Umpqua River Light

The Umpqua River Light is a historic lighthouse located on Lighthouse Road in Winchester Bay, Oregon, United States.

History

Construction of the Umpqua River Light began in 1894 and was completed in 1895. The structure is a white conical concrete tower that serves as a private aid to navigation. The light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) with reference number 77001100.

Architecture

The Umpqua River Light is a 50-meter-tall (164-foot-tall) tower, and its focal height is approximately 54 meters (177 feet). The lighthouse features a white conical concrete design and is equipped with a light source that emits a distinctive pattern of three red lights. The light has a range of 21 nautical miles (39 kilometers) and is visible for 15 seconds at a time.

Light Characteristics

The Umpqua River Light is classified as a major aid to navigation, with a light group designation of 2+1. The light's sequence is 0.1+(4.9)+0.1+(4.9)+0.1+(4.9), indicating that the light flashes at intervals of approximately 5 seconds.

Current Status

The Umpqua River Light is currently operated by the Douglas County Museum Foundation, a private non-profit organization. The lighthouse has been converted into a museum and is open to visitors.

Location and Accessibility

The Umpqua River Light is located on Lighthouse Road in Winchester Bay, Oregon. Visitors can access the lighthouse by car or by foot via a short walkway from the parking area.

Heritage Status

The Umpqua River Light has been designated as a historic site with reference number 77001100 on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The lighthouse is also listed on the National Park Service's (NPS) website and is part of the Maritime Heritage Trail System.

Notable Historical Events

The Umpqua River Light played an important role in the maritime history of the region, particularly during the Great Flood of 1862. The flood, which occurred when several rivers rose to unprecedented levels, was witnessed by many Native American tribes in the area, including the Lower and Upper Umpqua tribes.