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What is Yachats?
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Yachats is a small coastal city in Lincoln County, Oregon.
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What is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area?
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Just outside Yachats is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a 2,700-acre forested headland on the Oregon Coast.
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What can visitors see at Cape Perpetua?
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The area offers spectacular views, and the visitor center hosts Whale Watching Weeks in winter and spring.
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What is Thor’s Well?
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Near Cape Perpetua is Thor’s Well, a gaping, bottomless sinkhole on the edge of the Oregon coast that looks like it is swallowing seawater.
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What is the North Fork of the Yachats Bridge?
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The North Fork of the Yachats Bridge is a 42-foot-long covered bridge that carries North Fork Yachats River Road over the Yachats River.
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Is Yachats a popular tourist destination?
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Yes, Yachats is a popular tourist destination, offering activities year-round.
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What events take place in Yachats?
Best Time to Visit Yachats, Oregon
- May to October – Mild, sunny days with the least rainfall—ideal for hiking, tidepooling, and beach strolls.
- July & August – Peak summer with festivals, clear skies, and dramatic coastal sunsets.
- April & November – Shoulder season with fewer tourists, cool temps, and moody coastal beauty.
- December to March – Storm-watching season with dramatic waves and cozy vibes—perfect for oceanfront stays.
- Late September – A hidden gem for crisp air, fall foliage, and fewer crowds on the trails.
Getting to Yachats, Oregon
- By Air
- Fly into Eugene Airport (EUG), the closest major airport (approx. 1.5–2 hours by car).
- Alternatively, arrive via Portland International Airport (PDX) and drive (~3.5–4 hours).
- By Car
- Take the scenic Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast for stunning ocean views.
- Yachats is easily accessible from nearby towns like Newport (25 miles north) and Florence (25 miles south).
- By Bus
- Use Greyhound or Amtrak Thruway to reach Newport, then take a local shuttle or taxi.
Hotels in Yachats, Oregon
- Overleaf Lodge & Spa – Stay in oceanfront elegance with spacious rooms, a full-service spa, and coastal trail access.
- Adobe Resort – Enjoy cliffside views, an indoor pool, on-site dining, and easy beach access.
- Fireside Motel – Relax in cozy, pet-friendly rooms with fireplaces and sweeping ocean views.
Day 1 in Yachats, OR:
Begin at the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, see Thor's Well and take photos of the North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge. You'll want to head to Outta Gas Pizza for a filling meal.
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1. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Hike coastal trails and admire breathtaking ocean views during a peaceful trip.
© Dmitry/stock.adobe.com
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What is Cape Perpetua Scenic Area?
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Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a 2,700-acre forested headland on the Oregon Coast, located about two miles from Yachats, extending into the Pacific Ocean.
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What forest is Cape Perpetua a part of?
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The area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest, featuring massive old-growth spruce, Douglas-fir, and western hemlock trees.
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What natural features can visitors see?
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Visitors can experience coastal fog, powerful surf crashing against jagged shores, and breathtaking views from over 800 feet above sea level.
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What does the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center offer?
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The visitor center has wonderful ocean views from both inside and the deck, as well as a theater that plays a range of short movies.
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Can the visitor center staff assist travelers?
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Yes, the knowledgeable staff at the visitor center can answer questions and help visitors plan their trip.
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What activities can visitors enjoy at Cape Perpetua?
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The scenic area is a great destination for camping, picnicking, hiking, sightseeing, and whale watching.
2400 U.S. 101, Yachats, Oregon 97498, Phone: 541-547-3289
2. Thor's Well
Watch waves crash into this natural wonder and explore an exciting coastal sight.
© diak/stock.adobe.com
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What is Thor's Well?
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Thor's Well is a gaping, bottomless sinkhole on the edge of the Oregon coast near Cape Perpetua and the town of Yachats.
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Does Thor’s Well really swallow seawater?
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While not truly bottomless, this natural wonder, also known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, appears to drain water from the ocean through a hole in the rock.
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How deep is Thor’s Well?
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The massive hole is probably only about 20 feet deep, despite its dramatic appearance.
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When is Thor’s Well most spectacular?
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The well is most spectacular at high tide or during storms, when water violently crashes over the rocks and gets sucked into the hole.
