The best things to do in Yachats Oregon

Why should you listen to Matthew Kessi (that’s me)?

• The Pacific Northwest is my lifelong playground. 
• As a former travel industry professional, my experience guiding people around Oregon gives me valuable insight into the right balance between what is possible and rewarding.
• Unlike big travel websites, I’ve been to all the places, tested the ideas, eaten the food, and taken photos. Unless specified, I don’t receive compensation for naming specific locations — my recommendations come from the heart. 
• I make a yearly drive up and down the entire Oregon Coast, which keeps me in the know.
• I’m a practical mystic, which means I actively integrate spiritual sensitivities and meaningful applications in daily life. I can help you find more rewarding experiences grounded in nature — and you can be more present to yourself, your companions, and all the wonders of travel. In another article, “Six steps to deepen your nature connection, “ I write about the fundamentals to do this.

The first thing to do in Yachats, Oregon: Learn about the history of the land–The Amanda Trail

Yachats is pronounced yaw – HOTZ and one translation of the name is believed to be Siletz for “dark water at the foot of the mountain”. The original indigenous people were the Alsea Tribe who lived in a wonderland of coastal bounty since the 6th century. From elk and deer on land to water creatures, there was plenty of food, and the tall sacred old-growth provided materials for housing to protect them from the swell of elements — particularly in the seasons of inclement weather from November through March. 

In 1855 the US Government pushed across the Pacific Northwest to coerce the indigenous population to sign treaties ceding their land to the US government in exchange for peaceful lives on reservations — including hunting and fishing rights and resources for healthcare and education. Instead, there would be struggles with broken promises, genocide, and lost identities. 

Central and Southern Oregon Coast tribes signed a treaty that created a 1.1 million acre Coast Reservation, stretching from Cape Lookout in the north to Siltcoos in the south (near Florence) — and inland 20 miles to a ridge in the Coast Mountains. It is about 16,000 acres today.

Amanda was a blind woman from the Coos Tribe who, longing for her home and fleeing starvation and abuse by Indian Agents, refused to live on the Coast Reservation. Instead, she was found by a military group tasked with “rounding up the run-away Indians.” She was separated from her young daughter and forcibly marched back to the sub-reservation north of Yachats. (The language and information come from a placard referencing collaboration by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians.)

Her story was documented by Corporal Royal Bensell in his journal. Amanda represents the injustice of coercive treaties, inhumane abuse, and genocide endeared by the Coast Tribes, in this instance, around Yachats. 

Three things to do to reflect on Amanda and the Indigenous way of life in and around Yachats:

• The Amanda Grotto: A subtle pullout just before the North Cape Creek Bridge. Park near the logging gate and walk down steps to a serine amphitheater area memorializing Amanda.
• Amanda’s Trail: A 9.7-mile challenging hike that winds from the Amanda Grotto area to the viewpoint of Cape Perpetua.
• Ya’Xaik Trail: A short but beautiful trail just off Highway 101 in Yachats. A great place to go slow and reflect on the spirits of the land, past and present.

The best things to do in Yachats Oregon always include beachcombing!

You’ll want to check the tides before venturing out to a nearby beach, and it’s recommended to start a beach walk 1-2 hours before low tide. The Yachats River divides the beach access between the more dramatic rock stacks (near Yachats State Park) and more open beach better for walking on the south side of the river (park along Yachats Ocean Road). But it’s not difficult to find your stretch of sand in either direction along Highway 101 (I prefer the beaches to the south).

Whale watching and other creatures of the sea.

Whale watching is a favorite activity for many, especially when the migrations pick up from mid-December to mid-January and from the end of February to the beginning of June. While Depoe Bay (about an hour north on Highway 101) is famous for the best views of resident gray whales coming in to feed (summer through fall) from the shore, I’ve seen whales from Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head. Tours leave from both Newport and Depoe Bay.

