Standing as a testament to the past, Oregon’s lighthouses are towering monuments that pay homage to the old days of commercial fishing, shipping and trade. Built along estuaries and prominent headlands, the lighthouse greeted sea-faring men as they stepped off ships and into the corridors of maritime history.
Modern technology made most of the lighthouses at the Oregon coast moot, but the endearing charm remains. Largely built between 1870 and 1896, there’s a lot of history to wrap your head around. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting the iconic lighthouses in Oregon. Hope you enjoy!
Quick History Lesson: Oregon Coast Lighthouses
There are currently 11 lighthouses at the Oregon Coast (9 public and 2 private). As mentioned, most of the lighthouses in Oregon were constructed between 1870 and 1896 to support shipping and fishing along the rugged coastline. Since 1939, all functioning Oregon Coast lighthouses are managed by the U.S. Coast Guard.
In an effort to streamline the functions of these important structures, the US Coast Guard installed automated beacons and transferred the lighthouse management to local government agencies in the 1960s.
Today, seven lighthouses are open to the public (and get toured by 2.5 million people a year). In this article, I’ll make sure to clearly identify the Oregon coast lighthouses you can and can’t visit.
Oregon Lighthouses (Open to the Public)
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Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in the country. How cool is that?
First illuminated in 1894, this monolithic lighthouse sits 205 feet above sea level and casts light 22 miles out sea, making it the strongest lighthouse on the Oregon coast.
Heceta Head Lighthouse is open to the public for self-guide tours year-round, staffing and weather dependent. Reaching the lighthouse requires a half-mile uphill hike that starts at the parking lot and passes the light keeper’s house (which has been converted into a cozy bed-and-breakfast).
Heceta Head Lighthouse Parking: There’s a $5 per vehicle day use fee. However, there’s no admission to tour the lighthouse.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Tallest Lighthouse in Oregon)
Sitting 162 feet above sea level and boasting a 93-foot tower, Yaquina (yah-kwih-nah) Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. Illuminated in 1873, Yaquina Head Lighthouse replaced Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (which I’ll cover shortly).
Constructing the lighthouse was no easy feat, largely due to the precarious location and rocky terrain. This Oregon lighthouse dates back 150 years but is still being used for navigation to this day. The light is so powerful it can be seen 19 miles out to sea! In 1966, the kerosene lamp was replaced with a powerful automated electric light.
Touring Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of the most visited lighthouses at the Oregon coast. The interpretive center is open daily from 10am to 4pm and tours are available daily in July and August only.
Visitors can tour the lighthouse with an interpretive guide, but advanced reservations are strongly recommended (they’re known to book out 90 days in advance). The tour gives you an opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse for unparalleled views of the formidable ocean.
Worth knowing: This Oregon coast lighthouse is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and requires an entrance fee of $7 per vehicle (National Parks Pass holders get in for free). The fee is worthwhile because the area is ripe for exploration and teeming with wildlife.
Surrounded by mesmerizing tide pools and impressive cliff sides, this is a great area to see harbor seals or go birding year-round.
You might enjoy reading: 10 Epic Tide Pools at the Oregon Coast Worth the Drive
Cape Meares Lighthouse (Shortest Lighthouse in Oregon)
Perched 217 feet above sea level, but standing a mere (some pun intended) 38-feet tall, Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Built to guide ships through the perilous waters of Tillamook Rock, it was illuminated in 1890 and stayed in service until 1963.
This is considered one of the most unique lighthouses in Oregon because it was constructed with bricks (unusual for the time). If you opt to tour the lighthouse, you’ll be graced with panoramic views of the sea.
The area is very popular with birders — many locals claim this to be one of the best spots at the Oregon coast for wildlife viewing. Whales are also known to frequent the area during winter and spring migration (December, April-May) so keep an eye out.
Touring Cape Meares Lighthouse
The lighthouse is open daily May through September from 11am to 4pm (extended until 6pm on weekends in June-August). Admission is FREE. If you’re interested in scheduling a free guided tour, contact the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse three weeks in advance.
Even if you don’t plan to tour the lighthouse, take advantage of the great hiking trails in the area. There’s a short half-mile hike to the Octopus Tree (a Sitka Spruce with “arms”). Or simply settle in at a nearby picnic for a pleasant little break, it’s a beautiful area.
Coquille River Lighthouse
Originally built in 1896 to guide boats through the perilous sandbars of the Coquille River, the Coquille River Lighthouse is found 2 miles north of Bandon. As you might know, Bandon is one of the most charming towns at the Oregon coast and shouldn’t be missed.
This Oregon coast lighthouse served as a necessary aid for many years until 1939. At that point, the Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the lighthouse and determined it was no longer needed. An automated beacon was installed on the south jetty and the lighthouse was promptly decommissioned.
The Coquille River Lighthouse was deserted for 24 years until the establishment of Bullards Beach State Park in 1964. When the park was conceived, restoration efforts followed suit, which required a collaborative effort between the state park staff and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The restoration was a success, after years of neglect, the Coquille River Lighthouse was opened to the public. There’s a neat little interpretive center inside the lighthouse that’s open daily from 11am to 5pm (May through September).
If you’re interested, public tours are available from May through September as well, but access to the tower is closed due to safety concerns. There’s also a day use fee of $3 per vehicle.
You may enjoy reading: Local’s Take: Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary (Here’s How I’d Do It)
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
The only lighthouse in Oregon built using wood, Yaquina (yah-kwih-nah) Bay Lighthouse was constructed in 1871, making it the second oldest lighthouse at the Oregon coast.
Oddly enough, the lighthouse only operated for three years before being replaced by Yaquina Head Lighthouse (mentioned earlier). Decommissioned in 1874, a pattern of abandonment marred the lighthouse until 1906, when an observation deck was constructed.
But alas, the observation deck wasn’t enough to keep this Oregon coast lighthouse interesting, so it quickly fell into a state of disrepair again. Today the lighthouse functions as a museum and is open to the public for self-guided tours daily (donation-based admission).
I’ve toured this lighthouse a few times over the years yet still find myself amazed by how small the beds were back then, it gets me every time! The only area that isn’t accessible is the lantern room. Regardless, the rooms are super interesting to explore, making this one of the best lighthouses at the Oregon coast to visit with kids.
Local’s Tip: Private tours are offered outside of standard operating hours for $20 per person, or $10 per adult if in a group of 2-4. If interested, call 541-574-3129.
Umpqua River Lighthouse
The original Umpqua River Lighthouse was constructed in 1857, making it the first lighthouse on the Oregon coast. Sadly, the claim to fame didn’t last too long because erosion caused the structure to fall into the river just seven years later (oops).
Located at the mouth of Winchester Bay, the lighthouse was re-built in 1892 with a unique twist. Rather than the standard white lights most Oregon lighthouses are equipped with, the Umpqua River Lighthouse was built with both red and white lights (emitting alternating red/white beams out to sea).
Reaching a height of 65-feet, this is one of the most scenic lighthouses on the Oregon coast and thankfully it’s open to the public year-round (10am to 4pm). Donation-based tours ($8/adult) are run by friendly volunteers eager to share their maritime knowledge.
You’ll get a chance to view the keeper’s quarters and see the original light, which was hand-cranked (imagine!). There’s also a pretty informative museum that covers the history of this iconic Oregon lighthouse and the area nearby.
P.S. If you’re wondering why the Umpqua River Lighthouse looks so similar to Heceta Head Lighthouse, here’s the reason: the two Oregon lighthouses were built using the same plans.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse (Oldest Lighthouse at the Oregon Coast)
Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built in 1870, making is the oldest continuously-operating lighthouse at the Oregon coast, usurping Umpqua River Lighthouse on a technicality.
Situated 256 above sea level, the lighthouse was commissioned to accommodate increased traffic from the lumber industry and gold mining. Nestled into Cape Blanco State Park, the area is a joy to explore. Tons of hiking, camping and biking opportunities abound.
Swing by for a tour of the lighthouse from 10am to 3pm (April – October, closed Tuesdays) before making your way into the park for some outdoor adventures. There is a day use fee of $3 per vehicle at this Oregon lighthouse.
Lighthouses in Oregon (Closed to the Public)
Cape Arago Lighthouse
Built in 1934, Cape Arago Lighthouse is considered one of the newest lighthouses on the Oregon coast. Actually, I should clarify. The first two versions of this Oregon lighthouse were built in 1866 and 1908. Unfortunately, both structures fell victim to erosion and bad weather. The lighthouse you see today is actually the third version, which is why it’s considered the new kid on the block.
When Cape Arago Lighthouse was decommissioned in 2006, the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians requested ownership of the lighthouse because the land belonged to them before European settlers claimed it for themselves.
In 2000, Oregon’s Congressional delegation approved the transfer and in 2013, the US Coast Guard turned over management of Cape Arago Lighthouse to the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.
As such, this Oregon coast lighthouses is not open to the public, but it can viewed from a distance. The best viewpoint is from Sunset Bay State Park.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Perched 133 feet above sea level on a monolithic rock outcropping, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse has earned itself an unusual moniker — Terrible Tilly, but not without reason.
