Yaquina Head Lighthouse - The Tallest Light Station

The most striking attraction of the Central Oregon Coast, Yaquina Head Lighthouse sits within the boundaries of the 100-acre Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (YHONA) two miles away from Newport. Oregon's tallest and oldest active lighthouse is positioned 162 feet above sea level on a basalt headland jutting about 1 mile out of the ocean guiding ships safely along the Oregon Coast.

This light station is, in fact, of European origin. It was made in Paris in 1868 and shipped from France to Oregon. Lighthouse's construction took one year and over 370,000 bricks. On August 20th, 1873, the 93-foot tall structure casted its first beam. At that time lamps worked on burned fish oil sending light from sunset to sunrise. Now, it is fully automated with powerful LED bulbs and a first Fresnel lens working 24 hours a day, flashing a sequence of two seconds on and two seconds off.

The lighthouse is open for tours where you learn its rich history, legends, and ghost stories.

It is easy to understand why this region is called “outstanding” when you behold the natural surroundings. The area around the lighthouse offers stunning 360-degree views of the rugged coastline and the boundless ocean.

A long stairway from the parking area and the observation deck leads to the Cobble Beach famous for its rich tidepools, abundant wildlife, and rare wave-tumbled cobblestones.

Also, the area includes an interpretive center and a few trails such as Quarry Cove, Salal Hill, and Lighthouse Trails.