Why You Should Visit These Stunning Lighthouses on Oregon’s Coast
Seek out lighthouses for a coastal adventure this summer that shines written by Cathy Carrollphotography by Christian Heeb/Travel Oregon Why venture out to Oregon’s lighthouses? Ben Ervin, a state park ranger in Florence, summed it up thusly: “They’re cool!” That is, they offer a tempting trifecta. First, these beacons of bygone days, when sea captains squinted toward shore for guidance, reel us in by piquing our imaginations. Secondly, they offer stellar views and prime perches for spotting seabirds and seals in summer and fall and, in spring and winter, migrating gray whales. Finally, they cast light on century-old stories, offering an enlightening blend of nature and culture. FLORENCE 1. Heceta Head Lighthouse Walk a half-mile up the paved path to the Queen Anne-style lighthouse, 206 feet above sea level, for stellar views. Watch cormorants, common murres and puffins nesting on rocks offshore in Oregon’s largest protected area of ocean, the…