Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Heceta Head Lighthouse
View of Heceta Head Lighthouse from the Sea Lion Caves
Sea Lion
Florence, Oregon
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Oregon Coast Tour-Eugene

(5)
Eugene, United States
Bus & Minivan ToursSightseeing ToursNature ToursSafari & Wildlife
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About this activity

Experience the rugged beauty of Oregon's central coast on an 8.5-hour small-group tour from Eugene, featuring sea lion caves, a historic working lighthouse, and dramatic clifftop scenery. Travel by comfortable Sprinter Van with multiple stops for photography, short walks, and fresh local seafood.

After pickup from one of three meet-points travel by Sprinter Van to the Sea Lion Caves which is a privately owned wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary (since 1932) centrally located just 11 miles north of Florence on the beautiful and rugged Oregon Coast. We will also stop at Heceta Head Lighthouse this is a working lighthouse. From a height of 205 feet above the ocean, its “first order” Fresnel lens, casts it’s beams some 21 miles out to sea. It is the brightest light on the Oregon coast. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. You will have the option to walk the short 1/2 mile trail (150 feet gain) up to the lighthouse, walk on the beach, walk under the Historic McCullough Cape Creek Bridge, or just sit and listen to the rhythmic waves and take in the sea mist of the Pacific Ocean.  
Next we will visit Yachats where you will have several dining options to enjoy lunch along with galleries, boutiques and coffee shops or maybe a little ice cream is in order! If seafood is what you came for, it does not get any fresher from several local restaurants purchasing from local fishermen taking pride in the catch of the day. 

With Yachats being our turn around point, you will now be even more impressed with the vistas as we make our way South to Florence. There will be several stopping opportunities for pictures, short walks, beaches and dramatic geologic formations that may include (all weather permitting):

DEVILS CHURN
CAPE PERPETUA
COOKS CHASM
THORS WELL
BOB CREEK or OCEAN BEACH

Finally we will visit Florence and  the Historic Old Town district of this inland coastal village originally built on docks lining the Siuslaw river banks. With Florence’s long time logging and fishing history, it was positioned perfectly between the coastal forest range and the Pacific ocean, taking advantage of the easy river access. Florence and the Siuslaw river is the Northern border of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spanning 40 miles (60 km) south along the Pacific with dunes as high as 500 feet (150 m). The Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand that is the result of millions of years of wind and rain erosion on the Oregon Coast. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. The dunes provide numerous recreational opportunities including off-road vehicle use, hiking, photography, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping.

Return to Eugene. 

Highlights

  • Sea Lion Caves—America's largest sea cave and wildlife sanctuary (operating since 1932)
  • Heceta Head Lighthouse—the brightest on the Oregon coast, set 205 feet above the ocean with views up to 21 miles
  • Optional half-mile trail hike to lighthouse with 150-foot elevation gain
  • Yachats village stop for fresh-caught seafood lunch and local shopping
  • Coastal drives with stops at Devils Churn, Cape Perpetua, and Cooks Chasm (weather permitting)

Insider tips

  • Book the lighthouse hike early in the tour if you plan to walk; the trail is short but offers the best vantage point for photography
  • Time lunch in Yachats for midday—local fisheries supply restaurants with catch-of-the-day seafood
  • Bring layers and a windbreaker; coastal winds are constant and temperatures drop near the water, even in summer
  • The return drive south from Yachats showcases the most dramatic scenery; sit on the ocean-facing side of the van

Good to know

  • Pickup from one of three Eugene meet-points; confirm your exact location when booking
  • Total duration is 8.5 hours including all stops and travel time
  • Lighthouse trail is optional with 150 feet elevation gain over 0.5 miles—manageable for most fitness levels but not suitable for those with significant mobility restrictions
  • Stops at Devils Churn, Cape Perpetua, and Cooks Chasm are weather-dependent; coastal closures may apply in storms
  • Small-group Sprinter Van ensures access to narrow coastal roads and intimate viewing experiences

Who it's for

Nature lovers seeking dramatic coastal geology and wildlife encountersPhotography enthusiasts wanting iconic lighthouse and seascape shotsFood-focused travellers drawn to fresh seafood and local diningSmall-group tour preferences who want more personalized stops and flexibility than larger coach tours

Best time to visit

Visit May through September for stable weather, optimal lighthouse visibility, and calm sea conditions. Morning departures allow afternoon exploration of Yachats village and return drive in good light.

Frequently asked questions

Available
From€1,319
per person