Oregon Coast lighthouses are more than pretty stops along Highway 101. They mark dangerous river bars, wind-battered headlands and a maritime story that reaches from the mouth of the Columbia to Cape Blanco. Some still guide vessels. Others are preserved landmarks, remote silhouettes or buildings you can only admire from a safe viewpoint.
This north-to-south road trip guide covers nine historic coastal lights, what makes each one different and what to verify before you arrive. Tour schedules, fees, parking and building access change with weather, staffing and season, so use the official links and call ahead when an interior visit matters.
How many lighthouses are on the Oregon Coast?
The Oregon State Parks lighthouse brochure follows nine historic lights along the Pacific shore: Tillamook Rock, Cape Meares, Yaquina Head, Yaquina Bay, Heceta Head, Umpqua River, Cape Arago, Coquille River and Cape Blanco. Public access varies dramatically. Tillamook Rock and Cape Arago are viewpoint-only experiences, while several others offer seasonal rooms, exhibits or tours.
You do not need to visit all nine in one trip. Pairing two or three lights with nearby towns produces a better day than racing down the entire coast. Use our North, Central or South Coast comparison to choose a region first.
Oregon Coast lighthouses from north to south
1. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
Nicknamed “Terrible Tilly,” Tillamook Rock sits offshore from Tillamook Head near Cannon Beach. The light was built on an isolated basalt rock after an infamously difficult construction effort. There is no public access. View it from safe, established overlooks at Ecola State Park or from the Cannon Beach area when visibility allows. Bring binoculars and expect fog to make the decision for you.
2. Cape Meares Lighthouse
Cape Meares has the shortest tower on the Oregon Coast, yet its bluff-top setting places the light high above the ocean. The first-order Fresnel lens and surrounding wildlife viewpoints make this more than a quick photo stop. The lighthouse generally operates seasonally, while weather and maintenance can affect access. Check the official Cape Meares page before driving the Three Capes route.
3. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
At 93 feet, Yaquina Head is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. It remains an active aid to navigation and anchors a federal natural area with an interpretive center, observation decks, wildlife and tide-pool access. Some tours require reservations or operate only during limited periods. A site pass may be required. Review the current BLM visitor information before arrival.
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4. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
Newport has two distinctly different lights. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is the older house-style structure above the harbor entrance, not the tall tower at Yaquina Head. It served briefly in the 1870s and later became a restored landmark. Seasonal hours and volunteer availability determine interior access; two flights of stairs lead to the watch room, while the lantern room is closed. See the official Yaquina Bay page.
5. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head rises above a cove north of Florence and is reached by a roughly half-mile uphill trail from the parking area. The route passes the historic assistant keeper’s house before reaching the tower and viewpoint. The setting is spectacular, but the trail can be wet and building access depends on weather and staffing. Parking may require a day-use permit. Check Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint for alerts.
6. Umpqua River Lighthouse
Near Winchester Bay, Umpqua River Lighthouse is known for a distinctive red-and-white light pattern and a lens visitors can appreciate during guided experiences. The museum and tour schedule are operated separately from the adjacent state park and can change by season. Confirm current information through the links on the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park page.
7. Cape Arago Lighthouse
Cape Arago Lighthouse occupies an offshore islet near Charleston. The site is closed to the public, and the bridge is not a visitor route. Enjoy the lighthouse as a distant landscape feature from designated roadside and park viewpoints. Pair it with Sunset Bay and Shore Acres rather than searching for a way onto the island.
8. Coquille River Lighthouse
At Bullards Beach near Bandon, the Coquille River Lighthouse stands near the river mouth and north jetty. The signal room typically opens during a seasonal volunteer period, but the tower remains closed for safety. Wind and sand can make the walk feel longer than expected. Check Bullards Beach State Park for current alerts and hours.
9. Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Cape Blanco is Oregon’s oldest standing lighthouse, commissioned in 1870 on a famously windy headland near Port Orford. Seasonal tours and the greeting center depend on volunteer schedules and weather. The exposed setting can be dramatically colder than town, so carry a warm layer even on a sunny day. Use the official Cape Blanco State Park page before driving out.
Best lighthouse road-trip combinations
- North Coast day: Tillamook Rock viewpoint, Cape Meares and the Three Capes scenery.
- Newport day: Yaquina Head, Yaquina Bay and Newport’s working waterfront.
- Central Coast day: Heceta Head, Cape Perpetua and Florence.
- Coos County day: Umpqua River, Cape Arago viewpoint and Coquille River Lighthouse—allow a full day and substantial driving.
- Far South Coast day: Coquille River, Cape Blanco and Port Orford, with daylight and weather kept firmly in mind.
Build town stops around the route with our Oregon Coast Cities & Communities guide. Check TripCheck for road conditions before committing to remote side roads.
What to bring for lighthouse visits
- Windproof rain layer and a warm mid-layer.
- Shoes with traction for wet paths and stairs.
- Binoculars for offshore and closed-to-public lights.
- Water and snacks for remote headlands.
- Parking pass or payment method where required.
- Downloaded directions because service can disappear.
- Patience: fog, wind and volunteer staffing are part of the coast.
Use our complete Oregon Coast packing list for year-round layers and safety gear.
Photography and safety
Stay on established paths and behind barriers. Do not climb closed structures, cross private land or approach cliff edges for an unobstructed photograph. A longer lens creates a better image than a reckless position. Drones may be restricted by park, wildlife and federal rules; verify before launching.
At beach-level sites, know the tides and watch for sneaker waves, moving driftwood and unstable jetties. Read Oregon State Parks’ beach safety guidance before walking near the surf.
Frequently asked questions
Which Oregon Coast lighthouse is the tallest?
Yaquina Head Lighthouse near Newport has the tallest tower on the Oregon Coast at 93 feet.
Which is the oldest standing lighthouse?
Cape Blanco is the oldest standing Oregon Coast lighthouse. It was commissioned in 1870.
Can you tour every Oregon Coast lighthouse?
No. Several are closed, offshore or only partly open. Tours at accessible sites are often seasonal and may depend on weather, staffing or reservations.
Which two lighthouses are in Newport?
Newport has Yaquina Head Lighthouse north of town and the smaller house-style Yaquina Bay Lighthouse above the harbor entrance.
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