Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area showing Pacific Ocean on Cobble Beach and orange sunset on the horizo

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at Yaquina Head.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873.

The interpretive center features exhibits on seabirds and marine life as well as human history from the headland. You can see the wheelhouse of an historic ship, check out a recreated rocky island and its inhabitants, and witness a full scale replica of the lighthouse lantern. All BLM exhibits and interpretive specialists deliver the rich history of Yaquina Head.

Hours

Trails, beaches and restrooms are open from 8 AM to 5 PM. The Interpretive Center, including exhibits and Interpretive Store are open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Directions

Yaquina Head is located on the central coast of Oregon at the north end of Newport.

Newport is located 55 miles west of Corvallis on the central Oregon coast. Take Hwy. 20 to U.S. Hwy. 101 to Newport. Turn right onto Hwy. 101 and proceed north 4.5 miles to Lighthouse Drive and turn left to enter Yaquina Head.

Driving from the north on Hwy. 101, turn right onto Lighthouse Drive approximately 0.5 mile south of the Newport city limit sign.

There are signs on the highway and at the stop light at the intersection of Hwy. 101 and Lighthouse Drive to help direct you to Yaquina Head.

Fees & Passes

Yaquina Head honors and issues all America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (senior, annual, military, access, volunteer and 4th grade). Yaquina Head also honors and issues Oregon Pacific Coast passes.

  • Complete list of fees and the annual and lifetime passes accepted at Yaquina Head
  • Personal passenger vehicle: $7 for a 3 day pass
  • Annual Yaquina Head: $15 for a 12 month pass
  • Motorcycle: $3 for a 3 day pass
  • Bicyclist, walker: free 1 day pass
  • Commercial van, < 21 passenger capacity: $25 for a 1 day pass
  • Commercial bus, >21 passenger capacity: $50 for a 1 day pass
Contact Us

Call 541-574-3100 or email blm_or_no_yhona_comments@blm.gov for the most up-to-date information.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse Yaquina Head LighthouseThe United States Congress designated the Lower White River Wilderness in 2009 and it now has a total of 2,806 acres. All of this wilderness is located in Oregon and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service. The White River rises in the high Cascades in western Wasco County, in the Mount Hood National Forest on the southeast flank of Mount Hood. The headwaters are just below White River Glacier in White River Canyon. Additions to the Mount Hood Wilderness protect upper portions of the river, while the Lower White River Wilderness, southeast of the Mount hood Wilderness and east of highway 26, protects a segment of lower river stretch.Yaquina Head Tidepool Yaquina Head Tidepool Yaquina Head Tidepool Yaquina Head Wildlife Yaquina Head Wildlife

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Flickr Album

Quick Links

Winter Beach Safety

Winter weather along the coast can be dramatic, beautiful and extremely dangerous. Please hold onto car doors when getting in and out. On beaches high surf and sneaker waves can knock walkers off their feet. Never turn your back on the ocean and keep children within arm’s reach.

  • High winds yank car doors from hands and make walking difficult.
  • Sneaker waves—sudden tidal surges—can strike at any time knocking walkers off their feet and into the cold Pacific.
  • High surf leaves little beach exposed for walking.
  • Never turn your back on the ocean and keep children within arms' reach.