A sunny June day in Newport brings mild 65–70°F temperatures, bluebird skies, and nearly 16 hours of daylight. Start on the Historic Bayfront watching sea lions at Dock 5, then explore the Oregon Coast Aquarium before the crowds. Climb Yaquina Head Lighthouse for panoramic Pacific views, go tide pooling at Cobble Beach, and stroll Nye Beach’s soft sands. End with sunset dinner at Pacific Kitchen or golden-hour photos at Don Davis Park. As Meredith Lodging’s local Central Oregon Coast experts, this guide delivers morning-to-evening insider tips, including parking strategies, restaurant picks, and the best vacation rentals for extending your sunny day into a coastal getaway.
Looking for a great rainy-day activity? Head to Newport’s beloved Oregon Coast Aquarium. Kids of all ages will enjoy this immersive and captivating experience. The aquarium offers educational programs, interactive exhibits, tours, and so much more. And now there is even more to enjoy and discover with three new attractions! Ho ho ho! The popular and festive attraction Sea of Lights is back, and will be held the first three Fridays and Saturdays in December, from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. The display features thousands of twinkling installations in various colors and shapes. Join in on the fun 12/2, 12/3, 12/9, 12/10, 12/16, & 12/17! Admission is $10 per person, or free with proof of same day admission. Members get in for free! Visitors can also take a free photo with Santa that will be emailed to you a few days after your visit. The line for photos with Santa closes at 7:15pm to allow everyone time to get through the queue so please plan your visit accordingly. Oregon Coast Aquarium’s New Attractions – Nature Play Area This new play area was inspired by the local coastal habitat and the former timber mill site that once operated at the site of the aquarium. Visitors can engage with nature as they scale over giant logs, catch a bird’s-eye view from a faux eagle’s nest, climb a rope tower, and plunge down a meandering slide. Headwaters Feature The scenic headwaters feature includes a recirculating stream that reflects the relationship between watersheds and the ocean, demonstrating the importance of headwaters and the role they play in the Oregon Coast’s precious and unique ecosystems. Outdoor Amphitheater This dedicated space hosts educational programs and animal presentations. Visitors will enjoy the expansive seating and the opportunity for an up-close view of the Aquarium’s cast of animal ambassadors. Oregon Coast Aquarium General Information: The aquarium is open 364 days a year, excluding Christmas. Hours: 10am – 6pm Adults $24.95 Guests between the ages of 18 – 64 Seniors $19.95 Guests 65 and older Young Adult $19.95 Guests between the ages of 13 – 17 Child $14.95 Guests between the ages of 3 – 12 Infants & Toddlers – Free Guests between the ages of 0 – 2 Member Admission Members do not need to purchase tickets. Learn about becoming a member here. Interactive experiences can be purchased for an additional fee. Rentals To make planning your visit easier, the aquarium has single strollers, double strollers, wheelchairs, and electric mobility scooters for rent. A valid ID will be held while rental equipment is checked out. Don’t forget to stop by the Oregon Coast Aquarium gift shop to pick up a souvenir, or a gift for the Thalassophile (ocean lover) in your life! Book Your Winter Getaway with Us! Meredith Lodging has an impressive selection of beautiful vacation homes up and down the Oregon Coast, and many of them are just a short drive from one of the nation’s top aquariums in Newport! You can view our impressive collection online. We hope to see you at the Oregon Coast Aquarium soon!
Top Things to Do in Newport, Oregon When You Book a Newport Vacation Rental with Meredith Lodging It is easy to see why so many visitors to the Oregon Coast rave about Newport, Oregon – there is so much to see, eat, and discover! A stay at a Newport vacation rental will have you close to all the activities you will want to experience. Newport is one of the most popular beach towns on the Oregon Coast and a well-established stop for tourists and locals alike. Newport is known for its historic lighthouses, its adventure-focused state parks, a happening arts scene, great restaurants, AND a stunning shoreline. Everyone can find something they love about this charming seaside getaway. Ready to plan your holiday to a Newport vacation rental? We have put together a list of our favorite things to do in Newport, Oregon to make your planning easy! Explore Historic Lighthouses Newport is home to two historic lighthouses and they each offer an amazing history behind how they came to be. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located on top of a picturesque bluff and was built in 1871. It was decommissioned just a few years later, in 1874, after being deemed obsolete once construction of the new Yaquina Head Lighthouse was complete. Thankfully, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation in 1996. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport, Oregon, and the only existing Oregon lighthouse with living quarters attached. Today, the lighthouse is surrounded by beautiful Yaquina Bay State Park where visitors can enjoy walking trails, a scenic overlook that offers great views of Yaquina Bay and the Yaquina Bay Bridge, a fisherman’s memorial and access to explore Cobble Beach below. Up the road a few miles sits the larger. Yaquina Head Lighthouse. At 93 feet, this lighthouse is Oregon’s tallest and is known for its impressive visibility, due to its location and height. It was completed in 1873 and was originally called the Cape Foulweather Light at Yaquina Point. This lighthouse is famous for its Fresnel Lens (the lens celebrates its 150th birthday this year!) The Fresnel Lens was designed and manufactured in Paris before it made its way to Oregon, via Panama. These lenses are thinner and lighter than conventional lenses and can be seen from more than 20 miles out to sea. Visitors can learn more about this lighthouse and its storied past by visiting the adjacent interpretive center, which opened in 1997. Learn and Play in Amazing State Parks There are more than a dozen state parks and state recreations areas in and around Newport. Two of our favorites are Mike Miller State Park and South Beach State Park. Mike Miller State Park Mike Miller State Park is a beautiful and educational adventure for visitors of all ages. The Park covers more than 45 acres, most of it forested, and features a one-mile nature trail that is dotted with bridges, observation decks, and benches as well as lots of informational signs encouraging visitors to sit and listen for bird calls, observe the coastal flora and fauna, and watch for small woodland animals, too. An additional highlight of this park is that you can see Sitka Spruce, Western Hemlock, Douglas Fir and Coastal Pine trees all in one place. South Beach State Park South Beach State Park begins in South Newport and stretches along several miles of pristine Oregon Coast land. There are lots of places to walk, bike, and jog especially along the paved Jetty Trail. This area is popular for horseback riding, too, with many people choosing to take a beautiful sunset ride. The Park also offers a 9-hole disc golf course, a playground area, and places to kayak and canoe. Discover Beautiful Newport, Oregon Beaches There are many places to get your toes in the sand around Newport. We love Cobble Beach, Beverly Beach, and Nye Beach! Cobble Beach Cobble Beach gets its name from the smooth basalt cobbles that make up its shoreline. This beach is also known for being a wonderful place to explore tidepools and birdwatch – and a beautiful place to take photos, with its backdrop of Yaquina Head always in view. Beverly Beach Beverly Beach is another local favorite. This beach offers lots of room to roam (from Yaquina Head to the headlands of Otter Rock) and scenic coastline vistas everywhere you look. Beverly Beach is also a favorite among those looking to fly a kite. Nye Beach Nye Beach is another local treasure. It is both a neighborhood with more than 40 shops and cafes (many owners live above their establishments), as well as a lovely beach that stretches from Yaquina Bay to Yaquina Head. Arts & Entertainment in Newport Nye Beach is an epicenter of The Arts in Newport, a city that is home to a thriving arts community overall. The Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC) The Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC) is the premier venue on the Oregon Coast. Its Silverman Theater seats 400, while its intimate Studio Theater seats 80. The PAC is home to several resident companies who produce music, theater, and dance performances…and is home base for the beloved outdoor symphony performances each summer. The Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) The Newport Visual Arts Center (VAC) enjoys beautiful ocean views and is the jewel of visual arts in Newport. Divided into three galleries, several mixed-use areas, and a showcase area, the VAC features rotating visual arts displays from local, regional, and national artists and hosts First Fridays to feature new exhibits the first Friday of every month. Enjoy Delicious Local Food and Drink It’s no surprise to hear that Newport has an award-winning food scene as well. Each February, the town hosts the wildly popular Newport Seafood and Wine Festival, and year-round it offers visitors many delicious options for food, from casual cafes and breweries to fine dining. We have listed
