Cape Blanco Lighthouse

After leaving the lifeboat station, we went to the Cape Blanco State Park. Our main goal was to visit the Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The lighthouse, Oregon's oldest continually operating one, is located at Oregon's westernmost point. Cape Blanco is thought to have been sighted by Spanish explorer Martin de Aguilar in 1603. Tours are available.

Originally, the light burned oil. Later, electric lights ran from a generator, and still later, electric lines were brought to the lighthouse. Here is an oil can; the lighthouse used to have eight. Now the light runs automatically, but in early days, maintaining the light was nearly constant work.

The walls are very thick at the bottom of the tower and gradually become less so as they rise. I couldn't resist taking this shot of the spiral stairs.

Just before reaching the light, there is a little machine that, via a shaft running up to the giant Fresnel lens, rotates continually.

In the top of the tower, the lens encloses a 1,000 watt bulb and a backup bulb.

The lighthouse and adjacent gift shop are staffed by volunteers. Here, our guide is explaining about whales that not only pass by but often stay in the area to enjoy rich food sources.

The lighthouse originally was part of a compound that included housing, garden, and livestock facilities, as the early keepers were expected to care for many of their own needs. Those additional buildings no longer survive. Well, I could stay up here for hours, but it's time to head back downstairs. Love these spiral stairs shots.

Next, we'll visit the historic Hughes house and ranch that we passed on our way to the lighthouse.