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Is visiting Thor’s Well dangerous?
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Yes, the well can be very dangerous during sudden torrents, as unsuspecting visitors can be swept into the maelstrom.
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Why do people visit Thor’s Well?
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Despite the risks, hundreds of photographers and nature lovers flock to see the stunning natural formation.
Highway 101 , Yachats, OR 97498
3. North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge
Walk across this charming bridge and discover unique local history on a quick stop.
© wollertz/stock.adobe.com
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What is the North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge?
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What does the bridge carry?
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The bridge carries North Fork Yachats River Road over the Yachats River.
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When was the bridge built and by whom?
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The bridge, a queen post truss structure, was built in 1938 by the renowned bridge builder Otis Hamer. It was the last covered bridge he constructed.
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Is the bridge still open to traffic?
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Yes, it is one of only two covered bridges left in Lincoln County that is still open to traffic.
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Are there any restrictions for vehicles crossing the bridge?
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Yes, the bridge has a weight limit of ten tons, and large trucks and RVs are not allowed.
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Has the bridge undergone repairs?
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The bridge was repaired in 1987 after an accident caused damage. A more thorough renovation was carried out in 1989, during which county crews replaced the trusses, approaches, roof, and siding.
End of North Fork Road,, Yachats, OR 97498, Phone: 317-629-2892
4. Outta Gas Pizza
Savor fresh pizza and enjoy a fun, laid-back meal with friends and family.
© pavel siamionov/stock.adobe.com
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What is Outta Gas Pizza?
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Outta Gas Pizza in Yachats, Oregon, is a fun and welcoming pizzeria where customers may stop because they ran out of gas but stay for the great pizzas and lively atmosphere.
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What entertainment options are available?
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Outta Gas Pizza features a full-size shuffleboard table, a pool table, and dart boards, making it a great spot for fun and games.
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Is Outta Gas Pizza a good venue for events?
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Yes, it is a great venue for birthdays, reunions, and parties of all types, offering plenty of space and entertainment options.
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Are there TVs available for watching sports and movies?
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Every room in Outta Gas Pizza has big-screen TVs, and the big room features the largest TV screen in Lincoln County for enjoying sporting events and movies.
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What kind of food does Outta Gas Pizza serve?
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They use the freshest ingredients in all their pizzas and side orders, ensuring high-quality meals.
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Is Outta Gas Pizza family-friendly?
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Yes, it is a great place for the whole family, offering plenty of fun activities for kids while parents relax.
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Does Outta Gas Pizza have a music system?
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Yes, their jukebox has something for everyone, and they have an excellent sound system.
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What beverages are available?
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To accompany their loaded pizzas, Outta Gas Pizza offers a large selection of cold beers and a nice choice of wines.
1685 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498, Phone: 541-547-4424
Day 2 in Yachats, OR:
Enjoy the scenery in Yachats State Park followed by some pampering at the Overleaf Spa.
5. Yachats State Park
Stroll through coastal meadows and admire beautiful, scenic views along the shore.
© Anna/stock.adobe.com
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What is Yachats State Park?
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Located just minutes away from Central Yachats,
Yachats State Park is a popular spot for visitors of all ages.
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What makes Yachats State Park special?
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While the park is small, its magnificent ocean views are larger than life.
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What can visitors see from the viewing platform?
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Visitors can access the park’s viewing platform to watch storming waves crash against the rocks or catch a glimpse of migrating whales.
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Does the park have picnic areas?
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Yes, the park offers several picnic areas for day-use visitors.
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Can visitors explore tide pools?
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When weather permits, a rocky intertidal area can be accessed during low tide to view pools of sea life.
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Is fishing allowed at Yachats State Park?
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Yes, anglers frequently visit the park due to the coast’s rich sea life, which includes a fish spawning spot preserved by the park.
Yachats State Park, Yachats, Oregon 97498; Phone: 541-867-7451
6. Overleaf Spa
Relax with soothing treatments and enjoy a romantic retreat by the ocean.
© Denizo/stock.adobe.com
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What is Overleaf Spa?
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Overleaf Spa offers a luxurious day of pampering and relaxation, providing a range of spa services in a serene coastal setting.
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When is the spa open?
