So think about it, if the intent of a lighthouse lens is to amplify the light going out, doesn’t it make sense that incoming sunlight will be amplified, too?

The answer if “yes” as you’ll see if you climb up into the lens of the Umpqua River Lighthouse. Your tour guide can point out an electrical component that got fried that way. Much the way kids with a magnifying glass can be an ant’s worst enemy.

English: Inside the top of the Umpqua River Lighthouse. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oregon State Parks maintain the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. It’s open year-round three miles south of Reedsport.

At the nearby Discovery Point Resort is an RV park, cabins, and condos.

If you like oysters, be sure to check Upqua Triangle Oysters. They farm ’em, shuck ’em, and can give you some great ideas on serving them if you’re not a fan of eating them raw.

The Coast Guard no longer maintains the lighthouse. Volunteers and Douglas County rely on you’re generosity when you visit so do. Visit. And be generous.