The Oregon coast has been blessed with some the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Images of the rugged coast are found in national magazines as well as family vacation photo albums. Ocean waves breaking over isolated rocks called haystacks and crashing on shore provide unending and ever changing dramatic views for visitors to enjoy. Nature’s fury can be watched, felt and enjoyed during our winter storm watching season. During the warm months, the serenity and the beauty of the Pacific Ocean with the sun on your face and a salty breeze to deeply inhale will lower anyone’s blood pressure. Life takes on a different dimension. Watching a sunset on the beach is not only irresistible – it becomes a tradition with each visit. The Oregon Coast – it is about grandiose scenes, friendly people and great food.
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.
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…
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,…
Lincoln County Parks
Lincoln County is settled around gorgeous forests and rivers, and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. The county has 13 parks, which include 3 campgrounds and 2 waysides. Most parks include boat ramps, fishing, restrooms and picnicking. For park amenities visit Lincoln County Parks.
Nature’s Grandeur
The Oregon coast has been blessed with some the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Images of the rugged coast are found in national magazines as well as family vacation photo albums. Ocean waves breaking over isolated rocks called haystacks and crashing on shore provide unending and ever changing dramatic…
Nature-Based Tours
Tours are available from Depoe Bay, Lincoln City and Newport for those interested in learning about the natural and human history of the Lincoln County coastline, harbors, lakes and trails highlighting many scenic features and giving travelers a unique coastal perspective away from Highway 101.
Siletz Bay Estuary
A prime location for bird watching and observing harbor seals, Siletz Bay forms the transition from the meandering Siletz River to the rough-and-tumble Pacific. The estuary is a habitat for a collection of wildlife and extends into one of the nation’s wildlife refuges.
Siuslaw National Forest
This 625,000-acre forest is home to more than 350 animal species, including elk, bear and mountain lion. The forest holds a store of recreational and scenic pleasures, including hiking, fishing, camping, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching and hunting as well as the Drift Creek Wilderness area.
Spouting Horns
Spouting Horn Depoe Bay’s seawall, Rocky Creek Scenic Wayside and the shoreline at Yachats are favorite spots for watching the ocean (literally) shoot into the air as a true demonstration of nature’s power. These photographic “spouting horns” are especially active during stormy winter weather.
Whale Watching
A number of whales make the Central Oregon Coast their year-round feeding area with phenomenal spring and winter migrations bringing in even more curious travelers from all over. Depoe Bay and Newport charter boat companies offer many opportunities for whale-watching tours. For those that prefer to stay on dry land,…
Yaquina Bay
One of the most photographed bays in the country, the 4,000-acre Yaquina Bay is a rare blend of the natural and fabricated. The classic design of its large, half-moon bridge arches beyond a working bayfront that combines its fleet of fishing and charter boats, seafood processors and restaurants, art galleries…
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
For over four thousand years Yaquina Head has provided coastal inhabitants with a one mile long corridor of land into the open sea. Native Americans used this promontory as a place to hunt marine mammals, collect mussels, and seek spiritual renewal. Explorers in quest of the Northwest Passage, fur traders…
