The Oregon Territory was a major source of resources for original development of the Pacific Coast. Ships of the period navigated Oregon’s Coastline of treacherous river bars; fog and perilous shorelines to transport needed goods. Nine of the original lighthouses built as navigational aids in the late 1800’s remain as a testament to that past.

Modern day travelers can follow a route up Oregon’s Coast Highway #101 and visit these Nationally Registered Historic Places while enjoying a state treasure, The Oregon Coast. Starting in Brookings, sites along #101 include the Oregon Dunes, Seal Rock State Park and the lighthouses await your visit.

The first light is Cape Blanco, north of Port Orford on Oregon’s windiest headland. In service since 1870, its light shines twenty-one miles out to sea. During WWII, the Japanese used Blanco’s light to guide a submarine launched float plane to drop incendiary devices on the surrounding forestland.

Continuing north on #101, the next light is the Coquille River Lighthouse in Bandon, one of many popular communities for local artisans along the coast. The lighthouse is unusual because of its Victorian Italiante style. Extinguished in 1939, an ornamental light remains that’s viewable only from Old Town Bandon at night.

The third light on the Southern Coast is Cape Arago. Still active, this light is closed to the public and viewable only from a scenic wayside at Sunset Bay State Park west of Charleston. There is an unimproved one-mile trail that follows a high ocean side bluff with no safety railing that allows closer views, but it’s advised you don’t use this trail.

West of Winchester Bay is Oregon’s only colored-signal light, the Umpqua River Lighthouse. She’s flashed her red and white revolving beam from this location since 1894. One of the best times to visit is after dark or before sunrise. It’s an impressive sight seeing the colored beam through the local coastal Pine trees.

Also still in service is Heceta Head north of Florence. The classic view of this lighthouse is from a wayside off Highway #101. This view is arguably the most photographed scene on the Oregon Coast. The wayside, just North of the Sea Lion Caves, is very popular. Use care pulling off or re-entering Hwy. #101.

Of particular interest at Heceta Head is the allegedly haunted Keeper’s House. Many reports of encounters with Rue, a keeper’s wife, have been related through the years. These encounters range from finding things missing or moved to seeing her. Sounds were once heard in the attic at night after workmen broke an attic window. The next morning the glass was found swept up in a neat pile for disposal.

Farther north in Newport you’ll find two lighthouses. The first, Yaquina Bay, was illuminated in 1871 and operated for only three years. Ghost stories also persist at this Cape Cod styled lighthouse, but they tend to not be given the same credence as Heceta Head’s Rue. Additional attractions worth visiting in Newport include the Oregon Aquarium and the historic waterfront.

The light at Yaquina Head, north of Newport replaced Yaquina Bay. A classic design, Yaquina Head is one of the most popular lights on the Coast. This light is inside a day use fee area that also supports a Natural tidal pool area and interpretive center. There’s also a man-made, wheel-chair accessible tidal pool available on the South side of the headland.

The shortest light on the coast at thirty-eight feet guards Tillamook Bay. Perched 217 above the ocean; Cape Meares is an excellent viewpoint for sea birds, seals and migrating gray whales. The light was extinguished in 1963, replaced by a less romantic automatic beacon on a nearby concrete blockhouse.

Recommended State Park Facilities along Hwy. #101 with hookups for RVers that accept reservations include Bullard’s Beach, Sunset Bay, Umpqua Lighthouse, Honeyman, Beverly Beach and Cape Lookout State Parks. Reservations maybe made up to eleven’s months ahead at (800) 452-5687.