The Oregon Coast is a windswept stretch of drama and beauty—where crashing Pacific waves meet weather-worn cliffs, and history glows from the beacons that once saved sailors from disaster. These historic lighthouses are more than relics of a bygone maritime era; they are living landmarks, standing proud along a shoreline rich with character, natural wonders, and stories waiting to be discovered.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, photographer, or romantic traveler, a tour of Oregon’s lighthouses offers both visual splendor and historical depth. Even better? Many of these iconic towers are near charming beach towns, where you can stay in cozy coastal vacation rentals and fall asleep to the sound of the sea.
Why Visit Oregon’s Lighthouses?
Each of the public lighthouses along the Oregon Coast tells its own story—some still operational, others preserved as museums. They once served a vital role in guiding mariners through fog, storms, and dangerous reefs, and today they offer visitors a unique way to experience the state’s maritime legacy.
Pro Tip: Spring and summer are excellent times to explore the coast, but lighthouse visits make for a fantastic rainy day adventure too!
Northern Oregon Coast: Towering Beacons and Maritime Legends
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Though located just across the Columbia River in Washington, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is integral to the Oregon Coast’s maritime narrative. Built in 1856, it’s the oldest functioning lighthouse on the West Coast.
Things to do:
Explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
Hike through Cape Disappointment State Park
View the wild confluence of river and ocean
Stay nearby: Astoria, OR – home to riverwalks, seafood joints, and Victorian charm.
Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Nicknamed “Terrible Tilly,” this offshore fortress stands one mile out to sea, perched on a volcanic rock near Ecola State Park. No longer accessible to the public, it’s one of Oregon’s most mysterious and iconic lighthouses.
Best views:
From Ecola Point in Cannon Beach
Trails near Indian Beach or Seaside
Stay nearby: Cannon Beach or Seaside offer unobstructed ocean view rentals perfect for soaking in coastal beauty.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport, OR)
Standing 93 feet tall, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse and among its most photogenic. Located on a basalt headland, this active beacon has been guiding ships since 1873.
Must-dos:
Take a ranger-led tour of the lighthouse
Visit tidepools in the surrounding Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
Spot whales and seabirds from the bluff
Stay nearby: Newport – vibrant, walkable, and perfect for families or couples. Learn more at Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (Newport, OR)
Just two miles south of Yaquina Head lies the lesser-known but charming Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. Built in 1871, it’s the only Oregon lighthouse where the living quarters are attached to the tower, and the only wooden lighthouse still standing.
Fun fact: This site is said to be haunted—making it a popular spot for both history buffs and ghost seekers. Plan your visit at Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.
Central Oregon Coast: Photogenic Icons and Unique Lodging
Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence, OR)
Arguably the most photographed lighthouse on the West Coast, the Heceta Head Lighthouse near Florence boasts a 56-foot tower perched 205 feet above sea level. Its beam is the strongest on the Oregon Coast, visible 21 miles offshore.
Unique experience: You can actually stay at the historic Lightkeeper’s House, now a bed-and-breakfast. It’s rumored to be haunted by a friendly spirit named Rue—adding a touch of spooky charm.
Other attractions nearby:
Sea Lion Caves
Hobbit Trail
Heceta Head Beach
Stay in: Florence – a quiet town full of boutique shops and coastal charm. Read more about visiting at Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Southern Oregon Coast: Peaceful, Remote, and Scenic
Coquille River Lighthouse (Bandon, OR)
Located at the mouth of the Coquille River, this stout red-roofed lighthouse served the bustling port of Bandon starting in 1896. Though it was decommissioned in 1939, its location in Bullards Beach State Park makes it a picturesque stop.
Things to do:
Explore the lighthouse (now restored)
Take a walk along the jetty
Photograph the sea stacks on Bandon Beach
Stay in: Bandon – known for golfing, beachcombing, and its strong artisan community.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse (Port Orford, OR)
This is Oregon’s oldest standing lighthouse, built in 1870, and the westernmost point in the state. Standing tall on a cliff 245 feet above the Pacific, Cape Blanco has dramatic views and rich history.
What to expect:
Windswept beauty
Lighthouse tours during summer
Rugged coastal trails nearby
Stay nearby: Waldport vacation rentals also offer a great base for exploring the southern coast.
Cape Arago Lighthouse (Coos Bay/Charleston, OR)
Though no longer open to the public, Cape Arago Lighthouse near Coos Bay offers breathtaking views from nearby overlooks and trails. Built in 1934, this lighthouse rests on Chief’s Island and once had a footbridge connecting it to the mainland.
Best views:
From Cape Arago State Park
Lookouts at Sunset Bay State Park
Stay Near the Light: Vacation Rentals on the Oregon Coast
Lighthouses are beautiful by day and mesmerizing by night. To truly enjoy them, stay nearby and let the sea be your soundtrack. With Oregon Beach Vacations, you’ll find the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring.
Choose from:
Oceanfront rentals near Heceta Head and Yaquina Head
Bring binoculars – great for whale watching and bird spotting
Pack layers – coastal wind can be brisk even in summer
Check hours – some lighthouses have seasonal tours only
Bring a flashlight – you’ll appreciate it during sunset walks
Carry a journal – lighthouse visits stir memories worth writing down
Lighthouses to Add to Your Bucket List
If you’re short on time and want a memorable route, we recommend:
Start in Astoria (Cape Disappointment)
Head to Newport (Yaquina Bay + Yaquina Head)
Stop in Florence (Heceta Head)
End in Bandon or Port Orford (Coquille River + Cape Blanco)
Perfect for a 3- to 5-day coastal road trip, packed with photo ops, fresh seafood, and cozy overnights.
Final Thoughts
Oregon’s lighthouses aren’t just structures—they’re storytellers, protectors, and unforgettable parts of coastal life. Whether you’re chasing the foggy charm of Tillamook Rock, exploring tidepools below Yaquina Head, or enjoying a stay near Heceta Head, each beacon offers a lens into the past and a unique experience in the present.
Let your next adventure be guided by the light. Start planning your Oregon lighthouse getaway today at Oregon Beach Vacations.
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