The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is located in Newport, Oregon near the Siuslaw National Forest. Yaquina Head is a coastal headland that juts out one mile into the Pacific Ocean. The area is home to a range of diverse wildlife as well as the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, which is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. Visitors to the area can take a tour to learn more about the area and its history, enjoy the stunning views of the landscape, or do some whale watching. There are also many nearby opportunities for hiking.
Camping amenities are not available at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. To find BLM sites with camping options, search for “BLM camping near me.”
This short trail is a great way to get a feel for the area, see beautiful views, and spot native wild animals.
Length: 0.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail passes through dense forests and features a few uphill areas that make for an excellent workout.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Short but incredibly scenic, this trail offers stunning views and allows hikers to spot seabirds, seals, and other small animals.
Length: 0.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail meanders along the beach and offers excellent opportunities for viewing tidepools and the small creatures living in them.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the Drift Creek Wilderness, this trail is ideal for hiking or backpacking, and it is open all year.
Length: 7.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Depoe Bay, which is only 6 acres in size and is considered to be the world’s smallest harbor, is ideal for fishing. Anglers can usually catch cod, salmon, halibut, sea bass, tuna, rockfish, and cabezon. Yaquina Bay also offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, plus fantastic crabbing and clamming opportunities. For more inland fishing, the Alsea River offers great steelhead and chinook salmon fishing.
The Harlan Rock Quarry outside of Newport offers several excellent sport routes. There are also a few traditional and aid climbing options. Mary’s Peak is also a great place to climb. The area offers a few sport and top-rope routes and several fantastic bouldering options.
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of the best locations along Oregon’s coast to view wildlife. Gray whales can be seen throughout the year, but other types of whales migrate through the area in January, March, April, and December. The head is also home to harbor seals and many small mammals, such as squirrels. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the area as thousands of seabirds and native peregrine falcons use the area and its cliffs for nesting. The best time to view nesting chicks is from late spring through mid-summer.
Big Creek Park in Newport offers easy access to hiking trails and provides a quiet, peaceful picnic experience with gorgeous views. There are several picnic tables available. The day-use area at South Beach State Park also offers picnic tables, and restrooms are available. Ona Beach also provides restrooms and picnic tables.
Standard and BLM RV camping can be found in several locations around the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. The Whalers Rest RV & Camping Resort offers 164 sites, and there are restrooms, showers, a pool, a clubhouse, a fitness center, and a picnic and barbecue area. The park also offers easy access to nearby hiking and biking trails. Harbor Village RV Park has 140 spaces with full hookups. The park also offers showers and a laundry facility. The Pacific Shores Motorcoach Resort is ideal for larger RVs, and ocean-front sites are available.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the nearby South Lake Dispersed Area. Amenities are very limited, but pit toilets are available, and the campground provides access to rainbow trout fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities.
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is open all year, but how long it is open each day varies depending on the season. The Interpretive Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Ranger-led tours of the lighthouse and surrounding area take place every day from July through September and when weather conditions permit from September through June. You can call ahead to see if tours are available. Tour spots can only be reserved in person and are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most of the wildlife in the area, including birds, whales, and seals, can only be seen from a distance, so it’s a good idea to bring binoculars or a telephoto camera lens so you can get the best views or photos. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Never litter, and always pick up and throw away any litter you see. Observe wild animals quietly and from a distance. Limit your impact on the land around you by staying on trails or in designated areas. Be respectful of other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum and sharing any common areas at any Bureau of Land Management campgrounds.
From Corvallis, take Highway 20 to U.S. Highway 101 to reach Newport. Turn right on Highway 101 and continue for 4.5 miles until you reach Lighthouse Drive. Take a left to continue to Yaquina Head.
Ready to visit Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
