Oregon Lighthouses OREGON’S SENTINELS Oregon’s coastal lighthouses are visible links to the past—towering monuments to Oregon’s maritime heritage and to the hardworking people that kept the lighthouse beacons lit. Although unoccupied since the arrival of modern technology, these classic structures stand as a testament to the history of Oregon’s rugged coast. Most of Oregon’s lighthouses were designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1870 and 1896. They were erected on prominent headlands or near major estuaries to support commercial fishing and shipping along the Oregon coast. The lighthouses were originally managed by the former U.S. Lighthouse Board, with the U.S. Coast Guard taking over stewardship duties in 1939. After installing automated beacons in the 1960s, the Coast Guard began transferring its lighthouse holdings to other government
agencies. All nine of Oregon’s surviving lighthouse stations have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. They are visited by more than 2.5 million people each year.
EXPERIENCE THE PAST Aided by interpretive displays, historical accounts and a little imagination, you can learn what life was like for the workers who lit the way for mariners navigating Oregon’s perilous coastline. Climb to lantern or tower watch rooms and experience the panoramic sights once enjoyed by the light tenders from their perches high on the cliffs. Hear the sounds of seabirds, wind and waves that accompanied their isolation as they worked through the night to prevent ships from running aground on the rocks.
more information, or call the State Parks Information Center at 800-551-6949.
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION Many of Oregon’s lighthouses double as excellent wildlife viewing areas. They are great places to spot sea birds, seals and migrating Gray whales. If you’re touring lighthouses, check out (or stay at!) a nearby state park.
ASTORIA
Fort Stevens State Park
Most of Oregon’s lighthouses offer scheduled tours. See the reverse side for
SEASIDE Tillamook Head
Ecola State Park
1 Tillamook Rock
TILLAMOOK ROCK LIGHTHOUSE Tillamook Rock has a 62-foot-high tower and stands 133 feet above sea level on a basalt rock islet. Its exposure to fierce storm waves gave rise to its nickname– “Terrible Tilly.” Commissioned in 1881 to guide ships entering the Columbia River, it was replaced by a whistle buoy in 1957. At one time, it was used as a columbarium, a storage place for ashes of the deceased. There is no public access to Tillamook.
Oswald West State Park Cape Falcon
1
Nehalem Bay State Park
CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE This lighthouse stands 217 feet above the ocean, yet its 38-foot tower is the shortest on the Oregon coast. First illuminated in 1890, it was decommissioned in 1963. Visitors to the tower can view the original 1890 Fresnel lens. Nearby trails lead to views of sea bird nesting sites, sea lions and migrating whales.
2
The lighthouse is open daily 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May through September. Admission and tours are free. For more information call Cape Lookout State Park at 503-842-3182.
CANNON BEACH
Tillamook Bay
Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint 2
TILLAMOOK
Netarts Bay
THREE CAPES SCENIC LOOP
Cape Lookout State Park
YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Cape Kiwanda
Yaquina (yah-KWIH-nah) Head stands 162 feet above sea level. At 93 feet, its tower 3 is the tallest on the Oregon coast. Yaquina Head was first illuminated in 1873; today it continues to aid navigation. The lighthouse is part of Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
PA C I FI C C I TY
Nestucca Bay
The Yaquina Head interpretive center is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lighthouse tours are held daily during July and August only. Tours may be reserved ahead of time via recreation. gov. A daily or annual Yaquina Head pass, an Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, or a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is required.
Cascade Head
LINCOLN CITY Siletz Bay
Information: 541-574-3100 or yaquinalights.org.
YAQUINA BAY LIGHTHOUSE This is the second-oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It was in service 4 for only three years—1871 to 1874—before the brighter Yaquina Head Lighthouse replaced it. Yaquina Bay was re-lit and recognized as a privately maintained aid to navigation by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1996. The lens sits 161 feet above the ocean. Self-guided tours are free; donations accepted. The lighthouse is open seven days a week, except major holidays. Summer hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours are reduced during nonsummer months. For more info call 541-265-4560 or 541-265-5679.
Devil’s Lake State Park Beverly Beach State Park
Depoe Bay Cape Foulweather
Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Yaquina Head
3 4 Yaquina Bay
NEW P ORT
Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site South Beach State Park