Posted in Oregon
October 20, 2016
This Lighthouse Road Trip On The Oregon Coast Is Dreamily Beautiful
Experience the Oregon Coast like never before on this spectacular lighthouses road trip. Starting at Cape Meares, drive south on the scenic Coastal Highway 101 all the way to Port Orford, stopping by 7 of Oregon’s most gorgeous lighthouses along the way. Read on to find out more…
Check out our google map here for the driving instructions. You hop on or off the route whenever you’d like, or stretch it out over multiple days; the details are up to you. Here’s a destination-by-destination breakdown of the journey:
If you're coming from the north, your first stop will be the lovely Cape Meares. The lighthouse dates back to the 1890s, and is open to the public for tours. The cliff it's perched upon is also a fantastic viewpoint that overlooks miles and miles of sea and shore, and it's a great place for viewing wildlife like murres, bald eagles, falcons, and more. Address: 3500 Cape Meares Loop, Tillamook, OR
As you drive down the beautiful Coastal Highway 101, the next lighthouse you'll see will be the stunning Yaquina Head Lighthouse, located near Newport. This gorgeous lighthouse is the tallest in the state, and was actually built in Paris before being shipped to the U.S. in the 1870s. Stop in to the The Yaquina Head Interpretive Center to learn more. You can also book a tour of the lighthouse, and you may want to spend some time walking around the area, taking in the sights and exploring the plentiful tide pools. Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR
Located on a forested cliff between Florence and Yachats, the beautiful Heceta Head Lighthouse is well worth a stop. If you're planning on making spreading this trip over a couple of days, take the opportunity to book a room in the lightkeepers house, which was actually converted into a unique bed and breakfast. Address: 725 Summer St, Florence, OR
The next lighthouse on your journey down the coast will be the fascinating Umpqua River Lighthouse, located at the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park at Winchester Bay. Here you'll find a sandy beach, a lake, a campground, and of course the 159-year-old lighthouse and neighboring Coastal History Museum. Address: 1020 Lighthouse Rd, Winchester Bay, OR
Located in Charleston on a rugged rock cliff, this historic lighthouse isn't accessible to the public, but it's a lovely sight that can be viewed from Bastendorff Beach County Park, Cape Arago Highway, and on the Oregon Coast Trail. Address: Coos Bay, OR 97420
Your next lighthouse stop will be on the edge of the charming town of Bandon, at the Coquille River Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built in the 1890s and operated until 1939. Nowadays, it's used as an interpretive center and can be found on Bullards Beach State Park. Address: 56487 Bullards Beach Rd, Bandon, OR
Located north of Port Orford, the beautiful Cape Blanco Lighthouse overlooks miles and miles of stunning scenery. A perfect way to cap off your trip, this wondrous lighthouse offers tours of the inside —and plenty of sightseeing outside. Address: 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR
Check out our ultimate fall foliage road trip here.
