Oregon Things to Do Tips by sunnywong

Umpqua River Lighthouse

The original Umpqua River Light, the first built in Oregon, was lit on October 10, 1857 at the north spit of the river. Unfortunately, it fell victim to treacherous weather just six years later, falling into the sea during a storm and leaving the area again unprotected for approaching ships. The current lighthouse stands the farthest back from the coastline at 67 feet tall and on a hill 165 feet above sea level. Construction on this second lighthouse began in 1890, and it was first illuminated on New Year's Eve, 1894. It's often referred to as the sister lighthouse to Heceta Head, north of Florence as both lighthouses were constructed using the same set of plans.
The lighthouse is situated close to other sites worth seeing: across the road is the whale-watch platform, next door is Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, and about 200 yards away is the Coastal Visitors Center in the old Coast Guard building with historical exhibits as well as visitor information. Tours are offered during the summer months from Wednesdays through Mondays.

Directions: Milepost 216.5 at Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 101)

Seal Rock Wayside

Besides picnic and restroom facilities, the park offers access to the beach and is interesting from a geological standpoint, due to the exposed faults in the rocks.

Directions: Milepost 150.9 at Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 101)