Winema Wayfinding Point or Pacific Crest Wayside: an Oregon Coast Puzzle

Published 05/07/25 at 9:05 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Neskowin, Oregon) – Whatever it is actually called, and whatever its purpose ultimately is, for right now that's up to those who venture here. In the end, it is simply a little Oregon coast wonder, and one of those rare viewpoints along Highway 101 that are kind of a hidden spot. (All photos Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Well, it's hiding in plain sight, anyway.

It seems it goes by two names: Winema Wayfinding Point and Pacific Crest Wayside. A sizable pullout in between Neskowin and Pacific City, there's a lot of parking for an area that's almost never full of people. Stone walls line the viewpoint, where an ocean view lies just beyond a small forest and glimpses of a Christian camp facility. It isn't the most exciting view on this coastline, but it still has a resounding beauty. And there's surprisingly a lot to see here.

Then there's that head-scratcher of its duel names.

Which is the official title of this spot is a bit hard to discern. There's a plaque there saying “Pacific Crest Wayside” and Google Maps lists it under that name as well. However, in much bigger letters are the two stone, round walls that say Winema Wayfinding Point. That can even be seen from the highway, whereas the plaque is small.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) told Oregon Coast Beach Connection the place is listed on their maps as Winema Wayfinding Point. Tillamook Coast Visitors Association (also known as Visit Tillamook Coast) executive director Nan Devlin said it's always been considered Winema Wayfinding Point to them.

What is likely the case is that Pacific Crest Wayside is a name given to the larger area, possibly only in the last 20 years or so. Winema Wayfinding Point is inside the Wayside. If there is an actual state designation for either is as yet unclear: those details are not online. No state or county official knew for certain.

The plaque reads “WC Stewart - Pacific Crest Wayside – in honor of - Audra Venetta Kirkwold - with love from her family.”

The wayfinding point has an array of different signs on it, acting as a kind of travel guide. There's maps and directions to other attractions on the north and central Oregon coast, phone numbers for visitors centers, and large lists of activities in the area you can engage in. There's a lot of “Things To Do” printed.

Indeed, the place is a true wayfinding point: all those directions and maps can center you or point you the right way. However, much of that was built before the internet took over.

In any case, the stone walls emanate an interesting and comforting atmosphere. They're a bit of a coastal curiosity.

There's more on all this at the Lincoln City / Neskowin Virtual Tour.

Perhaps the most important thing about Winema Wayfinding Point and Pacific Crest Wayside is that it's all a short hop to Winema Road: a truly funky little hidden spot on the north coast. [Winema Beach Big Blob] There, you'll also find a curious seastack at the tideline that looks a but like the mini-me of Pacific City's Haystack Rock just north of here.

If that name confuses you, there are three such Haystack Rocks on the coast: Bandon, Pacific City and Cannon Beach.

Speaking of names: Wi-Ne-Ma was the name of a famed Modoc tribe woman born in the 1840s in Oregon, who helped white settlers as a translator, among other accomplishments. This name being found on the coast is rather curious because she was from central Oregon, with the Winema National Forest near Klamath Falls named after her.

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

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

 

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