Lighthouse Beach - Secluded Stretch of Sand with Cape Arago Lighthouse View

Lighthouse Beach is a hidden coastal gem on the southern Oregon Coast, about 11 miles southwest of Coos Bay near the fishing village of Charleston. It sits between Yoakam Beach to the east and Sunset Bay State Park to the west, stretching roughly half a mile along the shore, with Cape Arago Lighthouse perched on Chief's Island about a quarter mile offshore.

What sets it apart from other beaches near Coos Bay is how quiet it remains. While Bastendorff Beach and Sunset Bay draw steady crowds, Lighthouse Beach remains nearly deserted most of the time.

The beach faces west into the full force of Pacific Ocean swells, with coastal cliffs framing both sides and Sitka spruce clinging to the bluffs above.

Getting here takes effort. Property owners have restricted direct public access along the old trail, creating an ongoing dispute that local surfers and community members continue to fight. The most reliable route is walking from Yoakam Beach during a very low tide, carefully crossing a wave-cut rock platform that separates the two beaches.

To reach Yoakam Beach, look for a small "Day Use Only" sign at a narrow pullout along Cape Arago Highway, 0.3 miles west of the Bastendorff Beach entrance road. Parking is very limited.

A 300-yard trail leads through coastal forest to a viewpoint, then a steep path with rough rock steps descends to the beach. The trail gets muddy and slippery in wet weather and isn't ideal for limited mobility. Wear sturdy footwear, always check tide conditions before heading down, and give yourself plenty of time to get back because getting caught on a rising tide is dangerous.

Things to Do at Lighthouse Beach

Surfing

Lighthouse Beach has quietly earned a reputation among Oregon Coast surfers. Under ideal conditions, the beach produces a big, clean, curling break that attracts advanced-level surfers. The seclusion is a huge draw. You can ride waves here without the crowds that pack more well-known surf spots.

Tide Pool Exploring

At very low tides, you can walk toward Chief's Island at the western end of Lighthouse Beach and explore colorful tide pools tucked among the rocks. Sea stars, anemones, small crabs, and other marine creatures fill these pools.

The best time to visit is during a minus tide, when the water pulls back far enough to expose rocky shelves that stay hidden the rest of the time. Always check a tide chart before heading out.

Cape Arago Lighthouse Views

You can't visit Lighthouse Beach without taking in the views of the Cape Arago Lighthouse. The lighthouse sits on Chief's Island, roughly a quarter mile from the shore, and it dominates the view from the western end of the beach. During very low tides, you can walk closer to the island for an even more dramatic perspective.

If you want an additional vantage point, the Lighthouse Viewpoint along Cape Arago Highway, about 1.7 miles from Yoakam Point, provides a scenic overlook.

There is no camping at Lighthouse Beach or at nearby Yoakam Point. The nearest campgrounds are at Bastendorff Beach County Park and Sunset Bay State Park, both just a short drive away.

For lodging and vacation rentals, the fishing village of Charleston is the closest option and sits roughly 3 miles to the northeast. North Bend and Coos Bay offer many more choices, from budget motels to vacation homes.

Affordable vacation rentals for short and long-term stays at Charleston and North Bend

Lodging in Coos Bay