12 Must See Lighthouses on the Oregon Coast
There’s something irresistibly romantic about the scenery, history, and solitude of lighthouses. I love reading about their construction and the amazing (and sometimes tragic) stories tied to them. It amazes me how they were built like fortresses, with thick stone walls hinting at a time when the sea was one of the main ways to travel.
The Oregon coast is breathtaking, and lighthouses add to its charm. Perched on rugged, windswept cliffs, these lighthouses are silent sentinels of maritime history, whispering tales of shipwrecks, brave sailors, and the ever-changing coast. Add these incredible Oregon Coast lighthouses to your Pacific Northwest travel list so you don’t miss out!
1. Umpqua River Lighthouse
Umpqua River Lighthouse, built in 1857, is Oregon’s first lighthouse that sits on a 100-foot bluff overlooking Winchester Bay. Climb to the top to see the amazing machinery that guided ships for over a century!
Tour the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum next door, packed with displays about the area’s history, shipwrecks, and a section dedicated to the US Coast Guard, which keeps the waterways safe. Enjoy camping, fishing, and hiking in the surrounding state park, or relax by freshwater Lake Marie.
2. Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Constructed in 1870, Cape Blanco Lighthouse had one of the first female lighthouse keepers in Oregon in 1903, Mabel Bretherton! A piece of Oregon’s proud maritime history comes to life as you witness the small but picturesque structure.
Unfortunately, the site is closed to tours inside the lighthouse, but visitors can make the walk to see and photograph the outside. Cape Blanco is more than just a lighthouse, too! Hike along rugged trails for unforgettable coastal scenery and watch waves crash against the rocks. You can even explore the historic Hughes House, a charming Victorian farmhouse that takes you back to the days of early settlers.
3. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
Have you ever wondered what climbing inside a real lighthouse is like? Well, at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse in Oregon, you can do just that! Built in 1871, it’s the only wooden one in the state that’s still standing and the only one with the original keeper’s quarters.
Tour the lighthouse, climb the stairs, and see the historic lens that has been operating for over a century. Fun fact: it took over 370,000 bricks and a year to build!
4. Pelican Bay Lighthouse
Have you ever slept inside a working lighthouse? Pelican Bay doubles as a vacation rental, so you can scratch that off your bucket list here! Unlike other Pacific Northwest lighthouses, Pelican Bay was lit up for the first time in 1999, making it the newest one on the Oregon Coast.
As an active aid to maritime navigation, it guides ships with its powerful beam for up to 12 miles. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves and the sight of the vast Pacific from your bedroom window. The cozy interiors and modern amenities ensure a relaxing and luxurious stay.
5. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, standing 93 feet tall, is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and has protected ships since 1873.
Just 3.5 miles from Yaquina Bay, you can take tours inside the historic monument and explore the Interpretive Center to learn all about the lighthouse’s past and the surrounding area. Plus, it’s still an active lighthouse, guiding ships safely at night. Don’t miss out on the full-size replica of the lighthouse lantern!
6. Cape Meares Lighthouse
It’s the little lighthouse that could! At 38 feet tall, Cape Meares lighthouse is tiny but mighty, boasting a powerful French Fresnel lens seen 21 miles out to sea. Perched atop a scenic cliff, this guiding light offers stunning ocean views.
Depending on the time of year, you might even spot whales, sea lions, dolphins, and porpoises. The area is also a nesting site for thousands of seabirds from April to July! Right next to the lighthouse is a national heritage landmark—a Sitka spruce tree nicknamed “Octopus Tree,” with thick, sprawling branches resembling the eight-limbed sea creature!
7. Heceta Head Lighthouse
At Heceta Head Lighthouse, you can experience the dramatic cliffside overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean with the salty wind whipping through your hair and the historic beacon standing guard. Built in 1894, it’s one of the most photographed lighthouses in the entire country!
This iconic lighthouse is still operational, guiding vessels with its powerful beam that stretches for 21 miles. Hike the half-mile trail for epic vistas or take a challenging path to the beach, spotting wildlife along the way. Don’t miss migrating whales or sea lions basking on the rocks!
8. Coquille River Lighthouse
Unlike most lighthouses, this one has an elongated octagonal room next to a cylindrical tower. It’s a head-turner! Situated at the meeting point of the Coquille River and the Pacific Ocean, it has offered stunning coastal views since 1896.
The lighthouse remarkably avoided damage after a devastating 1936 fire that destroyed most of the surrounding town of Bandon. It was abandoned for years but restored in 1979 and is now open to the public. Explore Bullards Beach State Park, snap pictures, and dive into Oregon’s history!
9. Lightship Columbia
Ever heard of a floating lighthouse? That’s exactly what Lightship Columbia is! Built in the 1950s, this ship guided vessels through the Columbia River mouth for nearly 30 years.
The crew used to work shifts of two to four weeks, with ten people on duty at a time. Now retired and docked at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, Oregon, you can climb aboard and explore the entire ship. There’s even a scavenger hunt for kids! See if you can find the hidden pictures around the ship and learn some fun facts about life on a lightship.
10. Cape Arago Lighthouse
Cape Arago Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1934, standing 44 feet above sea level. It isn’t your typical tourist attraction, but it’s still a great stop for anyone who loves a good story with a history of storms and shipwrecks. Believe it or not, this is actually the third lighthouse built in this location.
The first one got battered by the elements, as did the second. Let’s just say they learned a lot by the time they built the third one! Though not open to the public, you can enjoy stunning views from Cape Arago Highway or Lighthouse Beach. Bring binoculars to spot the “fist with a pointing finger” shape of the island!
11. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, nicknamed “Terrible Tilly,” sits on an isolated rock formation off the coast of Seaside, Oregon. It was completed in the late 1800s, and although it’s not open for tours to climb the stairs inside, you can admire it from afar on a whale-watching tour or scenic boat ride.
It’s a must-see for any adventurer, with its 133-foot tower standing as a testament to the engineering marvels of the time. Why do they call it Terrible Tilly? Well, life for lighthouse caretakers on this lone craggy landmass wasn’t easy. Rough seas and difficult terrain made getting supplies and people to the island a challenge, to say the least.
12. Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse
Designed after a historic Canadian lighthouse, Cleft of the Rock was built by former lighthouse keeper Jim Gibbs and takes its name from a hymn by Fanny J. Crosby.
While you can’t enter, keep an eye out for it as you drive by mile marker 166 on Highway 101. This hidden gem is a special sight for lighthouse lovers and those who enjoy a touch of mystery!