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The spa is available to Overleaf Lodge guests from Wednesday through Sunday by appointment.
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What types of massages are offered?
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Overleaf Spa provides several kinds of hour-long massages by licensed therapists, including deep tissue massages, sea stone massages, and prenatal massages.
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Does the spa offer other treatments?
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Yes, the spa also provides body and skin care services, reiki, and access to a seaside exercise room filled with high-end equipment.
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Are there additional relaxation facilities?
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Visitors can enjoy the spa’s steam rooms and saunas or take a dip in their heated soaking pools, which offer fantastic views of the Oregon coast.
280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats, OR 97498; Phone: 541-547-4880
Our Favorite Restaurants in Yachats, Oregon
- Luna Sea Fish House – Feast on fresh, locally caught seafood in a relaxed, fisherman-owned spot. Located on Highway 101 in the heart of town.
- Ona Restaurant and Lounge – Savor upscale Pacific Northwest cuisine with ocean views and seasonal ingredients. Just steps from the Yachats State Recreation Area.
- Green Salmon Coffee Company – Sip artisan coffee or indulge in creative vegan breakfasts and pastries. Located on the main strip, great for morning fuel.
- LeRoy’s Blue Whale – Dig into hearty breakfasts, burgers, and coastal comfort food in a local-favorite diner. Conveniently on Highway 101 near shops and galleries.
Summary of Our Favorite Things to Do in Yachats, OR for Every Type of Traveler
Best for Kids and Families
- Explore Cape Perpetua Scenic Area – Walk easy trails, visit the visitor center, and watch waves crash at the Spouting Horn. Located just south of Yachats along Highway 101 with family-friendly trails and viewpoints.
- Visit the Yachats State Recreation Area – Spot tidepool creatures, fly kites, or picnic with ocean views. Set right in town with easy beach access and picnic tables.
- Walk the 804 Trail – Stroll along a paved coastal path with dramatic ocean scenery and benches for resting. Begins near the Fireside Motel and follows the rocky shoreline northward.
- Search for Sea Stars at Smelt Sands – Explore tidepools and rugged rocks during low tide adventures. Located just north of town, a favorite for hands-on marine fun.
Romantic Getaways
- Watch Sunset from the Ocean Bluff – Enjoy quiet moments and panoramic views of waves and sky. Accessible from various spots along the 804 Trail and Overleaf Lodge area.
- Dine at Ona Restaurant and Lounge – Share fresh, seasonal dishes with a glass of wine in an intimate setting. Located near the beach, perfect for a date night by the sea.
- Book a Couples Massage at Overleaf Spa – Unwind together with relaxing treatments and oceanfront views. Situated inside the Overleaf Lodge overlooking the Pacific.
- Stay in a Cozy Oceanfront Cottage – Cuddle up by the fire and listen to the waves from your room. Many rentals and inns along the Yachats coast offer romantic amenities.
Outdoor Adventures
- Hike the Giant Spruce Trail – Trek through lush forest to a 500-year-old Sitka spruce. Trailhead located at Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, just minutes from Yachats.
- Catch Storm Waves at Thor’s Well – Witness nature’s power at this dramatic collapsed sea cave. Found along the Cape Perpetua coastline, best seen at high tide.
- Walk the Amanda’s Trail – Hike through forest and history to panoramic coastal overlooks. Starts near the southern end of Yachats and connects with the Cape Perpetua area.
- Explore Cummins Creek Wilderness – Discover remote trails through mossy old-growth forest and fern-filled canyons. Access from Forest Service roads near Cape Perpetua.
History & Culture
- Learn at Cape Perpetua Visitor Center – Explore interactive exhibits, historical displays, and ranger talks. Located in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area with sweeping ocean views.
- Discover Amanda’s Trail History – Reflect on local Native American history and the story of Amanda De-Cuys. Interpretive signs along the trail tell a moving cultural story.
- Browse Local Art at Earthworks Gallery – Shop regional pottery, paintings, and handcrafted pieces. Located just off Highway 101 near the Gerdemann Botanic Preserve.
- Attend the Yachats Celtic Music Festival – Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, workshops, and storytelling. Held annually in November at venues throughout town.
Take this Yachats, OR 2-Day Itinerary With You
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