Umpqua Lighthouse

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park combines a historic lighthouse with outstanding coastal dunes and forest camping on Oregon's southern coast. The distinctive red and white lighthouse has guided mariners since 1894 and now serves as a museum and attraction. The park offers diverse recreational opportunities from beach access to lake swimming.

The park's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife. Lake Marie provides freshwater habitat for fish and waterfowl. Coastal forests host deer and numerous birds. The dunes and beach support shorebirds. Marine mammals may be seen offshore.

Coastal forest of shore pine, Sitka spruce, and rhododendron covers much of the park. The dunes support beach grass and native dune plants. Lake Marie is surrounded by riparian vegetation. Rhododendrons bloom spectacularly in spring.

The park encompasses active sand dunes, coastal forest, and freshwater lakes. The dunes were formed by coastal winds depositing beach sand. Lake Marie formed in deflation hollows between dunes. The lighthouse stands on a rocky headland above the Umpqua River mouth.

The park experiences the mild, wet climate of the southern Oregon coast. Summers are cool with temperatures in the 60s°F. Winters are mild and wet. The dunes and lighthouse are exposed to coastal winds.

The Umpqua people utilized this coast for thousands of years. The first lighthouse was built in 1857 but undermined by river erosion. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1894. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park in the 1930s.

Umpqua Lighthouse State Park was established to provide camping and preserve the historic lighthouse. Oregon State Parks manages both recreational facilities and the historic site. The lighthouse museum interprets coastal maritime history.

The historic lighthouse offers tours and commanding views. Lake Marie provides warm freshwater swimming—rare on the coast. Trails explore the dunes and forest. Whale watching is excellent from the lighthouse viewpoint.

The park offers 47 campsites including full hookups, tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Day-use facilities include lake access and lighthouse tours. Located near Reedsport off Highway 101. Open year-round; lighthouse tours are seasonal.

The park preserves the historic lighthouse and surrounding natural areas. The dune ecosystem is protected while allowing recreational access. Oregon State Parks maintains both cultural and natural resources.