Lighthouses in November

My grandmother is crazy for lighthouses-- and yet has never seen one in person. After visiting the Oregon coast in %26#39;01 and seeing the lighthouses in Newport, we promised ourselves to take grandma out there someday.

Unfortunately, my work schedule doesn%26#39;t permit me to get away until early November. None of us especially minds dreary weather-- but how ';severe'; can it typically get in mid-November on the coast?

And if you had to recommend a coast lighthouse itinerary, what would you suggest?

Lighthouses in November

I returned from a trip to Maui on November 16, 2005 and the temps here on the coast were in the mid-60%26#39;s!! That was a plesant surprise for sure, but certainly not normal. November normally marks the beginning of storm season along the coast, so it is possible to see extreme variations in the weather from summer-like to downright dangerous wind and flooding.

Now that I%26#39;ve probably scared you off, here%26#39;s my suggestion for a lighthouse itinerary. Number one, Stay in Yachats, that way the two lighthouses in Newport, Heceta Head and Umpqua are all within easy driving distance. Be aware that come November, only Yaquina Head is open to the public more than just weekends. You can call (541) 547-3416 and book a tour of Heceta Head during the week.

Umpqua Lighthouse in Winchester Bay is a near replica of Heceta Heceta (we call them sister lighthouses), but you can drive and park right at the lighthouse, so if the weather is stormy, you don%26#39;t have to walk 1/3 of a mile at Heceta to see basically the same lighthouse.

Den

Lighthouses in November

It is chilly on the coast in Nov. Let%26#39;s put it this way: I put on my GAP down parka with the hood and leather gloves to take my bike rides down the prom. Brrr....

Last Feb. we had 90 mph winds for a couple of days in Seaside, we kept cozy by the fire in our little cottage until the winds died down. :)

Den is right, you never know whats going to happen. Last year we had our first freeze in Nov. and those don%26#39;t usually come until Jan.

Also like he said the Umpqua lighthouse is very easy to get up close and personal with. The tour season is over at Umpqua but I believe if you call this number (541-271-4631) you can request an off-season tour. Since this lighthouse still uses it%26#39;s original light it%26#39;s awesome to go see it at night especially if it%26#39;s foggy. In the fog the spires of light shooting out to sea are so cool to watch and if you%26#39;re good with a camera can make some cool pictures.

Hope you have a great trip on the Oregon coast.

And if you are really in the mood to see more, keep going south to Port Orford for the windiest spot on the coast, Port Orford. For grandma, Yaquina Head and Heceta Head are a must do. If you decide to stay in Newport awhile, there is a cute little, Yaquina Bay lighthouse on the north-west side of Yaquina Bay. If you want to keep going south, you may want to plan to stay overnight somewhere. The Umpqua River lighthouse is behind a fence. Not sure if you can get up close and personal with it. Cape Arago is a bit of a drive off 101. Then Coquille River lighthouse. Cape Blanco is about 30 miles south of there. Most of these lighthouses are staffed with docents and provide a detailed history. Some, you can climb to the top to get right up to the fresnel lenses.

I%26#39;d say if there is a serious windstorm, you may want to hold off going to the coast but if it is just a typical grey and blustery day, you%26#39;ll have that much more of an experience.

Weather could be iffy, but think about it this way....

You%26#39;ll see the lighthouses working and doing what they do best...

Letting mariners know where the land is on a dark, dank, rainy nite...

The itnerary suggested above sounds great.

Did you say how much time you have?

Agree with Den. Yaquina Head and Heceta would be two best. Two at Ilwaco at mouth of Columbia nice also. You could make fairly nice week long trip seeing lighthouses Ilwaco next to Astoria to Reedsport or further south to Port Orford.

KC? Kansas? think you will like the weather on coast in Nov. we went to Omaha one Nov to see son. did not do that again.

Does your grandmother have a Golden Age passport? , good for Federal facilites. like Yaquina Head. I paid for mine withinin first month of buying it.