The Best Beaches for Surfing near Newport, Oregon With its wave-tattered shores, rugged coves, and laid-back communities, the Oregon Coast has all the makings for an excellent surfing destination. At the center of it all, Newport – one of the regional mainstays—offers an ideal basecamp for those hoping to uncover hidden gems amid an iconic backdrop. Not until relatively recently did the Oregon Coast become recognized as a good surfing area. Still, many of those places are crowded and marred with pollution. Thankfully, what Oregon Coast beaches lack in wave size, it generously makes up for by having a peaceful location with reasonably clean waters. And as the area’s premier vacation rental provider, Meredith Lodging invites you to make yourself at home as you explore some of the best beaches for surfing near Newport, Oregon. Newport Oregon Surfing: Where to Start If you’ve never had a chance to hit the ocean waves, many avid surfers will tell you to take some lessons before gearing up. Ossies Surf Shop in Newport is not only your destination for learning the ins and outs of carving bombs; you’ll also find apparel, accessories, rentals, and gear. Another place you may want to check out is South Beach Surf Shop, where you’ll find new and used boards, lessons, and threads. Finally, Oregon Surf Adventures in Seaside has offered two-day surf camps for kids aged seven to seventeen and instructing youngsters since 2005. Oregon Coast Surfing for Beginners near Newport The area around Newport is teeming with superb beaches for beginners to get their feet wet. In South Beach State Park, the aptly named South Beach lies about a mile south of Newport and offers miles of wind-eroded beach break. A bit north, Agate Beach provides a relatively consistent surf that is feasible all year round. And further north, Otter Rock is a beginner-friendly hot spot where many locals come to get their first taste of salty swells. Intermediate and Expert Oregon Coast Surfing near Newport The winter months on the Oregon Coast make the area a proving ground for many intermediate and expert surfers. Roads End State Beach north of Lincoln City will feature several beach break peaks, which is arguably the region’s most advanced surfing opportunity, but be ready to paddle! Likewise, the Florence South Jetty is another place where avid shredders pay their dues by ripping through massive swells and natural hazards. Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals in Newport and Beyond Surfing around Newport, Oregon, is something every outdoor and ocean enthusiast should consider. We may not have massive waves, but our welcoming communities offer a nice reprieve from more populated surf destinations. Ideally located within many of these coastal towns and villages, Meredith Lodging has an eclectic array of vacation rentals in places like Newport, Lincoln City, Cannon Beach, and beyond. To learn more about why Meredith Lodging is an outstanding option for your Oregon Coast vacation, please reach out to us online or call 877-778-9055.
Top 3 Local Favorite Activities When Staying at Your Newport Oregon Vacation Rental Booking your next Newport Vacation Rental with Meredith Lodging will provide you with the perfect home base to explore all the fun to be had in Newport, Oregon. Newport has been attracting visitors since the late 1800s, and continues to be one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Oregon Coast. Guests love the world class aquarium, booming arts scene, award-winning breweries, and scenic coastline. Ready to explore this beloved coastal town? Here are a few of our nearby favorite activities when staying in your Newport vacation rental: Take a dive into one of the nation’s top aquariums. The Oregon Coast Aquarium offers a variety of educational programs and displays highlighting marine mammals, fish, birds, and plants primarily native to the Oregon Coast. Explore Newport’s Nye Beach. The Nye Beach community proudly supports local artists. Stop by For ArtSake Gallery, an artist-owned gallery, featuring a wide selection of paintings, art, jewelry, scarves, pottery, and photographs all created by local artists. Be sure to check out rotating, free art exhibits at the “VAC” or Newport Visual Arts Center, the largest exhibition facility for visual art on the Oregon Coast. Sample Local Beer and Wine. Oregon is home to some world-renowned beer and wine, and lucky for you, you can try a broad selection when staying at your Newport Vacation Rental. Serving up beers and an amazing view of the marina and Yaquina Bay, family-friendly Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay is the place to go for ales and lagers. Wolf Tree Brewery uses local ingredients and natural spring water in their brewing process. Their family-friendly tap room offers beers, bar bites, and boozy craft cocktails. Leashed pups are welcome on the patio. In the mood for an Oregon Pinot Noir, or a crisp Willamette Valley Chardonnay? The Nye Beach Wine Cellar has an impressive selection of carefully curated wines at various price points. Pick up a bottle and some gourmet cheeses to take back and enjoy at your Meredith Lodging vacation rental. Ready to explore the beloved coastal town of Newport, Oregon? We have the perfect Newport vacation rental for you! Take a look at our amazing selection of Meredith Lodging Newport Vacation Rentals.
