Yaquina Lighthouses

This letterbox is hidden near the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, easily accessible and an area rich in history (http://www.geocities.com/rscarpen/Lb/US/OR/Coast/Yaquina/history.html). The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest in Oregon, and has been operating continuously since 1873. As many as 30 gray whales per hour can be seen rounding the cape during the right times of year, and plenty of birds are around all year. Bring binoculars! Short trails also lead to a cobble beach and wheelchair accessible "tidepools".

Directions

From Highway 101, drive three miles north of Newport and turn west following signs for Yaquina Head. There is a $5-per-car fee (when I was there) at the headland's entrance. Pick up a map of the area while you're here.

Clue

Find the gravel road that leads up to Communication Hill. The road is gated, so park at a pullout near the gate. Then start hiking up. Keep your eyes open for a tree that's taller than you about 80 steps from the gate. Search the base of the second 'tall' tree you find, which is where the letterbox is, covered with small rocks. Please replace the box under the rocks, since I've heard strong winds (over 100 mph) are not uncommon here, and we don't want the box blowing away!

Update: The trees have grown significantly since the box was planted, and it's not easy to reach the box anymore! But take heart—at last check, the box IS still there, deep under the fast-growing tree! =)

Another Update: One finder reported that their car parked at the gate was about to be towed away when they got back! You might want to park at the interpretive center if you want to make sure your car doesn't get towed, even though there were NO SIGNS prohibiting cars from parking at the pullout. (As long as you don't block the gate entrance, of course.)

Hike Length: 0.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 50 feet