Yaquina Head Lighthouse Tours
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
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 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 during the summer months are strongly recommended, and can be booked 90 days in advance.
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 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 during the summer months are strongly recommended, and can be booked 90 days in advance.
Notifications and Alerts
Closure alert: The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is closed for restoration and tours are not currently available.
Need to Know
- There is a $7 fee per vehicle. Yaquina Head honors and issues all America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes (senior, annual, military, access, volunteer, and 4th grade). Yaquina Head also honors and issues Oregon Pacific Coast passes.
- Visitors should be aware that summer weather at Yaquina Head is very unpredictable and can bring cold temperatures, high winds, and fog. Winter usually brings rain and high winds.
- The Interpretive Center at Yaquina Head is accessible for persons with a disability or otherwise limited physical mobility, as are observation decks and restrooms throughout the site.
- Only service animals trained to provide tasks for persons with disabilities are permitted inside the Interpretive Center and Historic Lighthouse. Pets may accompany visitors on trails and walkways except near the lighthouse and in the tide pools. They must be on a leash and under physical control at all times.
- Click here for more information about your visit.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. Reservations will be cancelled and tickets forfeited if they are not picked up at the Interpretive Center at least 15 minutes prior to tour time.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
750 Newport OR 97365
Phone Number
541-574-3100
