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What to do on the People's Coast

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  • Cape Arago Lighthouse

    Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

    Cape Arago is located 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay and North Bend off Hwy 101. It stands 100 feet above the ocean on an islet just off Gregory Point. The light atop the 44-foot-high tower was first illuminated in 1934 and is easily noticeable due to its distinct fog horn. Although newest in terms of service, earlier structures were built on this site in 1866 and 1908, both succumbing to weather and erosion. Hidden behind a guarded fence, Cape Arago is not open to the public.

  • Cape Blanco Lighthouse

    Port Orford, Oregon 97465

    This isolated lighthouse holds at least four Oregon records: it is the oldest continuously operating light, the most westerly, it has the highest focal plane above the sea, (256 feet), and had Oregon's first woman keeper, Mabel E. Bretherton signed on in March 1903. This lighthouse was commissioned in 1870 to aid shipping generated by gold mining and lumber industry. This is also a highly rated wildlife viewing area.

  • Cape Meares Lighthouse

    Tillamook, Oregon 97141

    Just 10 miles west of Tillamook and U.S. Hwy 101 this lighthouse stands 217 feet above the ocean and at 38-foot it is the shortest on the Oregon coast. Located near Three Capes Scenic Loop, Cape Meares was constructed in 1888. Visitors can take various trails to reach the lighthouse, as well as viewing areas with Stellar Sea Lions and various seabirds.

  • Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse

    Yachats, Oregon 97498

    Cleft of the Rock lighthouse is placed on a bluff near Cape Perpetua, and attached to the home of its former keeper, Jim Gibbs. This lighthouse is somewhat mysterious, as it can only be seen from highway 101. It was also originally designed as a private navigation device for the United States Coastguard.

  • Heceta Head Lighthouse

    Hwy 101 S
    Florence, Oregon 97439

    Named after Don Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer, Heceta Head lighthouse is located north of Florence. This 56-foot tower was first lit in 1894. This lighthouse is 205 feet above the ocean and the light sits at the top of the 56' tower illuminated in 1894. A half-mile hike will lead visitors to this lighthouse, in addition to seabird nesting sites and nearby Bed and Breakfasts located in the assistant keeper's home. The short 1/2 mile hike to the top of the lighthouse from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The spectacular view makes it a great place to share a kiss or for a picnic. Open daily, May-September and Friday-Monday during March, April and October for tours.

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Brought to you by OCVA in association with Travel Oregon & Wildernet