Umpqua River Lighthouse - A Historic Gem on the Oregon Coast

Umpqua River Lighthouse is one of 11 unique lighthouses on the Oregon Coast.

Located at the mouth of the Umpqua River near Reedsport, it sits within Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, a destination known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation.

This active lighthouse is one of the few in Oregon where visitors can go inside, climb to the top, and get an up-close look at its functioning Fresnel lens.

At night, the lens emits alternating red and white flashes, creating a beautiful display visible up to 21 nautical miles (24 land miles) out to sea.

The lighthouse seen today is the second structure built on this site. The original Umpqua River Lighthouse was Oregon's first coastal lighthouse, constructed in 1855 and first lit in 1857. However, it was built too close to the river and suffered from erosion and flooding. After just six years in service, it collapsed in October 1863 due to a weakened foundation.

It wasn't until 1888 that Congress approved the construction of a replacement. Work began in 1892, and the new lighthouse was completed and lit in 1894.

Interestingly, it was built using the same blueprints as Heceta Head Lighthouse, making the two nearly identical in appearance. The current tower stands 61 feet tall and rises 100 feet above the river. It was automated in 1966 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Just steps from the lighthouse, the Umpqua River Lighthouse Museum is located inside the historic U.S. Coast Guard station. The museum offers exhibits on the history of the lighthouse, the Coast Guard's role on the Umpqua River, and the surrounding area's maritime heritage.

The observation deck in front of the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the ocean, dunes, and forested coastline.

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park nearby features camping areas, restrooms, picnic tables, and the serene Lake Marie, perfect for swimming, a quiet paddle, and hiking.

Although, the lighthouse is about three-quarters of a mile from Ziolkouski Beach Park, the most sheltered beach on the Oregon Coast at the mouth of the Umpqua River.

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground is just a few minutes away if you want to stay overnight. It has 45 full-hookup RV sites, 8 yurts (some are pet-friendly), and 10 tent sites in a quiet, wooded area. The campground has clean restrooms, hot showers, and easy access to Lake Marie, hiking trails, and the historic lighthouse. It’s a peaceful place where you can wake up to birdsong and take a short walk to the lake or lighthouse.

If you prefer more comfort, there are hotels and other lodging in Reedsport, Winchester Bay, or Coos Bay, 22 miles south.

Hotels, motels, and vacation rentals in Reedsport and Winchester Bay

Lodging in Coos Bay