Oregon Coast Autumn Travel

Exploring Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Lighthouse

Sep 5, 2007

As the warmest weather of the year arrives visitors have the opportunity to explore Newport's natural areas and historic landmarks while experiencing fewer crowds.

Autumn at the Oregon Coast means the best weather of the year, with warm sunny days and less wind, during the “Second Summer." Visitors who are lucky enough to come to the Newport during the first part of autumn are sure to find adventure and fun with these sites to explore.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area – Newport, Oregon

Just north of Newport, Oregon lies Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The word “outstanding” describes how the land juts out into the ocean, forming a small peninsula. This area can also be described as “outstanding” because it offers a wonderful diversity of natural phenomena and human-built construction in one location. Visitors can explore tidepools, watch seabirds, seals and whales, hike around the head or climb to the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, all in one location. This 135 year-old historic landmark, reaches heights of almost 100 feet. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top, viewing the ocean and shoreline for miles down the beach to Cape Perpetua or to Cape Foulweather in the north, on a clear day.

Explore Tidepools and Spot Whales

The area below the lighthouse and around Yaquina Head is considered one of Oregon's “protected natural areas” meaning the plants and animals are prohibited from being removed or destroyed by visitors to the area. Visitors can explore tidepools at Cobble Beach, accessible to all visitors with a smooth paved path weaving its way through the tidepool area. Sea urchins, sea lemons, sea stars, anemones, barnacles, snails, crabs and small fish can be seen when viewing the tidepools. Visitors can also take the path around the natural area, stopping to view seals and sea lions at Seal Island. Harbor seals spend time on Seal Island, sunning themselves and resting. Seabirds can be seen at Colony Rock. During the annual whale migration along the Oregon Coast, gray whales are spotting traveling south in the winter and north in the spring. Watch for blows from the whales, towering from the water into the air. Yaquina Head is an excellent spot for whale watching.

Take a Stroll Along the Beach

Just down from Yaquina Head lies Agate Beach. Although its name is misleading, as agates no longer make up the beach, a long stretch of sandy beach welcomes beach strollers. Oregon surfers make their way to beaches like Agate Beach, ready to take in the warm sunrays and tackle waves. The beaches in the Newport area are familiar territory for surfing and beachcombers alike. Beachcombers can search for shells and perhaps find a rare agate or other stone. Agates are a type of quartz, ranging in color from white or yellow to red. When searching for agates, look for shiny stones that appear to look like pieces of glass. Agates are most often found on rocky beaches, among other stones and rocks.

The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is open from dawn until dusk, and requires a park fee. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is open from 10-4, for self-guided tours.

The copyright of the article Oregon Coast Autumn Travel in Oregon Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Oregon Coast Autumn Travel in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.