Other opportunities to see creatures in and around the sea exist everywhere. I always stop at a viewpoint overlooking Heceta Head to see a nest of bald eagles swirl around sea lions resting on the rocks below. Speaking of sea lions, although very touristy, it can be fun to visit the SeaLion Caves just south of Heceta Head on a sharp corner and cliff. You’ll pay admission to descend hundreds of feet in an elevator that taps into a favorite hangout of droves of sea lions. Beware of the smell!

Things to do at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Depending on your time, there are many adventures available in this diverse area of natural beauty. Remember, the rock stacks (like Thor’s Well) are more dramatic closer to high tide.

Quick views:

• Devil’s Churn: A wonderful loop trail that offers views of churning water (photo shown), and benches with views of the sea, set among Sitka spruce trees.
• Thor’s Well: Be careful walking on the rocks, but prepare for quite a show. Also in this same area are Spouting Horn and Loki’s Revenge.

About an hour plus:

• Cape Perpetua Overlook and Lookout: The winding drive up to the top of the mountain is an adventure in itself. You can also hike this from the bottom. I’ve spotted whales from up here before. A great place for a picnic and soaking up the Oregon Coast’s majesty. There are also a few short trails to wander.
• Visitor Center and Giant Spruce Trail: There are a lot of visitors here because it’s a pretty short and easy trail, but don’t let that deter you. I like to take this trail very slowly, as it follows a lovely creek. Wind through the damp, mossy goodness of a coastal forest to a… giant Sitka spruce tree.

Places to stay in Yachats Oregon

As I’ve mentioned above, I drive through this part of the world at least once, and usually twice a year. While I mix things up with each road trip itinerary, Yachats is high on my list for a place to rest my head at night. I appreciate the availability of quality food (see below) and a variety of lodging options. I’ve stayed at these three places in Yachats:

Drift Inn: Fun and quirky, which is right up my alley. Each room has a name and unique setup. While you won’t be right on the beach, and views include some part of Highway 101, I appreciate the affordability relative to other hotels, and the bar/restaurant on the premises — sometimes with live music. This is a good option if you’ll only be stopping by to sleep on a longer road trip.

Adobe Resort: This property offers both waterfront access and a proper restaurant on the premises. Plus a pool and pet-friendly rooms. The overall vibe is unremarkable and similar to most motels on the Oregon Coast. But if you have a direct ocean view…

Overleaf Lodge: My favorite experience in Yachats for the stunning access to waterfront views, the well-appointed nature of the rooms, and quality breakfast, which is usually included in the cost of your room. The first floor rooms don’t have the broad views but I enjoy the patio access to benches overlooking the rocks. This property is associated with the Fireside Motel, which also offers great views.

How to spend a long weekend in Yachats

This is a recommended suggestion if visiting from somewhere in Oregon.

Day One: Arrive from your drive and check into lodging. Use the afternoon to slow down from daily life. Walk the 804 Trail. Get takeout/picnic supplies and watch the sunset from your room/hotel, or, Yachats State Park.

Day Two: Breakfast at Green Salmon Coffee Company. Stop at Amanda Grotto on the way to Heceta Lighthouse State Park. Hike the four-mile trail to Hobbit Beach and back. Or, take the shorter Hobbit Beach trailhead through the rhododendron thickets. Or find a long beach for walking, building sand castles, or jumping into the cold Pacific Ocean!

Stop at Bob Creek on the return or continue on to the Cape Perpetua area. Drive up to the overlook and spend some time surveying the landscape. Walk the Giant Spruce Trail and wander down the trails to the Devil’s Churn. Find and bench and spend time watching the waves. Return to Yachats for a relaxing walk along 804 Trail and get ready for dinner at Ona or Luna Sea. Have a nightcap at the Drift Inn.

Day Three: One last walk on the 804 Trail or the beach. Possible stop at the Oregon Aquarium on the way through Newport (if going North) or Depoe Bay to spot whales.