GPS Coordinates: 44.7373786, -124.0842022

REGIONS > CENTRAL OREGON COAST > NEWPORT AND VICINITY

Otter Rock is a small island located between Devil’s Punchbowl State Park and Beverly Beach State Park, north of the town of Newport. It is part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and used extensively by native birds for breeding and nesting purposes.

The rock is located 0.5 miles mile (0.8 km) offshore and was once a haul out area for sea otters prior to their extirpation in the early twentieth century. Today, it is still used by other marine mammals including California sea lions and harbor seals. The area was nicknamed “the Waikiki of Oregon” during the last century due to its reputation for excellent surfing.

The island also lends its name to the Otter Rock Marine Reserve, one of five protected areas along the Oregon coast set aside for scientific research and conservation efforts.

Related Features: Marine Reserves: Sanctuaries for Science | Broken Chain: Sea Otters and Kelp Forests

Exploring the Otter Rock Area:

Representative Species of Beverly Beach:

Suggested Activities for the Beverly Beach Area: