Lighthouses on the Oregon Coast are more than just historic landmarks; they’re a reason to get outside and see the raw power and beauty of the coastline for yourself. These structures have been guiding mariners through fog and rough seas for over a century, each one with its own unique character and story. The Coquille River Lighthouse, just north of Bandon at Bullards Beach State Park, is one of the most photogenic and accessible lighthouses in Oregon. With its sand-swept base, distinctive design, and views of where the river meets the Pacific, it’s a perfect introduction to the many Oregon Coast lighthouses dotting the rugged shore.
Once you’ve admired the Coquille River Lighthouse, the rest of the Southern Oregon Coast opens up with dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and quiet beaches. Visit Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint near our hotel for an unforgettable photo op or spend an afternoon exploring tide pools on Bandon’s stunning beaches. Bandon’s charming Old Town also offers plenty of local flavor, featuring cozy coffee shops and galleries filled with coastal art. Just a short drive away, you’ll find even more lighthouses in Oregon, like Cape Blanco or Cape Arago. Whether you’re into beachcombing, tidepooling, biking, or coastal hikes, there are endless things to do on the Oregon Coast.
At the end of your adventure, come back to comfort at the Inn at Face Rock. It’s one of the best-rated Oregon Coast hotels, blending warm hospitality with thoughtful amenities and an unbeatable location steps from the beach. You’ll wake up to the sound of the ocean, sip your morning coffee with fresh coastal air, and enjoy easy access to some of the most iconic Oregon Coastline attractions. The Southern Oregon Coast offers so much more than Oregon Coast lighthouses. Book your stay to explore this wild and rugged stretch of the Oregon Coast.Â
Don’t Miss These Oregon Coast Lighthouses
Coquille River Lighthouse – Bandon’s Signature Landmark
Located in Bullards Beach State Park, just across the Coquille River from downtown Bandon, the Coquille River Lighthouse is an essential stop for anyone who wants to see Oregon Coast lighthouses. Built in 1896, the lighthouse originally served as a guide for ships navigating the treacherous entrance to the Coquille River. Its classic shape, red-roofed signal room, and distinctive setting on a sandy spit make it one of the most photogenic Oregon Coast lighthouses.
Architecturally, this is one of the most stunning Oregon Coast lighthouses. But what people are really drawn to here is the rugged beauty that surrounds it. You can park nearby and walk out to the base of the Coquille River Lighthouse, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the river, sand dunes, and the ocean beyond. During low tide, explore the driftwood-strewn beach and watch for seals bobbing in the surf. It’s also one of the best Oregon Coast lighthouses to catch a sunset. There’s nothing more beautiful than the golden light hitting the lighthouse and reflecting off the water.Â
Cape Blanco Lighthouse – Westernmost Lighthouse in Oregon
A scenic 45-minute drive south of Bandon takes you to Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest continually operating lighthouse in Oregon. Perched on a windswept bluff in Cape Blanco State Park, it was first lit in 1870 and remains a testament to early maritime navigation on the Oregon coastline.
Cape Blanco is the westernmost point in the state, and the views are absolutely unreal. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, with waves crashing far below and dramatic cliffs stretching out into the Pacific. Take the short walk from the parking area out to the lighthouse for the full effect. Guided tours are offered seasonally, giving you access to the tower and insight into the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once called this place home.
The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is about a 40-minute drive south of our Oregon Coast Hotel, and just north of the town of Port Orford. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Hughes House, a well-preserved Victorian homestead that offers a glimpse into pioneer life along the coast.
Umpqua River Lighthouse – Light and History in Reedsport
About 50 minutes north of Bandon, the Umpqua River Lighthouse in Reedsport is worth the drive for its rich history and unique light display. Originally built in 1857 and rebuilt in 1894 after storm damage, this lighthouse has a classic red-and-white tower. It’s also one of the Oregon Coast lighthouses that is still active today. What sets it apart is its rare Fresnel lens that casts a signature red and white flash visible for miles.
The lighthouse is part of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, where you’ll find a small museum inside the former Coast Guard barracks. The guided tour includes a climb to the top of the tower and a chance to stand next to the massive lens as it rotates. Even better, you can catch a light show at night when the rotating beam fills the interior of the tower with color. It’s located above Lake Marie, where you can take a peaceful stroll or swim in the summer months. This area is also an excellent place for spotting elk, especially near the Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area just a few miles inland.
Cape Arago Lighthouse – Distant but Beautiful
Near Coos Bay, about 30 minutes north of Bandon, the Cape Arago Lighthouse stands on a secluded island. It’s one of the most dramatic Oregon Coast lighthouses and is visible from several viewpoints along the Cape Arago Highway. The lighthouse itself isn’t open to the public, but the views from Sunset Bay State Park and Cape Arago State Park are worth the stop. This Oregon Coast lighthouse, built in 1934 and decommissioned in 2006, remains a striking sight with its Art Deco-style tower.
The surrounding parks offer some of the most dramatic scenery on the Oregon coast, featuring cliffside overlooks, crashing surf, and seasonal whale-watching opportunities. Shore Acres State Park, in particular, is a highlight thanks to its formal gardens, which bloom from spring through fall. If you’re looking for Oregon Coast attractions that combine history, scenery, and a good walk, this one hits all the marks.
Where to Stay on the Southern Oregon Coast
Exploring Oregon Coast lighthouses is one of the best ways to connect with the wild, rugged character of the Pacific Northwest. These beacons are living links to the maritime history that shaped this coastline. From the charming Coquille River Lighthouse right here in Bandon to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Blanco and the rotating lens of Umpqua River Lighthouse, each stop adds a new layer to your Southern Oregon Coast adventures.
If you’re planning a summer road trip along Highway 101, staying in one central location makes it easy to hit multiple highlights without spending all day in the car. Our Oregon Coast Hotel is exactly what you’re looking for. Just minutes from Old Town Bandon, the beach, and the Coquille River Lighthouse, our family-friendly and pet-friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodations, exceptional hospitality, and the kind of quiet base you’ll want to return to after a full day of adventure. It’s also well-positioned for day trips both north and south, giving you access to some of the top Oregon Coast attractions without the hassle of packing up each morning.
Whether you’re into Oregon Coast lighthouses, coastal hikes, or small-town charm, Bandon makes a perfect hub, and the Inn at Face Rock is one of the best Oregon Coast hotels to call home while you explore. Make the most of every mile along the Oregon coastline this summer, from wind-whipped viewpoints to peaceful trails, historic towers to scenic state parks. The lighthouses will guide you, the coast will inspire you, and the comfort of our Bandon Hotel will bring it all together. Book your stay today!
