Yachats Travel Guide

Along the Oregon coast is the beautiful and peaceful Yachats. Bordered by the Siuslaw National Forest and the Pacific Ocean, this village is the perfect getaway, with adventure in every direction. You can go hiking and biking, as well as enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach. Stop by one of the many eateries with tasty treats, or tuck into a tasty meal at a restaurant -- of course, seafood is a big thing in this coastal spot! Afterwards, indulge in a little shopping to find unique gifts and art from one of the galleries.

Things to Do in Yachats

Top things to do include hiking the 804 Trail. You can walk along the coastline and admire the rocky shores, as well as head to Yachats State Park and Smelt Sands State Recreation Area. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is also a popular place for vacationers where you can explore over 40 miles of the coastline of Oregon. Hike through the beautiful scenery with vistas, beaches and tidepools, as well as visit the highest point on the Oregon coast. Thor’s Well is an amazing sight to see also -- the bottomless sinkhole is a natural wonder. Elsewhere, Devil’s Churn features spectacular crashing waves you can watch from a distance.

Best Time to Visit Yachats

For warm weather, the best time of the year to visit Yachats is from July through to September.

A Local's Guide to Yachats

The town of Yachats is nicknamed the gem of the Oregon coast, and it certainly lives up to this name. Nestled between the forest and the Pacific Ocean, the village oozes small-town charm, with one of its biggest draws being the fact that you can walk everywhere. The surrounding area of Yachats Oregon offers a plethora of activities, from hiking trails and blow holes, to whale watching and fungus finding, Yachats is your spot for a combination of relaxation and outdoor adventure.

When in Yachats, don't expect too much of a sandy beach. Although there is plenty of beach access, much of the town's coastline is dominated by black basalt rock, and the black sands create quite a striking landscape against the rich blue of the crashing waves off the central Oregon coast. These rocks are ultimately the result of lava flows that occurred over 50 million years ago. The rocks help to create unpredictable waves and rock formations, leading to some unique coastal structures such as Thor's Well and Devils Churn. Watching the spray of Yachats ocean crash out through these holes is certainly an impressive sight.

Just a short three miles south of town, a distance easily walkable, you will find the Cape Perpetua Scenic area, which is the highest point on the Oregon coast, boasting some truly impressive views out to sea. The area is filled with forest and you could easily spend a day exploring and looking into the visitor’s area for a little more information. This is just one of the great places to go tidepooling on the Oregon coast -- Cape Perpetua, Yachats State Park and Devil's Churn are equally great.

Smelt Sands state part is another natural area worth exploring, a small yet visually stunning state park that can be found along the 804 Trail. Alternatively, if you don’t want to go far, simply head to Yachats River and spend some time walking along the picturesque banks.

For a little bit of culture, visitors should head to the Little Log Church Museum. The museum is tiny but boasts plenty of information about the local history of the town of Yachats, and is rich in artefacts. Interestingly, the museum is home to a huge collection of shells from around the world.

Yachats vacation rentals are as varied as the landscape, and there is something to suit every budget. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime vacation, why not stay in a lighthouse cottage right at the base of the area's most photographed lighthouse, or for a bit of rest and relaxation, pamper yourself with a stay at Overleaf Lodge spa and hotel, where every room offers ocean views. Similarly, dozens of privately owned oceanfront vacation rentals line the coast.

Chose to either stay in the heart of Yachats, or get away from it all and try something a little more remote. Every home is unique, some come with hot tubs, and some with fireplaces and pet-friendly policies. The choice of vacation rentals are endless and are sure to accommodate you for the perfect Yachats vacation.