Our coast is full of natural wonders, from 300-foot waterfalls to ghost forests to giant, ancient rocks rising from the sea.

NORTH

Proposal Rock
Located in Neskowin, Proposal Rock has a long history of romance, with many a visitor going down on one knee. The sea stack rises just off the beach where Neskowin Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. Proposal Rock is crowned with a scrubby Sitka spruce woodland, and bald eagles are often seen perched in the trees.

Neskowin Ghost Forest
South of Proposal Rock lies a 2,000-year-old drowned forest, or “ghost” forest, that can be spotted when the tide is right. It’s speculated that these trees wound up in the ocean as a result of a sudden subduction caused by an earthquake. The ghost forest became visible after a fierce winter storm and is best spotted at low winter tides.

Haystack Rock
A 327-foot-tall monolith rests just offshore from Pacific City—the iconic Haystack Rock is the backdrop of the town. Thought to be one of the largest sea stacks in the world, it can be seen from the Cape Kiwanda Natural Area and from other oceanfront spots in Pacific City.

Three Arch Rocks
Three large islands totaling 15 acres, shot through with tunnels and archways, Three Arch Rocks are part of a natural wildlife refuge that protects Oregon’s largest seabird nesting colony. The islands are closed to public access but make for gorgeous views.

Munson Creek Falls
One of the tallest waterfalls on the Oregon Coast at 319 feet, Munson Creek Falls is a short walk from the parking lot and is an important location for salmon spawning.

Tillamook Bay
The bay is protected from the open ocean by shoals and a three-mile sandbar. It is surrounded by the Coast Range and the city of Tillamook on the southeast border. The many rivers that feed the bay are known for their prolific steelhead and salmon runs, and the mixing of freshwater with the ocean’s saltwater makes the bay an estuary.

SOUTH

Boiler Bay
A few miles south of Lincoln City, powerful waves crash against coastal rock formations during wild winter storms at Boiler Bay. The Bay is ideal for whale watching and panoramic views. In 1910 an explosion sank the ship J. Marhoffer, and at low tide the ship’s boiler can be seen.

Devil’s Punchbowl
A natural sandstone cauldron south of Depoe Bay sculpted into the headlands by the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean. Beginning as a sea cave, at one point the cave ceiling collapsed, exposing the churning ocean at work. Watch tide surge in and out of the crater with awesome power. Seals and sea lions can be seen congregating nearby, as well as migrating whales. 

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
South of Yachats, the forest and ocean meet to create a coastal wonderland.

*Devils Churn
The pounding, exploding waters of Devils Churn are at their best during high tide and winter storms. At the Devils Churn you’ll find restrooms, an information station (summer only), coffee shop and wheelchair-accessible viewpoint. See the Churn from the viewing platform located alongside Highway 101, or on foot along the Restless Waters Trail.

*Thor’s Well
A beautiful, but dangerous formation, Thor’s Well can be viewed by taking the Captain Cook Trailhead from the Visitor Center. When surf is up, water shoots upward from the bowl, and then drains back into the opening. Many photographers trying to capture the action report how dangerous it is to try to get close to the spouting horn when it’s active, so if you visit, be careful and keep your distance.

*Cook’s Chasm & Spouting Horn
The Spouting Horn is a salt water fountain driven by the ocean’s power. The Horn puts on its best show at high tide and during winter storms. Spouting Horn can be viewed from Highway 101 and from a wheelchair-accessible observation point along the Captain Cook Trail.

Sea Lion Caves
On the south side of Cape Perpetua sits America’s largest sea cave and the year-round home of the Steller sea lion. The main cavern soars to the height of a 12-story building and stretches the length of a football field. Descend 208 feet in a high-speed elevator down to the caves to experience one of the coast’s best natural wonders.

You’re on the Oregon Coast, so of course you want to explore the beach. Lucky for you, we’ve got over seven miles of it, more than any other Oregon coastal town. Our beach is officially yours, since all beaches in Oregon are public. It’s easy to get on the sand with lots of public access points to choose from as well as access from our many lodging properties. And there’s plenty to keep you busy once your feet hit the sand – fly a kite, enjoy the warmth of a bonfire, discover tide pools or watch the sun set. Who knows, as you explore all our beach has to offer you may even discover one of our famous Finders Keepers glass floats!

