Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

The stoic Tillamook Rock Lighthouse stands in the turbulent Pacific waters, where storms brew, and waves crash with unbridled energy. 

The lighthouse, constructed in 1881, was nothing short of an odyssey. The dangerous conditions cost lives, and building upon a rock a mile from shore was daunting. It would be one of the most expensive lighthouses to construct in Oregon and, at one point, the entire west coast. 

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse guided mariners safely past the perilous coastal waters and was a vital navigation aid. Its light, cutting through fog and darkness, was a reassuring sight for sailors navigating the treacherous segments of the Pacific Northwest. 

However, by 1957, advances in navigation technology and changes in shipping routes led to its deactivation. Today, it captures the imagination as a private sanctuary and part of maritime lore. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse embodies the tenacity and spirit of those who lived and worked in isolation to ensure the safety of others at sea.

The transition from a functional lighthouse to a historical icon took time. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse underwent several reincarnations, including a stint as a columbarium, adding spookiness to its narrative. 

Today, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is privately owned, and tours are unavailable. Nevertheless, it is worth witnessing when vacationing in the Pacific Northwest.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is jam-packed with stories of human ingenuity and resilience. For starters, its location on a lone rock, accessible only by boat or helicopter, makes it one of the most isolated lighthouses in the world. For these reasons, it was dubbed Terrible Tilly by the men manning its stations.

Additionally, its designation as a columbarium in 1980 adds an unusual twist to its story. The idea that a place once brimming with life and light now serves as a final resting place for ashes adds mystique to the lighthouse's tale. 

Visitors to Cannon Beach can hike to a viewpoint for a better look at Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. The hike is an easy .4-mile loop, and much of the trail is paved, with some muddy and slippery areas. Due to erosion, some sections are closed. 

The best viewing point is in Seaside Beach, home to the Tillamook Trailhead. This hike is more challenging, with the first section ascending 900 feet. But the effort is rewarded with picturesque views of the lighthouse and Cannon Beach. 

After hiking the Tillamook Trailhead, consider visiting the nearby End of Lewis & Clark National Historical Trail or grabbing a delicious meal at Nonni's Italian Bistro in Seaside. 

Admiring Tillamook Rock Lighthouse from afar enriches a Cannon Beach experience. Adding a moment to acknowledge, photograph, or admire the lighthouse from a vista helps bridge the gap between land, sea, and the human spirit.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from Cannon Beach to Tillamook Rock Lighthouse:

• Start on S Hemlock St toward E Gower Ave in Cannon Beach.
• Turn left onto E Gower Ave.
• E Gower Ave turns slightly right and becomes US-101 N for about 4.5 miles.
• Turn left onto E Sunset Blvd, and follow for 1 mile.
• At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto N Roosevelt Dr/US-101 N. Continue to follow US-101 N for about 2 miles.
• Turn right onto E 5th St and immediately turn left onto N Pacific Ave.
• N Pacific Ave turns slightly right and becomes Terrible Tilly Dr. Follow the signs to the viewpoint.
• End at the designated viewpoint area for Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. 

Please note that the lighthouse is located on a rock in the ocean and is not directly accessible. The directions lead to the nearest viewpoint area.

Cost

There isn't a cost to view Tillamook Rock Lighthouse!