
Coquille River Lighthouse Oregon
A historic 1896 lighthouse on Oregon's coast, offering scenic views, beach access, and a glimpse into maritime history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Coquille River Lighthouse Oregon
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1896 lighthouse on Oregon's coast, offering scenic views, beach access, and a glimpse into maritime history.
"A beautiful walk around the lighthouse and nearby paths with perfect weather."

🎯 Check Lighthouse Hours
Lighthouse is seasonal, often closed in winter. Verify hours before you go!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore trails and beach with ease. Essential for coastal walks.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Coquille River Lighthouse
Bullards Beach State Park
Iconic 1896 lighthouse, a historic beacon guiding ships and a picturesque landmark on the Oregon coast.

Bullards Beach State Park Trails
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Scenic paths wind through coastal forests and along the beach, offering stunning ocean and river views.

Coquille River Jetty
South Jetty
Walk out on the jetty for dramatic ocean vistas and a unique perspective of the coastline and lighthouse.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Lighthouse Hours
Embrace the Coastal Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Lighthouse Hours
Lighthouse is seasonal, often closed in winter. Verify hours before you go!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore trails and beach with ease. Essential for coastal walks.
🧥 Pack for Coastal Weather
Layers and rain gear are a must for Oregon's unpredictable coast.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning photo ops of the lighthouse, ocean, and river.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Lighthouse Hours
Lighthouse is seasonal, often closed in winter. Verify hours before you go!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore trails and beach with ease. Essential for coastal walks.
🧥 Pack for Coastal Weather
Layers and rain gear are a must for Oregon's unpredictable coast.
📸 Capture the Views
Stunning photo ops of the lighthouse, ocean, and river.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Quaint shop with friendly staff, a nice addition to your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Coquille River Lighthouse a picturesque and historic stop, appreciating the scenic beauty of Bullards Beach State Park and the nearby jetty. While the lighthouse itself may have limited interior access and seasonal closures, the surrounding natural environment and friendly volunteers at the gift shop enhance the experience.
"Fun place to stop and visit. Great park at the front with plenty of trails. The jetty is nice to walk out on and enjoy the ocean. Lighthouse was closed for the winter months."
Grant Morton
"Short walk from the parking area to the lighthouse, which was open at the time, and contains a gift shop. Cute lighthouse with waves lapping at the rocks below. Though the lighthouses have been made obsolete by GPS they are a treasure to be protected for future generations! Make the visit while you still can! There are vault toilets and picnic tables at the parking area. Beach with a ton of driftwood near by and a jetty you can walk out on, just use caution, we made it about halfway down before I got too nervous to continue. We will come back!"
Frances “Fry” Sutton
"Such a beautiful walk. We walked all around the lighthouse and nearby paths. Weather was perfect!"
Sherri Arnold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Coquille River Lighthouse is located within Bullards Beach State Park, just north of Bandon, Oregon. From Highway 101, take the exit for Bandon and follow the signs for Bullards Beach State Park. The lighthouse is at the end of the park road.
Yes, there is a parking area near the lighthouse with vault toilets and picnic tables. It's a short walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse itself.
You can drive to the parking area adjacent to the lighthouse. The final approach to the lighthouse is a short, accessible walk from the parking lot.
Public transport options are limited in this coastal area. It's generally recommended to have a car for visiting the Coquille River Lighthouse and exploring the surrounding Bandon region.
Bandon is easily accessible via US-101 on the Oregon Coast. If coming from inland, you can connect to US-101 from various state highways. Many visitors arrive as part of a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Bullards Beach State Park and the grounds around the lighthouse is generally free. However, access inside the lighthouse itself may have specific hours and potentially a small fee or donation request, especially when the gift shop is open.
The lighthouse has seasonal operating hours and is often closed during the winter months. It's crucial to check the official Bullards Beach State Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening days and times.
While the park itself is free to enter, some Oregon State Parks have day-use fees. It's best to check the Oregon State Parks website for Bullards Beach State Park to confirm if any fees apply during your visit.
Access inside the lighthouse is typically limited to specific hours, often during the summer. Some areas, like the tower stairs, may be closed due to safety concerns.
