Cleft of the Rock Light

The Cleft of the Rock Light was built in 1976 by James A. Gibbs, a former lighthouse attendant and historian who played a significant role in preserving the lantern room of Smith Island Light.

History

• The lighthouse is designed after Fiddle Reef Light, which operated from 1898 to 1958 in Oak Bay, British Columbia, Canada.
• The lighthouse features a tower with a stair railing from the original keeper's dwelling at Yaquina Head Light.
• Other historic items include a stopwatch from Desdemona Sands Light, two brass oil cans from Tillamook Rock Light and Heceta Head Light, and a crank handle which wound the weights at Point Sur Light.

The lighthouse contains two fourth-order Fresnel lenses.

Light Characteristics

The Cleft of the Rock Light is equipped with a light that emits a white-red pattern, visible over a range of 16 nautical miles.

The light operates on a period of 10 minutes.

Current Status

The Cleft of the Rock Light is a privately owned lighthouse and is part of James Gibbs' home, which also houses a private museum.

The grounds and tower are closed to the public, but they can be seen from U.S. Route 101 near mile marker 166.

Location

The Cleft of the Rock Light is located on the Pacific coast of Oregon, 1.8 miles south of Yachats on Cape Perpetua.

It is situated just outside the northwest corner of the Cape Perpetua National Scenic Area.

Accessibility

While the grounds and tower are closed to the public, visitors can view the lighthouse from a distance along U.S. Route 101 near mile marker 166.

Heritage Status

The Cleft of the Rock Light is named after Fanny Crosby's hymn "He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock," which is based on Exodus 33:22.

The lighthouse has been designated as an official navigational marker by the Coast Guard, and its historic significance is recognized within the Cape Perpetua National Scenic Area.

Notable Historical Events

The Cleft of the Rock Light played a significant role in preserving maritime history, particularly through James Gibbs' efforts to restore and maintain lighthouses.

The lighthouse's unique design and historic items make it an important part of Oregon's coastal heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Cleft of the Rock Light played a significant role in preserving maritime history, particularly through James Gibbs' efforts to restore and maintain lighthouses.
• The lighthouse's unique design and historic items make it an important part of Oregon's coastal heritage.