Book One of Meredith Lodging’s Newport Vacation Rentals for the 2023 Newport Seafood and Wine Festival! This year’s virtual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival (February 25-28, 2023) may look and feel a bit different, but it can still be just as fun! While the festivities are online, you can order a “to-go” basket of food and drink to celebrate with your household or pod – which will be especially festive if you book a Meredith Lodging Newport Vacation rental for your remote celebration! Wondering how all of this will work? We have you covered! Here is how to plan your perfect Seafood and Wine Festival celebration – it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! Book your stay! While a stay at a Newport Vacation Rental is always a good idea, we also have beautiful Oregon Coast vacation rentals in nearby Depoe Bay, Lincoln City and Yachats. View our Newport Vacation Rentals. View our Oregon Coast Collection. Book your basket! Order your Newport Seafood & Wine Festival Basket to enjoy in your Newport Vacation Rental. You can also stay close by at one of our vacation rentals in Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Waldport, or Yachats. Baskets cost $80 and include a choice of two bottles of wine. If your basket is being shipped, you must order it by February 8, 2023. If you will pick it up in Newport (all pick-ups on February 25th), you must order by February 15, 2023. Order your basket on the festival website . Baskets also come with access to online programming, cooking classes, and exclusive discounts from local businesses. Want to add seafood to your To-Go Festival Basket? You can! Newport favorite, Local Ocean Seafood, is supplying DockBox options of seafood this year. Option one includes all the ingredients to make Dungeness crab cakes, Pink Shrimp crostini, and Teriyaki Tuna Kabobs as well as tartar sauce, lemon, and fennel slaw. Option two is Local Ocean’s famous Fishwives Stew for two! These DockBoxes can be added on to your Festival Basket at the address above. Delight your favorite foodie by booking a stay for Seafood and Wine Festival! Occupancy fills up fast each year. Book your perfect Oregon Coast vacation rental at Meredith Lodging. We hope to see you soon!
Newport’s annual Seafood & Wine Festival will take place this February 22nd – 25th. Participants can enjoy fresh seafood, premium NW wines, live music, a seafood chowder cook-off, and more! Shake off those winter blues and start planning an unforgettable weekend getaway with friends and family TODAY! Event details: Thursday 5pm – 9pm Friday 12pm – 8pm Saturday 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 4pm Purchase your tickets here. Free shuttle buses are back this year! The buses will run on a continuous 45-minute loop, stopping at most major hotels as well as Nye Beach and the Bayfront. Newport’s largest annual event, the Newport Seafood & Wine Festival, started in 1977 to boost the local economy during the slow season. The first Seafood & Wine Festival was held at the Newport National Guard Armory. The following year, Mo Niemi of Mo’s Restaurant helped increase the event’s size by including thirteen wineries, musicians, and arts and craft stalls. Today, the four-day event draws thousands of visitors, with over 125 vendors including artisans, NW wineries, and fresh seafood all under a tented venue. Ready to sip some wine and slurp some oysters? We have an impressive collection of Newport vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes have hot tubs – perfect for an evening soak after a fun-filled day – and allow pets, so the whole family can enjoy a weekend getaway. Cheers! Book Now for Best Availability!
Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits while visiting Newport, Oregon. With a variety of indoor attractions and activities, you can make the most of your time and create memorable experiences even if the weather outside is frightful! Rainy days in Newport, Oregon, offer a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich indoor attractions. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking cultural experiences, or simply looking to stay dry, Newport has something for everyone. Here are some rainy day activities to enjoy when visiting Newport: Oregon Coast Aquarium Home to over 64,000 marine animals, the Oregon Coast Aquarium offers immersive exhibits like the Passages of the Deep tunnel, where sharks and rays swim overhead. It’s a must-visit for families and marine enthusiasts alike. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is an excellent educational destination for visitors of all ages. Explore indoor exhibits featuring marine life from the Oregon coast. Hatfield Marine Science Center An artist-run gallery featuring a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts, perfect for art lovers seeking unique pieces. Operated by Oregon State University, this center provides interactive exhibits on marine research, including touch pools and educational displays, making science accessible and fun for all ages. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse Take a guided tour of the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse built in 1872. It’s a fascinating opportunity to learn about the region’s maritime history and see the interior of this beautifully preserved lighthouse. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Dive into the world of the bizarre with interactive exhibits and oddities that intrigue visitors of all ages. Located on the Newport Bayfront, this quirky attraction features a wide range of oddities and curiosities that are sure to intrigue and amuse kids of all ages. Explore the Nye Beach District The Nye Beach district is home to charming shops, art galleries, and cafes. Spend some time browsing for unique gifts or enjoying a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while watching the rain. Newport Performing Arts Center Check the schedule at the Newport Performing Arts Center for live performances, including plays, concerts, and other cultural events that can brighten up a rainy day. Escape Rooms Newport Grab the family or your group of friends and try out this fully immersive live adventure game in which players of all ages attempt to solve a series of puzzles and other challenges using clues, hints and strategies to escape the room! Catch of the Day Enjoy fresh seafood directly from Newport docks at Local Ocean Seafoods’ restaurant or market. Dine with a view, or pick up some shrimp, Dungeness crab, or fish to prepare and enjoy back at your cozy vacation rental. Rain or Shine – Newport is Always a Good Time! Book a fall or winter getaway to Newport with us! We have an amazing collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes have hot tubs and fireplaces – perfect for warming up after a day in the rain! We can’t wait to see you! Rogue Nation Brewery & Spirits Warm up with a cup of coffee or a hearty meal at one of Newport’s cozy cafés or seafood restaurants, many offering views of the stormy Pacific. Experience Newport’s brewing culture with a visit to Rogue’s flagship location. Enjoy a variety of craft beers and spirits while overlooking the marina. Explore Unique Shops Pirates Plunder A treasure trove of antiques and collectibles, this shop offers a nostalgic shopping experience that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon. Discover locally crafted goods, from gourmet foods to handmade crafts, ideal for souvenirs or gifts. Storm Watching Newport’s coastal location makes it an excellent spot for storm watching. Find a safe, sheltered area and witness the power of the Pacific Ocean’s waves crashing against the shore. Stay Cozy with Meredith Lodging After a day of exploring, retreat to one of Meredith Lodging’s comfortable vacation rentals. Many properties in Newport, Oregon feature fireplaces and hot tubs, perfect for warming up and relaxing as the rain falls outside.
