Photo: Sam Beebe, Ecotrust / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Yachats is one of the smallest incorporated towns on the Oregon coast, but in summer its main street fills with visitors heading to Cape Perpetua, the tide pools and the town’s restaurants and galleries.
A seasonal swing
Like most coast towns, Yachats sees much of its trade in summer and on holiday weekends. Owners plan around that swing, building up savings in busy months and cutting hours when the crowds thin out.
Local markets
A seasonal farmers market gives growers, bakers and artisans a regular place to sell, and it draws both residents and visitors. For many small producers, markets like this are their main sales channel.
The pull of Cape Perpetua
Just south of town, Cape Perpetua’s trails, viewpoints and features such as Thor’s Well bring in visitors year-round, and many of them pass through Yachats for food and a place to stay. That steady flow helps keep small businesses open through the quiet months.
Silas Kerrigan covers business, the tourism economy and household finance in Lincoln County.
