Yaquina Head Light stands on a narrow basalt headland in Newport, Oregon, where it has guided mariners since 1873. At 93 feet, it is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and remains an active aid to navigation. The tower is currently closed to public climbing, though the surrounding Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area offers tidepools, wildlife viewing, and interpretive trails. Harbor seals and gray whales are frequently spotted from the headland. For photography, visit during golden hour or winter storms, when dramatic waves crash against the black basalt below. Nearby attractions include the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Nye Beach, and the historic Bayfront district. Admission to the natural area requires a day-use fee or federal lands pass.
Explore Nearby
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area — Public Land in Oregon
- Agate Beach State Recreation Site — State Park in Oregon
- Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site — State Park in Oregon
- Siuslaw National Forest — National Forest in Oregon
- Valley of the Giants Outstanding Natural Area — Public Land in Oregon
