Coquille River Lighthouse

The Coquille River Lighthouse is a historic maritime lighthouse located near Bandon, Oregon, United States.

History

• Commissioned in 1896 to guide mariners across the mouth of the Coquille River, the lighthouse was built to address concerns about navigation in this busy shipping area. It stood as a vital aid to navigation for over four decades before being decommissioned in 1939.

Architecture and Construction

The lighthouse features a distinctive tower design with a square base and a cylindrical section rising to a height of approximately 50 feet (15 meters). The focal height is around 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level. The structure was constructed using local stone and mortar, with a cast-iron lantern room at its summit.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a fixed red light with a range of approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

Current Status

The Coquille River Lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation. It has been decommissioned and now stands as a relic of the past, preserved within Bullard Beach State Park.

Location and Accessibility

Located on Bullards Beach Road near Bandon, Oregon, the lighthouse can be accessed via a short walk from the nearby park's visitor center. The site is open to visitors and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

Heritage Status

The Coquille River Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 (NRHP:inscription_date = 0974-03-22) under criteria A and C, recognizing its significance as a historic maritime structure.

Notable Historical Events

While no specific notable events are recorded for this lighthouse, it played an important role in guiding mariners across the Coquille River during its operational years.