Coquille River Lighthouse
Coquille River Light (formerly known as Bandon Light) is a lighthouse located near Bandon, Oregon, United States. It is currently maintained by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department as a part of Bullards Beach State Park.
Originally named Bandon Light, Coquille River Light was commissioned in 1895. First lit on February 29, 1896, the light guided mariners past the dangerous shifting sandbars into the Coquille River and harbor at Bandon. The light contained a fourth-order Fresnel lens and connected to the nearby keepers house by a wooden walkway. In September 1936, a large wildfire swept through the surrounding area, and destroyed most of Bandon. The town soon became bankrupt as a result of the decline in shipping. Coquille Light was shut down in 1939 and replaced by an automated light on the south jetty.
The light was originally built with a Daboll trumpet for its foghorn, which was used as the light’s fog signal for several years. However, at certain times due to specific weather conditions, the sound of the trumpet would fail at sea, and in 1910 the trumpet was replaced by a more reliable fog siren. While mariners liked the new signal, many Bandon residents did not. The siren would eventually be removed along with the Fresnel lens after the light’s decommissioning.
Over the next 37 years, the condition of the light deteriorated due to neglect and vandalism, until 1976, when its first major restoration began. However, by this time, the keepers quarters and other outbuildings had deteriorated past the point of repair, and were eventually removed. In 1991, a new solar powered light was installed in the tower.
What to Photograph
The historic lighthouse sits at the mouth of the Coquille River and can be photographed in the Bullards Beach State Park and also from across the river from Bandon. From the state park there are 4.5 miles of beach to explore.
Where it is:
Bullards Beach State Park
From Highway 101 just over two miles north of Bandon, the lighthouse is located in Bullards Beach State Park in Bandon. Enter the park just north of the Coquille River. Follow Park Road to the end where it will fork. Follow the right fork towards the ocean.
Bullards Beach is a large, family-oriented park located two miles north of Bandon. The historic Coquille River Lighthouse is located at the end of Bullards Beach Road. It’s staffed from mid-May through the September with volunteers who interpret the history of the area.
Maps:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, click and drag the to move the map, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view.
GPS:
43°7’26.549″ N 124°25’27.138″ W
Hours:
Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from mid-May through September. While visitors are no longer able to access the tower due to safety concerns, the fog/ signal room remains open.
Cost:
Bullards Beach does not charge a day use fee.
Location Contact Information:
Call 541-347-2209 for information.
Coquille River Lighthouse Photo Gallery
Click Here for full page gallery
More Photographic Destinations in Oregon:
Interactive Google Map
Use the map + – controls to zoom in and out, use the Map drop-down to change to “Map”, “Satellite”, “Hybrid”, or “Terrain” views. Drag the little man icon from the upper left corner to a map location for street level view. Click on a pushpin for more information about the Photographic Destination, then click on the title to go to the location page.
Click Here for Photographic Destinations by State
Great Places for Great Photos
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Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
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