Looking for the best and most fun things to do in Yatchats, Oregon?
Yachats is a small quaint village located on Central Oregon’s Coast, United States. This beautiful village is in front of the Pacific Ocean. The opposite side is surrounded by lush forested areas that form part of the Siuslaw National Forest.
Suppose you want postcard scenery; this destination features breathtaking mountain ranges and shorelines that will elevate and capture your mind upon visiting.
Yachats is filled with natural endowments. It is also the abode of local shops, art galleries, hiking trails, picturesque areas, boutiques, and oceanside hotels, making it a top-quality destination to plan a vacation.
From a glance, one might be quick to say that this town has a dull vibe, but it is filled with fun and exciting activities that you and your family will enjoy.
Although a small town, having a population of 602 as of 2020, Yachats is a great place for a getaway.
Are you planning an exploration of Yachats? Here are the best things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
Things to Do in Yachats, Oregon
1. Thor’s Well
Thor’s Well
Another outstanding natural attraction to look out for when you visit Yachats, Oregon, is Thor’s Well. This attraction is surrounded by the picturesque Cape Perpetua area and is commonly known as the “well.”
Moreover, it is an ancient oceanside cave destroyed many years ago. The formation of some drainage made locals believe Thor’s Well comprises a bottomless hole.
Nevertheless, this place is an incredible sight, especially the high water sprays that come from Thor’s Well. Furthermore, there are many myths and modern legends surrounding Thor’s Well.
It is believed that the Norse God of Thunder, known as Thor, formed this Well. Some claims that so many people had been buried there were later debunked.
Here is an ideal place to discover the current legends and myths by getting relevant information from locals, which makes your experience even more exciting and fun.
Thor’s Well is lovely and has a mysterious look, making it an ideal place for anyone to see in Yachats. If you’re in for a mythical story, add a visit to Thor’s Well to your list of the top things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
Address: Yachats, OR 97498, United States
2. Gerdemann Botanic Preserve
Gerdemann Botanic Preserve
Another interesting item that should be on your list of the best things to do in Yachats, Oregon, is visiting the Gerdemann Botanic Preserve, which the Siuslaw National Forest surrounds.
The Preserve occupies a land area of 3.5 acres. It is focused on collecting and preserving rare and exotic plants and species of rhododendrons.
The Gerdemann Botanic Preserve was established in 1981 by Jim and Janice Gerdemann. Currently, the Preserve accommodates exotic plants in hundreds of numbers collected from the southern hemisphere, including a collection of different tree species.
It also has a beautiful collection of flowers that ranges from indigenous to rare species. Here is an ideal spot to learn many educational facts about plants and flowers, which are hard to find anywhere.
If you want a one-of-a-kind experience when you visit Yachats, here is an ideal place to visit.
Address: Behind Art Galleries, 2222 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
3. North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge
North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge
Over the years, covered bridges were the most famous ones you would see linking cities and towns.
Currently, only a few covered bridges can be seen to have survived. However, the good thing is that most of the existing covered bridges are appropriately maintained and preserved.
The North Fork Yachats Covered Bridge is one of these covered bridges. It has a length of 42 feet and is right in the middle of the Siuslaw National Forest.
The Bridge, built in 1938, was used to cross over the Yachats River. The Bridge’s design is unique and has the structure of a queen post truss.
It might interest you that the Bridge is still plowed by vehicles, but only smaller cars not exceeding ten tons in weight are allowed; this implies that RVs, trucks, and other recreational vehicles are not allowed to cross the Bridge.
The Bridge is a delight to behold and makes up for an ideal spot to take animated pictures to post on your social media accounts.
Address: End of North Fork Road, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
4. Devil’s Churn
Devil’s Churn
Visit the Devil’s Churn in Cape Perpetua to see better and more lovely picturesque areas in Yachats. The Devil’s Churn is a small inlet created via fissure activities in a volcanic rock many years back.
The Devil’s Churn is a famous place for people who love the outdoors and want to experience waves hitting against chasm of rock formations. The features create a captivating view of the Cape Perpetua coastlines.
Visitors can also have a close-up look at the 80 feet chasm, but it is strictly advised not to go near the edge of it to avoid any cause of accidents.
