Geography: Lighthouses of the Pacific Northwest

Oregon

The coastal areas of Oregon embrace two distinct marine environments. These include the vast offshore waters of the Pacific Ocean and the estuaries of the coastal rivers. The coastal rivers of Oregon include 217 square miles of estuaries. The Oregon Coast draws an estimated 29 million visitors annually for sightseeing, beachcombing, and ocean fishing. The state maintains more than 50 parks on the coast for day use and camping, some of which are maintained adjacent to Oregon’s lighthouses.

Washington

The geographical diversity of the Washington coast exemplifies the Pacific Northwest region. Visitors can enjoy natural driftwood-strewn beaches along the rugged coastline. Adjacent to these beaches, the Washington coast is covered with old forests with moss and lichens that absorb the heavy rainfall to create a temperate rainforest effect. Starting in the north at Cape Flattery, the shoreline of the coast is dotted with Indian reservations, small fishing villages, lumber towns, the Olympic National Forest, and various smaller state parks and wildlife preserves. The old growth forests that line the coast provide a counterpoint to the cliffs that line the rocky shoreline. Also, the teaming streams, rivers, and lakes that flow from these mountains towards the ocean are a continuous reminder of the heavy annual rainfall. Washington’s coastline is filled with an abundance of oysters, crabs, and salmon. The Pacific ocean of the Washington coast is busy with fisherman, while the rivers are the center of the region’s lumber industry. These small fishing and lumber villages provide a peaceful natural retreat for visitors with their unique combination of coastal and mountainous lifestyles.