Newport Beach Hike

Overview

The entire Newport beach front is a varied and pleasant walk, beginning with the looming basalt cliffs and tide pools of Yaquina Head and ending at the North Jetty of Yaquina Bay and the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. State parks, Agate Beach to the north and Yaquina Bay to the south, bracket the long stretch of sandy strand: in the past three decades, winter storms have covered much of the driftwood debris and cobbles that used to back this beach. In the middle of your walk, you'll pass by eroded sandstone formations, including the remnants of the Jump-Off Joe sea stack. In the middle of the beach, there are two convenient trailheads, the Agate Beach Trailhead and the Nye Beach Trailhead, which allow access to the beach. When you reach the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, you can continue under the Yaquina Bay Bridge to the Newport Bayfront (See the Newport Bayfront Hike). South of the parking area, the signposted Lucky Gap Trail leads down on a paved surface under alders, spruce and willow and lined by elderberry and salal. The trail descends with Lucky Gap Creek on the right and reaches some wooden steps which lead to Agate Beach. Heading right towards the cliffs of Yaquina Head, cross two small creeks and then explore the pocked volcanic surface. At low tide, you can admire the anemones, sculpins, chitons, sea stars, and other assorted denizens of the tide pools. Note that Agate Beach is no longer a happy hunting ground for agate aficionados since the beaches here have been buried under many feet of sand during winter storms. Some experts say that there are still finds in the creek that runs at the back of the beach, however. Turn back and begin walking south along the beach. Between the tides, hike on the packed sand below the high water mark. Higher on the beach Little and Big Creek combine to flow north along the brushy fringe before turning to the ocean. Pass the trail and tunnel that lead to the Agate Beach Trailhead. Continue south and begin to encounter eroded sandstone formations studded with fossils. P

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