Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

Beautiful area including incredible views, aquatic and marine wildlife. It is reasonably priced. Two Park rangers were working when we visited who were very helpful answering any questions and gave us a little tutorial as we went down to the beach. Anemone, seastars and seals are among the creatures during the low tide. Well worth the $7.

A beautiful, easily accessible, historic lighthouse. Recommend you go down to the beach to potentially see seals. We saw 3 up on the rocks and 10 to 15 very close in the water watching us as intently as we were watching them.

I was skeptical when I saw it was called an "outstanding natural area" but they aren't kidding! I almost skipped it because I thought it was just a lighthouse, but there is much more to it. I visited during the loooong Government shutdown and I was worried it might be closed, but the amazing volunteers were still on hand to continue to educate the public and protect this irreplaceable natural resource from harm. Some areas are not accessible by wheelchair so bring your binoculars for an up-close view of the wildlife here.

Our second visit to this beautiful lighthouse was wonderful. The lighthouse was open so we were able to tour and take photos, it was amazing to see the interior and the gorgeous staircase. There is lots of walking baths for photos, including a large group of seals sunning themselves. The interpretive center is fun to walk through and has lots of information. The only cost is getting into the entrance, per car, unless you have a parks pass. We loved it!

Very cool experience with lots of hands on. You are allowed to touch all of the wildlife (except dangerous ones of course) there are info sheets and beautiful tide pools. The air smells salty and the waves calm you senses. For $7 it is well worth the trip.

Really nice place! The winds were absolutely incredible at the top here! I never thought id enjoy a lighthouse so much! There was a great visitors center that you should not skip! It helped me learn so much about the history of the lighthouse! Once at the lighthouse we were able to see seals and birds! It was such a treat to seem them playing! Be careful of the high winds and dress well! (Even in the summer!) Then drive down so you can visit the beach line and see some animals up close! Parking is 7 dollars per car!

BLM-run. $7 3-day vehicle pass. Curtailed hours due to staffing issues (spelled FelonPrez), so check ahead. Great 153-year-old lighthouse to view, with nearby Interpretive Center. Fabulous 'Cobble Beach' covered in jet-black, rounded basalt stones is absolutely not wheelchair negotiable (you could easily lose footing even if you're balancing with four appendages) - which is probably why the only access to it is an M.C. Escher-esqe, steep 300+ step wooden staircase. But, you can watch seals & enjoy nifty tidepools if your timing & equilibrium are good. Grand views all around.

The surf was running high the day visited. There were surfers catching waves to the south. You can't go to the top of the lighthouse, but the lower portion is an educational experience. We had blast watching the pounding surf from the Top and down on cobble beach near the Devils Punchbowl. Wanted to go to the tidepools but the surf was over them. The visitors center is where you get a great deal of history.

You can't miss this place! It does cost a few dollars to drive in, I believe it is free for bikers and walkers. They direct all traffic through the visitor's center where you can ask the knowledgeable staff about anything and grab brochures and maps if needed. We went up to the lighthouse, down to cobble beach and the tide pools, and everywhere in between, it was so much fun. It was sunny and started raining after we arrived, it's fantastic either way. We were here close to low tide, so that helped improve our tide pool experience, but you can't go wrong fitting this into your schedule while on the coast!

Loads of parking. $7 to enter and a self service pay station if you don't have cash. A coast side nature area which is absolutely lovely. Short trails and tide pool access. The beach here is rocky, be careful. Heed signage and be careful. I avoided the gift store/ nature store, to avoid unnecessary spending. I came for the oxen air and views. Do it!! Exploring coastal areas. SYOY!

A must-stop along the coast. We come often, as there's always something fun and interesting to see...as well as spectacular coastal views. Check out the seals, tide pools, and other amazing sea life action while wandering the black cobblestones...an experience by itself. Take the winding trail up the hill for 360 views of the entire area. Yaquina is a unique and entertaining stop along the beautiful Oregon coast.

My husband, son, and I visited the lighthouse last week while we were in town. The entrance fee is $7 per vehicle. The views at the lighthouse are STUNNING! I even captured a rainbow over the water during our visit. The lighthouse is big and beautiful. There is also a monument for those lost at sea, specifically the fisherman of the Pacific Northwest. It is gorgeous and a somber reminder of how unpredictable the sea can be. The beach is covered in beautiful black cobblestones. The waves push and pull the stones, and you can even hear them gently tumbling with the strong pull of the water rushing back to the ocean. It's a truly unique experience that is very relaxing. While we were there, we saw sea lions in the water. I have also seen that during low tide, there is amazing tide pool viewing of anemones and starfish. We visited during high tide, so we were not able to enjoy this part of the natural area. The lighthouse was not open to viewing the inside when we visited, but we still really enjoyed our visit. Rating from F to A+++, we give it an A+++.

