Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Port Orford, OR
The oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast, lit in 1870 near the state’s westernmost point. A side road leads five miles out from US-101; tower tours run in the warmer months and the headland is very windy.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse near Port Orford stands on the westernmost point of Oregon's mainland and is the oldest lighthouse still standing in the state. It was completed in 1870; the brick tower is about 18 meters (59 feet) tall, and the headland rises roughly 60 meters (200 feet) above the surf. The light sits 75 meters (245 feet) above sea level, the highest of any Oregon lighthouse. The grounds are part of Cape Blanco State Park, which covers about 730 hectares (1,800 acres).
From the lighthouse you look north to Gull Rock and Blacklock Point and south to Port Orford Heads, Humbug Mountain and Cape Sebastian. Tours run from April to October, so the season is ending (as of October 2026); the schedule is posted at the parking area. Stay on the lawn, because access to the westernmost cliffs is closed, and watch for deer in the thickets. Fierce storms hit here in winter and are best avoided. George Vancouver named the cape Cape Orford in 1792.
- Nearest town
- Port Orford, OR
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.8373, -124.5637
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camp Blanco State Park CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Cape Blanco LighthouseTentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Hiker / Biker CampCampsite1 mi from Cape Blanco Lighthouse · 5 pitchesTents
- Cypress Hills RV CampgroundMotorhome stopover8 mi from Cape Blanco LighthouseMotorhomesWi-Fi
- Humbug Mountain State Park CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Cape Blanco LighthouseTentsCaravansShowersWaste disposal
- Bullards Beach State Park CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Cape Blanco LighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Hiker / Biker CampCampsite23 mi from Cape Blanco LighthouseTentsElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cape Blanco Lighthouse?
Cape Blanco Lighthouse is in Port Orford, OR, at GPS 42.8373, -124.5637. It is about 21 mi from Bandon.
Can you camp near Cape Blanco Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camp Blanco State Park Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cape Blanco Lighthouse?
Cape Blanco Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Oregon coast: Cape Arago to the Boardman corridor.
What is there to see near Cape Blanco Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Face Rock (20 mi), Cape Arago State Park (34 mi), Shore Acres State Park (35 mi) and Sunset Bay State Park (35 mi).
When is the best time to visit Cape Blanco Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)