Agent Octopus

The tidepools here at Yaquina Head are a rough place, full of danger and mystery. The hot sun shining down, the birds circling overhead, the slippery rocks ready to trip the unwary and unprepared. Only the toughest creatures can survive in this exciting ecosystem. Seals and sea stars, anemones and nudibranchs, all these animals and more can be seen in the pools…but the most elusive of all is... Agent Octopus!
Agent O is a giant Pacific octopus, a large cephalopod that has many versatile “arms” which can be used for all sorts of tricks and techniques. Such flexibility, in more ways than one, allows Agent O survive in such a treacherous ecosystem where anything can happen. Agent O has many unique skills at his disposal when navigating the pools. And he’ll need every trick in his repertoire to find his target… and to prevent anything from taking a bite out of him!
From exploring tide pools teeming with life to witnessing Oregon's tallest lighthouse, there is something for every visitor at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Lighthouse.
But we know it's not always possible to get out there yourself. Our rangers and interpretive specialists put together this playlist of videos to bring information on seabirds, marine life, our lighthouse, and the human history of the headland right to you!
The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area extends out from the Oregon coast, one mile into the Pacific Ocean. Standing 93 feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873.
In the interpretive center, you can see the wheelhouse of an historic ship, check out a recreated rocky island and its inhabitants, and witness a full scale replica of the lighthouse lantern -- all delivered by BLM specialists!