Yaquina River

This canyon is a surprising gem, outdoing many others in the Oregon Coast Range canyons (ex: Parker Creek). It's short and sweet with 3-4 rappels. The Yaquina runs from its headwaters just upstream of this section all the way to the Pacific Ocean, near Newport. The creek likely runs high during the spring, but drops to become beginner-friendly about June to July. Visit earlier in the season if you like higher water.

From the gate, hike down the road about 0.9mi to another junction. Turn right here for a final 0.2mi down the hill to a bridge crossing Yaquina Creek. Drop into the creek below the bridge and head downstream. It takes a few minutes to the first technical obstacle. Creek is surprisingly grippy underfoot.

Head down the creek enjoying the beautiful sections of bedrock.

From the bottom of R4, locate a overgrown vegetated gully DCL. This is exit route. Follow the gully up (easier than it looked in 2022) until a short rock step bars your way. Exit the gully climber's left and do a rising traverse, following elk and deer trails through the jungle, up onto the nose of the ridge. Follow the nose upwards, staying on the crest until you intersect the road above. The bushwhack is strenuous and there are a few steep sections (total gain from the creek: 350ft), but there's plenty of vegetation for handholds. Once on the road, turn left and follow it back down to the bridge. From there, it's a nice mellow hike back up to the gate.