Salal Hill

Step onto the Salal Hill and Lighthouse Trail for a truly scenic coastal walk that packs a punch of natural beauty into a short distance. You'll traverse through lush coastal shrubbery and dense salal thickets, with the iconic Yaquina Head Lighthouse always in view. The path gently ascends to Salal Hill, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and Colony Rock, making it a fantastic spot for photography and wildlife watching.

This easy 1.0-mile (1.6 km) hiking route involves a modest 109 feet (33 metres) of elevation gain and takes roughly 27 minutes to complete, making it a perfect family-friendly outing. While the trail is generally well-maintained, be prepared for potentially muddy sections if you visit during the rainy season. Parking is available at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, but arriving early is recommended, especially on busy days.

Beyond the stunning views, the Salal Hill and Lighthouse Trail offers rich opportunities to spot marine life like gray whales during migration, seals near Quarry Cove, and various seabirds. You can also descend to Cobble Beach at low tide to explore fascinating tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones. This trail provides an engaging and accessible experience for all skill levels, blending natural beauty with educational insights into the Oregon coast's ecosystem.