This destination is a beautiful sight to behold. Ensure to come along with your camera to take lovely pictures of the place or listen to the sweet and quiet sounds of the waves hitting against rocks.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
5. Yachats State Recreation Area
Yachats State Recreation Area
It consists of a beach layout that showcases many outdoor recreational activities like stone stacking: hiking, tide pooling, and lots more. Here is also an ideal place to enjoy wildlife viewing, where you get a close-up experience with seagulls.
You can also catch a view of whales from a distance; these whales can be seen most times via the park’s viewing platform. The Yachats State Recreation Area is a great destination that everyone would like to visit, as it has lots of fun to make your stay here worthwhile.
Address: Yachats State Park, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
6. Ona Restaurant & Lounge
Ona Restaurant and Lounge
One of the best places to have a romantic dinner date, which overlooks the Yachats River and the Pacific Ocean, is the Ona Restaurant and Lounge.
The restaurant provides visitors with a vibrant and comfortable place to experience the beautiful view of the Yachats coastline.
Like the many other restaurants in Yachats, the Ona Restaurant and Lounge focuses on fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant drew its name from the Chinook word “Ona,” known as shellfish.
Visitors are in for a treat in this restaurant, as they experience an exceptional dining experience comprising seafood dishes and a superb selection of delectable wines from the northwest.
Make sure to visit after a stressful day walking through the coastlines of Yachats and its forested area. Treat your stomach to some delicious meals at this incredible restaurant.
Address: 131 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
7. Ya’Tak Trail
Another trail to look out for during your visit is the recently opened Ya’Tak Trail.
The Trail area is filled with thick pines that get you acclimatized with nature without moving out from Yachats.
The best route to follow is through the end of Diversity Drive, which quickly takes you to the forested areas. The Trail also leads you to the Siuslaw National Forest and various attractions like the Gerdemann Garden and Creek Reservoir.
Here is a great place to come if you want to browse deeply through Yachat’s forested area. Exploring this Trail should make up your bucket list of fun things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
8. Oceanside Accommodation
If you would like to spend a day or two exploring Yachats, you must choose an oceanside hotel as your base. The Oceanside hotel is located adjacent to the expansive Pacific Ocean, giving you incredible views of the entire area.
You will find the Overleaf Lodge and Spa at the Northern tip of Yachats. It is famous for its incredible spa tour packages and indoor pool that faces the oceanside.
Furthermore, you can check out the Dean’s Oceanfront Lodge, Silver Surf Motel, and Fireside Motel, which are well equipped with amenities and do not require you to rob a bank before staying here.
Suppose you want something rather luxurious and expensive; you can check out the Adobe Resort. which has 110 rooms with a full-service accommodation experience.
Lodging in hotels in Oceanside practically depends on what you want and your budget. Rest assured that there is accommodation for you to check in when you visit.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
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9. Yachats’ Coastline
Yachats’ Coastline
Are you looking for what to do in Yachats, Oregon? Walk through the rough but energetic Yachats’ shoreline when the tides are low.
The coastline of Yachats, when the tide is high, is another lovely site to behold. When the water starts to diminish, it showcases the numerous marine lives in the pool tide.
Explore these pool tides and see the unique plant and animal life on the Yachats coastline.
Apart from the tide pooling, the coastline provides a beautiful view at noon. If you choose not to get wet, you can stroll the 804 trail close to the coastline. It has about two miles of picturesque trails that begin from the Yachats State Recreational Area and ends in the northern part of the village.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
10. Cape Perpetua
Cape Perpetua
The Cape Perpetua is probably one of Yachats most significant attractions, just 10 minutes south of the village beside Highway 101.
Because of its beautiful and picturesque area, this place is famous among travelers.
Whether you are an outdoor lover, you will enjoy the many outdoor opportunities this place provides, ranging from hiking to photography, wildlife viewing, and nature.
The whole area occupies about 26 miles of rough but picturesque coastline. If you want a thorough background check of this area, visit the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center.
You can see the interpretative displays that tell Cape Perpetua and Yachats’ natural and cultural heritage. Cape Perpetua is one of the best places to visit in Yachats, Oregon.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
11. Amanda’s Trial
Another exciting place to see when you visit Yachats is to go hiking on Amanda’s Trail, which is linked to the picturesque Cape Perpetua region.
The Trail begins from the south side of Yachats, close to Windy Way Street, and travels through several privately owned easements and areas.
Moreover, many of the trials to find here travel through forested coastal areas within the Yachat’s entire village area.
When you visit, make sure to take photos of this iconic Amanda’s trail statue that is wrapped with ornaments and necklaces.
