The Oregon Coast is certainly one of the most suggestive in all the United States, even if it is not particularly beaten by tourist routes. To add charm to the coasts that overlook the Pacific Ocean there are the inevitable lighthouses that will allow you to take unforgettable photos.
A bit like the lighthouses of New England, here too, it is worth taking some time out from your itinerary along the American west coast to visit these picturesque places in a context where nature is still almost uncontaminated.
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Oregon Coast Lighthouses Map
Cape Meares Lighthouse
First lit in 1890, over the years it was managed by families until the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department took over the now inactive lighthouse area. It’s the shortest lighthouse in all of Oregon (only 12 feet high), and that’s perhaps what helps make it particularly fascinating.
- Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m
- Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (extended weekend hours apply during June, July and August only)
In the event of bad weather, the lighthouse will be closed, however, please check the official website in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to the famous Octopus Tree, technically a huge, peculiar-shaped Sitka spruce tree that resembles a giant upside-down octopus. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to see some great views of the coastline and the Three Arch Rocks from the vantage points near the parking lot.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
From one of the shortest lighthouses, we move on to the lighthouse which, at nearly 100 feet tall, is known to be the tallest along the entire Oregon coast. After being built in Paris, and transported to Oregon, it began operations in 1873 and continues to this day with its maritime signaling work. It is located north of Newport within the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area which, as you might guess from the name, offers unique views to those who come here.
- Winter season (November through June): only 16 people per tour. In order to reserve your place, you will have to go to the interpretive center from 10 a.m. (the opening time) where the number of tours available each day is displayed, according to staff numbers.
- Summer season (July to September): tours depart daily and you can book more conveniently three months in advance through this website.
In the event of bad weather, tours will not be possible. Tours are approximately 45 minutes long, and to enter the park, you will need to pay a ticket that costs $7 per vehicle. If you have an America The Beautiful parks pass, you can enter for free even if the area is not managed by the National Park Service.
However, please check with the Bureau of Land Management, which manages the park, for any changes in the program at this link. Fun fact: this lighthouse was used for the horror movie The Ring as a location for the Moesko Island Lighthouse.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
One of the most popular and photographed lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Used since 1894, it attracts many tourists looking for the perfect souvenir photo each year, due to its architecture and surroundings. The lighthouse, now fully automated, is also famous because it is the most “powerful” in the state. Its light in fact can be seen 20 miles off shore.
The building that was once the keeper’s house is now Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast which competes for the record of one of the most spiritually haunted places in the nation. In fact, the legend says that the tortured soul of Rue, the wife of one of the lighthouse keepers, still wanders the rooms of this house. Her arrival would be anticipated by a strong scent of flowers appearing from nowhere.
- from June to September: daily from 11am to 5pm
- from March to May and for the month of October: Friday to Monday from 11 am to 3 pm
- from November to February: depending on weather conditions
You can check the official website for any schedule changes. A $5 payment is required when parking your car and you will need to leave the receipt on your dashboard as proof of payment.
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Umpqua River Lighthouse
This lighthouse is known to give visitors two reasons to visit it at two different times of the day. During the day, you can visit the lighthouse itself, while in the evening, the spectacular play of light is the main attraction. The Umpqua River Lighthouse emits a particular red and white light that is reflected on the nearby trees and thus creates a particularly suggestive atmosphere.
A historical fun fact: this was the first lighthouse along the Oregon coast. Its construction dates back to 1857 but unfortunately a phenomenon of erosion, due to the river that flowed nearby, caused its complete destruction only a few years later in 1861. The lighthouse you see today is the one that was rebuilt in 1894. Unlike all the others, it was placed inland and not close to the coast. That’s why today the Umpqua River Lighthouse no longer serves as a naval signal but only as a historical location.
During the off-season there are special openings, usually on weekends, but please check the official website to be sure.
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Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Built in 1870 on a beautiful headland at the westernmost point of the Oregon coast, from where you can dominate the entire surrounding area. Today it is part of Cape Blanco State Park and is one of the best spots in this area for whale watching.
Coming from the north you will have to pass the small cluster of houses in Sixes and after about 1 mile, you will come to the junction with the Cape Blanco Road.
Tours cost $2 for ages 16 and up, while they are free for those under this age group.
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The other lighthouses
Obviously the lighthouses included in this article are not the only ones along the Oregon coast. Describing them all, however, would have been an almost impossible task, so in addition to the five already mentioned, you will find many others. As an example, there is the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, not open to the public, which is located on a small island off Seaside, as well as the lighthouse of Cape Arago built off Gregory Point, also not open to the public. One of the most particular from an implementation point of view is certainly Yaquina Bay Lighthouse where the lighthouse itself is part of the same housing structure.