Treasure hunters can find agates, shells, sea creatures and much much more.

Beachcombing

There are precious gemstones to discover on the beaches of Lincoln City. These semi-transparent stones are pieces of quartz, carnelian, chalcedony and jasper that come loose from the headlands during wild storms and are left behind at low tide. Agates can come in all colors, can contain fossils and can be discovered along our beaches and rivers. The gems wash out to the ocean and become polished in the surf over time.

The Oregon Coast has plenty of driftwood in varying shapes and sizes. Steer clear of large logs during high tide and when the tide is close. Driftwood can make for a good bonfire depending on when it last touched water.

A sharp-eyed beachcomber may come across petrified wood. Look for a dull sheen on wet rocks with a wood grain pattern, as well as impressions of fossilized leaves.

Oregon Coast fossils are primarily from 15- to 20- million-year-old sandstone layers mixed with compressed volcanic ash. These layers hold the fossilized shells of mollusks like clams and snails, as well as whale bones, fish teeth and turtle shells. As sea cliffs erode during storms, new fossils are washed ashore, waiting to be found.

In days gone by, treasure hunters searching Oregon’s coastline would find treasures from the East—blown glass Japanese fishing floats in gleaming shades of green and blue. These floats were used to float fishing nets and ranged in size from two inches to two feet. They were collected, admired, polished and the ultimate find for a dedicated beachcomber. These days, the world’s fishing vessels use buoyant plastic, making glass floats rare—except here in Lincoln City. Year round, gorgeous Finders Keepers floats are hidden along our seven miles of beach.

Tide Pools

When the Pacific recedes each day on Oregon's Coast, you’ll find tide pools where colorful miniature displays of ocean habitat dwell, waiting to be discovered.

Starfish the color of sunsets are neighbors to purple and green sea anemones and dark purple sea urchins in Lincoln City’s tide pools. A rush of colors envelops the rocky ocean shores, home to tiny darting fish and hermit crabs looking for a new home. These are a few of the amazing creatures you will discover in these small pockets of still saltwater.

The best time to visit the tide pools is during or just before low tide. Check the predicted tidal times before journeying forth.

POPULAR TIDE POOL SPOTS

Roads End – Some great tide pools can be found north of Roads End State Park, a corner of the coast that offers a gorgeous display of intertidal life. From the park, walk 1.25 miles north along the beach. This area of the beach is flat with stunning views of northern headlands—Cascade Head. These tide pools enjoyed are best at low tide.

NW 15th Street – The most accessible tide pools in Lincoln City are at the NW 15th Street beach access. These tidepools are located at the ocean edge, a straight shot from the beach access. There is ample street parking as well as a public parking lot nearby. Parking on the beach within a permitted area is allowed—just keep an eye on ocean conditions before driving down.

Inn at Spanish Head – Nestled in front of this resort’s gorgeous ocean view, these tide pools are easy to find. Park at the 35th Street beach access and walk south until you reach the rocky formations in front of the hotel.

HARVESTING

Mussels and barnacles thrive in the intertidal zones and in Lincoln City’s tide pools—and mussels can be harvested for dinnertime. Mussels have a long, tapered dark blue to black shell. The vivid, orange flesh of the mussel is edible and a prized delicacy in many parts of the world. You’re allowed to harvest mussels but only with a license, which can be purchased from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and at the following locations in Lincoln City:

Eleanor’s Undertow – 869 SW 51st St, 541-996-3800

Bi-Mart – 1030 SE Oar Ave, 541-994-6284

ODFW requires all mussel harvesters 12 years of age and older to carry a valid shellfish license on them. Before going out, check the local tide tables and the Shellfish Hotline website for any recent closures or updates.