Amanda’s Trail also provides visitors with a laid-back hiking experience that covers outstanding sceneries and beautiful vegetation, which makes this place a must-see for anyone wanting to visit Yachats.
Address: Forest Hill St #5533, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
12. Smelt Sands State Recreation Site
Smelt Sands State Recreation Site
On hearing the name of this place, one would think the Smelt Sands State park is sandy, but it’s unlike other typical beach areas.
The beach instead features tide pools and has incredible marine life that can be seen when the tide is low. The area has rock formations, tide pools, and boulders which contribute to its beautiful outlook.
Here is also a lovely spot to engage in nature and wildlife photography as it has the best natural backdrops to make your photos attractive.
Address: 804 Lemwick Ln, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
13. Bazalgette the Whale at Whale Park
Bazalgette the Whale is located at the Southern end of Yachats. This unique art structure is a metallic sculpture that takes the shape of a whale’s tail. A local artist named Jim Adler created this innovative art.
This innovative art experiment lies at the southern end of Yachats; as you come into town from the south. At every minute, Balzagette the Whale spouts during daytime hours.
During sunny days, a mist eruption catches rays of sunlight to form a rainbow at specific angles. Checking out this lovely artwork is worth adding to your bucket list of fun things to do in Yachats, Oregon.
Address: Yachats, OR 97498, United States
14. Touchstone Gallery
If you are wondering what to do in Yachats, Oregon, visit the Touchstone Gallery, especially if you’re a lover of art. The Gallery, which is situated at the Green House Market Place, a mile north of Central Yachats, is chiefly dedicated to art.
The Gallery is an outstanding venue where artists can share their talents with the public. The Gallery showcases the artworks of 120 Oregon artists.
The artworks to find here include glass, oil, and watercolor paintings—jewelry, sculpture, bronze, metal, and stone.
Address: 2118 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
15. Luna Sea Fish House
Luna Sea Fish House
Due to the Yachats location, the area is filled with seafood. A visit to Yachats is never complete without tasting the delectable seafood dishes in the local restaurants.
One of the many restaurants to look out for when you visit Yachats is the Luna Fish House. The Luna Fish is a typical fishmonger that sells fresh fish to people every day. They are famous for their new seafood menu, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
They are also famous for their seafood sandwiches, chowders, fish and chips, steamed clams, lobsters, and more.
They offer quality Albacore Tuna, Oregon Bay Shrimp, Alaskan cod, halibut, Scallops, Alaskan cod, and wild king salmon.
Address: 153 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
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16. Yachats State Park
Yachats State Park
The Yachats State Park, situated a few minutes away from downtown Yachats, is a popular street park amongst locals and tourists who visit the area.
Despite being a small Park, it features outstanding, great ocean views. Tourists can access the park’s viewing platform and see storming waves that clash against the rock or watch whales as they migrate.
The State Park also provides visitors with different picnic spots for visitors who want to stay just a day. When the weather is good, visitors can access a rocky intertidal area during low tides to view pools of marine life.
Anglers often visit the Yachats State Park, which encompasses a fish spawning site preserved by the park due to its rich marine life,
Address: Yachats State Park, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
17. Earthworks Gallery
Yachats is filled with several unique art galleries in a business park on Highway 101. These art galleries are exciting spots to see at any time of the day as they offer exhibitions of curated artworks whose inspirations are drawn from the Pacific Northwest terrain.
If you are a lover of art, this art space is one thing you do not want to miss out on during your visit to Yacht, Oregon. The Gallery is adequately illuminated, immaculate, and houses different works of art from national and regional artists.
Over the years, the Gallery has developed into a top-tier art exhibition space on the coast, featuring rotating and permanent exhibits.
The Touchstone Gallery, a center for Oregon artworks, is very close to the Earthworks Gallery. On the other side of Earthworks is the Wave Gallery, which displays art prints of Bob Keller, an Oregon-based photographer.
Address: 2222 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
18. Overleaf Spa
Visit the Overleaf Spa for a lovely laid-back and relaxing experience. Visitors can enjoy the many spa services offered at this place from Wednesday until Sunday via booking an appointment.
Overleaf Spa provides different kinds of massage options with certified therapists that carry them out. These spa options range from deep tissue massages to prenatal and even sea stone massages.
It also offers skin and body care services, a seaside fitness room with top kitchen equipment, and reiki.
