect for pictures. They have a tour that we were not able to go to because it's already fully booked and one of the tour guides called out sick. It's a good walk from the information center and it was windy when we reached the lighthouse. The place was not packed with visitors when we went on a weekday but there's a good amount of people just chilling and enjoying the view. Try your best to visit this place when you're in Portland.
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Jeremy D.

Yelp
This was a 7.00 park fee extreme weather event! After paying for the entrance and driving up, we encountered winds that could blow young children over. The lighthouse was being renovated so we could only see it from a distance. The high winds brought in showers from a storm off the coast. The two combined stung my face with every rain drop.
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Kevin B.

Yelp
This is a very pretty lighthouse along the gorgeous Oregon Coast (seriously one of the most beautiful areas I've ever visited). We came right after it closed for the day, so we didn't get to go inside, but the area around it was very interesting and afforded some spectacular views of the ocean. There's a large amount of seabirds to see around here as well and it's just a fun place to visit overall!
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Geneva W.

Yelp
Loved this area very pretty it was a little windy up at the lighthouse but not a bother. We stayed here for over an hour walking around the area we were not able to get into the lighthouse it was closing once we arrived but it still was a nice treat to check it out from the outside very pretty it is so Much bigger than the smaller lighthouse You can see the whales from this area very well. We spotted about 10 different whales within 15 minutes of searching for them no binoculars just our regular eyes You can pack a lunch and sit back and relax here very peaceful area and so much to see. The views of the ocean are spectacular We walked over to the Devils Punchbowl from here and took a walk to the tide pools had a great time We will definitely come here again
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Katlyn P.

Yelp
This was an awesome place to visit! We took the tour to walk inside the lighthouse and learn the history about it. We also walked down to the tide pools and saw a few seals. There was a whale behind the lighthouse so it was cool to see him in action! We had a great time and the views were pretty. Highly recommend going on a tour