SUSTAINABILITY & SAFETY

Please be mindful as you explore the tide pools—rocks surrounding them can be slippery and visiting during extreme windy and stormy weather is not advisable. Please practice caution and common sense when navigating the tide pools. Check local weather forecasts before planning your trip. Be considerate when handling the sea life—starfish and mussels dwell in a delicate, easily damaged environment.

TIDE POOL EXPLORIENCES

Learn about the fascinating creatures living in our rocky intertidal pools from local experts at one of our free public Tide Pool Exploriences. Get hands-on and see what you can discover.

Lace-up your boots to explore massive headlands rising from the Pacific, lush forest groves, and, if you’re lucky, find a secret waterfall.

CASCADE HEAD

Three miles north of Lincoln City, Cascade Head offers out-and-back trails with breathtaking views of the Oregon coastline and the Salmon River Estuary. Just remember, this is a protected wildlife sanctuary—removal of foliage, hunting, camping, fires, bicycles, and dogs are not allowed to help preserve this delicate habitat.

NATURE CONSERVANCY TRAIL – LOWER TRAILHEAD

Open year-round, this two-mile-long trail covers the north and south sides of the headlands. While terrain can be challenging, the view of the Salmon River Estuary and Pacific coastline is worth it. Travel west from Highway 101 down Three Rocks Road to Knight Park, where the trailhead can be found following the shoulder of Savage Road.

NATURE CONSERVANCY TRAIL – UPPER TRAILHEAD

To protect the endangered Silver Spotted Butterfly, the Upper Trailhead of Cascade Head is only open from July 16 to Dec. 31. This hike is easier than the lower trailhead—accessible by taking Forest Service Road 1861 west from Highway 101 to the trailhead. This makes for a level, one-mile hike to the upper viewpoint. 

The lower and upper trails connect for a six-mile out-and-back adventure surrounded in natural beauty.

HARTS COVE

Like the Upper Trailhead, Harts Cove is open from July 16 to Dec. 31 and can be found taking the same Forest Service Road 1861 west from Highway 101. The trailhead is found further west along the road and is not for the faint of heart, with difficult terrain and elevation changes. But through the bridges and groves of Sitka spruce and Western hemlock, you will stumble across the gorgeous Harts Cove, where oftentimes seals, sea lions, and whales play in the waters below. 

CASCADE HEAD INLAND TRAIL

A mile south of Neskowin, this forested adventure is found directly off Highway 101 and can be accessed from either the north or south trailheads. The trailhead is open year-round and is often less crowded. While you will not find the Pacific or the Salmon River Estuary on this moderately difficult six-mile hike, you are still walking through the beautiful old growth of Sitka spruce forests shared by the other Cascade Head hikes. 

DRIFT CREEK FALLS

Getting to the Drift Creek Falls Trailhead is its own adventure—follow signage south to Drift Creek Road off Highway 101 for two miles and go left on Forest Road 17. Follow the road for 10 miles to the trailhead, where you’ll find parking, day-use fee area, and restrooms. The trailhead can also be accessed from Highway 18 north of Lincoln City—take Bear Creek Road for three miles until it becomes Forest Road 17. Continue the additional seven miles to the trailhead. Drift Creek Falls is open year-round, and three miles in, you will discover a 240-foot suspension bridge leading down to a dramatic 75-foot waterfall, mist into the air.

THE KNOLL

A little sister headland to Cascade Head, the meadowed hill north of Lincoln City is affectionately known as “The Knoll.” While a moderately difficult half-mile uphill hike, those who reach the top can breathe in the spectacular views of the Pacific coastline. To reach the trailhead, turn north on NE Devils Lake Blvd from Highway 101. Follow the road past a gate until you reach a cul-de-sac. Park on the street and the trailhead to the Knoll is just beyond the road and takes you through fields and forests.

From the rush of surfing the Pacific to the peace of stand-up paddleboarding in Siletz Bay, aquatic adventure awaits you in Lincoln City.