For a continuously laid-back experience in the Overleaf Spa, tourists can check into any of the spa’s saunas and steam rooms or take a dip in their thermal pools, which also have incredible views of the Oregon Forest.
Address: 280 Overleaf Lodge Lane, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
19. Downtown Yachats
Downtown Yachats
If you love artworks, check out the art galleries in downtown Yachats.
Explore the various exhibits at the Earthworks Gallery, Yachats Common Building, Greenhouse Marketplace, Wave Gallery, Oregon Artworks, and Touchstone Gallery.
Furthermore, the Yachats downtown area features a great selection of excellent restaurants like the Yachats Underground Pub and Green, Sea Note Restaurant and Lounge, Green Salmon, and the Bread and Roses Bakery.
Address: Yachats, Oregon, United States
20. Yachats Brewery
The Yachats Brewery is situated in the middle of the beautiful coastal town of Yachats, Oregon.
Nathan and Cicely Bernard established the Brewery and Farm Store in 2013. They are dedicated to producing top-notch breeding liquor showcasing this region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Brewery’s building was formerly used as a bank in 1965 and, over the years, has grown into a top-tier spot for great beer, social meetings, and local food.
The exciting thing about this Brewery is that it has a restaurant that uses indigenously grown produce, its homemade brews, local fermented vegetables, and pasture-raised meats.
The restaurant features about 30 taps, with fifteen to twenty showcasing top-notch beers and local probiotic beverages like Kefir soda, Jun, and Kombucha. The atmosphere here is excellent, with fantastic beer and famous juicy burgers all for you to enjoy.
Address: 348 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
21. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
The height of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean, and the headland is the highest viewpoint where tourists can easily access the Oregon Coast by car.
From this height, visitors can enjoy the lovely views of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and the rough and rocky shore. Tourists can watch the vital force of the ocean as it clashes against the coastal temperate rainforest.
The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area occupies 2,700 acres of coastal habitat and is popular because of its incredible ecological features. There is a 26-mile trail available which provides lots of opportunities for visitors to enjoy the diverse and forested temperate rainforest.
People have lived on this terrain for at least 6,000 years, and Cape Perpetua has evidence of this dynamic history. Archaeological sites called Halaqaik offer hints about how the Native American Alsea people carried out their activities and lifestyle.
British explorer James Cook found the headland in 1778 and called it Saint Perpetua. The numerous trails to see in this place were initially built by a section of the Civilian Conservation Corps as jobs were provided at the time of the Great Depression for young men by Pre-Franklin Roosevelt.
Cape Perpetua has a visitor center available throughout the week, with minimal hours during wintertime. The staff will help you learn about this place’s natural and cultural history. Their staff are so welcoming and friendly and are always open to answer your questions and help you plan your visit.
Address: Yachats, OR 97498, United States
22. Out of Gas Pizza
If you are running out of gas, the one place to stop by is Outta Gas Pizza, but you can stay back for their delicious pizzas. They have a lovely atmosphere and several pieces of equipment you might want to try, such as their pool table, dart boards, and big-size shuffleboard.
It is an excellent venue to host reunions, parties, and birthdays. All the rooms in Outta Gas Pizza feature a large-screen TV. They use the best ingredients to prepare their pizza and other side orders.
It is also an ideal place for a great family hangout, and there are many things to keep the kids engaged with while their parents get a break. A giant screen is used to show movies and sporting activities.
They have a great sound system, and their jukebox has something special for everyone. Enjoy their refreshing beer and classic collection of wines.
Address: 1685 Hwy 101 N, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
23. Little Log Church Museum
Little Log Church Museum
If you are a religious tourist, one of the best places to visit in Yachats, Oregon, is the Little Log Church Museum.
The Little Log Church Museum, built via volunteers’ contributions to the Yachats community, has a history from 1930.
As a result of the historical importance of the Church Museum in this village, the church changed ownership rights in 1969. It was converted into a museum in 1970.
The Little Log Church Museum also helps visitors to thoroughly learn about the rich, dynamic history and culture of the residents of Yachats via its permanent exhibits. The Museum is situated beside Yachats’ beautiful Central district.
Address: 328 W 3rd St, Yachats, OR 97498, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Yachats
Although Yachats is a small village, it promises a great outdoor experience, making it a fantastic vacation destination.
It has a vibrant coastline that shows you a new perspective of the beauty of this area. If you are searching for a place to take some time off the busy city lifestyle, Yachats should be your number one priority.
Start planning your trip today!