On the southern end of Newport, just north of the Yaquina Bay Bridge, stands a lighthouse that is unique in several respects to any other Oregon lighthouse. Turn at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and continue about a mile to the lighthouse.įee: $7 per car to enter the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natura Area. Lighthouse lore contends that the lighthouse was intended for Cape Foulweather, but historical records show that the lighthouse was meant to be right where it is.ĭirections: Yaquina Head is located about 3 miles north of Newport in the Agate Beach area. Friends of Yaquina Lighthouses is a volunteer group that works toward restoration and preservation of both Newport lighthouses and the Interprative Center is open from 10am to 4 pm. This is an active, working lighthouse with the original lens in place, but the light is now automated. The lighthouse is open for tours from 12 to 4 p.m. The murres can be packed in so tight, you hardly see the rock. Gulls nest on the cliffs and common murres on the nearby offshore rocks. Besides the lighthouse at this natural area are tide pools, an impressive interpretive center, and nesting sea birds in the summer months. The lighthouse is part of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This is the second lighthouse built in the Newport area and at 93 feet high, it’s the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. Fee: No charge to see the park or lighthouse. From Highway 101 in Tillamook follow signs to Cape Meares. from April through October.ĭirections: Cape Meares is located on the Three Capes Scenic Loop north of the village of Oceanside and approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook. To schedule a tour of the lighthouse, contact the Friends of Cape Meares Lighthouse (50) at least three weeks in advance between 11 a.m. The Friends of Cape Meares helped save the lighthouse some years ago from being torn down and today maintain an Interpretive Gift Shop in what used to be a workroom. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1963 and the light replaced by a smaller but equally powerful automated electric light on a nearby steel tower. At 38 feet this is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, but its lantern room holds the large first-order lens. and the trail to the lighthouse is wheelchair accessible. The lighthouse is open daily April through October from 11 a.m. Features within the park include a picnic area and a trail to view offshore rocks, including Three Arch Rocks, and a trail to the unusual Octopus Tree. This piece of real estate is the most northerly cape of the Three Capes Scenic Loop and is also a national wildlife refuge because of the birds that nest on the cliffs. Cape MearesĬape Meares Lighthouse is the star attraction at Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The lighthouse can be seen from Ecola State Park and from Highway 101 south of Cannon Beach. Since 1994, the rocky islet has also been designated a federal wildlife refuge filled with nesting common murres and cormorants. Under private ownership in 1980, the lighthouse was renovated and converted to a columbarium cemetery. After decommissioning, the lighthouse was abandoned for two decades. During a storm in 1896, a rock weighing 135 pounds crashed through the roof and into the kitchen of the keeper’s quarters. Giant waves battered the lighthouse often shattering the protective glass around the light. Because of the danger and isolation, these lighthouse keepers were paid more. Rotations were every three weeks for that’s when a boat returned the man on leave and brought provisions and mail. Five keepers attended the lighthouse: four on duty at the lighthouse and one onshore on leave. From 1880 when the lamp was lit until 1957 when it was decommissioned, “Terrible Tilly” served the maritime industry. Tillamook Rock Photographer: Christian Heebīuilt on a rocky island 1.2 miles offshore of Tillamook Head, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse represents an engineering and construction feat that overcame great obstacles. These 11 sentinels of the coast, revered by locals, sought by tourists, and seen far and wide in photos, each have a story to tell. Coast Guard as official private aides to navigation. If you time it right, you’ll get to go inside, take a tour, maybe go up the stairs to the watch room or even higher to the lantern room.Īnd there are two privately built lighthouses both of which are certified by the U.S. Of the nine original lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, seven are open to the public and most are still active.
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