SURF’S UP

Home to a 30- to 40-foot Nelscott swell that occurs once a year, as well as choice surf through the year, Lincoln City is a magnet for surfing enthusiasts the world over. The surge of the Pacific as waves rise up to the height of a three-story building and begin to curl as you rush through the grey-blue half pipe, listening to the powerful roar of the ocean. Surfing in Lincoln City is pure adventure. The Pacific can be very chilly and wet suits are encouraged, as well as mindfulness for individual safety while out on the waves. Always check wave conditions before paddling out. If you are new to surfing, our local surf shops provide lessons and gear for adventurous souls.

Recommended time: Anytime the surf is up. For more information, visit our Surfing page.

DEVILS LAKE

With its calm, green waters and shelter from coastal winds, Devils Lake provides some of the most excellent paddleboarding, kayaking and pontoon boat experiences in Lincoln City. Launch from Hostetler Park, dip your paddle in and breathe in the scenery, wildlife and the Pacific Northwest serenity.

Recommended time: 2-4 hours. For more information, visit our Devils Lake page.

SILETZ BAY

One of the best places to catch a Lincoln City sunset, Siletz Bay is perfect for crabbing, clamming, enjoying a beach bonfire or listening to the sound of the Harbor Seals cry across the Bay on the Salishan spit. The adventure of Siletz Bay beckons; with calm waters protected by a large sandbar, paddle or kayak your way by the Four Brothers rocks in the bay or take in the natural coastal beauty and variety of wildlife along the beach. Launch from anywhere along the beach and enjoy the journey.

Recommended time: 2-4 hours. For more information, visit our Siletz Bay page. 

RIVERS & STREAMS

Three miles north of Lincoln City rests the gorgeous waterway maze of the Salmon River Estuary. Head west from Highway 101 on to Three Rocks Road until you arrive at Knight Park. Launch your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard into the Salmon River, either north into the Estuary or south to the river’s mouth and the Pacific. Downstream lays a stretch of secluded beach, accessible only by boat.

Upstream of the Siletz River are two perfect kayak and stand-up paddleboard launch spots—Strome Park and the Coyote Rock RV Park & Marina. Be mindful of the tides and river depth—during low tide, the waters can get shallow.

Accessible from Siletz Bay, this is an easygoing, in-and-out kayak and stand-up paddleboard adventure—launch from the bay and paddle your way upstream.

EQUIPMENT, GEAR & LESSONS

Looking to paddle but missing the board or lacking a kayak? There are plenty of spots in Lincoln City to rent one for your next adventure.

Surfing

From waist-high waves to over-40-foot swells on the Nelscott Reef, you’ll find world-class surfing along the shores of Lincoln City. You might be surprised to hear that Lincoln City is known to surfers around the world. Nearly a mile from the beach, the Nelscott Reef can turn the surging Pacific into waves as high as 50 feet during winter, when big wave riders flock to town. Throughout the year, though, less daredevil types can paddle out and play in our breaks. Just be sure you have the right wetsuit on to keep you warm and have checked the water and weather conditions to keep you safe.

If you are new to surfing, our local surf shops provide lessons and gear to help you catch your first ride.

Paddle-boarding

Find balance in your life on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) as you stroke your way through our lake, rivers, streams, estuaries and ocean.

With its calm waters and shelter from coastal winds, Devils Lake provides some of the best paddle-boarding experiences in Lincoln City. Launch from Hostetler Park, dip your paddle in and breathe in the scenery, wildlife and the Pacific Northwest serenity. 

The adventure of Siletz Bay beckons; with calm waters protected by a large sandbar, paddle your way by the Four Brothers rocks in the Bay or take in the natural coastal beauty and variety of wildlife along the beach. Launch from anywhere along the beach and enjoy the journey. 

Accessible from Siletz Bay, Schooner Creek is an easygoing, in-and-out paddleboard adventure—launch from the bay and paddle your way upstream. 

Three miles north of Lincoln City rests the gorgeous waterway maze of the Salmon River Estuary. Head west from Highway 101 on to Three Rocks Road until you arrive at Knight Park. Launch into the Salmon River, either north into the Estuary or south to the river’s mouth and the Pacific. Downstream lays a stretch of secluded beach, accessible only by boat.

