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4.5
814 votes

Heceta Head Lighthouse

725 Summer St, Florence, Oregon 97439 USA

Closed Now
Opens Thu 11a
  • Independent
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“See what the lighthouse keeper saw”

Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is located in a cove at the mouth of Cape Creek, north of Florence. There are picnic tables sheltered from the wind and a great view of the ocean. A short trail leads to the historic Heceta Head lighthouse and assistant keeper's house. Heceta Head trail is part of a 7-mile network. Trails of varying difficulty feature beach and wildlife viewing areas. Wildlife refuge islands feature a view of common murres, cormorants, gulls, and other bird nesting areas. Sea lions and whales can be seen from the beach and cliff-top lighthouse. Named after Don Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer, Heceta Head lighthouse is located north of Florence. This 56-foot tower was first lit in 1894. A half-mile hike will lead visitors to this lighthouse, in addition to seabird nesting sites and nearby Bed and Breakfasts located in the assistant keeper's home. Editor's Tip: The short 1/2 mile hike to the top of the lighhouse from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The spectacular view makes it a great place to share a kiss or for a picnic. In addition, the former keeper's residence located adjacent to the lighthouse functions as a bed & breakfast! Legend has it that at this bed-and-breakfast inn, an old woman’s ghost has been spotted by many. She is said to be the wife of a former lightkeeper.

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Reviewed by
Nancy Sewell

  • 1,228 Reviews
  • 412 Helpful
October 23, 2016
Rated

Heceta Head, Oregon – 44.12601 N, 124.1262 W – a pullout across the cove from a posh lighthouse B&B. You have to make your own breakfast on our side of the cove, but it’s $250 a night cheaper. It’s at the top of a 400 foot cliff and waves pound its base all night long. The ocean here is breathtakingly beautiful. Oregon state law says you can park for 12 hours at any pullout not otherwise posted.

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
dmdranch

  • 15 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
August 31, 2014
Rated 4.0

Concerning the Bed & Breakfast: Very pricey. Beautiful and unique location. All guest rooms are upstairs (small stairways). Some of the rooms have a shared bath. The breakfast is wonderful, but they try to nickel and dime you for items like candy bars, snacks, etc. There is a nice walk up to the lighthouse which is open to the public. Remember, this is Oregon...No air conditioning.

3 people found this review helpful
  • 16 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
April 14, 2022
Rated

from the state website - https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=86

Ground floor of the lighthouse is open daily, as weather and staffing permit. Heceta Head Lighthouse
Perched atop 1,000-foot-high Heceta Head, the lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the coast. The light atop the 56-foot tower was first illuminated in 1894. Its automated beacon, seen 21 miles from land, is rated as the strongest light on the Oregon coast.

A half-mile trail to the lighthouse begins in the parking area and passes the lightkeeper’s house on its way up to the lighthouse and viewpoint.
Lighthouse Program
Join us for a staff-guided lighthouse program from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the summer and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the winter, weather and staff permitting. No reservations are available for general public programs. School and tour groups may schedule ahead by e-mail to heceta.h.lighthouse@oregon.gov.

The program includes the outdoor area around the base of the lighthouse and the ground floor of the tower. Upper levels are closed to the public. The trail just before the lighthouse will take you to a viewpoint of the lens.

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Reviewed by
rachstonew

  • 18 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
July 20, 2020
Rated

The lighthouse was closed when we went, but the hike was the perfect length for small kids and we absolutely loved the views on the hike of the ocean and rocks below. Nice little beach for playing in the water or flying kites.

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Reviewed by
willowleeeee

  • 45 Reviews
  • 3 Helpful
June 26, 2018
Rated 5.0

1/2 mike walk on gravel path. Good for stretching your legs, nice photo op too. Bathroom by parking lot. Dogs allowed on leash.

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  • 5 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
July 30, 2017
Rated 2.0

Not accessible

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Reviewed by
Marie Perez

  • 21 Reviews
  • 4 Helpful
July 16, 2016
Rated 5.0

1/2 mile walk up to the lighthouse but it was worth it. Beautiful views of the ocean and beach going up. The lighthouse is amazing to see

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Reviewed by
Tatiana Danger

  • Road Warrior
  • 1,169 Reviews
  • 910 Helpful
March 29, 2016
Rated 4.0

This is one of Oregon's most popular (and most photographed) lighthouses. I mean look at it! It's freaking gorgeous! But the coolest part is that one of the lightkeepers' cottages has been turned into a B&B... so you can spend a whole night immersed in the scenery.

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Reviewed by
Travel Oregon

  • Expert
  • 5,384 Reviews
  • 2,207 Helpful
June 17, 2015
Rated

Named after Don Bruno de Heceta, a Spanish explorer, Heceta Head lighthouse is located north of Florence. This 56-foot tower was first lit in 1894. A half-mile hike will lead visitors to this lighthouse, in addition to seabird nesting sites and nearby Bed and Breakfasts located in the assistant keeper's home. Editor's Tip: The short 1/2 mile hike to the top of the lighhouse from the parking lot is well worth the effort. The spectacular view makes it a great place to share a kiss or for a picnic. In addition, the former keeper's residence located adjacent to the lighthouse functions as a bed & breakfast!

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Reviewed by
Joshua Smibert

  • 127 Reviews
  • 206 Helpful
October 01, 2014
Rated 5.0

Definitely visit later in the day during the spring as visibility can be difficult during the fog. That said watching the fog drift through the trees on its way past the lighthouse is an amazing sight. A beautiful walk up to the lookout.

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Heceta Head Lighthouse

725 Summer St
Florence, Oregon
97439 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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