Four of Oregon’s eleven lighthouses are a short drive from Lincoln City. Cape Meares Lighthouse is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, standing 38 feet high. First illuminated in 1890, it still contains the original Fresnel lens made in Paris, France. In its heyday, the light from Cape Meares could be seen 21 nautical miles out to sea. As you approach the lighthouse, you are parallel with the lantern; it’s a beautiful vantage point for a photo. At 93 feet tall, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest in Oregon and is still in operation on the north end of Newport. Although the original oil-burning Fresnel lens has been replaced, the 1800s history of Yaquina Head shines on. Go for a tour and visit the Yaquina Head Interpretive Center for more of the story of the lighthouse and the surrounding natural area. Believed to be the oldest structure in Newport, and the only existing Oregon lighthouse with living quarters attached, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was only in service for three years before being replaced by Yaquina Head Lighthouse. It is still functional, shining a steady white light from dusk to dawn, 161 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is open to the public for tours. South of Yachats, perched on a bluff 150 feet above the Pacific, Heceta Head Lighthouse keeps vigil with one of the brightest lights on the coast, shining 21 miles out to sea. At 56 feet tall, Heceta Head also offers a bed and breakfast in the historic lighthouse keeper’s house, as well as tours and an interpretive center. Majestic Lighthouses PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK.COM/ALPAMAYOPHOTO PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK.COM/KINGWU EXPLORELINCOLNCITY.COM | 71
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