Beautiful area! Definitely the best to go when it's low tide to check out the tide pools.

The name appropriately describes it: Outstanding! This is a destination visit (not just a side visit). The impressive lighthouse is part of this park. Strongly recommend

Took a road trip from Cannon Beach down to Yachats. This was one of our stops. It ended up being one of our favorite stops along the way. The park is operating on low man power, so no cars allowed, which was absolutely ok with us. A short mile'ish walk, maybe 2, to the lighthouse on a perfect Oregon day. So much wildlife and wildflowers. At one point it felt more like Ireland than Oregon. This is a beautiful must see for so many reasons. I left my heart in Oregon, over and over again.

A Highlight of Our Oregon Coastal Tour During the Summer of 2019. Wear comfy shoes! (*Written for our visit during summer 2019*) INCLUDED IN THE 5-DAY OREGON PACIFIC COAST PASSPORT I recommend purchasing the 5-Day Oregon Pacific Coast Passport if you're going to visit several Oregon coastal sites, including Yaquina Head OUtstanding Natural Area. (The passport is valid at over 15 sites along Hwy 101). The passport was $10 and valid for 5 days. (Summer 2019). NOT JUST A LIGHTHOUSE Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area features an Interpretive Center, lighthouse and tidepools. When you sign up for the light house tour, they give you a plastic pass. We had to kill some time before our tour started so we visited the Interpretive Center where you can learn about seabirds and marine life, and watch a short film about life in a lighthouse, etc. There's also a gift shop. A BEAUTIFUL NATURAL SETTING From the Interpretive Center, it's about a 10 minute walk to the lighthouse. There, you can see gorgeous views, a pebbly beach, perhaps whale watch and take photos of the lighthouse and surrounding area. TOUR RECOMMENDED We enjoyed a 45 min tour of the lighthouse with a guide dressed in period costume. You get to go to the very top (You must be in the condition to climb a steep spiral staircase -- wear comfortable shoes!) and see the light. The guide tells you what life was like living in the lighthouse. See my photos attached. I highly recommend you make Yaquina Head a stop on your Oregon Coastal tour. *Written for our visit during summer 2019*

We came here on a Sunday morning to see the tidal pools. This is in a national reservation area so there is a $7 per vehicle fee to get in. But your national park pass would work here. We came right sound low ride and the place is very popular. Lots of parents with young children and marine life enthusiasts. We visited a few other tidal pools in the area but this one is by far the best. Lots of marine lives. We saw a lot of sea stars, sea urchins, crabs, fishes, sea anemones, corals, etc. What I like the most about the marina garden is that there are a lot of people here to provide information and guidance. There are park rangers from the park, but we also met a state park ranger, a marine researcher, and a few enthusiasts that approached us and pointed out marine lives, features that we would otherwise overlooked, and answered all of our questions. It makes the whole place feel educational and fun.

Amazing views. The Tidepools were filled with hermit crabs, sea anemones, purple sea urchins, fish, snails and they are amazing, Very easy access. Harbor seals on the rocks and swimming around. There was a ranger one the beach to help with any questions and had handouts as what to look for in the Tidepools. The visitor center was underwhelming. Only go if you have never been to a Tidepool before.

Review #264 - 2018 As I get older, I start to have more appreciation for historical landmarks & such so when I found out that there's a lighthouse which was a short drive from Thor's Well, I decided to bookmark it & made sure that I made my way over. We showed up around 2 PM and it was pretty crowded, but we didn't do the tour so it was fine. We just went about doing our own thing and taking pictures. The view here is extremely beautiful! The reason for the 4-star is because while we were walking around, something was stinking up the whole place. I think some animal must have died and no one bothered to clean it up because there were flies all over the place. I mean, when you pay $7 for parking and have to shell out additional money to take a tour, you'd think they'd do a better job at keeping the place clean so visitors don't have a bad experience.

Yes, that is the name and there is truth in advertising. This natural area maintained by the BLM is truly outstanding. It is also well worth the price of admission ($7 day). More on that later. There are a couple of reasons to visit Yaquina Head: 1) The lighthouse. The tallest and most beautifully maintained on the coast. 2) Tide pools. We were directed to Quarry Bay by the Hatfield Marine Science Center. The trail was blocked off when we arrived because this location is also home to seals and is a nursery of sorts when they have young pups. So it was glorious nature viewing of a different sort. There are also tide pools on the beach close to the lighthouse. There is also an interpretive center and some lovely views of the coast. Four stars because some other sections of our coast are more dramatic, but this is a wonderful area in its own right. ----------------- Want to save money? Several government agencies banded together to offer the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/siuslaw/passes/oregoncoast/index.shtml Rather than individually pay the day use fees, you pay a few dollars more for a 5-day pass that includes all the parks in the program. Pretty ideal for a longer trip to the coast.

