Yaquina Head and Lighthouse, from the Hill, Newport, Oregon
Yaquina Head is an outstanding and easily accessible natural area on the central Oregon coast. Just north of Newport on U.S. 101, this "head" of hard, erosion resistant volcanic basalt juts out into the Pacific Ocean from the long, graceful sandy beaches to its north and south.
This photo was taken from atop the hill behind the parking area. A fairly short but steep path ascends the treeless hill face, from which you have an outstanding view in three directions. The salt breeze pounds you while you take in the dazzling view and cries of the many marine birds that use the rugged cliffs and rocks for their homes. In the evenings, the sun sinking toward the western horizon backlights any passing whales as they spout, allowing you to see what you normally would not.
Photo location: A few miles north of Newport, in Lincoln County, Oregon.
