All along Oregon’s rugged coastline, you’ll find the state’s iconic lighthouses standing as a beacon of maritime history. A road trip to visit these lighthouses is the perfect way to experience the dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns along Oregon’s Highway 101. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of lighthouses, the thrill of coastal drives, or simply the allure of the Pacific, this itinerary combines history, maritime heritage, and stunning ocean views for an unforgettable trip along the Oregon coast.
Eight Oregon Lighthouses to Explore
Day 1: Eagle Point to the Oregon Coast (Gold Beach)
Your journey begins in Eagle Point, where you’ll head west toward the coast via Highway 62, passing through Grants Pass and following the scenic Redwood Highway (Highway 199) toward the Southern Oregon coast. Before you head for the coast, head to Eagles Market & Gas for all your road trip essentials. You can fuel up your vehicle while also stocking up on beverages, snacks, and fresh deli items to pack a picnic.
First Stop: Cape Blanco Lighthouse (Port Orford): Perched on Oregon’s westernmost point, Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest continually operating lighthouse in the state. With its striking white tower and panoramic views of the Pacific, it’s also one of the most picturesque. Take a guided tour to learn about its 1870s origins and the keepers who once tended the light.
Second Stop: Coquille River Lighthouse (Bandon): Heading north along Highway 101, your next stop is the Coquille River Lighthouse in Bullards Beach State Park. Built in 1896, this charming lighthouse was decommissioned in 1939 but has since been restored and remains a beloved landmark. A short walk along the sandy shore takes you into the nearby town of Bandon, where you can explore its famed sea stacks and cranberry bogs.
Day 2: Bandon to Florence
Third Stop: Cape Arago Lighthouse (near Coos Bay): Cape Arago Lighthouse stands on an isolated island, making it one of the most unique stops on this journey. While it’s not accessible to the public, there are fantastic viewpoints from Sunset Bay and Shore Acres State Parks. The dramatic coastline here is well worth the stop.
Fourth Stop: Umpqua River Lighthouse (Winchester Bay): First built in 1857 and rebuilt in 1894, Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of Oregon’s oldest lighthouses. Unlike most lighthouses, this one features a striking red-and-white Fresnel lens that still operates today. It also has a small museum detailing its history and the region’s maritime past.
Fifth Stop: Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence): One of the most picturesque lighthouses on the West Coast, Heceta Head Lighthouse stands on a stunning cliffside. A short hike leads you to the lighthouse, where you can take a guided tour. For a truly unique experience, book a stay at the historiclightkeeper’ss house, which now operates as a bed and breakfast.
Day 3: Florence to Newport
Sixth Stop: Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport): Standing at 93 feet, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, this lighthouse offers guided tours, tide pools, and seasonal whale-watching. Just a few miles away, you can also visit Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, an integrated home-and-light structure built in 1871 that now serves as a museum where visitors can step back in time.
Day 4: Newport to Tillamook & Return to Eagle Point
Seventh Stop: Tillamook Rock Lighthouse (Cannon Beach): Nicknamed “Terrible Tilly,” this offshore lighthouse is known for its harsh conditions and dramatic history. While it’s not open to the public, you can catch stunning views of Tillamook Rock Lighthouse from Ecola State Park’s scenic overlooks.
Final Stop: Cape Meares Lighthouse (Cape Meares): The final stop on your Oregon lighthouse tour is Cape Mears Lighthouse. It may be one of Oregon’s shortest lighthouses, but it’s also one of the most scenic. It sits on a stunning bluff, offering views of the famous Three Arch Rocks and a chance to see nesting seabirds.
Wrapping Up: The Journey Back to Eagle Point
After a final coastal sunset, it’s time to head back to Eagle Point. Take Highway 6 from Tillamook to connect with I-5 south, enjoying the changing landscapes from coastal forests to rolling farmlands and back to the rugged mountains of Southern Oregon.
Tips for Exploring Oregon’s Lighthouses:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall provides the best weather and accessibility.
- Pack Layers: The Oregon coast can be windy and chilly, even in the summer.
- Book Tours in Advance: Some lighthouses have limited tour schedules, so check ahead of time.
- Plan Around the Tides: Many lighthouses have great tide pools nearby.
- Watch for Wildlife: Keep an eye out for gray whales, sea lions, and puffins.
Let Eagles Market & Gas Be Your Beacon
A road trip along Oregon’s coastline to visit its historic lighthouses takes you through history, nature, and the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Eagles Market & Gas has everything you need for the journey. Stop in to fuel up your vehicle and pick up snacks and beverages for the road. We even have fresh deli items and Scratch Dig-In Chicken for a roadside picnic. Whether you visit just a few of Oregon’s lighthouses or make the full loop, Eagles Market will get you on your way to these historic coastal beacons.