07/28/2026
A Month of Marine Reserves highlights Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve
🌊 Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve is located near .Yachats on the central Oregon Coast, it reaches from the shoreline down to 164 feet deep and sits in a uniquely productive part of the ocean. Here, underwater features like Heceta Bank catch and slow down strong summer currents, trapping nutrient-rich water in the area. This creates a massive boost in food for marine life, supporting a rich and ever-changing ecosystem—though this high activity can sometimes lead to low-oxygen levels in the water. At 14.3 square miles and a depth range of 0-164 ft, this is Oregon’s largest marine reserve!
🐟 Rocky reefs support black rockfish, lingcod, kelp greenling, and abundant invertebrates. Cape Perpetua is the only marine reserve where ODFW scientists have observed brown rockfish. Sandy areas host burrowing species like clams, worms, and flatfish. Intertidal zones at the Cape’s headlands are rich with sea stars, anemones, and algae.
🥾 Visitors can experience the reserve from overlooks along the Cape Perpetua
Scenic Area, hiking trails, and nearby beaches. Tidepooling, wildlife viewing, and ocean recreation are popular activities. Visit oregontidepools.org for tips on how to tidepool responsibly.
🌿 The Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve is supported by the Cape Perpetua Collaborative. This group leads community-based projects, educational programs, and outreach to connect visitors and locals to the coast. Volunteers help foster respect for Oregon’s marine habitats, the land-sea connection, and coastal history, ensuring stewardship of this unique and productive reserve for generations to come. Visit capeperpetuacollaborative.org to learn more and get involved!
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