Attractions

WINERIES, HAZELNUTS AND AN AIRPLANE THAT DOUBLES AS A WATER SLIDE: A YAMHILL VALLEY PRIMER

By Jim Gullo, for Oregon.com

Sometimes the spots off the beaten path are the ones that are the most rewarding.

For me, that’s the way it is with the Yaquina Bay lighthouse.

Whether there is stormy weather battering the bluff the lighthouse sits on, or a bright sunny day, the view is breathtaking. 

The lighthouse’s claim to fame is that it allegedly is the oldest structure in Newport. But don’t let that fool you, while history buffs might enjoy the significance of the structure, the real star of this show is the view.

While other lighthouses on the Oregon Coast feature small museums about the history of the area, the Yaquina Head Lighthouse offers a significantly sized interpretive center and natural area which shouldn’t be missed.

What also makes Yaquina Head different, is there are really three attractions in one location. Your first stop should be the interpretive center, where you will find a nice, large building that is filled with information about this U.S. Department of Interior park.

Location:
From Interstate 5, take the Corvallis exit (228) west 38 miles through Philomath on US 20. The bridge adjoins Highway 20 near milepost 17. Alternately, travel east from Newport on Highway 20, 17 miles to Chitwood.

Background:
Not much activity occurs at Chitwood anymore. The Chitwood Bridge was once surrounded by several stores, a post office, a telephone office, and several houses. The boarded up remains of the Smith store nearby is a dim reminder of the vitality the community once had.