Yaquina Head Lighthouse -- Circa: 1873  - Active

Facts: Tower 93'   •     Focal Plane 162'   •    Visibility: 19 miles   •    Signal: Group Flash White., 20 sec. 2 flashes
Latitude: 44 40.6 N     •    Longitude: 124 04.7 W
1st Order French Fresnel Lens by: Barbier & Fenestre
National Register of Historic Places #73002340  •  Listed May 13, 1993

Newport's Yaquina Head Lighthouse has been surrounded with rumors since its construction began in 1872. For many years it was called the misplaced lighthouse, but research has shown that the engineers knew exactly where they wanted the tower built. There was also the story of a construction worker who fell down between the double walls and was entombed in the lighthouse after retrieval efforts were abandoned. The widest space between the walls is approximately 14 inches, and that is located at the base of the structure. You be the judge.

At the time it was built, just after the Civil War, this area was very isolated. The road was primitive at best, so some of the construction materials had to come by way of sea. The Lighthouse Tender Shubrick, a side-wheel steamer, was used to off-load supplies and workers at the south end of the headland.

With construction of Oregon's tallest lighthouse completed, Fayette Crosby, who also lit the first light at Umpqua River Lighthouse, illuminated the fixed white light on August 20, 1873. The massive 93 foot high white conical shaped tower was built with over 370,000 bricks. It was equipped then as it is today with a first order Fresnel lens that was manufactured by Barbier & Fenestre in Paris, France, in 1868.

Also constructed at the time of the lighthouse was the keeper's residence, since the keeper didn't live in the lighthouse. Through the years, other buildings were constructed, including an assistant keeper's quarters, a workshop, and a barn that was eventually converted into a garage.

In the mid 1930s, the lighthouse power source was changed from oil to electricity. This made it easier on the crew, since they didn't have to climb the 114-step spiral staircase to replenish the oil and wipe the soot off the prisms and windows caused by the oil flame.

In the late 1930s, more changes came to Yaquina Head. Besides a new radio beacon, the three person crew was reduced to two, and the light character changed from a fixed to a flashing pattern called a "signature", unique to each lighthouse. Yaquina Head's pattern was and still is "two seconds on, two seconds off, two seconds on, fourteen seconds off, and then repeat".

Through the years new structures replaced the old. But, as one retired lighthouse keeper put it, "the buildings left a lot to be desired". Winds of over 80 miles-per-hour, with accompanying horizontal rain, are not uncommon to the area, especially during the winter months.

In 1966, the era of the lighthouse keeper at Yaquina Head ended with the automation of the light. Today the 1000-watt bulb flashes 24 hours a day and can be seen by mariners 19 miles out to sea. With the new electronic equipment, a resident keeper was no longer needed on the grounds. Through the years vandalism and weathering took their toll on the remaining structures, so by 1984 they were removed.

NEWS!   Yaquina Head News Story 1       Yaquina Head News Story 2

Visitor Hours:  Noon to 4 PM Daily
Winter: May be closed during extreme weather.
The lighthouse is part of Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area     Entry FEES Apply

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is operated by the Bureau of Land Management

Gift Shop operated by FRIENDS OF YAQUINA LIGHTHOUSES