The Umpqua Lighthouse was originally the first lighthouse built in Oregon Territory. It’s been shining a guiding light to all mariners since 1857.

Inside the museum you’ll find hundreds of documents, photographs, and artifacts that illustrate the story of the Umpqua Lighthouse from its early existence as a Lifesaving Station to the U.S. Coast Guard station that sits on the same site today.

One of the principal rivers of the Oregon Coast, the Umpqua River is known for salmon, sturgeon, bass and shad. From its source high up in the Cascade Mountains, the Umpqua River forges through an expansive network of ridges and canyons, where numerous waterfalls can be seen. Continuing on down into Roseburg and the Umpqua Valley, the river then cuts through Oregon’s Coast Range and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Winchester Bay. Overlooking the Umpqua River bar, the red and white beams of the Umpqua River Lighthouse today still guide mariners safely into port. Across from the lighthouse, facing the Pacific Ocean is a Gray Whale ‘spy hopper’ station, complete with maps, charts and binoculars to spot migrating whales.

From amazing painters and woodworkers to incredible glassblowers and ceramic artists, their pieces encompass the beautiful energy of our land and water.