Feb. 25, 2005

Take a Break in Yachats, Then See the Coast

Heceta Head State Park offers the lighthouse, hiking, sand, tidepools and more

By DAN SHRYOCK
Oregon.com

Last week I talked here about this winter's unseasonably wonderful weather throughout the state and especially on the Oregon Coast.

We had a chance to take advantage of Mother Nature's kindness during President's Weekend and it was - as anticipated - excellent.

I must clarify one observation made last week. While it's true the coast sees fewer visitors during winter months compared to summer, there were plenty of people like us taking in the region during this three-day weekend. Driving south on Highway 101 from Lincoln City to tiny Yachats, we were surprised by the high percentage of "no vacancy" signs posted at hotels, motels and bed & breakfasts. Obviously, the combination of great weather and a holiday weekend made the Central Coast a popular destination.

Yachats
With so few rooms available, we were thankful for our reservation at the Adobe Resort on the north side of Yachats (pronounced "yah-HOTS").

Yachats is located midway between Newport to the north and Florence to the south on Highway 101. Both cities are about 25 miles and 30 minutes away. (See Highway Alert below photos, right)

Local Information
Yachats provided the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway. We stopped by the Yachats Visitors Information Center at 241 Highway 101 (between West 2nd and 3rd streets downtown next to Clark's Market). The staff member on duty was extremely helpful in offering ideas, printed information and personal insights.

It may be said there's not much to do in this tiny town. It's there if you look around.

We visited some art galleries and were particularly impressed by the varied works at Earthworks Gallery, 2222 Highway 101, one mile north of downtown. We counted nearly 20 galleries and gift shops in town ranging from folk art to ocean-inspired works, beach wear and souvenirs.

Lodging
There are nearly 30 resorts, hotels, motels and B&Bs in the Yachats area. We made arrangements to stay at the Adobe Resort based on a co-worker's recommendation. We later heard from two others who raved about the seaside hotel. They all were right.

Our two nights at the Adobe were excellent, starting with the spacious room and sprawling view of the ocean and coastline. To me, there are few things as soothing as the sound of the ocean waves pounding on shore. At first, the roar is distinctive and loud. After a short time, however, that roar becomes a reliable background to your stay. And it's great to start a morning with the ocean, a big comfortable chair and a hot cup of coffee.

Dining
In all, there are seven restaurants in Yachats providing a variety of options. We had breakfast and dinner at Adobe and enjoyed both meals. Good food is complemented by the great views. All tables have ocean views. We also had a very good meal at La Serre Bistro. Be sure to make reservations at both locations.

View north from Heceta Head. Oregon.com photo by Dan Shryock

Landmarks
Lighthouses are popular landmarks across the coast and the Heceta Head lighthouse is generally considered as the photographed lighthouse on the coast. We made sure we took our share of pictures, first from a Highway 101 viewpoint to the south near the Sea Lion Caves.

Then we drove a short way to Heceta Head State Park which includes (Devil's Elbow State Park). A short trail led us to the lighthouse. Tours are available from March through September.

While there, we took advantage of low tide and explored the tide pools at Devil's Elbow. This also is a popular place for those digging for mussels.

Hiking
When not browsing galleries and shops, we like to hike. We especially enjoyed the scenic walk along the coast leading from town to the Adobe Resort and beyond. We found this easy hike listed in William Sullivan's "100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range" and it provided the perfect sunset stroll.

While at Heceta Head, we found a much different trail with its trailhead leading north from the lighthouse. Little did we know we were taking on a difficult, steep climb to the top of the head. We later discovered this is part of a 7-mile network with trails of varying difficulty. We also discovered some excellent views once we reached the top.

Running/Jogging
I like to find nice running routes when I'm traveling and the fast-and-flat Yachats hike fit the bill this time. Starting from the Adobe, I ran a 1.4-mile down-and-back loop to town on crushed gravel and blacktop. On returning to the Adobe, I kept on going the other direction. The flat northern loop provided packed dirt that led to open beach. If you turn around at the beach, the northern loop adds another 1.5 miles. Hit the beach at low tide and you can go quite a bit farther.

The in-town loop winds along a seaside residential street and public access areas. The northern loop weaves through wind-swept trees as it hugs the coastline. All views are excellent.

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