Fishing on the Yachats River offers the opportunity to catch trout and freshwater salmon. Between April and October, people come to catch the sardine-like smelt. Yachats is one of the few ocean beach areas where smelt come ashore to spawn. During the second week of July, Yachats has a tasty smelt fry, where they serve more than 500 lbs. of the silver fish. Cape Perpetua, at 800' elevation, is the highest point on the Oregon Coast.
Visitors can drive two miles past the visitor center to the viewpoint.
On a clear day, you can see a panoramic view of 150 miles of the Oregon coast. There is a short loop trail around the cape summit, which leads back to the visitor center. There are restaurants for every type of budget, ranging from fast foods to specialty gourmet dining. Accomodations include secluded suites to cabins to bed and breakfasts, many of which take advantage of the spectacular views available in the area. Other recreational activities to enjoy include beachcombing, clam digging, hiking and camping.