If you’ve never traveled along the Oregon coast, you’ve missed out on some spectacular scenery. An example of this is Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural area, just to north of Newport and off highway 101.
Yaquina Head is a one mile extension of land into the Pacific Ocean which covers about 95 acres (38 ha). It was created by ancient lava flows and largely is a natural area, so among the activities you can enjoy here are bird, seal and whale watching (especially notable for spotting migrating gray whales), tide-pool exploring, and hiking.
The site is best known for the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which dominates the western half of the headland. The lighthouse opened in 1873 and at 93 feet high is the tallest light house in Oregon. It has been warning ships of the treacherous rocky coast for more than 150 years. Ranger-lead tours of the interior of the light house are infrequent but do occur, and if this is a must-see for you, then you should call ahead and clarify the exact times.
The following photo was used in last weekend’s One Clue Mystery. As usual, it was recognized by George G — great work as always, George!
My wife and I (and our dogs) were unable to take a lighthouse tour that day, but spent some time exploring the property, enjoying the views from the steep cliffs, watching the powerful surf crashing against the rocks. The views are truly remarkable!
The lighthouse at one time was inhabited by a full-time keeper (and family), but there is little evidence of that residence. The light has been automatically and remotely operated for years. Still, it is interesting to walk around and get different perspectives of the photogenic tower.
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural area has an informative Interpretative Center which is well worth visiting. It features a variety of exhibits, including a history of the lighthouse and human habitation of the area, as well as features of the natural history of the region.
If you visit:
- Open Hours: Yaquina Head is open year round although hours varying according to the season.
- Fees are $7 for cars,
- The Interpretive Center is open from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Whale watching: The main gray whale migrations occur during the months of December, January, March and April. As the area juts pretty far into the Pacific, you’ve an excellent chance of spotting whales during this time.
To learn more if you plan on visiting, I recommend you visit the Bureau of Land Management website.
Excellent post; brilliant photos!!