Yachats, OR, USA

Yachats: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

Yachats is a small, charming seaside town on the central Oregon coast. Its isolated proximity from the urban areas of Oregon makes it a tranquil destination for families and couples. Steep slopes meet rocky beaches with crashing waves and spectacular views. Sandy beaches are scattered among the rocks for a beach playground that is appealing for children, beachcombers and dogs. You will enjoy your stay in a house, cottage or cabin that will offer amenities such as a fireplace, Internet access and satellite or cable television.

Natural Wonders

The Yachats area is home to many beautiful natural wonders, such as the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the Yachats State Recreation Area and the Yachats 804 Trail. The 804 Trail runs through the town along the coastline and offers opportunities to explore the beach, watch for whales, enjoy the sunset and explore the tide pools. This trail is the former driving route between the towns of Yachats and Waldport, which is a few miles north of the area.

This 2,700-acre park is just three miles south of Yachats, and it includes overlooks and oceanic rock formations such as Devil’s Churn, Cook's Chasm, Spouting horn and the Cape Perpetua Overlook, which is the highest-elevation vehicle-friendly coastal location in Oregon. These spectacular locations feature crashing waves which flow into the rock formations and spray into the air with tremendous force. Hiking trails through the old-growth rainforest lead to breathtaking views, tide pools and the beach. There is also a visitor’s center offering guided walks and natural history exhibits.

A Spectacular Lighthouse

The Heceta Head Lighthouse has graced many calendars and is a popular site for scenic landscape photography on the Oregon coast. This spectacular location is an Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint, and it is part of a network of hiking trails in the area. The 1894 lighthouse is perched on a cliff and it includes lighthouse tours, a beautifully restored light keeper's house and panoramic views of the sandy beach below and the rocky shoreline surrounding the cove.

Seabirds are commonly seen in this area, with common murres laying their eggs on the rocky bluff below the lighthouse. Brown pelicans, seagulls and bald eagles are also frequently seen in the area. Gray whales are often seen migrating in these ocean waters, and from this elevated location, they can be seen from above as they pass near the shore.

Shopping and Dining

The small town of Yachats is home to few services, but an eclectic selection of delicious restaurants and small boutique shops line the main road. Casual dining featuring local seafood is a delicious option, and many restaurants feature large windows for viewing the ocean during your meal. Small shops and galleries offer local artwork, kites and memorabilia from the Yachats area.

Weather

Like the rest of the Oregon coast, the weather in Yachats is typically cool, windy and rainy. However, this central and southern half of the Oregon coast tends to experience fewer temperature extremes than the northern part of the coast, so you can expect temperatures to be quite moderate during any time of the year. A waterproof, windproof jacket and waterproof footwear are essential for exploring the beach.

How to Get There

The Yachats area is remote, and there are few services for transportation. Small airports on the coast can provide service, but commercial flights are available in larger towns such as Portland International Airport, which is a four-hour drive from Yachats. A rental or private car is the best way to explore the Oregon coast, and commercial bus service is also available to reach this coastal community.