NEWPORT'S YAQUINA LIGHTHOUSES

Wednesday, June 6 – Before we begin this post, we must address the weather here on the Pacific Northwest coast. We have had many comments about the BEAUTIFUL, LOVELY weather we are experiencing. We must set you all straight…it has rained…hard…almost every day. We have had several hours of beautiful sunshine on a couple occasions and have taken full advantage of those times. So don't let the photos fool you. It's cold and raining most days here in the Pacific Northwest…like right NOW!





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!