We explored the area of Newport, Oregon, today. Our first and last stops of the days were visiting the lighthouses.
We began at the Historic Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.
Yaquina Bay built in 1871 and decommissioned in 1874. It was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation on December 7, 1996. It is believed to be the oldest structure in Newport. It is also the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached, and the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing. It was not open when we arrived so we were only able to take pictures from outside. It is located high on the cliff at the mouth of Yaquina Bay and just down the river from the historic Yaquina Bay Bridge.
It is said that Newport's iconic Yaquina Bay Bridge is the most photographed bridge on the coast. The bridge is located right next to the Lighthouse.
The City of Newport is the busiest working fishing port on the Oregon coast and none of the fishing fleet would find it difficult to pass under this bridge.
Our last stop was the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
This is a working lighthouse now managed by the National Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We like seeing things managed by the National Parks because that allows us to use our Golden Age Pass to enter free!
The Yaquina Head Lighthouse is the tallest on the Oregon coast with a 93-foot-high tower. It stands 162 feet above sea level on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
The light can be seen about 19 miles out to sea. Its automated light serves as an aid to navigation along the seacoast and at the entrance to Yaquina Bay.
This lighthouse has a flashing white light instead of a rotating lens, like we saw, and reported on, when we recently visited the Umpqua Lighthouse. We did climb the 111 spiral stairs to the top to see the light and the view out the windows of the rugged Oregon Coast.
View from the top of the Lighthouse.
Another awesome lighthouse visit. We especially like the fact that the workers in the lighthouse were dressed in period attire. A nice touch!
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!
Great post... Even in the rain!
ReplyDeleteFrom the looks of the first two pictures it appears Paul will wear out that new raincoat before you leave the state. I was also told folks in the Northwest don't age, they rust.
ReplyDeleteDid you get a chance to see the boats bring in the crabs? They are HUGE! I love that town--rain and all. So vibrant and alive. We camped under the bridge in the marina on several different occasions-watched some of the locals crab from the dock. We were going to bring our crab traps with us the next time out.
ReplyDeleteAs far as weather, I'll take wet and rainy over hot and humid ANY day!
Joe, here in the southeast, we don't die, we wilt.
But wait, did I see blue skies in some of those pictures?? In May we had 17 consecutive days of sunshine but June can always be a bit dicey. Too bad you you didn't get to experience our wonderful summer weather because it is nice. And yes, I'd rather be cool than roasting in 102 degree heat! Love all your lighthouse pictures- just wish it were about a month later so you could really enjoy yourselves. Do come back sometime.
ReplyDeleteWe always enjoy lighthouse visits and pictures of them.
ReplyDeleteI have said it before and I will say it again..most favorite place that we have been too..thanks for the tour of Newport!..makes me want to go back and read our old entries from last year and the year before!
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the weather, coastal Oregon has a lot to offer. Maybe we'll try our luck a little earlier in the year, though.
ReplyDeleteI love the lighthouses and your photos were terrific. Rain is just something one has to experience and enjoy while in the Pacific Northwest - it's only liquid sunshine.
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