Cobble Beach - Oregon Coast Natural Wonder

A part of the 100-acre Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Cobble Beach is a small cove sheltered by basaltic headlands near Newport featuring a dramatic and beautiful intertidal area. Sitting right below the famous Yaquina Head, this site is a must-visit location to make your Oregon Coast experience complete.

Take a walk down a long stairway from the parking area and beach observation deck and enjoy the ancient ocean shore covered by polished round black rocks, a rare natural wonder of the Oregon Coast! The cobblestone beach was created roughly 14 million years ago as a result of the Columbia River basalt lava flow. Over the years, powerful erosion processes break down beachside cliffs releasing basalt cobbles. The cobblestones become smooth and polished from the constant tides and storms. When mighty waves come in during high tides, cobbles are moved and shifted creating a unique musical sound you can never confuse for anything else!

Cobble Beach has multiple sea stacks, offshore rocks, and islands that boast abundant wildlife including colonies of California mussels, seabirds, and harbor seals.

Pacific harbor seals reside here year-round and often haul out on nearby rocks. Migrating gray whales are visible from Yaquina Head observation decks in winters and springs.

Because the beach is considered to be one of the best tidepool areas on the Oregon Coast, observing multiple tide pools here is a popular pastime during low tides. Gorgeous tidepools that are left by the ocean carry a colorful kaleidoscope of the marine world where you can find purple or ochre sea stars, green anemones, purple sea urchins, tidepool sculpins, and shore or hairy hermit crabs.

Cobble Beach as a part of Yaquina Head Marine Garden is a protected area dedicated to the conservation of marine life. Please, explore tidepools gently, and obey wildlife signs and all boundaries. All marine life and rocks are for exploring and photographing only and may not be collected or removed.

Take a walk up to Yaquina Head and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the Pacific Ocean from the viewpoint. You can also enjoy the historic Yaquina Head Lighthouse, especially if you sign up for the tour to see it inside! Keep in mind that due to their popularity Yaquina Head and Cobble Beach can get crowded, especially on the weekends and during holidays.

Cobble Beach is an area protected by federal law, please respect boundaries and wildlife
Pets are not allowed both for their safety and wildlife protection
The rugged rocky shore and round shifting cobbles are unstable and make walking difficult, so wear sturdy shoes
Be prepared to walk down and up the long stairway with 134 steps
Check the tide table before you go to the beach.

Cautions: Beware of changing tides, rip currents, driftwoods, sneaker waves and never turn your back to the ocean.