Turns out constructing a lighthouse on a rock outcropping in the middle of the sea is a real pain in the (you know what). The tumultuous coastal storms and severe weather conditions didn’t help either. Located 1.2 miles from the shore, constructing this Oregon coast lighthouse was nothing short of an engineering feat.
The keepers were paid higher wages because due to the remote location, inevitable isolation and dangers association with living from the mainland.
Commissioned in 1880 to guide ships entering the Columbia River, this area was prone to shipwrecks. Between the gnarly winds, choppy waters and rocky shoreline, steering a ship ashore was a dangerous affair. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse was in operation from 1881 to 1957.
In 1934 a perilous storm caused massive damage to the lighthouse (destroying the glass surrounding the light), and then in 1957 it was officially decommissioned.
The lighthouse was abandoned for 20 years before getting acquired by private hands. It was purchased by a gal named Mimi Morissette, who planned to turn the lighthouse into a columbarium (a place to store cremated remains).
To nobody’s surprise, the business never really took off, so in 2022, Mimi put the lighthouse up for sale. So, if you’re ever dreamed of owning a lighthouse at the Oregon coast and have $6.5M to spare, here’s your chance.
At the end of the day, this is one of a handful of Oregon coast lighthouses not open to the public but the views from shore are spectacular and worth the effort. To catch a glimpse, visit Indian Beach at Ecola State Park. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
Pelican Bay Lighthouse
Pelican Bay Lighthouse is one of two private lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. Towing 141 feet above the Chetco River, the lighthouse was built as an addition to the private home of the Cady family (Bill and JoAnn Cady).
In 1999, the lighthouse was commissioned by the US Coast Guard to be used in navigation. Since this Oregon lighthouse serves as both a home and functioning lighthouse, it is not open to the public but can be viewed from Highway 101. So, officially speaking, this is the newest lighthouse in Oregon.
You may enjoy reading: 10 Best Things to Do at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse
Located in the breathtaking Cape Perpetua Scenic Area the Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse is similar to Pelican Bay Lighthouse. It serves as both a functional lighthouse and a private residence to Jim Gibbs (notable historian and author). Gibbs is considered an authority on Pacific Coast lighthouses, so it’s only fitting that he built one, right?
Since this Oregon coast lighthouse is a private residence, it’s not open to the public but it can be viewed from a distance. The best vantage point is from Milepost 166 off Highway 101 (1.5 miles south of Yachats).
Oregon Coast Lighthouses (Summary)
In sum, these are the 11 lighthouses on the Oregon Coast.
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Umpqua River Lighthouse
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
- Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
- Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse
- Cape Arago Lighthouse
- Coquille River Lighthouse
- Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse
- Pelican Bay Lighthouse
Are the lighthouses at the Oregon coast open to the public?
Of the 11 lighthouses at the Oregon coast, 7 are open to the public. Those are:
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Umpqua River Lighthouse
- Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
- Cape Blanco Lighthouse
- Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Coquille River Lighthouse
Tips for Visiting the Lighthouses in Oregon
Dress warmly
- The Oregon coast can be a chilly place even in the midst of summer. Dress in layers and bring warm clothes like sweaters and sweatpants.
Check the forecast
- I know, I know, this probably goes without saying but check the weather before you depart. The Oregon coast is notorious for being cloudy. Try to visit these iconic Oregon coast lighthouses during sunny clear days for unparalleled views of the breathtaking Pacific Ocean.
Wear hiking shoes with good traction
- The various trails along the Oregon coast are beautiful and slippery. They’re known for being muddy because of the constant drizzle, so make sure you have hiking shoes with good traction so that you can get up close and personal to some of these beauties!
Bring binoculars
- Whale watching is a favorite past time for most visitors to the Oregon coast and some of these lighthouses are in the perfect place to view these majestic whales. Also, you’re going to have ample opportunities to bird watch as well!
Map of lighthouses in Oregon
And there you have it my friends – a quick roundup of the epic lighthouses on the Oregon coast.
Until next time,
Antonina
Loved your article. I am a lover of all Oregon lighthouses. One of my fondest childhood memories is taking the foot bridge out to the Cape Arago lighthouse when it was open to the public in the 1960s.
Thanks Deb – that’s amazing! Would be cool to see a photo of it back then.
We are so lucky in Oregon to still have these beautiful lighthouses in great condition (by and large).
Thanks for taking the time to share your story 🙂
Antonina
We are planning a coastal road trip for the coming summer, and Oregon, Essential is exactly what we needed! Your blogs are so informative and helpful. We can’t wait to see the beautiful sites!
Your comment made my day, thank you and I hope you enjoy your trip!