The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is one of the most captivating destinations on the Oregon Coast, and some Otter Rock lodging options at the Inn at Otter Crest offer stunning views of this scenic landmark. Nestled in a coastal forest and perched above the rocky shoreline, our accommodations provides sweeping ocean vistas and direct access to a quiet, secluded beach on the Central Oregon Coast. Many rooms include private balconies or patios, perfect for relaxing to the sound of crashing waves or watching whales just offshore.
A stay at the Inn at Otter Crest invites you to slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of local wonders such as the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Your Guide to the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, located in the Pacific Northwest, features stunning coastal scenery, including basalt cliffs, crashing waves, and tide pools. It’s a great spot for reflection and photography, especially on clear days. The Bureau of Land Management oversees the area to protect its unique splendor. Below are some of the highlights:
The Historic Yaquina Head Light
Tour the historic Yaquina Head Light and take in the view of Oregon’s tallest lighthouse rising above the dramatic Central Oregon Coast. The 93-foot lighthouse extends nearly a mile into the Pacific Ocean. Built with over 370,000 bricks in 1872, it began guiding mariners when Head Keeper Fayette Crosby lit its original oil wicks on August 20, 1873. Today, it uses a fully automated first-order Fresnel lens powered by 36 LED bulbs, flashing a distinct pattern around the clock and continuing its legacy of illuminating the Oregon Coast.
Birdwatching
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is a year-round haven for birdwatchers. In spring, more than 65,000 seabirds, including common murres, cormorants, and gulls, nest on the bluffs. Summer is a lively time, with chicks in nests and brown pelicans skimming the water. In the fall, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, and cormorants are common, while brown pelicans rest on offshore rocks. In winter, look for peregrine falcons by the Yaquina Head Light.
Whale Spotting
Whales are often spotted near the end of the Yaquina Headland, where two observation decks, one above Cobble Beach and another just west of the Yaquina Head Light, offer excellent vantage points for viewing. Migrating whales tend to stay farther offshore, while summer “resident” gray whales can often be seen feeding close to shore, especially in August and September. During winter and spring breaks, volunteers are usually at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to help visitors spot whales and learn more about them.
Yaquina Head Marine Garden
Yaquina Head Marine Garden preserves rocky intertidal habitats while offering opportunities for education and wildlife viewing. This 1.8-mile stretch features tide pools, sandy beaches, and rocky shores. As one of Oregon’s seven official marine gardens, it is home to a diverse intertidal life, seabird nesting colonies, and marine mammals, including harbor seals.
Book your stay at the Inn at Otter Crest to explore Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area!