Cape Arago Lighthouse
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 43.3413, -124.3753
- Elevation: 35 feet
Description
The Cape Arago Lighthouse is not at Cape Arago at all, but sits on long, narrow Chief's Island off Gregory Point. The first lighthouse here was constructed in 1866, but what you see is the sturdier third incarnation of a light (1934). The first and second (1908) versions have been demolished along with other buildings on the island. At first, lighthouse keepers could only reach the island by boat, but several low bridges were built, each successively destroyed by winter storms. Eventually a high bridge was constructed, the pedestals of which are still visible today.
The current light was deactivated in 2006, and the high bridge was dismantled in 2008. Chief's Island and Gregory Point were part of a Coast Guard Reservation, but in 2013 the area was signed over to the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. There is an Indian burial ground on Gregory Point, and no public access is permitted.
The best viewpoints to the lighthouse are from Shore Acres State Park (See the Shore Acres Loop Hike) and Yoakam Point.
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Contributors
- bobcat (creator)