Welcome to Cannon Beach, Oregon, where the dramatic beauty of the Pacific Northwest meets small-town coastal charm. Whether you’re visiting to relax on sandy shores, take in the stunning views of Haystack Rock, or indulge in some of the finest local cuisine, there’s something undeniably magical about this little slice of paradise.

But while Cannon Beach is known for its breathtaking scenery, there’s one landmark off the coast that holds a story all its own—Tilly the Lighthouse.

The Story Behind Tilly

Formally known as the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, “Tilly” sits perched on a craggy outcrop about a mile offshore from Cannon Beach. Built in 1881, this iconic structure has earned quite a reputation over the years, standing as both a testament to human determination and a silent witness to the sometimes ferocious power of the sea.

Before it was constructed, the waters off the Oregon coast had a notorious reputation for wrecking ships. Mariners knew that the unpredictable weather and jagged rocks lurking beneath the waves were a constant threat. The construction of a lighthouse seemed like an obvious solution—though building it on a small, weather-beaten rock in the middle of the ocean was no small feat.

In fact, the project was plagued with difficulties from the start. The rock upon which the lighthouse now stands was so treacherous that it earned the nickname “Terrible Tilly.” It was battered by storms, high winds, and relentless waves even as workers struggled to complete the structure. Despite the challenges, Tillamook Rock Lighthouse finally opened in January of 1881, but not without a few stories of its own.

Just days before the official lighting of the beacon, the British barque Lupatia tragically ran aground near the lighthouse site, claiming the lives of all aboard. The event added to Tilly’s reputation as a haunted place, and some say the spirits of lost sailors still linger near her shores.