Iconic Lights on the Oregon Coast
Published: 02/28/2015  Updated: 08/09/2019
Coquille River Lighthouse, Oregon
Coquille River Lighthouse, Oregon  Photo by Gary Hayes

At one time these sentinels to the sea helped ships navigate the rough and rocky Oregon shore, now nine are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Oregon Coast has nine historic lighthouses that are among the top icons of the region. This list features the historic lighthouses from north to south with dates indicating when the lights were first lit.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (1881)
This offshore lighthouse can be viewed from locations in Seaside and Cannon Beach, but the best viewing location is Ecola State Park.

Cape Meares Lighthouse (1890)
Located at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, an 18 mile drive west of Tillamook, where a short path from the parking area leads the lighthouse.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse (1873)
Located within the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in the north end of Newport.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (1871)
Located in the south end of Newport at the Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site just north of the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

Heceta Head Lighthouse (1894)
Located 12 miles north of Florence in Heceta Lighthouse State Park where a half-mile trail leads to the lighthouse. Highway turnouts to the south also offer great views.

Umpqua River Lighthouse (1894)
Located just south of Winchester Bay in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park.

Cape Arago Lighthouse (1934)
This inaccessible lighthouse is located on an island about 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay. Best views are from viewpoints just south of the Sunset Bay State Park main parking area.

Coquille River Lighthouse (1896)
Located in Bullards Beach State Park just north of Bandon.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse (1870)
Located about nine miles northwest of Port Orford.
Iconic Lights on the Oregon Coast