Salishan Coastal Lodge Nature Walk

From the wooded hills where the lodge and cabins are located, along a stream out to the Pacific shore, a diverse and pleasant stroll.

 

Exploring the Tide Pools

The presence of rounded stones, mussel-encrusted rocks, and sea stars attracts lots of kids and their parents to the tide pools at Yaquina Head.

Yaquina Head Rocks and Mussels

The steady pounding of the surf, and the deep tides, make Yaquina Head a prime location for rounded rocks and mussel-encrusted boulders.

 

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (2)

The next morning, Yaquina Head was very foggy, the lighthouse barely visible, and the area picturesque in a quite different way.

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (1)

Yaquina Head, three miles north of Newport along US 101, is one of the outstanding attractions on the coast. 

From Wikipedia: "Yaquina Head is a headland extending into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the site of the Yaquina Head Light, and is managed as Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area by the Bureau of Land Management."

According to the web site maintained by the Bureau of Land Management "Yaquina Head is a narrow, coastal headland extending one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Formed by ancient lava flows, Yaquina Head’s hard basalt cliffs and coves have been shaped by pounding ocean surf for 14 million years. Abundant wildlife such as whales, harbor seals and seabirds can be viewed from the many breath taking vantage points around the 100-acre site. Explore tidepools, listen to nature's music and see Oregon's tallest lighthouse - all at Yaquina Head."

On our first (brief )visit in the afternoon, the weather was clear and sunny.  We decided to come back the next morning for a longer exploration. (See next posts.)

Newport Waterfront Scenes (2)

 A block or two away from the water, the scenes become more varied, including a recently opened "Believe It or Not".

Newport Waterfront Scenes (1)

The Newport waterfront is lively and picturesque. The sights close to the harbor largely reflect the fishing industry.