Cape Blanco Lighthouse

Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands on a point that juts out a half mile into the ocean.  Its light can be seen up to 23 miles out to sea.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands on a point that juts out a half mile into the ocean. Its light can be seen up to 23 miles out to sea.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands on a piece of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean one half of a mile, making it the western most lighthouse in Oregon. Erected in 1870, it is the oldest continually operated lighthouse in the state as well. In order to save money in construction cost, two kilns were erected on site to provide the bricks needed for the lighthouse and other structures.

The stairway up the lighthouse tower circles within a brick structure
The stairway up the lighthouse tower circles within a brick structure

The narrow, winding staircase mimics the logarithmic spiral of the golden rectangle when viewed from above. How could I not capture a perfect composition with these elements laid out before me?

The fresnel lens at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is one of the largest and oldest in the nation.  It magnifies a small light so that it can be seen up to 23 miles offshore.
The fresnel lens at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is one of the largest and oldest in the nation. It magnifies a small light so that it can be seen up to 23 miles offshore.

The crown jewel of this lighthouse is not the structure itself, but rather the Fresnel lens it houses. Standing about six feet tall, the rotating lens encircles a small electric light. Before electricity was installed in the light house, this service was provided by a simple candle. Due to the lens’ magnifying power, the light can be seen up to 23 miles off shore.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands on a point that juts out a half mile into the ocean.  Its light can be seen up to 23 miles out to sea.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse stands on a point that juts out a half mile into the ocean. Its light can be seen up to 23 miles out to sea.

Cape Blanco is a beautiful, tall and elegant lighthouse. If you are ever in the vicinity of the southern Oregon coast, it is well worth a visit.

Copyright 2017 Hank Christensen