NEWPORT, Ore., Oct. 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Of the nine original lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, seven are open to the public and most are still active working lighthouses. If you time it right, you'll get to go inside, take a tour, maybe go up the stairs to the watch room or even higher to the lantern room.
The lighthouses on the North Coast are Tillamook Rock, a mile offshore of Tillamook Head near Cannon Beach (one of the two not open to the public) and Cape Meares west of Tillamook. On the Central Coast are the two near Newport, Yaquina Head and Yaquina Bay, and the two made from the same plans, Heceta Head near Florence and Umpqua River near Winchester Bay. On the South Coast is Cape Arago not far from Charleston (the other one not open to the public), Coquille River across the river from Bandon, and Cape Blanco where the nearest town is Port Orford.
And there are two privately built lighthouses both of which are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard as official private aides to navigation. One is Cleft of the Rock at Cape Perpetua near Yachats, and the other is Pelican Bay near the harbor at Brookings.
Let's see how much you know about the Oregon Coast Lighthouses:
1) Which is the oldest lighthouse still standing? Hint: It's also
the most westerly on the Oregon Coast.
2) Which is the tallest lighthouse at 93 feet? Hint: It's close
to a town that has more than one lighthouse nearby.
3) Which is the shortest lighthouse? Hint: It's located on the
Three Capes Scenic Loop.
4) Which entailed the most hazardous duty? Hint: Think waves.
5) Which was built with living quarters within the same structure
as the lighthouse? Hint: It's made of wood and resembles a house.
6) Which is the most photographed lighthouse on the Pacific Coast?
Hint: It's located near Sea Lion Caves.
7) Which has a large, first-order lens that emits a red and white
flash? Hint: It's located next to its namesake state park.
8) Which is the most difficult to find? Hint: Think three state
parks on a dead-end road.
9) Which had the shortest duration of active duty as a lighthouse?
Hint: Another lighthouse was built only 4 miles away.
10) Which lighthouse has a distinctive octagonal shape, as well
as a cylindrical tower? Hint: It's part of a state park, but the
nearby town claims it too.
Answers: 1) Cape Blanco; 2) Yaquina Head; 3) Cape Meares; 4) Tillamook Rock; 5) Yaquina Bay; 6) Heceta Head; 7) Umpqua River; 8) Cape Arago; 9) Yaquina Bay; 10) Coquille River (Bandon Light).
These sentinels of the coast, revered by locals, sought by tourists, and seen far and wide in photos, each have a story to tell. To learn their stories, go online and visit www.TravelTheOregonCoast.com. Photos are available upon request.
The Oregon Coast Visitors Association logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1789