Things to See
A Hiking Overview
Hiking trails are plentiful the length and breadth of Lincoln County – Oregon’s Central Coast, from Cascade Head to Cape Perpetua and throughout the Siuslaw National Forest. Some of the best hikes worthy of note: Three Rocks Road at the Cascade Head Natural Area near Lincoln City,…
Alsea Bay and River
This coastal estuary boasts excellent sites for bird watching and marine wildlife viewing, with crabbing and fishing as main draws for boaters in Alsea Bay. Numerous public docks, marinas and riverfront restaurants line the Alsea River along Highway 34.
Beachcombing
With miles and miles of open, public beaches, the Central Oregon Coast provides excellent beachcombing opportunities especially after our winter storms and during the seasons with the highest tides. Floats to agates, driftwood to shells, your souvenir collection will expand after every walk on the beach.
Biking
Bicycling The Central Oregon Coast has long been a destination for cyclists from all over the world, making their way up or down the coast along Highway 101. Trips from the cities in the Willamette Valley are also popular and may be done overnight. The Oregon Department of Transportation publishes…
Birding
The Central Oregon Coast is home to more than 300 species of birds, ranging from bald eagles and peregrin falcon to numerous songbirds to more than 13 species of seabirds that include tufted puffin, common murre,and rhinoceros auklet. Habitats include tidal estuaries, island, rivers and and streams, fields and pastures,…
Cape Foulweather Scenic Viewpoint
Cape Foulweather was discoverd and named in 1778 by the famous British navigator Captain James Cook. It was at this Point that Captain Cook first sighted the mainland of North America on the Pacific Coast, and one of the sudden storms which greeted his arrival almost put an end…
Cape Perpetua
The highest point on the Oregon coast (at 803 feet), Cape Perpetua, has both historic and natural significance. The visitor center, hiking trails and overlook drive provide spectacular views (up to 150 miles on a clear day) of the coastline and its lush coast forests.
Cascade Head
A visit by car or with backpack is long remembered after experiencing the vistas, the forests and the wildlife of Cascade Head. This designated natural area is home to more than 250 species of birds and mammals. The lower hiking trails wind through a Hemlock forest before opening to old…
Chitwood Bridge
This is the first covered bridge to be restored in Lincoln County and it is named for the community of Chitwood, which is named for its founder, Joshua Chitwood. The bridge was originally built in 1933 and has a Howe Truss that is 96 feet long. It spans the Lower…
Clamming on the Oregon Coast
ClammingClam diggings is one of Oregon’s most popular outdoor activities. It is a family activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. All you need are adequate boots and clothing, a bucket, a clam shovel or rake, a shellfish license, and a copy of the current Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations.…
Cleft of the Rock
Nestled in the northern shadows of Cape Perpetua on a bluff overlooking the ocean sits a neat A-frame structure attached to a lighthouse. It is the home of Jim Gibbs, former U.S. Coast Guardsman, lighthouse keeper, and noted author and historian. Gibbs, author of 21 maritime books, is considered an…
Crabbing on the Coast
The Oregon coast provides many opportunities for sport crabbing. Crabbing is a year-round activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the family and almost always yields a successful trip.Crabbing requires minimal gear, which is often available for rent in most coastal towns. While crabbing from a boat increases…
Depoe Bay Area Hikes (6 Hikes)
Depoe Bay Walk Length: 6.25m/10kDifficulty: Easy to ModerateOther: Bikes – check trailhead postingFees: NoDescription: This walk is a loop divided into three parts that starts at Gracie’s Sea Hag Restaurant on Hwy 101 and returns to Gracie’s. A map with instructions is available at the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce. East Loop Length:…
Devils Lake
This three-mile long, 678-acre freshwater lake offers many recreational activities as an alternative to the beach. Located in Lincoln City upstream from the ‘D’ River — the world’s shortest — Devils Lake gained its name from Native American folklore. A popular spot for fishing, water skiing and swimming. Rental kayaks,…
Drift Creek Bridge
One of the four covered wooden bridges near the Oregon central coast, the Drift Creek Bridge, also may also be the most famous. For starters it, well, doesn’t span Drift Creek. At least it doesn’t anymore. If you believe in miracles you should get acquainted with this bridge. It…
Feeding and Diving Whale Facts
Gray gray whales are baleen whales. This means when feeding for small crustaceans on the ocean floor, the whales roll on their sides and scoop up water and sediments. They then force the water and sediments out through the fringed baleen plates that hang from either side of their upper…
Fisher School (Five Rivers) Bridge
Built in 1919, this bridge has a Howe Truss and is 72 feet long. The last of Lincoln County’s covered bridges to be restored, the Fisher bridge was formally rededicated on June 4, 2005. This time there were federal and state transportation funds available for the project, which came to…
Fishing
Comes in two sizes — Ocean and FreshwaterThe Central Oregon Coast is well known for the commercial and charter fishing fleets at Newport and Depoe Bay. Deep-sea salmon and halibut fishing have always been king on the coast, but conservation-restricted seasons have shifted the focus to bottom fishing (sea trout,…
Golfing
There are five golf courses in the county, offering sports challenges to all levels of play. Golfing is another year-round activity on the Central Oregon Coast, particularly for those who appreciate the winter rains. Golf courses are located in Lincoln City, Gleneden Beach, Waldport, Toledo and Newport.
Gray Whale Migration
Gray whales migrate South from their feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas around Alaska from mid-December through January. They are heading to their breeding grounds in Baja California, Mexico, where warm-water lagoons become nurseries for expectant mothers. Then from late March to June the whales migrate North back…
