The Pacific Coast Highway winds a path northward from Oregon's sandy southern beaches to the dramatic rocky headlands of northern Oregon. Along the way are eight lighthouses of various historic record and architectural heritage.

Cape Blanco is the southernmost, perched on the light cliffs that give its name. Twenty miles north, near the river port of Bandon, is the long-abandoned but beautifully-restored lighthouse at Coquille River, with a Victorian Italiante style that is unique among lighthouses. Next lighthouse along the route is Cape Arago, which guards the entrance to Coos Bay.

Just south of Reedsport is a light not to be missed--Umpqua River Lighthouse. The attraction here is a mesmerizing red and white fresnel lens. North of Umpqua, past the town of Florence is the jewel of Oregon's coast ... Heceta Head Lighthouse. This lighthouse and it's incredible surroundings are like walking into a postcard.

When you recover from the excitement of Heceta Head, continue on up to Newport, and the two Yaquina lights. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was built first, but only three years later a much larger tower was built nearby at Yaquina Head, and the first light no longer had a reason to shine.

Last light on this tour is Cape Meares Lighthouse, no longer active, but worth a visit to examine a large, first-order fresnel lens up close.

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