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Seal Rock
Newport and Vicinity
Hike This Place
GPS Coordinates: 44.4969798, -124.0853887
REGIONS > CENTRAL OREGON COAST > NEWPORT AND VICINITY

​Seal Rock is a state park located approximately 10 miles (16 km) south of Newport. A series of spectacular rock formations offshore — including a crest-like formation known as “Elephant Rock” — make the area a perfect stop for photographers. These geological formations were part of a massive lava flow which covered much of the state starting about 15 million years ago. Persistent erosionby rain, wind and wave action have subsequently carved the volcanic basalt into unusual shapes referred to as “sea stacks” (islands).

​As the park’s name implies, this is a haul-out area for marine mammals such as harbor seals and California sea lions. Extensive tide pools are located along the beach to the south of the main parking lot and seabirds like brown pelicans, pelagic cormorants, common murres and black oystercatchers can be spotted on the rocks nearby. There are restrooms and short hiking paths at the top of the cliffs overlooking the beach.

Exploring the Seal Rock Area:

Highway Oregon 20
Oregon Coast Highway 101
Landmark Place: Oregon Coast Aquarium
Pristine Laboratory: Oregon Island Refuge
Landmark Place: Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
Yaquina Bay
Newport and Vicinity

Representative Species of Seal Rock:

Brown pelican
Gumboot chiton
Salal
Salal
Bull kelp
Kelp crab
Sea lettuce
Sea lettuce
California mussel
Leather star
Sea rocket
Sea rocket
Feather boa kelp
Red rock crab
Silverweed
Silverweed

Suggested Activities for the Seal Rock Area:

Art
Conservation Projects
Wildlife Spotting
Beachcombing
Hiking
Citizen Science
Photography and Video
Climate Change Action
Tidepooling
Picture
Picture
About Oceanscape
The Oregon Coast Aquarium's Oceanscape Network is an educational program for youth designed to inspire curiosity in science, nature, conservation and outdoor exploration while providing valuable classroom resources for educators. MORE.
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2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon 97365
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