Here we are in Bandon, Oregon, visiting the Coquille River Lighthouse. It’s not a functioning Lighthouse these days, but it is worth the stop if you are in the area along the coast of Oregon. Let’s have a visit below and talk about this picturesque location!
This lighthouse was first lit over 120 years ago, in early 1896. At that time, it was called Bandon Light. It was operational until 1936, when a fire ran through most of Bandon. The fire destroyed much of the area, which was the beginning of the end for the functioning lighthouse. The town would end up going bankrupt forcing the closure of the Bandon Light three years later. An automated light would then replace the lighthouse.
Coquille River Lighthouse is built on a concrete and rock jetty constructed of brick and stucco. It sits about 40 feet tall and originally had a fourth order Fresnel lens, but after decommissioning it, they installed a solar lens in 1991. For you lighthouse lovers, its characteristics are 28 seconds on while 2 seconds off, though only seen from Bandon.
Bullards Beach State Park
If you will be in the area, it’s part of Bullards Beach State Park. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintains the lighthouse and the park. When this park was created, the lighthouse was restored. Today, it serves as a cute gift shop from the inside.
Photographing Coquille River Lighthouse
You can photograph the lighthouse up close, like the image below, if you are visiting during park hours. I used a neutral density filter to capture a long exposure as I was shooting here during lunchtime. You will find plenty of parking near here, but the drive is about a mile in and the end of the park road.
The area can also be photographed from the other side of the river from a few spots, with parking available. The following shot was captured just after sunrise with some gorgeous morning light.
If you want to see all 11 of Oregon’s lighthouses, The Travel Oregon website has an excellent rundown of them to help plan your visit. Head over to my Bandon Night Images blog and check out some of the images from just up the street or beach, I should say, along the coast near Face Rock. When shooting near the ocean, always be careful, never take your eyes off the waves, and stay safe.
Check out some more of my Seascapes.
