Yaquina Bay Loop
About
The clockwise route described on this page begins in Newport and features Yaquina Bay Road and the "Backdoor to Newport route."
Distance and elevation gain: 40 miles, +3400'
Disclaimer
The "Backdoor to Newport" segment of this route crosses land owned by several private timber companies. One of them requires a free permit (see below). As of September 2021, there were not any "no trespassing signs" along this route. The author of this website encourages compliance with the policies of private landowners and federal, state, and local laws and does not condone illegal trespassing. Please refer to the terms of use for information on this website. If you do not want to use the "Backdoor" segment of this route, you can use North Beaver Creek Road and Hwy 101.
Required permit
Emery Investments owns the land on the "Backdoor" segment of this route from the gate near the Oregon Coast Community College to about 3.2 miles south on Road 200. The Wilder Mountain Bike Trails are on this land. Emery requires that visitors obtain a free permit for access which will be issued upon their receipt of an email that includes a photo of your driver's license (permits@eenw.com).
Directions
From the Newport Bayfront follow Yaquina Bay Road for 13 miles to Toledo. Head south on South Bay Road and 1000 Line Road. Head west on North Beaver Creek Road. Turn north on Wolkau Road to begin the "Backdoor to Newport" route. This section requires a free permit (see below). After 1.5 miles, turn left onto an unnamed road and continue 1.1 miles to what may look like a dead end. Continue on a single track trail for about a tenth of a mile to rejoin a logging road. Continue north for 1.3 miles to a gate and a four way intersection. Continue north via Road 200 for about 4.4 miles to the South Beach area of Newport. You will emerge from the final gate onto pavement on SE Harborton Street near the Oregon Coast Community College and the Wolf Tree Brewery Taproom. Cross the Yaquina Bay Bridge and head east to return to the Newport Bayfront.
Camping is available at South Beach State Park (location map) and dispersed camping in the Siuslaw National Forest. Lodging is available in Newport.
About the Backdoor to Newport Route
The primary C2C bicycle route arrives at the coast at Ona Beach, which is about 7 miles south of the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport. The obvious way to get from Ona Beach to Newport is on Hwy 101. But that would be boring and you'd have to contend with a constant stream of traffic passing by your left shoulder. What if there was a way to get to Newport without getting on 101? Fortunately, there is!
This route follows the primary C2C bicycle route for almost 20 miles. When the route reaches Wolkau Road, it diverges from the C2C route and heads north on a gravel road. Along the way, you will see dramatic views of Yaquina Bay and even get to ride a bit of single track trail. This route is far more exciting and scenic than Hwy 101!
Please see the disclaimer about this route above.
