Yachats is the Place for a True Nature Lover’s Escape

One of the best things about staying at Overleaf Lodge & Spa is the chance to take in nature’s wondrous beauty. From whale watching, tide pools, forest trails, waterfall hikes or a scenic drive to take in the coastal air and scenery, we have it all. Here’s just a sample of what we have to offer!

Enjoy Ocean Wildlife

Whale watching is a favorite activity at the Oregon Coast, and many visitors at Overleaf Lodge & Spa are even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the massive animals from their oceanfront rooms! Gray whales migrate along the coast in the spring and winter as they travel from Mexico to Alaska and back again.

For a peek at some of the ocean’s much smaller wildlife, visit the tide pools among the rocky outcroppings along the beach for a chance to see mussels, sea stars, anemones and rock crabs. One great spot is the Yachats State Recreation Area along the 804 Trail that runs right along Overleaf Lodge & Spa.

There’s also a fair chance you may see sea lions offshore or even on the beach in the Yachats area. One spectacular gathering place is at Sea Lion Caves south of Yachats where you can take an elevator directly to a cavernous sea cave and see and hear them from viewing areas.

Take a Hike

If you’d like to take a stroll or step up to a more strenuous hike, Overleaf Lodge & Spa is your perfect base camp. For starters, the popular 804 Trail runs right along the coastal side of the lodge. It’s an easy, paved and level path the whole family can enjoy.

For longer options, there’s multiple trails at nearby Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, including Amanda’s Trail. The trail is dedicated to the memory of a woman of the Coos Tribe who was forcibly marched to a camp in the 1860s.

There are many other nearby hikes to choose from. In fact, right across the street from Overleaf Lodge & Spa, the Ya’xaik Trail-Gerdemann Preserve Loop Hike is a gentle 2.1-mile hike through the beautiful coastal forest and the Gerdemann Botanical Preserve.

If you’re interested in a waterfall hike, there are multiple options within driving distance:

• Drift Creek Falls is a 3-mile round-trip trail that features 75-foot falls and a 240-foot suspension bridge. It’s near Lincoln City and is about a 90-minute drive.
• At more than 300 feet, Munson Creek Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Coast Range and an easy ¼-mile hike. It’s located near Tillamook and is a little more than a two-hour drive.
• Sweet Creek Falls features multiple 10- to 30-foot falls. It’s a family friendly 2.2-mile hike east of Florence and about a 70-minute drive.

Go for a Drive

If you want to just get out and take in some ocean scenery, Highway 101 offers a bevy of beautiful sights to take in. The stretch of highway south of Yachats is some of the most spectacular on the Oregon Coast as you pass Cape Perpetua and Heceta Head Lighthouse.

Travelling north, there are numerous scenic viewpoints to choose from, including Seal Rock, Otter Crest and the Devils Punchbowl.

Whatever you decide to do, we’re sure you’ll agree that Overleaf Lodge & Spa is the best place for your nature lover’s escape!