There is so much fun to be had throughout the year at the Oregon Coast. From seafood and wine festivals to whale watching, there is something for everyone. Many events are subject to change due to weather and other factors, so we recommend checking the event website for updated details. Also, many towns have their own unique festivals and community events, so we suggest checking in with locals, or stopping by the visitors center to find out what is happening during your stay! Here are some fun events taking place up and down the Oregon Coast this year: Newport Seafood & Wine Festival February 23 – 26 | Newport Wine and seafood enthusiasts flock to this beloved annual festival. Enjoy wine talks, wine tastings, chef demonstrations, competitions, music, and more! Spring Whale Watching Week Starts March 23 | Depoe Bay Spot majestic gray whales on their annual migration north to Alaska during Whale Watching Week. Garibaldi Crab Races March 2023 | The Old Mill, Garibaldi Come support this big town tradition in this small fishing village. Kids of all ages will enjoy eating fresh crab and racing them, too! Check back for dates. Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood & Wine Festival April 28 – 30 | Astoria This popular annual event features over 150 vendors of hand-crafted arts, coastal cuisine, Oregon wine, local brews, and live music. Fat Bike Festival May 12 – 14 | Cannon Beach Head to the shores of Cannon Beach for a weekend of Fat Bike events, including a beach bike ride and bonfire, a self-guided ride at Klootchy Creek Trails, and a scavenger hunt around town to discover hidden treasures and treats. Downtown Wine Walk May 20 | Downtown Seaside Enjoy tastings from 17 Oregon wineries throughout downtown throughout boutiques and galleries in downtown Seaside. Complimentary appetizers, live music, and a prize drawing all add to the fun of this beloved annual event. Sandcastle Contest June 10 | Cannon Beach Come celebrate the 59th annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest this summer. This beloved Oregon Heritage Tradition event offers fun for the whole family. Scandinavian Midsummer Festival June 16 – 18 | Astoria This three-day festival has been a tradition on the North Coast of Oregon for over 50 years. Come celebrate with beer gardens, traditional food, Icelandic horses, live music, eating contests, games of Kubb, and so much more! July 4th Fireworks Firework displays will be determined by weather and safety requirements. We recommend checking the Chamber of Commerce website, or local news sites for event details closer to the holiday weekend. Seaside Beach Volleyball August 10 – 13 | Seaside Seaside serves up pure summer fun with the world’s largest amateur beach volleyball tournament. Spectators will enjoy watching over 1,500 teams playing on more than 150 courts. Hood to Coast Relay Race August 25 – 26 | Seaside Known as the Mother of All Relays, teams of runners and walkers tackle the 196-mile-long route from the iconic top of Mt. Hood all the way to the Oregon Coast. Seaside welcomes all the runners, volunteers, and supporters with a beer garden, food, music, and more! Siletz Bay Music Festival September 2023 | Lincoln City Enjoy live music in many genres, from classical and jazz to American songbook. Check back for concert details and tickets. Muttzanita September 9 | Manzanita The whole family – pups included – will love attending this annual dog festival. Muttzanita raises money for local animal rescues who rely solely on donations. Cheer on your favorite furry family member in several contests, competitions, and a parade. Rockaway Beach Kite Festival September 2023 | Rockaway Beach Kids of all ages will enjoy this annual festival where the skies are filled with darting and soaring kites of all colors, shapes and sizes. Come down to the beach and enjoy live music, kite exhibitions, vendors, artisans, and more. Check back for event details. Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival September 23 – 24 | D River State Recreation Site, Lincoln City Marvel at a kaleidoscope sky of dipping and diving kites at this beloved annual festival. Shore Acres Holiday Lights November 24 – December 31 | Shores Acres State Park, Coos Bay Get in the holiday spirit with this stunning display of 325,000 sparkling LED lights, dozens of lighted sculptures and Christmas trees. The beautifully decorated Garden House is open with hot cider, coffee and cookies. Winter Whale Watching Week December – January 2024 | Depoe Bay Winter is one of the best times to watch gray whales as they make their way south to the warmer waters of Mexico. Check back for dates. Book a Stay with Us! Come explore all the fun to be had at the Oregon Coast throughout the year. Meredith Lodging has an amazing Oregon Coast collection of vacation rentals to suit all sizes and budgets. Many of our homes have hot tubs, and are pet-friendly, too! Book today for best availability!
