Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a basalt headland in Lincoln County. The county’s landscape on Oregon’s central coast is shaped by forests and rivers and bordered by the Pacific; several miles of beach and coastline are also part of its character. The landscape takes different forms in each coastal community: a broad sandy beach, a shoreline framed by forest and cliffs, or a habitat for wildlife.

Beach, Forest and Water

South Beach State Park offers access to several miles of broad, sandy ocean beach. The paved Jetty Trail is suitable for jogging and cycling. This park brings together two different ways to spend time outdoors: relaxing at the beach and getting active on a paved trail.

At Beverly Beach State Park, the day-use area is just a few steps from several miles of ocean beach. The campground at Spencer Creek is sheltered by forest. Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area has a different coastal character: cliffs line the beach, and wooden footbridges pass through Sitka spruce, western hemlock, shore pine and alder. The area is also suitable for birdwatching and exploring tide pools.

Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge includes brackish marshes, tidal channels and mudflats, as well as coniferous and deciduous forests. At Alder Island, there is a free, shore-based boat launch for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and other non-motorized boats. It is intended for launching boats transported on car roofs. On the Salmon River, the only public boat launch is at Knight Park.

Tides, Geology and Wildlife

At Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, striking coastal geology meets the opportunity for whale watching. Tide pools lie on the north side of the Punchbowl; access depends on the tides. For viewing, the Whale Watching Center has a large observation deck, and binoculars are available to visitors. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but the observation deck and the equipment provided offer a practical setting for watching.

Whale Cove surrounds Oregon’s oldest marine reserve. Year-round, the cove serves as a resting and pupping area for more than 100 harbor seals. The formation of Cascade Head also tells a story of the coast’s geology: the area was created by the uplift of underwater basalt flows. From there, visitors can look out over the ocean, the Salmon River Estuary and Lincoln City. At the Oregon Coast Aquarium, visitors can learn about 15,000 animals from 300 species; animal populations may change.

Science and History on the Coast

At the Hatfield Marine Science Visitor Center, two interactive experiences bring different aspects of the ocean to life. A simulator lets visitors experience piloting a large research vessel through Yaquina Bay. In a tide-pool touch tank, they can encounter sea cucumbers, sea urchins and starfish. At Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, a large observation deck offers views of Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is Oregon’s only surviving lighthouse with an attached living space; it is open seasonally from March to November. Check current opening hours before your visit.

The North Lincoln County Historical Museum shares the history of North Lincoln County. Its exhibits include a display about Japanese glass fishing floats; check whether it is currently on view before visiting. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; check opening hours before your trip. The Toledo History Center preserves local history through photographs, oral histories, historical documents, newspapers, exhibits and community collections. At the Yaquina Pacific Railroad Historical Society Museum, “One Spot,” a 1922 Baldwin steam locomotive, is on permanent display.

The Yaquina River Museum of Art focuses its exhibitions on works of art shaped by, or depicting, the landscape, people and industries of the Yaquina River region. Its permanent collection changes twice a year for public viewing. There are also monthly “1st Weekend Art” exhibitions, in which artists from Toledo can participate; confirm specific dates before making plans. Another way to explore Toledo is the self-guided Toledo Quest, which follows sidewalks and paved footpaths and takes about 45 minutes. As route details may change, it is worth checking the current route.

Discover more destinations: Lincoln City, Newport, Depoe Bay, Lincoln Beach, Yachats, Waldport, Seal Rock, Forfar, Otter Rock, Neotsu.

For the full travel overview: Oregon.