“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1/2 mike walk on gravel path. Good for stretching your legs, nice photo op too. Bathroom by parking lot. Dogs allowed on leash.
Not accessible
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
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.
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!
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
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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