Whether you are planning a getaway to the coast or the high desert, there is beauty in abundance throughout the scenic state of Oregon. Oregon caves are abound all over the state! Enjoy the adventure of discovering the unique beauty of Oregon while exploring these caves: Sea Lion Caves The first on our list of Oregon caves is the Sea Lion Caves in Florence. Kids of all ages will love seeing the Sea Lions lounge about along the shoreline! The Sea Lion Caves is America’s largest sea cave as well as a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. During the winter, visitors can see hundreds of sea lions in the cave, and in the spring and summer months, the sea lions can be seen napping, and basking in the sun on the rocky ledges outside of the cave. The caves are open to the public 363 days of the year, from 9am to 5pm (weather permitting). Reservations are not required to go on their self-guided tour, and tickets can be purchased in the gift shop. Prices: Adults – $16.00 each Seniors – $15.00 each Children 5 to 12 – $10.00 each Children 4 and under – free Explore the Skylight Cave The next on our list of Oregon caves is the Skylight Cave. The Skylight Cave in Sisters is a fun and easy cave adventure the whole family can enjoy! According to forest officials, the cave is actually a lava tube that formed during the eruption of neighboring Sixmile Butte. When the lava cooled, thin portions of the ceiling fell, producing three natural skylights. The cave is only open from May to September to protect the endangered bat population that hibernates inside. In order to see the beams in their full glory, it is recommended to visit in the morning between 8:00 am – 11 am. If you go later, you can still catch one or two beams, but the position of the sun doesn’t allow the light to fully shine through each of the three skylight holes after 11 am. Do keep in mind that on overcast days, the beams will not be visible, so try to plan your visit on a day with clear skies for direct sunlight. To enter the cave, visitors will descend down a small, sturdy metal ladder. If you head left, you will find the skylights after about 300 feet. If you turn right, there is about 900 feet of cave to explore, but ultimately it dead ends. The cave temperature is 40 degrees in the summer, so warm clothing is recommended. Wear good walking or hiking shoes, as the trail surface can be uneven and slippery. Bring a light source, and make sure to thoroughly clean off your shoes if you’re going to other caves on the same day. White-nose syndrome – a fungus that’s potentially spread by humans carrying it in from other caves, can be fatal to bats. Devil’s Punchbowl Next up on our list of Oregon caves is the Devil’s Punchbowl. Once a sea cave, the pounding persistent waves of the mighty Pacific Ocean caused the roof to collapse, forming one of Oregon’s most well-known, natural attractions. Situated between Newport and Depoe Bay, the location is easy to reach from Highway 101. Turn onto Otter Crest Loop, and follow the sign for the punch bowl. There is a large parking lot, which also includes a public bathroom. The Devils Punchbowl Trail is one of the best ways to reach the rock formation and is a short and easy 0.8-mile out and back route. This upper trail will take you from the parking lot to the viewing area where you can marvel at this natural phenomenon. You can also venture directly into the punchbowl at low tide, but conditions can change quickly, and we recommend taking extreme precautions. Boyd Cave Boyd Cave is the next cave on our list of Oregon caves. It is a roughly 1,880-foot-long lava tube cave estimated to have been formed about 10,000 years ago. It’s located about 12 miles from Bend, and is one of the largest and best-preserved caves in the region boasting dynamic basalt and pahoehoe formation. Bring a flashlight and wear layers, as temperatures drop dramatically inside the cave. Arnold Ice Cave If you’re feeling brave and ready to explore, take a trip just 12 miles southeast of Bend to the extraordinary Arnold Ice Cave. You’ll find yourself deep in Central Oregon’s wilderness off China Hat Road surrounded by sagebrush, juniper trees, and ponderosa pines guarding an incredible volcanic underworld that was crafted about 80 thousand years ago thanks to a basalt lava flow. The awe-inspiring caverns nestled within the northern summit of Newberry Volcano are known to harbor ancient Native American artifacts that have been dated all the way back to 1370 A.D. Once referred to as “Crook County Ice Caves,” Ronald Greeley, an explorer for Oregon’s Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, christened them with their current moniker following extensive examination of these lava tubes’ remarkable features. Mirroring the nearby and well-traveled Lava River Cave (5,466 feet long), these lava tubes were formed when the top layer of a molten flow came into contact with air. As this outer crust cooled down from temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit to solidify, hotter liquid lava underneath continued steadily flowing like a river beneath it. When all the magma eventually drained away through time what remained was an empty tube in place. Oregon Caves National Monument Our last cave on our list of Oregon caves is the Oregon Caves National Monument. Come discover and explore a labyrinth of marble passageways deep within the Siskiyou Mountains with a ranger guide. The tour lasts 90 minutes and is limited to 12 people. Currently tours are available 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday through Monday until Sunday, November 6, 2022 Same day tickets: First come, first served tickets are available at park visitor centers. It is strongly recommended to stop at the Illinois
