Coastal Sites: 5 Lighthouses in Oregon

The rugged coastline of Oregon is adorned with a series of lighthouses, each with its own unique history and charm. These sentinels of the sea have guided mariners safely through treacherous waters for more than a century. 

Let’s discover a few to check out from marinas or private boat slips for rent in the Beaver State.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Located near Tillamook, Cape Meares Lighthouse was first lit in 1890. Standing at just 38 feet tall, it’s one of the shortest lighthouses on the Oregon coast, but its position atop a 200-foot cliff makes it highly visible to ships. The lighthouse is now part of the Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint and offers panoramic views of the ocean and opportunities for wildlife spotting from private boat dock rentals.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

The tallest lighthouse in Oregon, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, was built in 1873 and stands 93 feet tall. Situated on a basalt headland near Newport, it’s still operational and open to the public. The lighthouse is part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, and features a visitor center with exhibits on the lighthouse's history and local marine life.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Often considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the country, Heceta Head Lighthouse is perched 205 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Built in 1894, it features a 56-foot tower and is located near Florence. The lighthouse and the keeper's quarters, which now operate as a bed and breakfast, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Standing on the westernmost point of Oregon, Cape Blanco Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1870. At 59 feet tall, it’s the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline. Its location in a state park makes it a perfect spot for hiking and exploring.

Umpqua River Lighthouse

Originally built in 1857, and later reconstructed in 1894 after being destroyed by a flood, the Umpqua River Lighthouse is located near Reedsport. It features a unique lens that emits a distinctive red and white flash. The lighthouse is part of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, where visitors can also explore a museum detailing its history and significance from marinas or private boat slips for rent.

Do you have a favorite lighthouse in Oregon? Let us know if we missed any. Happy boating!