Things to See
Gray Whales in Summer
Some gray whales do not continue on to Alaskan waters but stay off the coast of Oregon between June and November. These part-time residents number about 200. About 60 whales are seen repeatedly off the central coast and have been photographed and identified. Of these, about 40 hang out between…
Heceta Head
Because it is so easy to pull over and see the postcard perfect view of Heceta Head with the lighthouse, assistant keepers house, and nearby offshore rocks, this scene has made Heceta Head the most photographed lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. It appears in numerous calendars and on note cards.…
Kite Flying
With its location halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, Lincoln County has ideal weather for flying kites. The wind here keeps kites flying until the owner brings them in for the day. Pick your spot and start flying your kite.Forgot to bring your favorite kite? There are several…
Lincoln City Area Hikes (18 Hikes)
The Nature Conservancy Trail – Cascade Head (North entrance) Length: 1 mile / 1.6kDifficulty: ModerateOther: No bikesFees: NoDescription: On highway 101 drive north from Lincoln City until you reach the sign for the Siuslaw National Forrest. Approximately one mile north of the sign turn left on the Cascade Head Road…
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.
Newport Area Hikes (9 Hikes)
Beverly Beach State Park Length: 0.75m/1.2kDifficulty: EasyOther: No bikesFees: NoDescription: This nature trail is part of the campground which is 7 miles north of Newport. There is also beach access and wildlife viewing areas. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Trails Five trails on the Headland Lighthouse Trail Length: .33m/0.5k Difficulty: Easy Other: Handicap Accessible Fees: Yes Description:…
Oregon Coast Birding Trail
The Oregon Coast Birding Trail is a self-guided driving itinerary highlighting the premier locations for observing birds along the entire Oregon coast and into Northern California. Of the 173 birding hotspots detailed in the Birding Trail Guide, 46 are in Lincoln County. Guides are available at visitor centers, through COCA…
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.
South Beach Area Hikes (3 Hikes)
South Beach State Park Nature Trail Length: 1.75m/2.8kDifficulty: EasyOther: Yes bikes allowedFees: NoDescription: Located 2 miles south of Newport in the park South Beach State Park. Trail To Jetty Length: 2.75m/4.4kDifficulty: EasyOther: Yes bikes allowedFees: NoDescription: Trail from the South Beach campground to the South Jetty. Seal Rock Wayside Length: 0.25m/0.4kDifficulty: ModerateOther: Bikes…
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.
Spy Hopping and Breaching Behavior
The two whale behaviors that get people excited are spy hopping—where the head sticks straight up out of the water—and breaching—where 1/2 to 3/4 of the body length comes up out of the water and falls on its side or back causing a tremendous splash.Whale Expert, Bruce Mate’s theory on…
Surfing
The high winds along the coast make it a very good area for wind, wave surfers and body boarders. While the Columbia River Gorge is Oregon’s best-known windsurfing spot, the Central Oregon Coast is rising as an alternative destination, especially for the beginner and intermediate board enthusiast. Winter weather tends…
Tide Pools
Finally a planned trip to the Pacific coast arrives with the crashing waves, salty air, sandy beaches, spectacular rocky shorelines and warm sunshine. After settling into overnight accommodations and walking on the beach what else is there to do? There are always gift shops and even outlet stores. Tide pools…
Waldport Area Hikes (2 Hikes)
Governor Patterson Memorial Wayside Length: 0.1 mile/.16kDifficulty: EasyOther: Bikes allowedFees: NoDescription: Located 1 mile south of Waldport, easy access to sandy beach. Beachside State Park Length: 0.1 mile /.16kDifficulty: EasyOther: Bikes allowedFees: NoDescription: Easy access to miles of sandy beach; located 3 miles south if Waldport.
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,…
Whale Watching and Ocean Excursions
Another popular coastal activity are year-round whale watching trips, catching a site of the hundreds of whales and other marine wildlife making their home here. March through October are the peak whale watching months and charter companies offer affordable rates. The “Whale-watching Spoken Here” program (March, December) provides volunteers at…
Whale Watching by Sea and Air
More than one of these charter businesses—both boats and planes—stressed that whale watching is better in the spring through fall when the weather is more pleasant and the seas and skies less rough.Charterboats:Tradewinds Charters, Depoe Bay, 800-445-8730 Dockside Charters, also have Zodiacs, Depoe Bay, 800-733-8915 Marine Discovery Tours (spring through fall), 65-foot…
