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

 

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

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

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

Video Released by Sheriff Shows Fireworks 'Cannon' That Allegedly Started Was...
19 Sep 2026 at 7:06pm
Video recorded on 4th of July in Washington by the suspects. True crime

Lincoln City in Fall: Second Summer on Oregon Coast, Kites, Brews, Misty Hikes
13 Sep 2026 at 8:32pm
Ale Trail and scenic hiking routes to the city?s popular Exploriences. Lincoln City events

Oregon's Hood to Coast Relay Aug. 28 - 29: Watch for Traffic Issues
26 Aug 2026 at 8:55pm
Highway 202, 101, Hwy 26 near Mt Hood and others impacted. Portland, Astoria, Gresham

The Great Oregon Coast Cleanup - And Rivers and Towns
8 Sep 2026 at 8:58pm
Annual Beach 'n Riverside Cleanup returns September 18 - 27. Astoria events, Seaside events, Cannon Beach events, Manzanita events, Rockaway Beach events, Tillamook events, Oceanside events, Pacific City events, Lincoln City events, Depoe Bay events, Newport events, Waldport events, Yachats events, Florence events, Reedsport events, North Bend events, Coos Bay events, Charleston events, Bandon events, Port Orford events, Gold Beach events, Brookings events

Active Winds Along Oregon Coast, Cascades and Valleys: Touch of a Fall Storm
25 Sep 2026 at 9:22pm
UPDATES: High Wind Advisories in Valley, Gorge. Gale watch along the coast, brief thunderstorms in NW Oregon possible. Weather

South Oregon Coast's Circles in the Sand Lands at Florence for Two Days
14 Sep 2026 at 8:50pm
Florence on October 24 and 25: Heceta Beach gets gigantic art

Fire Restrictions Rescinded on Oregon Coast Federal Forestland - Inland State...
21 Sep 2026 at 9:02pm
No more campfire restrictions on Siuslaw areas, state parks still in place inland. Florence, Yachats, Reedsport, Tillamook, Waldport, Pacific City, Roosevelt Beach, Lane County, Tillamook, Manzanita, Lincoln City

New Oregon Coast Crab Gear Effort Hoping to Cut Back Whale Entanglement
17 Aug 2026 at 8:29pm
Includes a new electronic vessel monitoring requirement for all commercial crab boats. Relaunching gear retrieval program. Sciences

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