The boat in the lower right-hand corner is about to be lifted on "shore" by the crane.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse

Built on Tillamook Rock, an island one mile west of Tillamook Head, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is one of the most exposed lighthouse structures in the world. This feat of engineering and construction was placed in operation in 1880 and faithfully served the maritime industry for 77 years. Perhaps the best description of the lighthouse comes from a report in 1894: "Rising from the ever-restless bosom of the Pacific Ocean and towering aloft to the height of about 100' stands Tillamook Rock on the summit of which are located a light station and a fog signal. Rugged, broken and of irregular form, it constitutes a prominent and notable sea mark to all who pass up and down the coast, or enter or depart from the mouth of the Columbia River."

During a storm in 1896, rock fragments weighing a recorded 135 pounds crashed through the roof and into the kitchen of the keeper's quarters; wrecking the entire room and its contents. This resulted in renovations to the main building. Additions of heavy steel, concrete roofing, and protective screening reinforced the structure. Even so, giant waves and debris from several storms through the years shattered the protective glass around the station's lanterns, housed 133' above sea level.

Five keepers attended to the lighthouse, four on duty and a fifth ashore, on leave. No families were allowed at the station, since life on the rock was altogether too hazardous. Most men had families on shore, but were allowed only 96 days leave each year. Due to the hazards and isolation of this post, these men were paid more than most lighthouse keepers. Rotations were every three weeks, when a boat called, bringing papers, magazines, provisions, and mail.

Over the years the beacon became a comfortable and pleasing presence in the lives of those in the region. And so, it was a melancholy hour in the history of pharology when the legendary lighthouse was decommissioned in 1957. For over two decades the facility was neglected, passing through the hands of various owners. Finally, Eternity at Sea of Portland purchased the property in 1980. The lighthouse was renovated, designated a National Historic Monument, and converted to a columbarium cemetery where niche sales support ongoing maintenance.

Tillamook Rock was designated a federal wildlife refuge in 1994. Home for nesting Common Murres and Cormorants, it is best viewed from Ecola State Park, just north of Cannon Beach. Interpretive signs relate Tillamook Rock Lighthouse history and illustrate the wildlife that populates the rock.

Countless books have been written about Tillamook Rock Lighthouse history which began, by the way, prior to permanent settlement of present-day Cannon Beach. Many can be found in local bookstores and libraries.

- Thanks to Mimi Morissette, Honorary Lighthouse Keeper, Eternity at Sea Founder

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse built in 1880, an engineering feat in its time and considered one
of the 3 most weather exposed in the world.

Located Between Seaside,Oregon and Cannon Beach with viewpoint and signage from spectacular 1400 acre Ecola State Park.

THE TILLAMOOK ROCK LIGHTHOUSE WAS PURCHASED IN 1980 AND TURNED INTO A CEMETERY/COLUMBARIUM AT SEA TO CREATE THE FUNDS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION INSURING THIS HISTORIC LIGHT HER RETIREMENT PENSION