Don’t know how to SUP? Safari Town Surf Shop offers both private and group lessons.

Looking to paddle but missing the board? There are plenty of spots in Lincoln City to rent one for your next adventure.

Boating

Whether you’re on Devils Lake or the ocean, in Siletz Bay or headed up the river, set sail for adventure in Lincoln City.

685 acres of fresh water are waiting to be explored and fished in Devils Lake. With plenty of public boat ramps, starting your aquatic quest is easy. Float the waters of Siletz Bay as the tide comes in, drop a trap for Dungeness crab or cast your line and harvest the ocean’s bounty.

For more fresh water adventures, launch your vessel from the Siletz River, Salmon River or Schooner Creek.

Just 11 miles south of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay is home to both the world’s smallest navigable harbor and seaworthy charter boats ready to host a fishing or whale watching adventure. There is a boat launch for established ocean explorers.

Charter Services in Depoe Bay

• Whale Research EcoExcursions
• Tacklebuster Sportfishing
• Whale’s Tail Charters
• Tradewinds Charters

A half-hour south of Lincoln City in the city of Newport, this authentic working waterfront hosts several docks and boat launches for any would-be sailor.

Charter Services in Yaquina Bay

• Marine Discovery Tours
• Yaquina Bay Charters
• Captain’s Reel Deep Sea Fishing
• Newport Tradewinds Charters
• Newport Marina Store & Charters

Fishing

Ocean, Rivers or Lakes

Cast your line, wait for the telltale tug, watch your pole bend and reel in dinner from the ocean, a river, a stream or Devils Lake.

Salmon, steelhead, rainbow trout and largemouth bass thrive in Devils Lake, the Salmon and Siletz rivers, not to mention Schooner and Drift creeks. Fifty-pound salmon have been caught on the Siletz River. The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife stocks Devils Lake multiple times a year with rainbow trout, and many an avid fisherman can find yellow perch, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Cast your line from the dock or rent a boat to drop your hook in its deep green waters.

Captain Dylan Gorman provides guided fishing excursions on the Siletz River and is ready to help you on your next adventure.

The ocean awaits, with a bounty of lingcod and rockfish waiting to be caught for dinner. South of Lincoln City, Dockside Charters in Depoe Bay hosts a fleet of deep-sea fishing excursion boats to help you catch the big one.

From gorgeous views of the coastline to beautiful hikes to pristine dunes—bring your camera and your sense of wonder to Lincoln City.

SCENIC DRIVES

Three Capes Scenic Loop
This drive offers some of the most beautiful views along the Oregon Coast. At just under 40 miles, this adventure takes you from Pacific City to Tillamook along pristine coastline.

Headed north, beginning in Pacific City with Cape Kiwanda and its beautiful views, you’ll travel through the dunes at Sand Lake, where you will reach Cape Lookout, a massive headland that juts more than two miles out to sea. Follow Netarts Bay, then pass through the quaint communities of Netarts and Oceanside and head to Cape Meares. To complete the drive, skirt along Tillamook Bay and you wind up on the west side of Tillamook.

Otter Crest Loop
This scenic drive winds just west of Highway 101 and offers the most leisurely way to experience the views from the Cape Foulweather, along with a stop at Devil’s Punchbowl, one of the most interesting geological formations on the Oregon Coast.

Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site
South of Yachats, the road makes a one-mile loop, exposing one of the most scenic viewpoints on the coast: the Yachats Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Park along the loop and enjoy access to the beach, tide pools, blowholes, summer sunsets and whale watching.

VIEWPOINTS

Cape Kiwanda State Park
In Pacific City, one of the best places to see the ocean and Haystack Rock is Cape Kiwanda. Be mindful of signage, as some cliffside areas are unsafe and fenced off.

Cape Lookout State Park
A two-mile trail leading to a bench with the best view of the Pacific. Located at 13000 Whiskey Creek Road; bring your hiking boots.

Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint
Tucked away on a headland 200 feet above the ocean with beautiful views of the coastline southward. Cape Meares is excellent for whale watching and as well as the nesting Common Murres—don’t forget to visit the Cape Meares Lighthouse and the Octopus Tree. Located at 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook.

