Introduction
Named for its distinctive chalky-white cliffs, Cape Blanco is a dramatic headland rising 200 feet above the Pacific Ocean. This promontory has been a landmark to seafaring travelers since the early 1600s. The cape is the westernmost point in Oregon.
Cape Blanco State Park has a lighthouse, a small campground, the historic Hughes House and cemetery, and various beaches to enjoy. Hiking trails weave throughout the headland and along the Sixes River.
Surrounded by Blanco Reef and numerous sea stacks, Cape Blanco can be an extremely windy and wild place. It is fantastic for wildlife sightings. We have encountered pairs of bald eagles, deer, and sea mammals along the shoreline.
Whether you stop for a quick look or have the ability to spend some time here, Cape Blanco State Park is well worth a visit when you find yourself in this area!
Cape Blanco Lighthouse
The Lighthouse
First lit in 1870, the 59-foot Cape Blanco Light sits as a lone beacon in this breathtaking locale. It is the oldest continually operating lighthouse in Oregon and has the highest focal plane above the ocean at 256 feet.
Due to the inherent dangers to navigation posed by the surrounding Blanco Reef, action was taken in 1867 to begin construction of a lighthouse. A first-order Henry-Lepaute Fresnel lens was originally installed casting a powerful beam 23 miles out to sea.
On December 20, 1870, Harvey B. Burnap became the first principal keeper and lit the lamp for the first time. Two notable keepers included James Langlois and James Hughes. Both served as First Assistants and Head Keepers during their careers. Their overall service spanned 50 years from 1876 through 1926.
Today, visitors are invited to tour the lighthouse during the summer months. It is one of the few lighthouses where guests are allowed to enter the uppermost lantern room. Stunning views can be seen in all directions.
Base of Needle Rock
Hiking
Numerous trails exist throughout Cape Blanco State Park. Here is a short list of our favorites:
Needle Rock Trail - a small parking lot exists at the end of Cape Blanco Road. Park on the South side of the road and follow the worn footpath down to the beach and Needle Rock. This trail is a favorite of ours and is the best way to see the magnificent Needle Rock up close. This beach is a perfect place to enjoy a small campfire and watch the sunset.
Sixes River Trail - turn down the short side-road toward Hughes House and take a right at the fork. The road ends at a small boat launch. A path following the river is clearly visible and leads one on a leisurely walk out to the beach on the northern side of the cape. Gull Rock and Castle Rock are two prominent features at Sixes Beach. Blacklock Point can be seen to the North.
Ridge Trail - just East of the small parking area lies a trailhead taking one in a southerly direction along the clifftops of Cape Blanco. Beautiful views can be seen looking back toward the lighthouse with Needle Rock below. This trail connects into the campground and continues South for approximately one mile down to the beach. It is the best way to see the signature white cliffs along the southern side of the cape from a high vantage point.
The beaches on either side of Cape Blanco are most enjoyable. The mouth of the Sixes River cuts the northern beach in half between the cape and Blacklock Point. The southern beach continues for miles down to the mouth of the Elk River and Port Orford.
Secret Sea Arch - Can you spot all the resting harbor seals?
Nearby Areas of Interest
Blacklock Point
A lesser-known gem along the Oregon coast rests within Floras Lake State Natural Area. Turning West off Coastal Highway 101 onto Airport Road leads to the trailhead for Blacklock Point. Airport Road ends at the Cape Blanco State Airport (5S6). Park in the gravel lot just before the airport gate. Miles of hiking trails exist within this beautiful recreational area. For more details, see my previous post on Blacklock Point.
Humbug Mountain
Humbug Mountain State Park is full of trails and an idyllic campground along Brush Creek. A trail from the campground to the beach offers stunning views over the Pacific and nearby Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve. Another trail takes hikers to the summit of Humbug Mountain, offering a glimpse into the coastal rain forest covering the hillsides.
Lookout Rock
Unknown to most driving along Coastal Highway 101, Lookout Rock is a towering mass of rock resting on the edge of the Pacific. For anyone keen on bushwhacking their way down to the coast, this rock is a sight to behold. Be advised, this location is only for the truly adventurous.
Profile of Needle Rock from the beach
Conclusion
This pocket of the Oregon coast is full of special places. Cape Blanco State Park is just one of many. Should you ever have the opportunity to drive the entire Oregon coast, be sure to add this special place to your list! Spending an evening or two at Cape Blanco State Park will add to your lasting memories of traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest.
As always, please leave any comments or questions below!
Twilight on the Coast