Trip Planner: USA / Oregon / Oregon Coast / Newport / Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport

4.6

#2 of 16 in Historic Sites in Oregon Coast

Lighthouse · Tourist Spot

Create an itinerary including Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Built in 1871, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is Oregon's only wooden lighthouse that's still standing and fully operational. Although it initially was in service for only three years, it was re-lit in 1996. Today its lights are visible from a distance of nearly 10 km (6 mi). Take a self-guided or organized tour of the lighthouse to see it from the inside, including the watch room and basement, where you can view an informative video. A store offers educational items about lighthouses and coastal habitats. Guided tours must be reserved at the interpretive center, and space is limited. Plan a Newport trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Yaquina Head Lighthouse

BOOK WITH VIATOR 7 Day - Oregon South Experience

Tours from $2,999 ›

Yaquina Head Lighthouse reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,233 reviews

Google

4.8

By jaimeelsabio

We hadn’t planned on stopping at the lighthouse, but decided to visit at the last minute. Since one couldn’t go in the lighthouse itself, walking around the grounds didn’t take long. The grounds and..... more

We hadn’t planned on stopping at the lighthouse, but decided to visit at the last minute. Since one couldn’t go in the lighthouse itself, walking around the grounds didn’t take long. The grounds and..... more »
By 998maxr

nice view of the bridge but no access to the lighthouse. nice small park for dogs and kids to play in

nice view of the bridge but no access to the lighthouse. nice small park for dogs and kids to play in more »
By Amanda I

Great piece of working history. Eventhough it was closed due to weather and king tides we were still able to get some good pictures. Learning the history of this lighthouse was interesting...

Great piece of working history. Eventhough it was closed due to weather and king tides we were still able to get some good pictures. Learning the history of this lighthouse was interesting... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Laura Mesick

The museum is interesting, you get to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the ecosystem with all the wildlife. The view at the lighthouse is spectacular. During the right seasons, you can see tons of gray whales, seals and birds. This visit we saw a mated pair of peregrine falcons just up the cliff side. A walk down the nearby stairs sends you to a beautiful cobblestone beach. The black polished stones are not only unique but they make a mesmerizing sound as the waves roll them. I go here every time I pass through!

more less
By Rick Snow

These places are always nice to see. It's a bygone era in American History that brings you back to simpler times. When we went the interior of the lighthouse was closed so you couldn't go inside, but the exterior and surrounding area are scenic from foliage to the overlook and tide pools. Worth stopping, but as it is ran by the Department of Interior there is a fee to enter (if your driving).

more less
By Ingrid Erickson

This is an amazing & unique spot on the Oregon coast. The purple/ black rock beach make this place so different than other spots. The sounds of the waves and the rocks is real therapy! Going somewhere like this puts u in a new zone and was an experience in mindfulness for me. The light house is also beautiful & all around great spot for photos.

more less
By Don Demotte

Beautiful area. Nice walk from center to lighthouse even though you could drive. Well worth the stop. Saw some grey whales off the coast by the lighthouse. A trail to the beach below had tide pools to explore.

more less
By Sariah Weber

Stunning views. Only two downsides: 1: Swarms of kelp flies. Did some reading on it, and it sounds like they are only a nuisance for a few weeks out of the year. 2: We weren't told until after we paid the park access fee that that lighthouse was closed for repairs, so we were not able to climb to the top. I imagine climbing to the top of the lighthouse is a key attraction, so I think patrons should be informed of this prior to paying the fee. Otherwise, it was a joy to see this magnificent beacon, and enjoy the wind, sun, and salt spray!

more less