About Lincoln County

With a coastline that varies from the rocky cliffs near stunning Cape Perpetua on Lincoln County's southern border to the 7 miles of sandy beaches at Lincoln City leading to the northern border at the Salmon River - plus hundreds of miles of navigable rivers, waterfalls, old-growth Douglas fir giants in eternally vernal rainforests, world class dining and thriving art and culture scene - Lincoln County is one of the most popular destinations on the Oregon coast.

Named for President Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln County was created by the Oregon Legislature in 1893 from western portions of Benton and Polk counties. 

The climate is temperate with a short but productive growing season.

Although timber and fishing have been replaced by tourism as the county's largest industry, fisheries still contribute hundreds of millions of dollars to theThe county's commercial fishing fleet is based at the Port of Newport's commercial marina. region's economy. The local commercial fleet is primarily based at the Port of Newport's marinas in Yaquina Bay. The photograph to the right shows boats moored at Port Dock 5 with the iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge in the background.

The south side of the bay, in South Beach by the famous Rogue Brewery, hosts the recreational marina.

Read some fast facts about the local fishing industry. 

Facts About Lincoln County 

  • County Seat
    • Courthouse, 225 W Olive Street, Rm. 201
      Newport 97365

      Phone: 541-265-6611 (General); 541-265-4236 (Court Administrator)
      Fax: 541-265-4950
  • Established
    • February 20, 1893
  • Elev. at Newport
    • 134'
  • Area
    • 992 sq. mi.
  • Average Temp.
    • January 44.4°, July 57.6°
  • Population*
    • 50,583 (2020 census)

*Lincoln County's infrastructure and services support a much greater population than reflected by the number of full-time residents. Newport and Lincoln City can double in population on a busy weekend during tourist season. The county's breathtaking scenery and ample recreational opportunities bring in about 5 million overnight tourists every year.

  • Assessed Value
    • $5,142,317,576
  • Real Market Value
    • $6,465,344,485
  • Annual Precipitation
    • 71.93"
  • Principal Industries
    • Tourism, government, services/retail, forest products and fishing.

Points of Interest

Depoe Bay

Known as "the whale watching capital of the world" and the world's smallest harbor.

Points of Interest:

  • Boiler Bay (1 mile north)
  • Devil's Punch Bowl State Natural Area (5 miles south)
  • Otter Crest Viewpoint (3.5 miles south)
  • Whale Watch Center

Lincoln City

Offers more than 2,000 hotel/motel/bed and breakfast rooms, and resorts as well as the Siletz Tribe's Chinook Winds Casino.

Points of Interest:

  • Connie Hansen Garden Conservancy
  • Devils Lake
  • Cascade Head (north of the city)

Newport

Known as Oregon's oceanography research center, features numerous interpretive centers, Marine Hatfield Science Center, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium, along with a large fishing fleet and working bayfront with restaurants, shops and charter boats.

Nye Beach with a frothy surf, blue skies and Yaquina Head in the background

Points of Interest:

  • Agate Beach (1 mile north)
  • Beverly Beach State Park (7 miles north)
  • Lincoln County Historical Museum
  • Newport Performing and Visual Arts Centers
  • OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center and Interpretive Center
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium
  • South Beach State Park (south of the city)
  • Yaquina Art Center
  • Yaquina Bay State Park and Lighthouse
  • Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area



Siletz

Home of the Administration Center and reservation of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon.

Points of Interest:

  • Hee Hee Ilahee boat ramp on the Siletz River
  • Siletz Tribal facilities.

Toledo

Known as Lincoln County's industrial center and offers antique shops and dining in the downtown area.

Points of Interest:

  • Antique shops and art galleries
  • Historic railroad display

Waldport

Features the Alsea Bay Interpretive Center.

Points of Interest:

  • Alsea Bay Interpretive Center
  • Port of Alsea
  • Seal Rock State Park (4 miles north)
  • Waldport Heritage Museum

Yachats

Known as the "Gem of the Oregon Coast" with a community of artists and writers.

The marine layer rolls in offshore of a spired cliffside home south of Yachats.

Points of Interest:

  • Cape Perpetua Visitors' Center (3 miles south)
  • Devils Churn
  • Thor's Well
  • Cook's Spout