6/2/08

Umpqua River

This lighthouse has a 65-foot tower, which started in 1890. It is located near Reedsport and Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. First illuminated in 1894, Umpqua River lighthouse gives off very distinct red and white flashes. Visitors can check out the inside of the lighthouse, nearby park, or Lake Marie.

Distance: 33.01 miles Time: 57 mins
Starting in CHARLESTON, OR on CAPE ARAGO HWY go toward TROLLER RD - go 3.7 mi
Continue on EMPIRE BLVD - go 1.0 mi
Turn Right on NEWMARK AVE - go 1.4 mi
Continue on NEWMARK ST - go 1.5 mi
Turn Left on TREMONT ST(US-101) - go 0.9 mi
Continue to follow US-101 - go 24.0 mi
Bear Right on LAUREL AVE - go 0.1 mi
Bear Right on UMPQUA AVE(OR-38) - go 0.2 mi
Continue to follow OR-38 - go 0.1 mi
Arrive at the center of REEDSPORT, OR

Umpqua River Lighthouse

It features a beautiful revolving, octagonal, red-and-white First Order lens. The light shines 24 hours a day, but viewing is more spectacular after sunset.
History:This lighthouse is the second on this site when the first, which was built closer to the river in 1857, was washed away by floods in 1863. In 1983, the light was in disrepair, and the Coast Guard installed an airpost beacon on the tower and made plans to remove the original lens. After an outcry from local residents, the lighthouse was repaired to it's normal function.
Constructed in: 1894
Open to Public:yes - there's a viewing area along with a campsite and Lake Marie. If you would like to visit the lighthouse, take Highway 101 six miles south of Reedsport, and turn at the park signs. There are two entrances off the highway.
Location:South of Reedsport near the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.

Heceta

Named after Don Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer, Heceta Head lighthouse is located north of Florence. This 56-foot tower was first lit in 1894. A half-mile hike will lead visitors to this lighthouse, in addition to seabird nesting sites and nearby Bed and Breakfasts located in the assistant keeper's home. Editor's Tip: The short 1/2 mile hike to the top of the lighhouse from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The spectacular view makes it a great place to share a kiss or for a picnic. In addition, the former keeper's residence located adjacent to the lighthouse functions as a bed & breakfast.


Distance: 65.03 miles Time: 1 hr 48 mins
Starting in CHARLESTON, OR on CAPE ARAGO HWY go toward TROLLER RD - go 3.7 mi
Continue on EMPIRE BLVD - go 1.0 mi
Turn Right on NEWMARK AVE - go 1.4 mi
Continue on NEWMARK ST - go 1.5 mi
Turn Left on TREMONT ST(US-101) - go 0.9 mi
Continue to follow US-101 - go 45.4 mi
Turn Right on 8TH ST - go 0.1 mi
Turn Left on QUINCE ST - go 0.3 mi
Turn Right on OREGON COAST HWY(US-101) - go 10.7 mi
Arrive at 91560 HIGHWAY 101, FLORENCE, on the Left

Heceta Lighthouse

One of the most beautiful lighthouses it towers 205 feet above the Pacific Ocean and is visible for over 21 miles.
History:Named for Portuguese explorer Don Burnos Heceta who set sail from Mexico in 1775 to explore the Northwest Coast. He identified the headland in his writings. The light station -- tower and other buildings --was built using the same architectural plans as Umpqua River light in order to save money. Lights were turned off July 20, 1963, when it became automated. Recently it has been restored, in 1996 it was opened, this time for tours and as a bed and breakfast.
Constructed in: 1894
Open to Public:Yes
Location:91560 Highway 101Florence, Oregon Open daily. (503) 547-3111

Yaquina Bay

Yaquina Bay lighthouse was built in 1871, but is no longer in use today. Due to this, a few ghost stories have been told about this particular lighthouse. Visitors can tour the lighthouse itself, as well as a gift shop in its basement and its antique period furniture.

Distance: 103.55 miles Time: 2 hrs 52 mins
Starting in CHARLESTON, OR on CAPE ARAGO HWY go toward TROLLER RD - go 3.7 mi
Continue on EMPIRE BLVD - go 1.0 mi
Turn Right on NEWMARK AVE - go 1.4 mi
Continue on NEWMARK ST - go 1.5 mi
Turn Left on TREMONT ST(US-101) - go 0.9 mi
Continue to follow US-101 - go 95.0 mi
Turn Right on SW ALDER ST
Arrive at the center of NEWPORT, OR

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse


Description:Beautifully restored and filled with period furniture.
History:This lighthouse has the distinction of being the Oregon lighthouse that has served the shortest period. With only three years of service, this lighthouse was no longer used when Yaquina Head was build 3 miles north of it's location. Because of it's short history, only one keeper and his family lived in Yaquina Bay - a Mr. Charles H. Peirce with his wife and seven of their nine children. Restored by Friends of Lincoln County, Yaquina Bays serves as lighthouse museum. The light was re-activated in 1996.
Constructed in: 1871
Open to Public:yes - has a gift shop in the basement.
Location:Newport, Oregon Located in a state park at the north end of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

