Stay Eat Events Weather Beaches


Rugged Central Oregon Coast This Summer: Guided Pontoon Boat, Tidepool and Cascade Head Tours

Published 05/21/25 at 7:55 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – Just north of Lincoln City, where the Salmon River weaves its way around three large rocks on its way out to sea, there's a very unique spot for Oregon. Cascade Head and a stretch of land and waterways around it are known as the Cascade Head Biosphere – one of only about 750 biosphere regions as designated by UNESCO. (Photo CHBC)

Latest Coastal Lodging News Alerts
In Seaside:
Includes exclusive listings; some specials in winter
In Cannon Beach:
Includes rentals not listed anywhere else
In Manzanita, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Pacific City, Oceanside:
Some specials for winter
In Lincoln City:
Some specials for winter
In Depoe Bay, Gleneden Beach:
Some specials for winter
In Newport:
Look for some specials
In Waldport
Some specials for winter
In Yachats, Florence
Some specials for winter
Southern Oregon Coast Hotels / Lodgings
Reedsport to Brookings, places to stay; winter deals

At the helm of this area is the Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative (CHBC), which oversees some of its preservation and promotes education on this subject in various ways. Some of those include a lot of serious fun on the Oregon coast.

This summer, the group puts together a variety of gatherings and activities on the central coast, which can take you to some truly secret spots to diving into what's happening in those tidepools at Lincoln City.

On Sunday, June 15, the CHBC presents the Salmon River Estuary Tours. These guided pontoon boat tours provide a chance to experience the estuary up close. Three tour times are available - 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. - departing from Knight Park (2341 North 3 Rocks Rd, Otis). Tickets are $20 per person.

Guests will board a US Coast Guard-certified pontoon boat for a 45-minute guided journey, led by experienced naturalists. The tour highlights the estuary’s biodiversity, unique geology, and cultural significance, offering insight into its place within the UNESCO Cascade Head Biosphere Region.


Photo CHBC

"Please note that space is limited, and tours will depart promptly at their scheduled times," the group said. "Unclaimed spots may be offered to standby guests. Due to scheduling constraints, refunds or exchanges cannot be provided for missed tours."

CHBC introduces a new initiative for 2025 - the Biosphere Beach Ambassador program. Scientist and documentarian Josh Havelind will serve as the program’s public representative throughout the summer.

Havelind will be stationed at the tidepools near NW 15th Street beach access in Lincoln City, one hour before and after low tide events. He will answer questions, share insights about the Cascade Head Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas, and offer ways to help preserve Oregon’s coastal ecosystems.

Dates & Low Tides:

Friday, May 23 – 3:50 PM (-0.98’)
Sunday, June 1 – 12:00 PM (-0.45’)
Saturday, June 14 – 9:54 AM (-0.81’)
Saturday, July 12 – 9:00 AM (-0.91’)
Saturday, August 9 – 8:15 AM (-0.74’)
Sunday, Sept 7 – 7:25 AM (-0.35’)
Sunday, Sept 14 – 12:00 PM (2.0’)

Whether you’re an avid tidepool enthusiast or just curious about marine life, this will be an engaging and educational outdoor experience.

The Cascade Head Biosphere Explorience returns this season through a continued partnership with Explore Lincoln City and local newcomer Christina Pasca.

Pasca will lead 90-minute walking tours through Oregon’s only UNESCO Biosphere Region, providing a broad historical perspective on the area spanning 10,000 years. Visitors will learn about the diverse flora, fauna, and geology, explore conservation efforts along the Salmon River, and gain insight into the history of the Nechesne peoples, the land’s earliest inhabitants.

All tours begin at 10:30 a.m. on the following dates:

Saturday, May 24, 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Friday, September 5, 2025
Saturday, September 13, 2025

For complete details on events and activities, visit https://www.cascadehead.org.

Hotels in Lincoln City - Where to eat - Lincoln City Maps and Virtual Tours



MORE PHOTOS BELOW






OREGON COAST HOTEL REVIEWS (hit refresh to see different reviews)

April Gets Even Cheaper Midweek at Depoe Bay, Lincoln City: Oregon Coast Deals
Off-season rates plus more at Keystone Vacation Rentals. Depoe Bay lodging specials, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Newport hotel reviews

A Less Expensive May in Newport: Handful of Oregon Coast Inns Still Offering ...
Inn at Nye Beach, Nye Beach Cottages, Ocean House BnB: Newport hotel specials. Newport hotel reviews

Lincoln City's Looking Glass Inn Has One Serious View to Oregon Coast Wilds a...
Overlooking Siletz Bay, views to some crazy storm action and harbor seals. Lincoln City lodging, hotel reviews

New Expansive Vacation Home on Oregon Coast Soars to Where Neskowin Meets the...
5 bedrooms, 600 ft of deck and a sauna so fire. Pacific City hotel reviews, hotel news, Neskowin hotels, vacation rentals, Lincoln City hotel reviews, Rockaway Beach hotel reviews



 

More About Oregon Coast hotels, lodging.....

More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining.....


Coastal Spotlight


Washington Coast / Oregon Coast Articles (stories are random: hit reload to see different articles)

Washington Coast Cleanup on April 19 - Coinciding with Oregon Coast's SOLVE E...
From the Puget Sound to Long Beach, alongside Oregon's cleanup. Washington coast events, Seaside events

Oregon Officials: What Not to Do Building Campfires on Coast, in Forests
Guidelines slightly different for coast vs inland. Weather

Oregon History This Week: State Capitol Burned Down in '35, Second Time in 80...
April 25, 1935 was the second fire of the Salem landmark, and both are still unexplained

Whale Body Parts Found on Oregon Coast - Two Whales Strand on Washington Coast
One was a rare orca find; both suspected human interaction. Marine sciences

Oregon's Tillamook Coast Hosts Rigorous Kayaking, Hiking Events in May
Netarts events May 17 and 31; Manzanita events May 14

Volunteers Needed for Garden Near Coos Bay: Help Out Oregon Coast Landmark at...
Inviting everyone to roll up their sleeves and join its Garden Volunteer Days. Coos Bay events, south coast events

Two Oregon Coast Gigs Bring Fiddle Virtuosos and a Local Composer to Newport
Milo Graamans on May 13 at a special benefit; Fiddle Express on May 16. Newport events

Oregon Coast Hiking Hotspot Closes Briefly: Saddle Mountain Near Seaside, Hwy...
Closure from May 6 to 10, some lane closures on Hwy 26. Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Astoria


Back to Oregon Coast

Contact Advertise on Oregon Coast Beach Connection
All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright © Oregon Coast Beach Connection. Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted