Pacific Coast Scenic Byway - Oregon
Yaquina Head, OR

The Yaquina Head area is rich in history and natural qualities. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area consists of 100 acres of land which serves to protect the scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational values of the area. There are a variety of species of birds that live in the area, especially in the spring and summer, including pelicans, cormorants, gulls, murres, and Tufted Puffins. There is a marine garden on the site that lets visitors experience tidepool life up close. Spouts, and even the backs and tails, of the great gray whales may occasionally be seen in the area as well. The Yaquina Head Interpretive Center has many displays which interpret the important aspects of this area. These displays include interpretation of the human history of the area. Archaeological sites show that the area has been occupied by humans for the past 5,000 years.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Oregon. It was built in 1873 and has been in operation since then. The lighthouse was automated in 1966, but visitors may visit this beacon on Yaquina Head.