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)

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.

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