Historic Lighthouse Stops for Your Next Pacific Coast Road Trip
Lighthouses, by their very design, aren’t exactly wheelchair accessible. Most of these historic structures were constructed well before the Americans with Disabilities Act, and many even have steps up to their lower levels. Add in those long winding inside staircases, and you have an access nightmare. The good news is, many of these maritime treasures can be admired from the outside, which makes them an excellent addition to any road trip. So add these historic lighthouse stops to your next Pacific Coast itinerary.
Umpqua River Lighthouse
Reedsport, OR
stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=83
Located south of Reedsport, the Umpqua River Lighthouse is proudly perched on a 100-foot bluff that overlooks Winchester Bay. For a closer look at this 1857 beauty, take the Salmon Harbor Drive exit from Highway 101, make a left on Lighthouse Road, and keep your eyes peeled for this Oregon coast landmark on the right.
Accessible parking is located near the lighthouse, and there’s plenty of room to roll around and get a gander at this historic gem. There’s also a nice wheelchair-accessible overlook across the street, which offers a panoramic view of the Umpqua River and the Pacific Ocean. As an added bonus, it’s also a great spot to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales in the distance. Granted whale watching is a matter of timing and luck, so plan a visit for January during the peak migration to increase your odds. And don’t forget to pack along your binoculars. Additionally there’s a wheelchair-accessible deluxe yurt available nearby. (https://emerginghorizons.com/upscale-oregon-yurt-features-excellent-access) if you’d like to spend the night.
Table Bluff Lighthouse
Eureka, CA
Although the Table Bluff Lighthouse originally stood at the north entrance to Humboldt Bay in Northern California, that proved to be an inappropriate location. Unfortunately that original venue was prone to flooding, and this historic lighthouse was also often obscured by heavy fog. The Table Bluff Lighthouse was subsequently moved four miles south in 1892, where it guided mariners until 1975. It was moved to its present location on Woodley Island in 1987, and although it’s a few miles off Highway 101, it’s pretty easy to find.
From Highway 101, head west on R Street, then follow the signs to the marina. The lighthouse is located at the far southwestern tip of the island, at the end of the road. There’s accessible parking next to the lighthouse and level access over to the structure. Although the Table Bluff Lighthouse is just 35 feet tall, it’s light was said to be visible 20 miles out at sea. There’s also a nice memorial for fisherman lost at sea on the far side of the lighthouse, and even a few standard picnic tables on a level grassy area where you can enjoy a noontime meal.
Point Cabrillo Light Station
Mendocino, CA
Constructed in response to the numerous shipwrecks along the Mendocino coast, Point Cabrillo Light Station began operation in 1909. Today the lighthouse and some related structures at the light station have been restored. From Highway 1 in Mendocino, follow Point Cabrillo Drive for a little over a mile, then turn left on Lighthouse Road. Although standard parking is about a half-mile away from the historic lighthouse, people with an accessible parking placard can drive down the dirt pedestrian path and park in the accessible parking area right next to the lighthouse.
Although the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is ramped, it’s also a gem to admire from the outside. Additionally the blacksmith and carpentry shop and the 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s residence are also restored and accessible. Take some time to enjoy the beautiful coastal views as you roll around the light station. Point Cabrillo Light Station also makes a great picnic stop, as there are several accessible ocean view tables on the grassy area near the accessible parking spots. And if you’d like to spend the night, wheelchair-accessible overnight accommodations are available in the restored lightkeeper’s cottages (https://emerginghorizons.com/spend-the-day-and-night-at-point-cabrillo-light-station/).
Pigeon Point Light Station
Pescadero, CA
Although Pigeon Point Light Station is clearly visible from Highway 101, it’s worth a quick stop for a closer look. Located midway between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, the turnoff to this Pescadero landmark is clearly marked. Accessible parking is located next to a level dirt path that leads over to a small picnic area near to the lighthouse. This 115-foor tall coastal icon dates back to 1872; and although the lighthouse is closed for a massive restoration project, you can still get a good gander at it.
From the picnic area, an asphalt driveway leads straight ahead, past the hostel to the Keeper’s Store. There’s ramp access up to the level boardwalk in front of the store, which leads over to a viewpoint that offers a good view of the light station and the ocean. It’s just a 300 foot walk or roll from the picnic area to the viewpoint. Alternatively, there’s a 450-foot dirt path to another boardwalk viewpoint on the far side of the picnic area. Although the path is fairly level, it’s a bit bumpy in places. This overlook also offers a great light station view, and if you visit in the right season you might also spot some migrating whales.
Piedras Blancas Light Station
San Simeon, CA
Last but not least, don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Piedras Blancas Light Station while you’re tooling along Highway 1 near San Simeon. Built in 1875 this historic lighthouse was originally 100 feet tall; however after significant earthquake damage the upper levels were removed, so it stands at just 70 feet today. The light station’s grounds are only open to guided tours – when they are available. That said, it’s still possible to admire this beauty from afar from the nearby Piedras Blancas Northern Elephant Seal Rookery (elephantseal.org).
Located about 4 miles north of Hearst Castle on scenic Highway 1, this stop also offers a seasonal look at the elephant seals. Accessible parking is located at each end of the parking lot, next to accessible boardwalk trails that overlook the beach. That said, the best view of the lighthouse is from the overlook between the two boardwalks, which is just .a short roll from the south accessible parking area. And although this stop is a pleasant diversion any time of the year, it’s more entertaining from December through March, when the elephant seal population peaks.
And if you want a closer — and albeit slightly illegal — look at the Piedras Blancas Light Station, continue north on Highway 1, and pull into the dirt turnout near the locked light station gate. Although parking is prohibited at this site, it’s worth a quick stop to get a nice photo of this beauty. Keep your engine running though, to abide by that “no parking” rule.
