Interesting Activities in Yachats, Oregon

There are less than 700 residents in the quaint village of Yachats, Oregon. However, its attractiveness more than makes up for its diminutive stature. Some of the top activities in Yachats are included below, ranging from eccentric things to do in town to outdoor excursions in the middle of wilderness. We've also added some insider advice based on our own experiences.

Yachats, Oregon appears to be a tranquil hamlet situated on a stunningly rocky shoreline in Central Oregon, encircled by the Siuslaw National Forest. This coastal hamlet isn't as blessed with sandy beaches as some of the more northern ones.

Rather, you'll witness the force of the waves hitting the rough, black basalt rock. Actually, the term Yachats, which is pronounced "ya-hots," Yes, I was mispronouncing it as well. has the meaning "dark water at the foot of the mountain" in the Siletz language.

Less than 700 people live in Yachats, and the town center is only a few streets broad. However, its attractiveness more than makes up for its diminutive stature.

And it's not only us that think this way. Budget Travel magazine previously named Yachats one of the “Ten Coolest Small Towns of the U.S.A.”, and Arthur Frommer (yes that man, of Frommer’s Travel Guides), once rated Yachats Oregon as one of his top 10 places in the world.

For further details on each of these activities as well as additional suggestions for enjoyable things to do in Yachats, continue reading.

1. Stroll By The Ocean And Take In The Scenery

• The majority of visitors to Yachats are drawn to the town by its striking coastline. Take a leisurely stroll along the 804 Trail, which follows the town's coastline and offers public access and vantage points of the choppy coastal seas.

• Make stops along the road to enjoy the view or capture the sunset on camera. Beyond seven miles of sandy coastline, the trail continues as the Oregon Coast Trail to the north. To the south, it links with Amanda's Trail, which runs to Cape Perpetua (more on that below).

• Bonus: Green Salmon Coffee Company is an environmentally conscious coffee shop that sells fair trade coffee. Stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee on your stroll. Bonus twice!

2. Go Tidepooling At Smelt & Sands State Park

• The modest but gorgeous Smelt & Sands State Recreation Site is located about halfway down the 804 Trail. This park, despite its name, is noticeably devoid of sand.

• Actually, the tidepools with their plethora of marine life and the seabirds circling over the beach covered in driftwood are the main draws here. This is a fantastic location for tidal pool exploration, agate hunting, and sunset photography.

3. Wander Downtown And Peruse The Shops

• Visit the stores and galleries to peruse outdoor gear, artwork, and handcrafted items. Don't miss Planet Yachats, the rock store, which is my particular favorite! If you're a rock enthusiast like me, you'll probably discover a few keepsakes at this adorable tiny business that sells rocks, fossils, and jewels at reasonable costs. Note that this store is only open from Friday through Monday.)

• If the weather permits, explore the 3.5 acres of exotic shrubs and trees utilized for study at the Gerdemann Botanic Preserve and stroll through Yachats Commons Park (bring a picnic, if you're lucky). Just remember to schedule an appointment in advance of your visit!

• If you're more inclined toward indoor pursuits, walk past the famed Little Log Church Museum and stop by the Greenhouse Marketplace, a 101-based business park housing a number of art galleries.

• The most prominent are Wave Gallery for unique photographic shows, Touchstone Gallery for Oregon artworks, and Earthworks Gallery, which has a distinguished reputation as one of the best exhibit places on the coast.

4. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

In Yachats, there are plenty of excellent stores to satiate your sweet taste.

• Topper's Ice Cream & Candy: For dessert, homemade chocolates and fudges are served with ice cream scoops and glasses of espresso.

• A popular hangout for the locals, Bread & Roses Bakery is not exactly a secret. They are only open on weekends, from Thursday through Sunday. If you want to escape the long queues that eventually gather outside the door, you should arrive early.

• Before they run out, be sure to get one of their well-known "celestial snail" tarts—a flaky pastry topped with fresh fruit and lemon curd—or "hippie bread" loaves.

• Green Salmon Coffee Company: Delicious pastries and an entirely vegan bakery and cafe

Read Also: Activities Available in Montauk, New York

5. Enjoy Live Music And Seafood At Luna Sea Fish House

• This laid-back mainstay of the town is well-known for its homemade menu that exclusively serves the finest seafood. Get a few pounds of fresh fish to-go from the market, or grab a basket of fish and chips and enjoy some live music in the 18-seater cafe. See what fish Robert Anthony, the owner, catches locally by looking at the whiteboard.

6. Cheers With A Local Craft Brew At Yachats Brewing + Farm Store

• A hidden jewel on the coast known for its artisan beers, Yachats Brewing and Farmhouse is sometimes overlooked. What was once a tiny business has grown into a community mainstay.

• Thirty taps of their award-winning beers and house-made probiotic beverages (Kefir, Jun, and Kombucha soda) are available in the taproom. This is a terrific place to stop for both food and beer, with a menu that emphasizes farm-to-table foods and an attractive ambiance filled with loads of plants and salvaged furniture.

7. Trek Through The Forest On The New Ya’xaik Trail

• The Ya'Xaik, or Yah-Hike in the Alseas language, is a recently established route near Yachats that is situated beside Highway 101 and is encircled by dense pine forests of the Siuslaw National Forest. Start at the trailhead by the Gerdemann Botanic Preserve, behind the Fisterra Gardens apartment building.

• Starting at the Smelt Sands Trailhard, you can also walk a portion of the 804 Trail along the seashore before turning onto the Ya'Xaik.

8. Hike Amanda’s Trail

• Amanda's Trail is a 3.7-mile section of the Oregon Coast Trail that traces the shoreline from southern Yachats to Cape Perpetua (and back, if desired). It's among the top hikes along the Oregon Coast as well! Hiking up where the 804 Trail ends, this moderately strenuous climb offers stunning views of the coast and wildflowers.

• When one reaches the famous Amanda Statue, 1.5 miles into the climb, the trail's enigmatic nickname is revealed. The trail and the monument honor the tragic history of Native Americans being forcibly relocated, which haunts the people of Oregon. You can read the remainder of Amanda De Cuys' story on the placard located near her statue.

9. Explore The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

• The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is located on Hwy 101 less than ten minutes south of Yachats. Cape Perpetua is a must-see, whether you decide to drive there or hike there from Yachats along the Amanda trail.

• There is plenty to discover in this gorgeous location, which includes 26 miles of trails along the stunning coastline. With a $5 parking fee, the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center is accessible seven days a week and features interpretive displays about the region's natural and cultural history. You can get resources to help you organize your day of exploration right here.

• The ideal place to start is by hiking the 1.5 miles (gaining around 700 feet in height) from the visitor center to the highest viewpoint on the headlands, Cape Perpetua Lookout. For those who would rather, the Cape Perpetua Lookout Road leads up to the Lookout.