The Umpqua River Lighthouse lookout is a good place to spot migrating gray whales. There is also an interpretative display about the whale’s twice-yearly, 12,000 mile migration. From an elevation of 165 feet, the 1894 Umpqua River Lighthouse stands sentry above the entry to Winchester Bay and its nearby sand dunes. The Fresnel lens in the 65 foot tower emits a distinctive red and white flash, the only one of its kind on the West Coast, which is visible 21 miles out to sea. The lighthouse and adjacent museum are operated and maintained by the Douglas County Parks Dept. Tours are offered at the lighthouse which is open 7 days a week, March through September from 9:00 to 7:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 6:30 pm, and October to February from 10:00 to 5:00 pm, with the last tour beginning at 4:30 pm. The Umpqua River Lighthouse is located 6 miles south of Reedsport off Hwy 101. For more information about the lighthouse tours and museum, call (541) 271-4631. Camping is available in the nearby Umpqua River Lighthouse State Park. The park offers overnight camping for RVs and tents as well as a variety of one-room cabins and rustic yurts. For more information, call (541) 271-4118.
www.oregonstateparks.org
