Coolest Lighthouses Near Newport, Oregon

Oregon is filled with great history, romantic places, and tourist attractions, particularly the lighthouses that help captains navigate the vast waters. Out of the 11 original lighthouses around the Oregon Coast, seven are open to the public, with most of them still actively operating.

Because of that, a trip to Oregon isn’t complete without deep-sea fishing AND visiting the lighthouses! If you’re looking for the coolest lighthouses near Newport, Oregon, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list.

The Coolest Lighthouses Near Newport, Oregon

Lighthouses operated as navigation aids and beacons for mariners, from huge commercial cargo ships to small fishing boats. While you can drive by many of these lighthouses along the Oregon Coast Highway, take some time to go down and head in the structures, learning a bit of history about every lighthouse and how it’s helped across the years.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Back then, people called the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse the Terrible Tilly because of the challenges during construction and operations. It’s now abandoned, located in Ecola State Park, around a mile away from the coast.

This lighthouse operated from 1881-1957 and is now privately-owned, so the public cannot visit. However, you can view the lighthouse from Tillamook Head’s Oregon Coast Trail or Indian Beach.

Cape Meares Lighthouse

Cape Meares Lighthouse stands at only 38 feet tall, making it the smallest Oregon Coast. It’s located in Cape Lookout State Park, about 10 miles west of Tillamook.

The lighthouse was built in 1890, then decommissioned in 1963. However, the original first-order Fresnel lens still lives in the Cape Meares. From here, you can view the sea lions, seabirds, and even go whale watching!

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

This is the tallest lighthouse tower on the Oregon Coast and continues to serve as a navigation aid. It’s only three miles north of Newport, making it a must-see for tourists in the area.

The lighthouse sits 162 above sea level and stands 93 feet tall, much taller than the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, which it replaced in 1873.

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

This lighthouse is the only one in the state where the light and living quarters are in the same structure. The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was built in 1871 but only operated for three years before the Yaquina Head Lighthouse replaced it.

After a few years of sitting empty, the US Lifesaving Service had a crew placed in the lighthouse, then constructed an observation tower. However, the lighthouse was abandoned again in the 30s. In 1966, it was re-lit and an official Coast Guard navigation aid.

Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

The Cleft of the Rock isn’t open to the public but can be viewed from mile 166 on Highway 101.

The lighthouse was built in 1976 by James Gibbs, a former keeper of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Fun fact: If you’ve been to Vancouver Island, you probably think the Cleft of the Rock looks familiar. That’s because the lighthouse is the replica of the Fiddle Reef Lighthouse!

Heceta Head Lighthouse

We recommend visiting the Heceta Head Lighthouse for the amazing views of the Heceta Head. It was built in 1893, with the light, now automated beacon, seen about 21 miles from land.

You can head over there for a tour or check-in their bed and breakfast. But be wary because the lighthouse is considered one of the most haunted houses across the USA!

Umpqua River Lighthouse

This lighthouse is a personal favorite that you must visit twice – one during the daytime for touring, then again come night to watch the light show. The Umpqua River Lighthouse exudes flashes of red and white, circling the area.

The first and original lighthouse was built in 1857, the first one ever made in the state. However, it fell in the river in 1961 due to erosion. The second and current lighthouse was built in 1894, sitting 165 feet above sea level.

Cape Arago Lighthouse

The Cape Arago Lighthouse is situated 12 miles southwest of North Bend, though we can only view it from afar. It’s on an islet off Gregory Point, sitting 100 feet above sea level.

Did you know that there were two previous Cape Arago Lighthouses before this third and newest facility? Both older versions were built in 1866 and 1908, though they were destroyed from erosion and harsh elements.

In 2006, the latest facility was deactivated, with its Fresnel lens on display in the Coos History Museum.  You can visit the viewpoints around the Sunset Bay campground or Bastendorff Beach.

Coquille River Lighthouse

The Coquille River Lighthouse is situated in the Bullards State Park, built-in 1896 to guide mariners navigating into the Coquille River.

In 1939, the US Coast Guard took over the lighthouse, deciding it wasn’t needed anymore, hence the decommissioning. The river channel was improved, and there’s an automated light on the south jetty, operating as the new navigation aid. The lighthouse was abandoned for 24 years until Bullards State Park decided to restore the lighthouse.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse

This beautiful lighthouse is 256 above sea level, so you can expect spectacular ocean views and a memorable whale watching experience when you time your visit right.

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse was built in 1870, known as the oldest standing lighthouse in Oregon!

Pelican Bay Lighthouse

This is also called the Port of Brooking Lighthouse, located in Brookings by Chetco River. It stood 141 feet above sea lighthouse and was first lit in 1999.

Wrapping It Up

When you’re heading towards Newport, Oregon, don’t forget to visit these lighthouses! Not only do they make such a memorable experience, but you get to learn a lot about the state as well.

Besides heading to the coolest lighthouses near Newport, Oregon, you should also head out to the waters with some fishing action! Like lighthouses, a trip to Newport isn’t complete without catching a fish or two. Contact us for fishing charter services if you’d like to try something new with family or friends on your next trip to Oregon!