Built: 1976

Type: Pyramidal wooden tower with a lantern and Gallery attached to a 2 story A-Frame residence

Height: 34 feet

Status: Active (Privately Maintained)

Location: Yachats

Lens: Two Forth Order Fresnel

Keepers: James Gibbs

Notes: Cape Perpetua is a scenic wonder, drawing visitors to its spouting horn, devil's churn , and dramatic view of the Oregon Coast. Nestled on the north spur, under the shadow of the cape, is a privately owned lighthouse, marking the spot for vessels sailing the coast between Coos Bay and Yaquina Bay. 
The Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse was built in 1976 by former lighthouse attendant and noted historian Jim Gibbs. It takes its name from the hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, "He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock", which is based on Exodus 33:22. 
Mr. Gibbs designed the lighthouse as a replica of the former Fiddle Reef Lighthouse, which was located on Oak Bay near Victoria B.C. with the rotunda serving as the home's entrance. Made of redwood siding painted driftwood grey, it stands 34 feet tall, 110 feet above sea. Its optic, formerly used by the Canadian Coast Guard at sea-girt Solander Island off the west coast of Vancouver Island, sends a beam from a small halogen globe, that can be seen 16 miles out to sea, with a signature of white and red alternating flashes every 10 seconds. 
The home and lighthouse have been a labor of love for Mr. Gibbs, who has incorporated several historic pieces from West Coast lighthouses into the décor. The stair railing from the original keepers dwelling at Yaquina Head is installed in the tower, and among many maritime treasures are two fourth-order Fresnel lenses. 
His light at Cape Perpetua was not originally considered for a lighthouse designation because ocean traffic at this point travels well offshore, but in 1979, just over 200 years from Captain Cook's day of discovery, the light was made an official navigational aid.
Cape Perpetua not open to the public.