Discovering Oregon’s Lighthouses: A Historical Coastal Adventure
Oregon is famously known for its lush forests, microbreweries, and picturesque coastline. This coastline is what brings us to the subject of this delightful tour – the lighthouses of Oregon. These guardians of the sea, often perched upon cliffs and jutting into the Pacific, paint a picture of Oregon’s maritime history.
Heading Out on Your Lighthouse Tour
Begin your journey up north in Astoria, the place where the mighty Columbia River greets the Pacific. This route takes you down the coast with countless incredible landscapes and stories tied to each of Oregon’s lighthouses. Don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and some comfortable shoes. As we locals know, coastal weather tends to change on a dime – don’t let a surprise rain shower or sudden fog dampen the adventure!
The Lighthouse Beginnings: Tillamook and Cape Meares
Two of the first lighthouses you’ll encounter are in Tillamook County. The Cape Meares Lighthouse, built in 1889, stands on a cliff 200 feet above the ocean. Check out the unique first-order Fresnel lens inside the tower, but be cautious of the wind! The gusty ocean breezes have been known to catch unsuspecting visitors off-guard.
Just a short, scenic drive south, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse awaits. Known to us as “Terrible Tilly,” this lighthouse stands solitary among the waves. While the lighthouse is now privately owned and not open for tours, you can still view it from the Ecola State Park Hiking Trail. It’s a mesmerizing sight, particularly during Oregon’s stormy winter months.
The Central Oregon Coast Lights: Yaquina Head and Heceta Head
Our journey continues south to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport. At 93 feet tall, it offers an impressive sight. The Bureau of Land Management runs a comprehensive interpretive center here, providing fascinating context for the lighthouse’s history. And an insider tip: finish your day here – the views as the sun sets over the Pacific are something you’ll talk about for years.
Further south, don’t miss the Heceta Head Lighthouse, easily one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States. It’s nestled in the Siuslaw National Forest, offering sweeping views across the Pacific. Certain times of the year, you might even spot some migrating gray whales here!
A Little Further South: Coquille River and Cape Blanco
The tour would be incomplete without visiting the Coquille River and Cape Blanco Lighthouses. Bureau of Land Management facilitates Cape Blanco lighthouse tours from April through October. The fall happens to be an excellent time to visit – the summer crowds have thinned, and the fresh, cool air makes exploring more comfortable.
The Coquille River Lighthouse, though it’s no longer active, is still beautiful to behold. Situated in Bullards Beach State Park, you can explore the lighthouse, but remember that overnight camping is reserved only for the summer season.
Ending your Journey South: Cape Arago and Umpqua River
The southernmost point of your tour is the Cape Arago Lighthouse. While it’s not open to the public, you can still view it from several points along the coastline or Sunset Bay State Park. Keep an ear out for barking sea lions!
Finally, make sure to visit the Umpqua River Lighthouse. Every evening, the red and white lights from this charming coastal sentinel can be seen twisting across the night skies – a sight that truly embodies the spirit of Oregon’s maritime heritage.
Ending Note
Remember, this guide merely scratches the surface of Oregon’s lighthouse history – there’s so much more to discover. Locals know that sometimes the best stories and landscapes aren’t spelled out in a guide; they’re revealed in the mists of the morning, the trails less traveled, and the conversations with fellow explorers.
So pack that raincoat, plenty of snacks, and head out on your Oregon Lighthouse adventure. The sea breezes, rugged cliffs, stair climbs, and stunning ocean views are waiting for you. As we Oregonians like to say, the beauty of adventure is in the journey. Happy exploring, and enjoy all the gems that our beautiful state has to offer!