Coquille River Lighthouse in Bandon, Oregon.
The Coquille River Lighthouse, a one-of-a-kind 47-foot-high structure, was erected in 1896. It was accompanied by a keeper’s house, boathouse, and other buildings in the following years. Notably, this was the last official lighthouse to be constructed on the Oregon Coast. The only building left standing is the lighthouse, and all of the other buildings have been destroyed. This is one of nine surviving, federally funded lighthouses in the state,
In a testament to its historical significance and resilience, the lighthouse grounds served as a refugee center during the 1936 fire that devastated the town of Bandon. Only sixteen of five hundred buildings survived the fire. The lighthouse was used to guide townspeople across the river. The Coast Guard abandoned the light in 1939, replacing it with an automatic light on the South Jetty. Oregon State Parks and the Army Corps of Engineers initiated a restoration project in 1976 aimed to preserve this historical landmark. Significant repairs to mitigate storm damage were carried out in 2007.
The Coquille River Lighthouse is in need of significant restoration. Funds for preparing the construction documents are on a list of projects being considered for the 2025-2027 Oregon State Parks budget. The Bandon Lighthouse competes for funds with parks facing failing wastewater systems and landslides. The estimate for total repair is around $1.5 million. This would also include electricity and heat, which the lighthouse does not currently have.
If you would like to donate to the nonprofit preservation and education organization Coquille River Lighthouse Keepers Foundation, it is a great place to start. Here is a link if you wish to donate:
The area is a great place to explore and look for wildlife. Pelicans, plovers, cormorants, and gulls can be seen along the beach. Look for the harbor seals as they peek out from beneath the waves. You can walk onto the jetty from the lighthouse and enjoy a good view of the river and the 4.5-mile stretch of sandy beach. The sand on the beach is packed, so you can also bring a mountain bike. Don't forget about the fishing and crabbing opportunities here also.
Equestrians will enjoy the park's horse camp and access to 11 miles of trails, four miles of beach, and dunes. Camping sites feature double or quadruple corrals.
The Coquille River Lighthouse is a must-visit historical site. It is open from mid-May through September, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Conveniently, you can drive to a parking area just north of the lighthouse, making it easily accessible for all. Please note that you can only access the first floor of the lighthouse due to roof leaks, which are causing damage. Due to these safety concerns, the Lantern Tower and its spiral staircase and wrap-around balcony are closed to the public for tours.
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