Munson Creek Falls State Natural Site
One of the tallest waterfalls on the Oregon Coast at 319 feet, Munson Creek Falls is a short walk from the parking lot and is an important location for salmon spawning.

Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Take the Pacific View Trail and you will experience an easy walk on a paved surface. The trail ends at an observation deck where you will be treated to a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, Haystack Rock, Nestucca Bay, the Coast Range and the Little Nestucca River.

Tillamook Bay
Between Tillamook and Garibaldi, there is a small wayside with an interpretive kiosk along Tillamook Bay. This location provides sweeping views of this sprawling bay.

Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint
A miraculous and rugged, basalt-rimmed bay, Boiler Bay is a great place to watch wild surf action on the rocky spurs. This splendid panoramic viewpoint presents a good opportunity to see gray whales year-round.

Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint
A spectacular oceanfront park on a forested bluff overlooking the ocean. Offshore rocks provide spectacular wave action in storms and are nesting areas for birds and sea lions and harbor seals.

Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint
Soak in the view from 500 feet above the ocean on the breathtaking crescent sweep of white sandy beach stretching to the Devil’s Punchbowl, just south of Lincoln City. Cape Foul weather is stunning and inspirational with its picturesque panoramic views. This popular whale watching spot also provides a good view of the Devil’s Punchbowl.

Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area
During winter storms, water from the restless ocean slams with a thundering roar into a hollow rock formation shaped like a huge punch bowl. The surf churns, foams and swirls as it mixes a violent brew. The park is a popular whale watching site and displays an intriguing geology, and there is a scenic picnic spot atop the undulating rocky shoreline.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The bluff is forested with spruce and pine, but the real star is the historic lighthouse, and the panoramic views of the Pacific are not to be missed. This is a day-use fee area.

Seal Rock State Recreation Site
Seal Rock State Wayside has large off-shore rock formations which are the habitat of seals, sea lions, sea birds and other marine life. The wayside includes interesting tide pools as well as excellent ocean views and a sandy beach.

Yachats State Recreation Area
A small loop, offering a serene view of the Yachats River as it meets the Pacific Ocean. Park and see the wild waves and gray whale migration. Rock and salmon fishing and tide pools bring people back to this park again and again.

Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint & Strawberry Hill Wayside
This spot has excellent views of the ocean and a series of stairs that lead down to excellent tide pools and sandy beaches. During sunny days, harbor seals can be seen sunning themselves on the rocks just off shore.

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in a cove at the mouth of Cape Creek. There are picnic tables sheltered from the wind and a great view of the ocean. A short trail leads to the historic Heceta Head lighthouse and assistant keeper’s house. Day-use parking permits are required.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Towering 800 feet over the protected Marine Garden shoreline, the Cape Perpetua day-use area is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon Coast and has one of the best viewpoints offering views of 70 miles of coastline. On a clear day, you might see up to 37 miles out to sea.

Also within the scenic area you will find Thor’s Well, the Spouting Horn at Cook’s Chasm and Devils Churn.

Walk up the narrow metal spiral staircase until you reach the summit, where you’ll find a giant, gleaming light wrapped in glass and mirrors.

Among the 11 Oregon lighthouses, five are a short drive from Lincoln City, with stories waiting to be told and histories waiting to be discovered. Tall sentinels that once guided stalwart sailors away from rocks in the night, a light in the dark, wrapped in history and ghost stories—there are 11 lighthouses along the 363 miles of the Oregon Coast, each beckoning you home.

Cape Meares
Although it’s the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, Cape Meares Lighthouse is no less spectacular than its neighbors, standing at 38 feet high, with an original Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. In its heyday, the light from Cape Meares could be seen 21 nautical miles out to sea. The lighthouse is free for tours and features a gift shop and interpretive center.

Yaquina Head
At 93 feet tall, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest in Oregon and is still in operation today, on the north end of Newport. Although the original oil burning Fresnel lens has been replaced by one that runs on commercial power and the lighthouse keeper gone, the 1800s history of Yaquina Head shines on. This lighthouse features tours and an Interpretive Center that tells the story of the lighthouse and the surrounding natural area.

