Things to Do & See
Yachats is a beautiful place to visit, relax, hike, explore, enjoy the sounds and sights of the ocean. At low tide, tidepools are everywhere along the rocky shoreline. Discover exotic marine creatures including sea stars, urchins, chitons, sea stars, anemones, and saltwater algae. Please do not remove them.
Be sure to check the tide tables before your trip to the ocean. When you are on the beach, never turn your back on the ocean.
Whale-watching is one of the most popular activities year-round as the Oregon Coast is filled with these majestic creatures. Watch the gray whale migration twice a year, in winter and spring.
The most visited site near Yachats is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. You can hike from Yachats or just drive to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Head to the top of the Cape Perpetua and experience stunning ocean views of the coastline and ocean. Visit a narrow channel Devil's Churn, Spouting Horn at Cook's Chasm, and Thor's Well.
Hike along the shoreline trails and see surf and rock splendor. There are also rainforest trails with leafy and fresh soil scents near the beach.
Smelt Sands State Recreation Site
Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is located a mile north of Yachats. The excellent whale watching and viewpoint for taking pictures. Walk the historic 0.75 miles one-way 804 Trail. The park is known for its tide pools, breathtaking sunsets, and rock fishing. Smelt Sands State Recreation Site is one of the northwest beaches in Yachats, where previously, smelt came ashore to spawn. Unfortunately, the silver ocean gem disappeared from this area.
Yachats State Recreation Area
For Yachats State Recreation Area, turn west onto 2nd Street. The road makes a beach loop, offering a breathtaking view of the Yachats River as it meets the Pacific Ocean. This destination is a great place for whale watching, tide pools researching, rock and salmon fishing.
Neptune State Park
Neptune State Park is located three miles south of Yachats at foot of Cape Perpetua. You can watch for whales, see a variety of birds, and sea lions. The creek is also a great place to look for agates. At low tide, you can walk to the south to see a natural cave and tide pools.
Strawberry Hills
Located a few miles farther south, the spot has excellent views of the ocean, great tide pools, and sandy beaches. Sometimes harbor seals can be seen on the rocks just offshore.
Bob Creek
This location offers beach access and agate hunting.