Oregon's Tallest Lighthouse Is A Shimmering Gem On The Basalt Cliffs Of The Pacific Coast

Standing atop cliffs in Oregon's basalt headlands,  Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the state. You'll find this historic lighthouse on the outskirts of Newport, one of Oregon's captivating coastal cities, and at the crosshairs of some of the United States' most scenic byways. Newport is at the western end of U.S. Route 20, the longest road in the United States. You can take a stunning cross-country trip, traveling 3,365 miles from Boston to the Oregon Coast. Newport also sits along U.S. Highway 101, where you can take in the beautiful Pacific Northwest coastline, and connects Los Angeles, California, to Tumwater, Washington. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is also perched along this epic Pacific coast highway.

Luckily, it's not necessary to drive across the entire country to visit this famous lighthouse. The Eugene Airport (EUG) is only 85 miles southeast of Newport. Despite being small, Oregon's second-largest airport receives nonstop flights from a number of mostly West Coast cities. Portland International Airport (PDX) is a bit further away at 150 miles to the northeast, but this is the state's largest international airport and receives direct flights from cities around the world.

Originally known as the Cape Foulweather Light, the Yaquina Point Lighthouse is a beautiful beacon on the Pacific Coast. Partially constructed in Paris, with its lantern being made in Europe, pieces of the lighthouse were shipped all the way to Oregon and pieced together beginning in 1871. The structure was completed in 1873, and it stands 93 feet tall. 

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been modernized since its genesis. At first, the lighthouse keeper had to climb 114 steps each night to keep the oil-burning light glowing. It was switched to an electric light in the 1930s. The original fixed light had a "signature" flash, as  every lighthouse does, making it easy for sailors to tell where they were along the coast. Eventually, the lighthouse keeper was no longer needed, and a computer replaced the position in 1966. The light is now fully automatic.

Visitors can join a group tour to learn more about the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The tours don't happen every day, but when they are offered, they're announced in the morning. Tours depart from the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center at 10 a.m. and take place on the ground floor of the lighthouse.

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse sits along protected basalt cliffs on the tip of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. On NW Lighthouse Drive, the road leading out to the lighthouse, you'll first find the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center. Along with joining a lighthouse tour, the center is a wealth of information, where you can learn about the history of the point, see a replica of the European-made lantern, and check out exhibits about the birds and sea creatures that call the area home.

There are a number of short trails around the natural area. The Quarry Cove Trail leads down to tidal pools that you can explore. They are surrounded by basalt columns. The Cobble Beach Trail is where you might see harbor seals with their pups in the spring. The beach is lined with lava rocks that are pounded by the rough surf. While the Communications Hill Trail, which is shaded by pine trees, has a great view looking south of the beaches lining the coast, with Newport in the distance. No matter which trail you choose, you'll have a gorgeous view of the ocean. Also, keep an eye on the water. You might catch a glimpse of a gray whale as they pass this part of the Oregon coast twice a year, while migrating south in the winter and north in the spring.