Yaquina Bay
A sister lighthouse to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay sits atop a bluff at the mouth of the Yaquina River. It was officially restored and privately maintained for navigation in 1996. Believed to be the oldest structure in Newport and the only existing Oregon lighthouse with living quarters attached, Yaquina Bay is still functional, shining a steady white light from dusk to dawn, 161 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours and features an interpretative center.

Heceta Head
South of Yachats, perched on a bluff 150 feet above the Pacific, Heceta Head Lighthouse keeps vigil with one of the brightest lights on the coast, casting out 21 miles to sea. At 56 feet tall, Heceta Head also offers a bed and breakfast in the historic lighthouse keeper’s house, as well as tours and an interpretive center.

Cleft of the Rock
A privately owned lighthouse that provides official navigation aid for the Coast Guard, Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse can be found south of Yachats on the northwest corner of the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. While it is closed to the public, it can be viewed from Highway 101, near mile marker 166.

OTHER OREGON COAST LIGHTHOUSES

Tillamook Rock
Clinging to an island 1.2 miles offshore, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse can be seen from Ecola State Park, south of Cannon Beach.

Umpqua River
Nearly identical in structure to Heceta Head, but a little taller, the Umpqua River Lighthouse is located near Winchester Bay.

Cape Arago
Closed to the public, Cape Arago is the third in a series of lighthouses to occupy this spot and is difficult to find, located just south to the entrance to Coos Bay.

Coquille River
Often called the Bandon Light, the Coquille River Lighthouse is staffed May through October and located just north of Bandon.

Cape Blanco
Two hundred and forty-five feet above the ocean, Cape Blanco Lighthouse towers above the westernmost point in Oregon, north of Port Orford.

Pelican Bay
Closed to the public and standing 141 feet above the Chetco River in Brookings-Harbor, this is the youngest of Oregon’s lighthouses.

As the sun melts into the Pacific and lights twinkle up and down the coast, Lincoln City comes alive with dining, shows, concerts and more.

Lincoln City nightlife buzzes with the sights, smells and sounds of local theatre, regional cuisine, craft beer and music of all types. So catch a live performance, see a movie at our retro theater, stop by our local arcade or dance the night away. 

Savor a tall draft of coastal craft beer at Rusty Truck Brewing, either in their main restaurant or the adjacent tap room. With an ingenious craft brewer on site, a delicious selection of beers and pub-inspired dishes, this local brewery also brings live music to the table in the evenings.

Sing your heart out at Maxwell’s during its nightly 9 p.m. karaoke sessions.

Big name headliners regularly take over the stage at Chinook Winds Casino Resort to rock your socks off. From classic to contemporary artists, comedy and special shows are a regular experience at Chinook Winds.

From blues to jazz to Celtic dancing, the Lincoln City Cultural Center can always be counted on for a variety of engaging performances.

To be or not to be an audience member at Theatre West—it’s a silly question; the answer is yes. This community theatre has produced mysteries, comedies and dramas for the past 25 years. Its yearly bulletin is five shows long and features talented local actors.

Air hockey, original Donkey Kong, Frogger and Pac Man—the fun is never over. Discover new and classic arcade action at Game Over Arcade along with a great lineup of pinball machines. Game Over sports a full bar and HD televisions to catch the game. Kid-friendly until 9 p.m.

Lights, camera, action. Enjoy a little Hollywood at the historic Bijou Theatre in the Oceanlake district at 1624 NE Highway 101. Saturday Morning Cinema offers old favorites, with daily first showings of upcoming films, and special showings during festivals. Adding to the local film scene is the Lincoln City Cinemas featuring stadium seating, matinees, late-night showings and plenty of free parking.

Local & Regional Live Music

• Attic Lounge at Salishan
• Mist at Surftides
• Snug Harbor Bar & Grill
• Nauti Mermaid Beach House
• The Beach Club & Event Center