Yes, there is a quaint gift shop located within the lighthouse, often staffed by friendly volunteers. It's a great place to find souvenirs and learn more about the lighthouse's history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the lighthouse grounds, visit the small museum inside, walk along the nearby beach with its abundant driftwood, and stroll out onto the Coquille River Jetty for scenic views.
Yes, Bullards Beach State Park offers numerous trails through coastal forests and along the beach, providing beautiful scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The grounds around the lighthouse and the parking area are generally accessible. However, access inside the lighthouse, especially to upper levels, may be limited due to the historic nature of the structure.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast and river. Keep an eye out for marine life near the jetty and seals or sea lions if you're lucky.
Absolutely! The Coquille River Lighthouse is a very photogenic spot, especially during sunrise and sunset. The surrounding beach and jetty also offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at the lighthouse. However, the nearby town of Bandon offers a variety of dining options, from casual seafood shacks to more formal restaurants.
Yes, there are picnic tables available at the parking area near the lighthouse, making it a great spot for a scenic lunch.
Bandon is known for its fresh seafood, particularly local catches like salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. You'll also find classic American fare and cafes.
Yes, Bandon has grocery stores where you can purchase supplies for a picnic before heading to the lighthouse.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in designated picnic areas within Bullards Beach State Park. Please remember to pack out all trash.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the most dramatic lighting. Golden hour provides soft, warm light that enhances the lighthouse's colors.
Experiment with shots from the beach, the jetty, and the surrounding park trails. Capturing the lighthouse with the ocean, river, or driftwood in the foreground can create compelling compositions.
Drone usage is typically regulated within state parks. It's essential to check the Oregon State Parks regulations regarding drone operation before flying one at Bullards Beach State Park.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its expansive surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Photography inside the lighthouse may be permitted in certain areas, especially in the museum section. However, always be respectful of the space and any posted restrictions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the lighthouse interior might have limited access for very young children due to stairs, the exterior and the surrounding park offer plenty of adventure. The jetty walk can be exciting, but ensure close supervision. It's a great spot to teach children about coastal environments and local history in a fun, engaging way.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
It's a perfect spot to recharge and soak in the coastal scenery. The nearby town of Bandon offers charming shops and cafes for a solo lunch or coffee break. The photographic opportunities are abundant, making it a great destination for those looking to capture beautiful coastal landscapes.
📸 Photographers
Explore different vantage points: the beach with its driftwood, the rugged jetty, and the park's trails. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the lighthouse in its environment and a tripod for low-light conditions. The surrounding Bullards Beach State Park also offers opportunities for landscape and wildlife photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Coquille River Lighthouse
Despite its vital role, the lighthouse was eventually decommissioned in 1939, becoming obsolete with the advent of modern navigation technologies like GPS. For a period, it fell into disrepair. However, recognizing its historical significance and picturesque charm, it was later restored and reopened to the public. Today, it stands as a beloved landmark within Bullards Beach State Park, a testament to maritime history and a popular destination for visitors.
Exploring Bullards Beach State Park
The park's beach is a highlight, characterized by vast stretches of sand and an abundance of driftwood, a common sight on the Oregon coast. Visitors can walk for miles, collecting unique pieces of wood or simply enjoying the rugged beauty. The Coquille River Jetty extends into the Pacific, offering a dramatic vantage point for observing waves, seabirds, and the coastline. Walking out on the jetty provides a unique perspective, though caution is advised due to potential rough conditions.
Photography Tips for the Coquille River Lighthouse
Experiment with different perspectives. From the beach, you can frame the lighthouse with waves and driftwood. Walking out onto the jetty provides a unique, elevated view of the coastline and the lighthouse in the distance. Don't forget to explore the park trails for different angles and compositions, perhaps incorporating the coastal forest into your shots. A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the grandeur of the lighthouse and its surroundings, while a tripod will be invaluable for low-light photography and long exposures, especially if you're aiming for those stunning sunset or sunrise shots.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit