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. It’s perhaps the most unique road trip in Oregon, a provides you with an opportunity for an incredible experience along the coast of the state. This lighthouse road trip in Oregon is one that can’t be missed, friends. Learn more about it below, and perhaps being to plan your own trip.
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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. It's one of the best places to visit with some of the best things to do on the coast of Oregon. 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 about this historic lighthouse in
Oregon. 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. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is known not only as one of the most historic lighthouses in Oregon, but also in the nation. 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. It's a definite spot to stop as you take this lighthouse road trip in Oregon. 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
No lightouse road trip in Oregon is complete without a trip to Cape Blanco! 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
Address: Cape Meares Lighthouse Dr, Tillamook, OR 97141, USA
Address: 750 NW Lighthouse Dr, Newport, OR 97365, USA
Address: 725 Summer St, Florence, OR 97439, USA
Address: 1020 Lighthouse Rd, Winchester Bay, OR 97467, USA
Address: 56487 Bullards Beach Rd, Bandon, OR 97411, USA
Address: 91100 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
lighthouse road trip in Oregon
April 24, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What is the most famous lighthouse in Oregon?
The most famous lighthouse in the state of Oregon is actually the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, the Heceta Head Lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is on the Oregon Coast and is conveniently located just 12 miles north of Florence and 13 miles south of Yahcats. The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is located halfway up of a 205-foot-tall headland and is a protected state park. It opened in March of 1894 and continues to operate as a tourist attraction and local hot spot. The lighthouse itself is built of brick and stucco and offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean along with guided tours based on availability.
Are there any other unique road trips to take in Oregon?
Oregon is a beautiful place, and there are all sorts of great adventures to take in the state. Quite a few folks come to view the fall foliage, and others travel along the coast from outlook to outlook. Visit the Diamond Craters in the southeastern corner of the state, or maybe meander along the High Desert Discovery Scenic Byway. A drive down the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway or the Elkhorn Drive Scenic Byway makes for incredible experiences, and “Oregon’s Outback” can be experienced along the 171-mile Oregon Outback Scenic Byway. From Hells Canyon to Wallowa Lake, there are all sorts of adventures in Oregon.
What else can I do along the coast in Oregon?
The cost of Oregon has a whole series of top-rated attractions and things to do. From the famed Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock views to the Three Capes Scenic Route, natural beauty is rife and runs wild along the edge of Oregon. We’d recommend visiting the Ecola State Park or heading out to the Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint for a great experience in the natural world. The Devils Punchbowl is also popular, and the quirky Hobbit Trail is bound to engage your entire group with its beauty.