A beautiful historic experience. An absolute must if you have children. Part of the national park system so if you have an annual pass you get in for free otherwise it's $7. Access to tide pools, a lighthouse educational experience and tour, and the incredibly-well-done "interpretive center". Whale watching!!!

An Outstanding Natural Area... if it does say so itself. The price of admission is $7, but the views and the history are priceless. The tide pools teem with life-anemones, urchins, coral. One can watch seagulls&cormorants flying in the moody sky. The tide pools are a calm contrast to the surrounding area- the wildness of the Pacific, and the wild terrain. Though Newport is on a pleasant, quiet harbor, Yaquina is situated on precipitous cliffs. It's atmospheric, especially when you have an appropriate marine layer of fog. The Interpretive Center has improved over the years, discussing oceanic life, history, the lighthouse. There are friendly park rangers who'll show you where to go. An Outstanding Natural Area indeed.

Lighthouse is closed. Everything is closed. It was still a unique place to visit- And the boardwalk above the volcanic rock beach was fun. It was insanely windy- beware!!!

Wish were knew about the $7 entrance fee, but for it to cover 3 days was a nice touch. The info center was okay, but informative enough that we know what to look for in the tide pools. Rangers were informative. The sound of the rocks and the tide pools was amazing. He were there a long time checking out the tide pools, very alive. We even got to see seals moving on to rocks to sun. Would go back. The lighthouse isn't open but you can watch a video tour, meh. But the overlooks from around the tower were great. Met a visitor who told us all about the different birds we saw.

Start your visit at the interpretation center to learn about the birds, mammals, flora, & fauna. A rendition of the lense and history of the lighthouse & keeper. Sign up for a tour, pick up a brochure, or buy a souvenir. Lots of activities for children. And restrooms available during operating hours.

This seems like a pretty well kept area 4 wandering around. About the only downside is the lack of decent trails. I am conflicted about marking them down since the area seems so much more natural the way it is. It's just very difficult because it's hard to walk around and feel safe since I felt like I was kind of in the parking lot or on the beach. At the same time though, the view is stunning. This is such a beautiful area.

I visited the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area with my family of four during our stay at nearby South Beach State Park. We have an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass that covered our otherwise $7 entry fee. Unfortunately, there was a thick covering of fog that obstructed what I'm sure would have been an amazing view. However, a ranger helped us spot a grey whale - one of several that have been hanging out in the area lately. We also saw lots of harbor seals and several species of birds. The tide was pretty high so we couldn't see the tide pools that are often visible. The cobblestone beach was very cool. The lighthouse was not open for tours up inside, but it was beautiful from the outside.

Simply outstanding - a must for anyone visiting the Oregon Coast. Be sure to visit the pebble stone beach - at both high and low tides. The high tide offers a stunning rhythm and music courtesy of the ocean and pebbles. Low tide you can explore the tide pools. The staff is super friendly - the visitor is nice with restrooms and a gift shop.

This place was awesome - way more than we expected. We already have an annual American the Beautiful pass so entry was free. We parked at the visitors center and enjoyed the small educational exhibits inside which were well done and fun for our kids. Visiting the lighthouse wasn't an option for us since our kids are too young/short, but we were able to take a short hikes to the lighthouse and get an amazing view out to the ocean. We also ventured down the walkway to the beach where we got to see lots of neat sea creatures in the low tide, as well as about 50 harbor seals and even a massive sea lion that decided to enter the cove. We'd totally come back here again.

This place definitely has some outstanding views! I absolutely love the view of the coast, and I thought the $7 (for our whole car) I paid to get in was totally worth it. To start with, they have their Interpretive Center, which is a nice little area to walk around and get more information on the local wildlife. They have some great animal murals and even a seal statute to take a picture with. The staff there was totally friendly and helpful as well! You can park in the lot there and walk the short distance to see the tide pools and the lighthouse. The view of the coast there is absolutely gorgeous, and you can walk down to the beach to check it out. It's very well maintained there, but also fairly crowded. The lighthouse was closed on the day we visited, and they actually had some students there whale-watching. Unfortunately, we did not see any whales while we were there. I believe they also had hiking trails up the hills there and a few other places to check out the tide pools. I will definitely go back to explore more next time I'm in the area.

