Photo: Kirt Edblom from Kihei, Hi, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–58 °F | 50–64 °F | 42–66 °F | 38–52 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Newport 1 SE, 1 mi away, elevation 8 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏮 Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site — A bluff in Newport with the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, bay views and trails to the beach along the north jetty
Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is in Newport, Lincoln County, at the north end of Yaquina Bay near its outlet to the Pacific Ocean. OPRD describes a bluff forested with spruce and pine and a large deck with views of Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge.
The main attraction is the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. According to OPRD, it is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached, and the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing. The west end of the park has parking and trails to the beach along the north jetty.
There is no campground here, and OPRD does not charge a day-use fee.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Newport, Lincoln County, OR, at the north end of Yaquina Bay. The park’s coordinates are 44.6242, -124.0628. |
| Size | about 32 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Beach access, exhibit information, fishing, hiking trails, picnicking, flush restrooms, viewpoint |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | Free (no day-use parking permit required) |
Things to Do
- Tour the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Two flights of stairs lead to the watch room; the lantern room is closed to the public.
- Look over Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge from the large deck.
- Walk the trails from the west end of the park to the beach along the north jetty.
History
The property was given to the state by the U. S. Lighthouse Service in 1934 and 1971. OPRD says the park was first developed for day use in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The old lighthouse at the harbor entrance was erected in 1871 and discontinued in 1874 in favor of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse several miles to the north. It was later used as a lifeboat station and has since been restored and opened to the public.
In 1988, a Yaquina Bay State Park cooperative association was created by agreement with the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Division. The group provides information for visitors and tours of the lighthouse.
Visitor Tips
- OPRD says the lighthouse is open seasonally from March through November, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Lighthouse hours may change depending on volunteer availability and weather conditions, so check current status before you go.
- OPRD lists 541-265-5679 for questions about the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site?
No. This is a day-use site and OPRD lists no overnight camping here.
When is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse open?
OPRD says it is open seasonally from March through November, Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Hours may change with volunteer availability and weather.
Can I climb to the top of the lighthouse?
Two flights of stairs lead to the watch room, but OPRD says the lantern room is closed to the public.
Do I need a day-use permit?
No. OPRD does not charge a day-use fee here, so no day-use parking permit is required.
Nearby Attractions
Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site is in Newport. The closest state parks on this site are South Beach State Park, 1.4 miles away, and Agate Beach State Recreation Site, 3.7 miles away. Ona Beach State Park is 7.2 miles away. All distances are in a straight line.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are South Beach State Park (a short drive away) and Agate Beach State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🏮 Visit Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
Current status, alerts and directions from Oregon State Parks.
Sources: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) park page; U.S. Census Bureau geocoder (county). As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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