Yachats: A Beautiful Destination on the Coast of Oregon

“There is not a lot to do in Yachats, Oregon, but that is what makes this seaside hamlet such a great destination.” – travelguideofamerica.com

That line sold me on visiting Yachats.

And it’s a destination I’m longing to return to.

So this week I’m leaving Europe and I’m going to stay here in the USA.

This is a new take on an older post.

But I really wanted to share my experience in this amazing destination in the hopes that you might add it to your USA list.

As usual, we’ll start with the where.

Where is Yachats? (and how do you pronounce it?)

This remote coastal town of 773 is pronounced YAH-hahts.

It is said the name comes from the Siletz — an offshoot of the Tillamook people — language and means “dark water at the foot of the mountain”.

There’s a bit of debate over this, but I like it so we’ll just go with it.

Located on the Central Coast, Yachats Oregon is about a 3 to 3 1/2 hour drive from Portland — about 150 miles

I drove the route through the wine country (surprise!), taking I-5S to OR-99W then to OR-18 W/OR-223 S/SE before heading south on US-101, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Although a bit longer time-wise, it was well worth it. 

The symmetry of the vineyards always brings me peace.

Plus, you can stop for a tour and tasting (responsibly so, please) on the way to the coast.

Explore the tidepools

When I arrived at my accommodation, Overleaf Lodge (we’ll get to this fabulous hotel), it was raining a bit.

But I didn’t care.

Once I dropped my bags in my room, I grabbed my camera and put on my rain jacket and off I went.

I was in search of tide pools.

I was so excited to see all the creatures of the tidepools of Yachats, Oregon.

There is a trail — the 804 — that runs just outside the hotel, along the rocky coast.

I followed it north and found the tidepools.

And in those tidepools were the sea creatures of my dreams: starfish of red, orange and purple perilously clinging to the rocks and bright green sea anemone that seemed to be waving hello to me.

Barnacles and mussels were embedded into the rocks.

The tidepools of Coastal Oregon are a must and one of the best things to do in Yachats.

Even in the rain!

Note: Do observe the signs as there are a lot of rogue waves so be mindful of the crazy Pacific Ocean and be respectful of the sea creatures.

Explore Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and Siuslaw National Forest

Just 3 miles south of Yachats is Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and Siuslaw National Forest.

Cape Perpetua is a marine reserve and is a piece of Siuslaw National Forest.

I love this area as you get both coast and forest.

Yup.

Best of both worlds!

The drive is beautiful, winding close to the ocean — sometimes high above it and other times eye to eye with the waves.

Be sure to stop at the viewpoints and scenic overlooks along the way as there are some awesome views as well as cool natural phenomenon such as Thor’s Well and Spouting Horn.

The Cape Perpetua Visitors’ Center is a good place to get information on the area.

You can’t miss it as it’s posted and will be on the left side of the PCH/101 as you drive south.

There are 26 miles of trails at Cape Perpetua offering everything from old growth forest to amazing ocean vistas to colorful tide pools. 

This is an excellent spot for hiking and reconnecting with nature — and yourself.

I  hiked a 6 mile loop route, taking the Cook’s Ridge Trail to the Gwynn Creek Trail.

It was eerie at first, stepping into this dense world alone.

And now I was truly alone — single again.

But as I walked on the soft trail that was covered with pine needles, I began to embrace my aloneness.

Little mushrooms sprouted up in the fertile, wet ground.

Tree trunks were covered in neon green, fuzzy moss.

Grass green ferns grew at the edges of the trail.

I had this shadowy woodland all to myself.

And while it should have left me feeling unsettled, it didn’t.

It was good to be on my own, photographing and relishing in the quiet of the trees.

But the quiet disappears on this trail as you near the end.

Even before I saw it, I heard it — the boisterous Pacific Ocean.

As I rounded the corner there it was — the rugged Oregon coastline, waves crashing on the rocks.

The views are awesome!

I highly recommend this hike.

Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse

On your trip to Yachats, Oregon you won’t want to miss this lighthouse.

Heceta Head Lighthouse sits 14 miles south of Yachats.

Built in 1894, it sits 205 feet above the Pacific.

Heceta Head is the brightest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, beaming its light 21 miles out to sea.

It’s stunning!

As I snapped images of the lighthouse, I looked down at the surf below me, wondering if my eyes were playing tricks on me.

No they weren’t.

Those were seals frolicking in the waves.

I had the biggest smile on my face at that point.

While you can get up close to lighthouse, drive a bit past it to the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint as this is the best spot for photos.

And, if you want to stay in a lighthouse, you can.

Heceta Head actually has 6 rooms.

I’d love to spend a night here!

Watch the sunset

There is no better way to end your day than to watch the sun set over the roiling Pacific Ocean.

From my room with its ocean facing balcony at the Overleaf Lodge, I had the best seat for the show.

I settled in with my glass of wine, camera at the ready to snap a few pics.

The sun sank lower — touching the sea — as the sky turned a yellow-orange.

I snapped away.

But then I stopped — taking the time to simply be.

I felt the warmth of the light on my face and in my heart.

The time in this little town with “not much to do” was exactly what I had needed to begin to heal from the breakup.

Yachats Oregon reminded me of who I was — and that I was just fine on my own.

Final thoughts on Yachats, Oregon

I fell in love with Yachats.

While I only stayed 2 nights, it’s a place I would stay for a week or more.

There is enough to explore within a short car ride with the stunning coastline, trails, marine preserves, national forest and beaches.

Yachats has just enough in the way of amenities — markets, restaurants, cafes and shops.

The best part is that it’s quiet, tranquil and peaceful.

It’s definitely a nature lover’s paradise.

And Yachats, Oregon is the perfect destination to rejuvenate your spirit.

I know this little town and all the beauty around it did this for me — at a time when I needed it.

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!

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