Oregon Coast Day-Use Sites Near Newport

State Parks Offer Picnic Areas, Hiking Trails, Viewpoints at Beach

Aug 20, 2009

Camping at the Oregon Coast may be a favorite activity but day use parks offer just as much fun and excitement. The views alone make a Oregon State Park visit worthwhile.

The day-use parks of Newport and the areas along the Central Oregon Coast offer visitors spectacular views of the ocean. These parks offer guests picnic areas and hiking trails. Yaquina Bay State Park, Devils Punch Bowl State Recreation Site and Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint are also favorite whale watching spots along the Oregon Coast. These parks are located in Newport or just north to Otter Rock and Cape Foulweather. These parks are free and easily accessible from Highway 101.

Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

This park at Yaquina Bay in Newport is an excellent site for picnicking on warm days. The picnic area at Yaquina Bay State Park is sheltered from the coastal winds, and the park provides several picnic shelters for rainy days. Yaquina Bay State Park is also a good place to watch the gray whales swim by during peak whale watching months. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, open for tours. There is no fee to use this park. The park is accessible from Hwy 101 and within walking distance to the historic Newport Bayfront.

Devils Punch Bowl State Natural Area

Located near Otter Rock just north of Newport, Devils Punch Bowl State Park is a great place to stop and watch the waves. Featuring a panoramic view of the ocean, the trail around the small peninsula gives visitors spectacular views of the ocean below. Devils Punch Bowl, a natural bowl-like rock feature, is best viewed at high tide or during stormy weather. The waves come in through a narrow opening and churn around in the rock bowl. Devils Punch Bowl State Park is also a popular whale watching location. Resident gray whales and migrating whales can be seen from the shore. The park offers picnic tables, walking trails and beach access. The beach below Otter Rock, part of Beverly Beach, is a favorite spot of Oregon surfers. Besides whale watching, watching the surfers catch waves can also be entertaining.

Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint

Another spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and Central Oregon Coast shoreline is available at the Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint. High above the ocean below at 500 feet, this panoramic view from Cape Foulweather is breathtaking. On a clear day, visitors can see all the way south to Newport or north to the Depoe Bay area and beyond. However, as its name describes, the weather at Cape Foulweather can be quite harsh. High winds are notorious at this viewpoint. There is a small gift shop open to the right of the parking lot that also offers excellent views, as well as artistic treasures and souvenirs. The gift shop staff are knowledgeable and cheerful.

The copyright of the article Oregon Coast Day-Use Sites Near Newport in Oregon Travel is owned by Aurae Beidler. Permission to republish Oregon Coast Day-Use Sites Near Newport in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.