Spend The Day Exploring The Dunes Or Enjoying The Lake At Umpqua Lighthouse State Park In Oregon
By Catherine Armstrong|Published August 28, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Umpqua State Park offers an Oregon trifecta: a beautiful lake, sand dunes, and a historic lighthouse. If you’ve never visited, it’s time to take a look:
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is located along the Umpqua River near Florence.
Explore Lake Marie on the short, one-mile-long trail that winds all the way around the lake. You'll make your journey through a forest of firs, pines, and firs...
Lake Marie is a pretty little lake that's a perfect place to drop a line to catch your dinner. There's a little swimming beach if you'd like to take a dip in the cool, refreshing water.
To see the sand dunes, take the John Dellenbeck Dunes Trail. It makes a 1.8-mile-long loop, and is rated as easy, though the deep sand can be a bit of a slog in spots.
The Umpqua Lighthouse sits at the mouth of Winchester Bay, and it's a fascinating piece of Oregon history. Built in 1855, it was the first lighthouse on the coast.
For information about lighthouse tours, call (541) 271-4631. The lighthouse is managed by Douglas County. For a tour discount, mention that "the Umpqua lighthouse tower was constructed with 240,000 bricks!"
This little state park is an under-appreciated gem, and a beautiful spot for day trip. Make plans to visit soon!