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!
I wish to spend a lifetime near a lighthouse where loneliness will be the glimmer of luminous prancing upon ocean waves… rising and falling only for my breathing.
Munia Khan
Ideally, you would want to shoot here early, but sunset and even daytime shooting can provide great opportunities, especially if you are willing to do some black and whites or long exposures.
Coquille River Lighthouse History
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 what was Bandon.
The fire destroyed much of the area, and this 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 while constructed of brick and stucco. It sits at 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 and 2 seconds off, though only seen from Bandon.
Bullards Beach State Park
If you are going to be in the area, it’s part of Bullards Beach State Park. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department maintain 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.
Besides photography, this area is a great stop. Plenty of areas for camping, picnics, and dog walks, and just a pretty, calm area.
For more about camping here and the other facilities, head to the Oregon State Park website.
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 nearing 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 as well. The following shot was captured just after sunrise with some gorgeous morning light.
Shoot From Across the River
The vantage point from across the river is my favorite spot to shoot. This is a great area to shoot from in the sunrise hours, as you can capture the colors in the sky if present.
Third eye of the sea,
Nanette L. Avery
the lonely lighthouse
never sleeps.
It’s also a great spot to see some wildlife, from birds to seals.
Visit the Boardwalk
Less than five minutes away, you can visit the boardwalk in Bandon. This is a favorite spot of mine for both food, coffee, and deserts!
My favorite spot to get some sweet treats is Cranberry Sweets.
More Lighthouses Along the Oregon Coast
The entire Oregon Coast is scenic, and that includes a handful of lighthouses! Be sure to check out Hecetahead Lighthouse and Yaquina Lighthouse. View some of my favorite seascapes pics in the gallery!
