The History of Oregon’s Lighthouses: A Coastal Tour
Oregon’s coastline offers a rich tapestry of history, unspoiled natural beauty, and a stunning collection of lighthouses. Here is a handy guide to experiencing Oregon’s remarkable lighthouse history.
Getting to Know Oregon’s Lighthouse History
In the mid-1800s, as trade flourished along Oregon’s rugged coastline, lighthouses started dotting the landscape. These beacons of light, some of the oldest standing structures on the Northwest Pacific Coast, safeguarded mariners from the treacherous, rocky coastline.
The First Lighthouses
We should begin our journey at the oldest of them all – the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, situated off the coast of Tillamook Head in Ecola State Park. Known locally as “Terrible Tilly,” this lighthouse is not accessible but can be viewed from the park. The best time for a visit is during the winter months when migrating whales can be seen.
Another must-visit is the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Oregon located near the city of Port Orford. It was built to protect the ships carrying gold from the 19th-century Oregon Gold Rush.
The Stories They Tell
Each Oregon lighthouse has unique construction techniques, design inspirations, and tales of brave keepers and shipwreck survivors. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, for example, is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached to the tower. When visiting the lantern room of Heceta Head Lighthouse, pay no mind to the unsettling tales of the ghost of Rue, the old lightkeeper’s wife–locals insist she’s friendly.
Favorite Routes and Local Recommendations
Oregon’s lighthouses stretch along the entire 363-mile coastline, but a popular route includes the five lighthouses between Newport and Florence. A great starting point is the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport, which offers guided tours during summer months.
About an hour south, you’ll find the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Stop by Heceta Beach and have a picnic lunch from the local favorite, BJ’s Ice Cream Parlor, before heading to the lighthouse. And if you can afford the time, stay overnight at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast, located in the former keeper’s house.
Further south at Cape Arago, the lighthouse is not open to public access, but the adjacent Sunset Bay State Park provides striking panoramic views, especially during summers.
Seasonal Considerations
Oregon’s lighthouse tours and visitor operation hours vary with seasons, so it’s wise to check in advance. Summer is generally the tourist season and offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events. Spring and fall offer fewer crowds, while winter offers dramatic coastal views.
Oregon Weather Tips
Oregon Coastal weather can change quickly, so bring along layers, especially for the windy lighthouse locations. And always keep an eye on coastal forecasts–locals know that afternoon fog can roll in fast.
What to Avoid
Watch out for tourist traps! While visiting the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse in Newport, skip the wax museums and unsolicited tours. Instead, spend time exploring the beautiful Oregon Coast Aquarium or Newport’s Historic Bayfront.
End the tour at the historic city of Astoria, but skip the Astoria Column’s 164-step climb; it’s a crowded tourist icon that locals tend to avoid. Instead, savor a fresh seafood dinner at Bowpicker Fish & Chips, a local hot-spot.
Unforgettable Coastal Tours
Organized tours, aside from self-guided trips, can also offer great value. The Oregon Coast Lighthouse Tour, managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, is highly recommended. It includes guided tours of four lighthouses stretching from Newport to Lincoln city.
Final Nugget of Wisdom
Wrap up your coastal journey by sharing stories over a pint of ‘The Lighthouse Series’ brews at the Rogue Ales & Spirits, Newport.
Remember, slow travel is the best way to appreciate Oregon’s lighthouse history. Let this be a relaxing journey filled with discovery, not a mad race from point A to B. So sit back, take a deep breath of fresh salty ocean air, and soak up the stunning vistas from these shining sentinels of different eras.
This insider tip from a lifelong Oregonian? Ask locals for their favorite lighthouse and you’ll receive a passionate tale that beats any written guide! So welcome, friend, to the rich and rewarding journey through the history of Oregon’s lighthouses. Enjoy the beauty that we here in Oregon are fortunate to call our home.