Lighthouses

Eleven historic and current lighthouses line the majestic Oregon coastline. Take a tour, reach the top and learn about their haunted pasts, or simply view their solitary beauty against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. While some are private residences or are not accessible, seven are open to the public throughout the year. Three lighthouses are within a short drive from the Overleaf Lodge & Spa and the Fireside Motel.

Perched on the cliffs south of Yachats, Cleft of the Rock is a private lighthouse and home built by retired lighthouse keeper Jim Gibbs. The lighthouse is a replica of one that once stood on Vancouver Island. Cleft of Rock is part of a private home, and therefore not open to the public. However, it can seen from milepost 166 on Highway 101. The viewpoint is about four miles south of the Overleaf Lodge & Spa and a ten-minute drive by car.

Farther south, Heceta Head is one of the most popular lighthouses on the coastline. Just 15 miles from the Overleaf Lodge & Spa and about a 20-minutes drive by car, the lighthouse is 56 feet tall and sits 205 feet above the ocean. There is a half-mile walking trail from the parking lot to the lighthouse. Climb to the top for one of the best view on the Oregon Coast. Heceta Head was first lit in 1894, and you can learn more about its storied history during a tour.

The lighthouse is open daily May through September, and open Friday through Monday in March, April and October.

North of Yachats, two lighthouses were once the guide for ships into Yaquina Bay. Yaquina Bay is the second oldest lighthouse on the coast. Built in 1871, it was decommissioned in 1874 when Yaquina Head was built with a brighter light. Yaquina Head, built in 1873, is the tallest lighthouse on the coast, and is still in use today. Both lighthouses are within an hour’s drive from the Overleaf Lodge & Spa and are open to the public for tours.