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Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 20s🇺🇸Oregon, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Yaquina Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse on the Oregon Coast was established in 1873. The white tower stands 28 meters tall, with its light positioned 49 meters above sea level. It emits a white light with a characteristic of a single flash. The geographic range of the light is 18 nautical miles. Early in its history, this structure was known as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse.

Why it matters: Yaquina Head Light is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
The Yaquina Head Light, also known early in its existence as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse (Cape Foul Weather is 4 miles (6.4 km) to the north) is a lighthouse on the Oregon Coast of the United States, established in 1873. It is located in Lincoln County, near Newport at Yaquina Head. The tower stands 93 feet (28 m) tall, and is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
49m
Light Range
19NM (35.2 km)
Geographic Range
18NM

Construction & History

Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1130607 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
28m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Oregon
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
44.6768°
Longitude
-124.0794°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Yaquina Head Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 49 meters and a nominal range of 19 nautical miles (approximately 35.2 km), Yaquina Head is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Yaquina Head Lighthouse at night?+
Yaquina Head displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 20s — 2 white flashes every 20 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Yaquina Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Yaquina Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Newport at 4 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Toledo (7 NM ESE), TOLEDO (7.1 NM ESE), Lincoln City (17.6 NM N), Philomath (32.3 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Yaquina Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Yaquina Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Yaquina Head Lighthouse?+
Yaquina Head Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Yaquina Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Yaquina Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.