Yaquina Head

Yaquina Head has the tallest tower on the Oregon Coast, and stands at 162 feet above sea level. This is the only lighthouse in Oregon with a marble floor. Yaquina Head is open to the public, and surrounded by the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Distance: 107.56 miles Time: 3 hrs 1 min
Starting in CHARLESTON, OR on CAPE ARAGO HWY go toward TROLLER RD - go 3.7 mi
Continue on EMPIRE BLVD - go 1.0 mi
Turn Right on NEWMARK AVE - go 1.4 mi
Continue on NEWMARK ST - go 1.5 mi
Turn Left on TREMONT ST(US-101) - go 0.9 mi
Continue to follow US-101 - go 94.4 mi
Turn Right on SW NATERLIN DR - go 0.3 mi
Turn Right on SW BAY ST
Bear Left on SW BAY BLVD - go 1.3 mi
Continue on YAQUINA BAY RD - go 3.0 mi
Arrive at the center of YAQUINA, OR

Yaquina Head Lighthouse


Description:Yaquina Head's rock outcropping and tower are visible for several miles along the Pacific Coast Highway. The tower is the tallest on the Oregon Coast, and is the only Oregon Lighthouse with a marble floor. It stands 162 feet above sea level, and can be seen from ocean vessels as far away as 19 miles.
History:Still standing today, this 'first class' lighthouse was built 3 years after construction of Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, which caused it's being shut down for good (see below). Always a popular tourist attraction, when it was first built in 1873, many tourists came to visit the 92-foot tower for it's amazing height. Light was automated in 1966.
Constructed in: 1873

Lighthouses North of the Rally site

5/27/08

Lighthouses South of the Rally site

Cape Arago

"Cape Arago is located between Coos Bay and North Bend, and is easily noticeable due to its distinct fog horn. It was first illuminated in 1934, and stands at 44 feet above sea level. Hidden behind a guarded fence, Cape Arago is not open to the public."

Distance: 5.54 miles Time: 11 mins
  • Starting in CHARLESTON, OR on CAPE ARAGO HWY go toward BOAT BASIN RD - go 0.3 mi
  • Bear Left on SEVEN DEVILS RD - go 0.1 mi
  • Turn Right on WALKER RD - go 0.1 mi
  • Bear Left on CAPE ARAGO HWY - go 5.0 mi
  • Arrive at CAPE ARAGO STATE PARK

Cape Arago Lighthouse

Description:
With a 44 feet high tower, this lighthouse can only be viewed from a distance.

History:
Built to guide the lumber freighters through entrance of Coos Bay, this lighthouse is located on one of the most dangerous stretches of the Oregon Coast. Due to erosion, three lighthouse were built on this site. Because of high winds and other conditions, this was also the site of many shipwrecks, the most famous was the 220-foot Czarina (in 1910). This lighthouse was accessable only by boat until the completion of the bridge in 1896. Renovated by the Coast Guard in 1993.

Constructed in:
1866

Open to Public:
No - but can be viewed from Sunset Bay State Park, just south of Charleston.
Owned and operated by Coast Guard

Location:
Charleston, Oregon, south of the entrance to Coos Bay.
Located on a narrow island 100 yards from the Oregon mainland.

Coquille River

25 miles south of Coos Bay near Bandon.

"Coquille River lighthouse was first built in Bullards Beach State Park in 1891, and later renovated in 1976. Mariners were also guided across dangerous bars with the help of this lighthouse. Parks and beaches surrounding the lighthouse are open to the public"

Coquille River Lighthouse

Description:
Built in a Victorian Italiante style

History:
This was the last built on the Oregon coast. This lighthouse served to guide ships across the treacherous bar at the entrance to the Coquille River. Lighthouse was replaced by an automated beacon on the jetty in 1939. Restoration began in 1976 by the Oregon State Parks.

Constructed in:
1896


Location:
Near Bandon, Oregon
Look for the entrance to Bullards Beach State Park just north of Bandon before you cross the Coquille River Bridge.

Cape Blanco

Near Port Orford, 51 miles south of Coos Bay.

"This isolated lighthouse holds at least four Oregon records: it is the oldest continuously operating light, the most westerly, it has the highest focal plane above the sea, (256 feet), and Oregon’s first woman keeper, Mabel E. Bretherton signed on in March 1903."

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Description:
Stretching one and a half miles off the Oregon Coast, Cape Blanco's lighthouse sits majestically on a 200 foot cliff. This is the southernmost of Oregon's lighthouses.

History:
The oldest original tower in Oregon, this was first proposed in 1864, and lit for the first time in 1870 after planning and construction. Several sections of the lens were broken in 1992, when vandals broke into the lantern room. After $20,000 in repairs, the Cape Blanco was re-opened two years later.

Constructed in:
1870 (completed)

Open to Public:
Restricted access - the gates are opened daily April 1 to October 31

Location:
Near Cape Blanco State Park, approximately four miles north of Port Orford on the Oregon Coast.



Map of Oregon Lighthouses

Pictures and posts courtesy of http://www.guidetooregon.com/html/lighthouse.html and http://www.traveloregon.com/