Title: Oregon’s Beacons of Light: A Coastal Tour – A Journey Through Oregon’s History of Lighthouses
Introduction
Discover the allure of Oregon’s incredible coastline not through its beaches, but through a fascinating journey of its historic lighthouses. Glowing beacons against the dramatic background of the Pacific Ocean, these lighthouses offer a glimpse into Oregon’s rich maritime history.
The Storied Towers of the North
Starting from the north, the trip begins with Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Found just off the coast of Ecola State Park, in Cannon Beach, this lighthouse is affectionately dubbed ‘Terrible Tilly’. Decommissioned years ago, this lighthouse stands as a rugged reminder of the state’s maritime past. Though you can’t visit Tillamook Rock directly, the scenic viewpoints from Indian Beach and Ecola State Park offer fantastic opportunities to snap a few pictures.
Moving a bit south is Cape Meares Lighthouse, near Oceanside. The shortest in Oregon, Cape Meares packs a ton of charm into its little structure. A historic Fresnel lens displays rainbow prisms in the observation area, a sight that’s as captivating as the panoramic views over the ocean.
Just south of Lincoln City, Yaquina Head Lighthouse shines brightly with its 93 feet towering stature, making it Oregon’s tallest. Drop by the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, that surrounds the lighthouse, home to beautiful tide pools and a variety of seabird nesting colonies.
Oregon’s Scenic Heart along the Central Coast
Continuing the journey south, Heceta Head Lighthouse, north of Florence, stands as one of the most iconic on the Oregon Coast. Its first-order Fresnel lens, composed of 600 hand cut glass prisms, casts its beacon 21 miles out to sea, more than any other lighthouse on the coast. The sweeping views alone justify a visit, but insiders know to book a stay at the Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast in the light keeper’s original home. It’s truly an experience to remember.
The southernmost stop in the central coast region is Umpqua River Light, located in Winchester Bay. It’s unique in that it houses a red and white light – while most other lighthouses project only a white light. Visit in late afternoon for a brilliant play of colors as the sunlight hits the lens.
Exploring the Southern Frontier
The journey concludes along Southern Oregon with Cape Blanco Lighthouse, situated in Port Orford. Cape Blanco holds multiple records: it’s the southernmost, the oldest continuously operating and has the highest focal plane elevation of any Oregon lighthouse.
Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Hughes Historic House, a throwback to the pioneer days of Oregon. Keep in mind the coastal weather down south can shift quickly in the afternoon, packing a windbreaker and some warmer layers is a smart move.
Concluding Remarks
So, there you have it. A sweeping tour of Oregon’s historic lighthouse trail. It’s taken us from the rugged beauty of the north, through the panoramic Pacific views of the central coast, down to the age-old charm of the southern edge. This journey isn’t just about towers and lenses, it’s about the stories they tell. From life in the 1800s, through shipwrecks, to modern conservation efforts, these lighthouses stand as symbol of Oregon’s dynamic relationship with the sea.
As an everyday journeyman, always remember to tread softly around these historical sites. Respect the rules, keep away from off-limits areas, and remember, a lighthouse visit is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, soaking in the scenery and quietly contemplating their timeless stories.
So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a hot cup of locally roasted coffee, and set off on an unforgettable coastal trip. In Oregon, we’re proud to share our history and lore, and there’s no better way to delve into it than touring these storied sentinels of the sea. Enjoy the journey!