What is it about lighthouses that draws so much attention? Perhaps it is their dramatic locations, perched on rugged cliffs, surrounded by the beauty of coastal scenery. Maybe it’s their historic role as lifelines for sailors, guiding vessels safely through treacherous waters. Or is it their distinctive, often iconic architecture. And who can forget the light keepers; their life was demanding, often in isolation with a quiet sense of duty. Lighthouses seem to blend history, beauty, and symbolism in such a way that draws people to them.
Oregon’s rugged coastline was a part of the Pacific Northwest’s treacherous “Graveyard of the Pacific.” At a time when shipping was vital for trade and economic growth, it was necessary to build lighthouses to guide mariners through the dangerous waters with the rocky shores, fog and unpredictable currents. Most of the lighthouses were built in the second half of the 19th century, with the first lighthouse, Umpqua River Lighthouse, completed in 1857. Eleven lighthouses were built over the next 40 years, with nine still standing. Below is a summary and photos of the remaining nine lighthouses. Each one with its own story and unique characteristics.
The southernmost lighthouse is Cape Blanco Lighthouse (1870). It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Oregon. Located about 43 miles north of the Oregon-California border, it on is the westernmost point in the state. From the lighthouse parking lot, there is a short walk up a dirt road to the lighthouse and informative gift shop. The views are spectacular. On the day of our visit, there were several radio-controlled gliders soaring above us.
Coquille River Lighthouse (1896) was the last lighthouse constructed along the Oregon coast. This lighthouse was to guide mariners over a dangerous sand bar at the entrance to the port of Bandon, Oregon. It often flooded and was decommissioned in 1939 with changes to the river channel and navigational aids. It is currently maintained by the Bullard’s Beach State Park and has support from local civic and preservation organizations. It has a nice gift shop inside. It is a quick walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse.
The Cape Arago Lighthouse has quite a history. The first lighthouse was built as a wooden structure in 1866, but it was perched precariously close to the edge of the bluff. It quickly eroded by wind and rain. In 1909, a second, more durable wooden structure was built in 1909, slightly inland, but mariners complained it was hard to see from certain angles. Finally, a third lighthouse was built of reinforced concrete in 1934, and served its purpose until 2006, when it was replaced by a nearby automated beacon. However, the bluff it sits on has continued to erode and the footbridge which connected the lighthouse to the mainland was removed in 2010. Public access was restricted. It is now protected and maintained by a local tribal confederation. The lighthouse may only be viewed at a distance at a few turnouts along the highway.
Umpqua River Lighthouse was the first lighthouse constructed and began operation in 1857, but it collapsed in1861 due to erosion. A second lighthouse was built in 1894 and remains operational, displaying its distinctive red and white automated flashes. A tour takes you inside and up the spiral staircase to the top. There is also a nearby, informative museum. There is parking directly across from the lighthouse.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse (1894) 56-foot tower sits at 205 feet above the ocean, on the west side of Heceta Head. It’s about a half a mile walk from the parking lot (fee or pass required) to the top, passing by the light keeper’s house, built in 1893, which now serves as a bed and breakfast. The lighthouse is still in operation and is the brightest light on the Oregon coast, shining 21 miles out to sea, a critical navigation source to mariners.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is in Newport, Oregon and is believed to be the oldest structure in the city. It is the second-oldest standing lighthouse, built to address the increasing number of shipwrecks along the coast. However, it was only in service from 1871 to 1874, before the brighter Yaquina Head Lighthouse replaced it. It was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation on December 7, 1996 and its light shines bright from dusk to dawn. Unfortunately, on the day of our visit (July ’25), it was covered for renovations. Below is a picture from its website. (P.S. It is believed to the haunted!)
Yaquina Head Lighthouse’s 93-foot tower is the tallest on the Oregon Coast. It started shining its light in 1873 and continues to guide mariners to this day. It sits on a narrow point of land, jutting due west nearly 1 mile into the Pacific Ocean. It took almost one year and 370,000 bricks to build it. There is an interpretative center before the lighthouse with parking as well as a smaller lot near the lighthouse. Several trails lead to panoramic views or you can climb steep stairs to the top for a stunning ocean view. Look out for seals and sea lions as you walk along the coast. And at low tide, take a walk amongst the tide pools to spot a starfish and more.
Cape Meares Lighthouse stands 217 feet above the ocean, yet its 38-foot tower is the shortest on the Oregon Coast. It began operation in 1890, and decommissioned in 1963. There is a well-maintained trail (loop) which leaves from the parking lot to take you to the lighthouse, with the western side of the trail providing gorgeous views of the rugged Oregon coast. You just might spot a migrating gray whale if the timing is right. And, don’t miss a quick walk over to the Octopus Tree. How it grew to its unique shape is still a mystery. The Cape Meares Lighthouse is just a 30-minute drive from Tillamook Creamery. So, when you stop by the creamery for some delicious creamy ice cream of grilled cheese sandwich, don’t forget to take a short drive to the lighthouse for some captivating ocean views and see a bit of history.
The northernmost lighthouse along the Oregon coast is the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Built to guide ships entering the Columbia River, it sits atop a basalt rock islet, almost a mile offshore. With its 62-foot tower, it stands 133 feet above the ocean. It was decommissioned in 1957 and replaced by a whistle buoy. At one time, it was used as a columbarium, a storage place for ashes of the deceased. To reach the viewpoint, there are two trails (or you can combine them to make a loop). The eastern trail is about a mile long steady, somewhat steep climb on a wide path, with 785 feet of elevation gain, and then another half a mile to the viewpoint. The western trail is a single-track trail, some of it overgrown, lots of roots; however, it has some nice ocean views on the way.
For a related tidbit, the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon currently has the Lightship Columbia docked next door. Touring the lightship is included in the museum’s admission. The Columbia, with her 18-man Coast Guard crew, was the fourth and final lightship stationed at the mouth of the Columbia River to guide vessels across the Columbia River Bar, an area known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. The lightships began service in 1939 until 1979, when an automated navigational buy was installed. Currently, any ship greater than 100 tons, must have a Columbia River Bar Pilot aboard to navigate safely across the treacherous bar. In some cases, a tug or Coast Guard vessel may accompany the ship along with the on-board Pilot.
That’s it! The nine remaining lighthouses along Oregon’s coast—plus a bonus. Traveling the Oregon Coast to visit each of these historic lighthouses, surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, is truly a special treat.