About Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours
Overview:There's something for everyone at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Extending one mile out into the Pacific Ocean from the Oregon coast, Yaquina Head is a great place to spot wildlife such as gray whales, harbor seals, and nesting seabirds. At low tide the sea floor is exposed and colorful animals such as orange sea stars, purple sea urchins, and giant green anemones are visible. At high tide a visit to Cobble Beach is an auditory treat as the rounded basalt rocks create an applause-like sound as the waves roll in. If the winter storms or summer winds are raging, take refuge in the Interpretive Center and discover thousands of years of natural history and more than 140 years of lighthouse history. Standing 93 feet tall on the west westernmost point of the basalt headland, Oregon's tallest lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light first lit in 1873. Still an 'active aid to navigation' today, a limited number of visitors can tour the lighthouse with an interpretive guide. Pre-arrival reservations are strongly recommended, book your tour below.
How to Get There
Yaquina Head is located on the central coast of Oregon at the north end of Newport. Newport is located 55 miles west of Corvallis. From Corvallis, take Hwy 20 to US Hwy 101 to Newport. Turn right onto Hwy 101 and proceed north 4.5 miles to Lighthouse Drive. Turn left to enter Yaquina Head.Driving from the north on Hwy 101, turn right onto Lighthouse Drive approximately 0.5 miles south of the Newport city limit sign. There are brown signs on the highway and at the stop light at the intersection of Hwy 101 and Lighthouse Drive to help direct you to the park.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours
Heading to Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours?
No central reservation system listed for Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251944) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours?
Yaquina Head is located on the central coast of Oregon at the north end of Newport. Newport is located 55 miles west of Corvallis. From Corvallis, take Hwy 20 to US Hwy 101 to Newport. Turn right onto Hwy 101 and proceed north 4.5 miles to Lighthouse Drive. Turn left to enter Yaquina Head.Driving from the north on Hwy 101, turn right onto Lighthouse Drive approximately 0.5 miles south of the Newpo…
How do I contact Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-574-3100.
References & Official Resources
