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Newport is a charming coastal city located in Lincoln County, along Oregon’s western shore. It sits right on the edge of Yaquina Bay, a popular tourist destination and an important estuary in the region. Newport, Oregon, is known for its history, crab, beautiful beaches, nature parks, and mild weather, making it the perfect place to visit.
There are many parks around Newport, Oregon, including two gorgeous state parks and many other local parks. So whether you are visiting Newport, Oregon, for a weekend or a few weeks, keep reading to learn more about the best nature parks nearby.
Newport, Oregon Parks, and Trails
Newport, Oregon, is home to both a large state park and many smaller local parks. Most of the parks in Newport, Oregon have no cost of entry and are open year-round; however, donations are appreciated.
Yaquina Bay State Park
Cost of Admission: Free, but donations are greatly appreciated
Home of the historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay State Park is located at the north tip of Yaquina Bay. This bluff park boasts multiple walking and hiking trails and gorgeous views of the bay and Yaquina Bay Bridge, connecting Newport to South Beach, Oregon.
The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is the superstar of the park. It is the only historic wooden lighthouse in Oregon still standing and the only Oregon lighthouse with living quarters still attached.
There are multiple trails throughout this park, including a half-mile popular loop to the beach, perfect for beachcombing, and lighthouse, and featuring a lovely view of Yaquina Bay Bridge.
Yaquina Bay State Park is open for day-use only, but there are multiple short-term rental options nearby.
Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail
Cost of Admission: Free
The Yaquina Bay Estuary Trail runs between two great local attractions in Newport and South Beach, Oregon: the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center. This half-mile path offers beautiful overlooks along the marshlands.
This trail is great for kids and adults alike, as educational signs lead you through the unique flora and fauna found in the Pacific Northwest. For bird lovers and watchers, an excellent time to visit is during low tide, when the clams, crabs, and other tasty critters are exposed in the mudflats, and it is the birds’ time to feast.
You may also encounter other beautiful wildlife on this trail, such as brush rabbits, bald eagles, Douglas’s squirrels, and rough-skinned newts.
Agate Beach State Recreation Site
Cost of Admission: Free
Agate Beach is perfect for beachcombing and surfing as well as clamming and is open year-round. Even though it has a new parking lot, it is not as well-known and is a quiet spot to access the beach.
Agate Beach is also a unique spot in Lincoln County, which is naturally protected from the wind by Yaquina Head, a narrow headland.
Mike Miller Educational Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Mike Miller State Park is a 45-acre park on the south side of Newport that features a unique forest, the Northwest Coast Sitka Spruce forest, and a great educational walking trail. This outstanding natural area has a well-maintained tree a little over a mile in length and takes about an hour to complete.
The unique Pacific Northwest forest located in the park features beautiful Sitka Spruce trees, Western Hemlock trees, Douglas Fir trees, and Coastal Pine trees.
Mombetsu Sister City Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Mombetsu Sister City Park is a small half-acre Japanese garden located in the heart of Newport. A peaceful spot, this is a gem in the city and an excellent place for quiet reflection.
Don Davis Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Don Davis Park is a 2 acre Newport Oregon state park with gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. Because this park lies on a bluff and has a covered gazebo, its viewing points are excellent for whale-watching and picturesque ocean sunsets.
Don Davis Park is a beautiful spot to access the beach as well as watch for wildlife. Many marine mammals, such as gray whales, harbor seals, and sea lions, are found from this perfect viewpoint. If you’re lucky and visit on a good clear day, you can sometimes see orcas or harbor porpoises!
Coast Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Coast Park is Newport’s newest park. It is an excellent spot for kids and families, as it features a wonderful recreation area with a playground with unique equipment like a fun shipwreck play area and a very tall slide. This park is close to the beach and is perfect for a seaside picnic or a fun place to let your children play!
Big Creek Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Big Creek Park is a 2.5 acre Newport Oregon park that hosts playground facilities and plenty of spots for a picnic or cookout.
A popular hike through this part, the Big Creek-Forest Park Hike, leads you through a trail between two distinct ecosystems: a swampy coastal creek and a sitka spruce forest. It is an easy hike that is family-friendly.
Literacy Park
Cost of Admission: Free
Located in the middle of Newport, Literacy Park is a perfect greenery getaway. This quaint, quiet park is an ideal spot to rest during a busy day or take some time to relax. It is a small, one-acre Newport Oregon Park that is located right behind the public library.
There are also fun events that take place occasionally in this park, such as Song in the Park, where local chorus groups come and perform. It has also hosted a drum circle and other live music in the past.
So what are you waiting for? Borrow a book and head outside to enjoy some reading in the fresh Oregon air!
South Beach Oregon Parks, and Trails
Just a stone’s throw away, about a mile south of Newport, lies the small town of South Beach. Similar to Newport, it is also known for its beauty and outdoor attractions, including excellent nearby nature parks.
South Beach State Park
Cost of Admission: Free, but donations are greatly appreciated
South Beach State Park is a popular beach park that boasts beautiful walking, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding trails. They are also open for both day use, and campers are welcome here, as there are multiple campsites and RV park, although the campgrounds and RV park require paid reservations.
There are three main trails at South Beach State Park that are popular for hikes. The South Jetty and Old Jetty trails lead you through forests and dunes to the beach. These trails are about two miles long. The South Jetty trail is paved while the Old Jetty trail is unpaved, but both end at South Jetty.
Another two-mile trail option is Cooper Ridge Nature Trail. This is a loop that leads you through the forest and around the edge of the park.
Wilder Twin Park
Wilder Twin Park is located in the Wilder Community of South Beach, Oregon. This recreation site has beautiful beach access and well-maintained trails. In addition, it is considered a very nice spot for walking.
Wilder Twin Park also has a playground, dog park, and disc golf course.
To Wrap Up
There are many Newport, Oregon parks to explore. These parks are great for children and adults alike, perfect for a family trip or an adults’ only getaway. So, if you are an avid nature lover and are looking for the perfect outdoorsy getaway, it may be time to plan your vacation to Newport now.
