Yaquina Bay Lighthouse - Newport, Oregon

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located near the mouth of the Yaquina River near Newport, Oregon. This area was originally name Cape Foulweather, so named by Captain Cook on his third voyage around the world. He named it after the terrible weather he encountered here. I like Yaquina Bay, while difficult to pronounce, as it certainly sounds better. I think for tourism, the name change was a positive thing. 

It is often confused with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse which is located across the bay. The Yaquina Head Lighthouse was first lit in 1873 and automated in 1966. It still uses the original French-made, 1st order, fixed Fresnel Lens. Made in 1868, it's light is visible 19 miles out to sea. During World War II, it served as a base for servicemen stationed there to lookout for enemy ships. With the building of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse became obsolete.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1871 on the north side of Yaquina Bay, the most populated port between Puget Sound and San Francisco at the time.  It was first lit on November 3, 1871 and served for only 3 years. It was decommissioned October 1, 1874.

The lighthouse was taken out of service when the Yaquina Head Lighthouse was constructed. The new lighthouse was built about three miles north of the bay for better visibility.

This is the original fresnel lens removed from the lighthouse once it was decommissioned.  Due to the condition of the tower, the lamp was on display in one of the rooms.

Because of its' short life, this lighthouse and attached caretaker's quarters were left in good condition. We were able to take a look inside the caretaker's residence as it looked in the late 1800s.

The residence consisted of a kitchen, sitting room, small dining area and five bedrooms. This is a portion of the kitchen.

The other side of the kitchen. You can see the stove on the left. The kitchen offered a beautiful view of the ocean.

Looking out the front door at the Pacific Ocean.

This and the next four pictures are of the bedrooms. The master bedroom is the one with the fireplace. 

The master suite was much larger than the other four bedrooms. It appears each bedroom was used and changed depending on the age of the child. Each room was a different size. 

A portion of the master bedroom was dedicated to a nursery area and a separate sitting area. It fronted the house for a beautiful view of the ocean.

 Another view from the front porch of the caretaker's residence and attached lighthouse.