We love this spot. Many wonderful memories. Some of the most dramatic views on the Central Coast. Nice interpretive centre with very helpful staff. Lots of ground to explore. Gift shop, kids activities, wildlife, lighthouse tours, and more. This is our "must stop" each time we are in the area. Look for baby seal pups in the small cove at the bottom. Just leave them alone!! (Talking to you dumb-ass tourists that try to use their PDX sense of entitlement when they invade our coast)

Amazing history and breath taking views. Highlight : Green sea anemones Scar back the grey whale. Sharing moments in nature with my loved ones. Kick ass day ! Then the eclipse the next day was off the charts. God bless America and peace to all its people

This place is amazing. Those photos you see of the Oregon Coast in magazines were probably taken here. If you decide to hit up the tide pools wear shoes! If you wear sandals you will regret it.

Beautiful views of some amazing Oregon coast scenery I highly recommend! Also, if you're into bird watching there are crap loads of birds here. They all look relatively the same to me, but if you're a bird watcher this is a good place.

Really nice place, well maintained and lots of places to explore. It is operated by the Federal Bureau of Land Management so your National Park Passes will work here. Otherwise be prepared to pay a small entrance fee. Parking at the actual lighthouse is at a premium on busy days but there are alternative parking areas a short walk away. Be sure to keep an eye out for Whales while visiting, we saw a couple from the observation platform behind the Lighthouse

Well tended, very pretty and enjoyable. Excellent if you like lighthouse tours. Excellent visitor's center. We reported our wildlife spotting to the staff; a pair of dolphins off the point of the Quarry trail. I was particularly impressed with how accessible this park is; there are several accommodations for wheelchairs that I did not see in any other park or trail visits.

Of course it gets five stars. The light house is a snore (what one isn't?) and no one could go in the day I visited anyway. This location is home to THOUSANDS of murres each spring, seals and their pups, and I even saw a whale! The day I visited it was free. I don't know if it is worth it to pay, but it might be.

The walk to the lighthouse offers beautiful views and the lighthouse itself is awesome! Although the lighthouse was closed we still loved it!

I have visited this area twice now (different vacations). The tide pools are spectacular, the cove is fun, and the whale watching is one of the coolest things I have ever seen! We came the first time during nesting season for the birds, which was cool to see, and the second time we came in the summer, when all the babies have grown up. This is the surrounding area of Yaquina Head lighthouse, so try to get a tour and climb up to the top of the lighthouse and learn about how it works too!

$7 fee to get in but you could spend several hours. Can pay with credit card which is helpful. Would recommend visiting the quarry cove and hiking the trails if you are in shape and have time. I had a toddler in a backpack and it wasn't too bad. The hike up from the quarry cove was steep but again - if you are in shape - shouldn't be an issue. The interpretive center was nice but we didn't spend much time there as we wanted to be out in the fresh air. Expect to spend time up at the cliff where the light house is. There is so much to see from thousands of birds on the rocks to seals laid down back enjoying the water splashing on them up against a the rocks. You could even see whales in the distance. Be sure to take the trek down to the cobblestone beach just below the lighthouse. It's a lot of stairs but we thought it was a great experience. Well worth the price!

Beautiful! Friendly staff and amazing views. Easily walked around the lighthouse and down to a black rock beach.

A spectacular natural area! I highly recommend this to everybody! The interpretive center is amazing! The best place to visit on the Oregon coast!

We went to see the tide pool and were very disappointed with the hovering park rangers/helpers. They grabbed my six year old child's hand when she walked by the 'educational table' to make her listen to their talk about what you not allowed to do. Not worth the 7$ entry fee. There was hardly anything to look at in the pools. The free beaches are much better.

We stopped, but the lighthouse was closed. However, we got to enjoy the breath taking views. We also took the stairs down to the waterfront where we encountered the best tide pools!

Check the tide tables and come here at low tide. The tide pools are great and they have plenty of helpful rangers to answer any questions you might have. We had a great time!

This is a great place, a true example of BLM doing it right! It must be one of the most beautiful views on the Oregon coast.

Disappointed. Went back after the initial visit to try to get in the lighthouse and couldn't again. The passes are all given away in the morning and I would have had to wait over an hour for the next tour. You can see other coast areas for free, but if you want to spend $7 to see the outside of the lighthouse it will be worth it to you.

They don't allow large groups to go together. Our extended family met together from far away places and couldn't go in, even though they allow sixteen so only eight of us could go. We had eight random people we had to go with. Doesn't make any sense.