Discovering the Coquille River Lighthouse

A Timeless Beacon on the Edge of Bandon, Oregon

On Oregon’s southern coast, where the sea meets the serpentine mouth of the Coquille River, stands a small but captivating lighthouse that has watched over the waters for more than a century. Though modest in size compared to its towering coastal cousins, this stout little beacon has an outsized charm. It’s part maritime relic, part scenic icon, and part storyteller of Bandon’s nautical past. Between the river’s reflection, the salt-streaked air, and the echo of waves pounding the jetty, this is the kind of Oregon beauty that lingers in your memory.

A Glimpse into History

The Coquille River Lighthouse was first lit in 1896, after years of shipwrecks and treacherous conditions at the mouth of the river. Mariners entering Bandon Harbor often found themselves fighting unpredictable tides, sandbars, and storms that could appear from nowhere. To guide them, the U.S. Lighthouse Board approved a plan to construct a light and fog signal station near the river mouth.

Built of brick and stucco, the lighthouse originally featured a fourth-order Fresnel lens and a powerful foghorn that bellowed across the bar to warn vessels in low visibility. The keeper’s quarters once stood nearby, connected by a wooden walkway through the dunes.

By 1939, the light was extinguished when the Coast Guard took over and installed an automated beacon on the opposite jetty. The building fell silent, battered by decades of salt and neglect, until Bullards Beach State Park took over stewardship in the late 1970s. Through restoration and community dedication, the lighthouse was given a second life — not as a navigational aid, but as a symbol of Bandon’s resilience and love for the sea.

Getting There

From downtown Bandon, head north on Highway 101 for less than two miles, then turn west into Bullards Beach State Park. Follow signs to the lighthouse day-use area, winding past campgrounds, dunes, and wetlands. The road ends at a parking lot overlooking the Coquille River mouth — and there it stands, the pale yellow lighthouse framed by sand, sky, and sea.

GPS Coordinates: 43.1313° N, 124.4288° W
Address: Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon, OR 97411

The lighthouse is open for seasonal tours (usually mid-May through late September, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.), with park volunteers sharing stories about the keepers, the ships, and the storms that shaped its legacy. Even in the off-season, the exterior grounds and riverfront paths are open year-round.

What to See and Do

1. Explore the Lighthouse Grounds

Walk the sandy paths leading up to the lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the river meeting the Pacific. The structure is small but beautifully detailed, its cream-colored walls often streaked by the coastal mist. Inside during summer months, interpretive displays tell the story of the Coquille River’s maritime history, shipwrecks, and restoration efforts.

Outside, driftwood lines the nearby beach, and the north jetty extends into the surf — a great spot to watch seals, pelicans, and even migrating whales in winter or spring.

2. Stroll Bullards Beach State Park

This sprawling park is one of the Oregon Coast’s most underrated gems. Miles of soft, wind-carved sand stretch north toward the mouth of the Coquille River, and the dunes are dotted with wild grasses and shore pines.

Popular activities include:

• Beachcombing for agates, shells, and driftwood
  
  
• Horseback riding along designated beach trails
  
  
• Fat-tire biking on the compact sand near low tide
  
  
• Picnicking with river views and sea breezes
  
  
• Camping, with full-hookup and tent sites available
  
  

The park also has a large yurt village, perfect for cozy nights with the sound of waves nearby.

3. Walk the Jetty at Sunset

The south jetty (on the Bandon side) offers one of the most stunning sunset vantage points on the Oregon Coast. Watch as the golden light hits the lighthouse across the river and gulls glide above the foamy waves.

If you’re visiting in winter, bundle up — the wind can be fierce — but the sunsets can be magical, with glowing skies that turn the lighthouse into a silhouette straight from a painting.

4. Discover Old Town Bandon

Just a short drive away, Old Town Bandon is full of life and color. Stroll the boardwalk where fishing boats dock, browse art galleries, or pick up locally made saltwater taffy and cranberry sweets (Bandon is famous for its cranberries!).

Top picks include:

• Tony’s Crab Shack – grab a fresh crab sandwich or bowl of chowder with harbor views.
  
  
• Washed Ashore Gallery – a unique art project turning ocean trash into massive sea creature sculptures.
  
  
• Second Street Gallery – local art and photography inspired by the Oregon Coast.
  
  
• Bandon Fish Market – for fresh-caught halibut or salmon fish and chips.
  
  

5. Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint

Just south of town lies one of Oregon’s most photographed landmarks — Face Rock, a massive sea stack said to resemble a woman’s face gazing toward the sky. The legend, told by the Coquille tribe, gives the rock a mystical quality.

From the viewpoint, take the stairs down to the beach to explore tide pools filled with sea stars, crabs, and anemones at low tide. During summer, don’t miss Circles in the Sand, an interactive beach labyrinth event that celebrates mindfulness and community.

6. Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge

For nature lovers, the Bandon Marsh just north of town offers trails and observation decks overlooking tidal flats and estuaries. It’s a paradise for birdwatchers — especially during spring and fall migrations when sandpipers, egrets, and herons gather in huge numbers.

Bring binoculars, and time your visit with low tide for the best wildlife viewing.

7. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Even if you’re not a golfer, this world-renowned resort is worth a stop for its dramatic coastal scenery. The walking paths, restaurants, and views over the dunes offer a taste of Oregon’s wild beauty in a refined setting.

When to Visit

• Spring (March–May): Wildflowers bloom in the dunes, and migrating gray whales are often visible offshore.
  
  
• Summer (June–August): Warmest weather, open lighthouse tours, and ideal camping conditions.
  
  
• Fall (September–November): Fewer crowds, beautiful sunsets, and crisp air — a photographer’s dream.
  
  
• Winter (December–February): Expect wind and rain, but storm watchers love it. Huge surf, dramatic skies, and solitude abound.
  
  

Photography Tips

• Morning: Capture the golden light hitting the lighthouse from the east.
  
  
• Evening: Shoot from the south jetty for colorful sunsets and silhouettes.
  
  
• Long exposure: Smooth the waves for dreamy ocean shots.
  
  
• After storms: The clouds and reflections on the wet sand make incredible compositions.
  
  

A Traveler’s Reflection

Standing beside the Coquille River Lighthouse feels like stepping into another time. The wind hums through the dunes, the gulls circle lazily overhead, and the pulse of waves against the jetty becomes your soundtrack. Unlike the grand lighthouses of Heceta Head or Yaquina Bay, this one doesn’t need height to impress — its beauty lies in its simplicity. It’s a symbol of endurance, quiet solitude, and the eternal conversation between river and sea.

‍