Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
Looking for something to do along the Oregon Coast? Take a trip to Heceta Head Lighthouse! This stunning lighthouse near Florence, Oregon is one of the most photographed lighthouses on the coast of Oregon.
About The Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse was built between 1892 and 1893. It stands on Heceta Head, which is a 1000 foot bluff on the Oregon Coast a couple miles north of Florence. The lighthouse itself sits on a section of the bluff that is 205 feet above the ocean.
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The automated beacon at the top of the lighthouse can cast light more than 20 miles out to sea. This makes it the brightest working lighthouse on the Oregon Coast.
Another interesting fact is that the lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added to the list in 1978.
Getting To Heceta Head Lighthouse
To view this beautiful structure, head to Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint near Florence, Oregon. The State Scenic Viewpoint is located off of U.S. Route 101, also known as the Oregon Coast Highway. The drive along the Oregon Coast Highway is quite beautiful and there are plenty of spots to pull off to view the coastline.
From Route 101, turn onto Cape Creek Road. Follow the road under Cape Creek Bridge to the parking lot along the beach. When you get out of the car, you will have to buy a day-pass that will cover parking and use of the area. Use the kiosk at the end of the far end of the parking lot towards the trailhead for the Lighthouse Trail.
The Beach
The beach is the first thing you’ll see when you get to the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. This beautiful beach is sheltered by bluffs on each side. It’s a quiet, peaceful beach.
The beach is a great spot to enjoy the coastline. And, it makes for a great spot for photos and nature watching. Some wildlife you can expect to see at this beach are California Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Pigeon Guillemot, Common Murre, and Brandt’s Corrmorant.
The Hike Up To The Lighthouse
Hike up the Lighthouse Trail to get up close and personal with this historic lighthouse. The trail is a section of the larger Oregon Coast Trail, which covers the entire scenic coast of Oregon. From the parking lot, it is only a half mile hike to get to the lighthouse.
The Lighthouse Trail takes you on a winding trail up to the top of the bluff that the lighthouse sits on, Heceta Head. The trail itself is a dirt path that takes you through some beautiful wooded areas. It can be a bit steep at parts.
Along the trail, there are a lot of scenic viewpoints. When you reach the gift shop, there is a spot to stop and picnic. At the picnic table, there is a stunning view of the lighthouse framed by the surrounding trees.
Additionally, there are great views of the surrounding landscape below as you walk along the trail to Heceta Head Lighthouse. The elevation allows you to get stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the historic Cape Creek Bridge, and the surrounding bluffs.
The Views From The Top
At the end of the half-mile hike up the bluff, you’ll arrive at Heceta Head Lighthouse. If you’re looking to take a tour inside the lighthouse, you can! The tours are done between 11 am and 3 pm in the summer and between 11 am and 2 pm in the winter.
If you’d like, you can continue to hike further up the path to continue along the Oregon Coast Trail. When you continue up the trail, you’ll get some different views of the lighthouse from a higher vantage point! It’s worth it just to be able to see the ocean behind the lighthouse.
Other Features of the Park
Aside from the stunning views of the shoreline and the Heceta Head Lighthouse, you can also visit the gift shop and the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast. The Bed & Breakfast is housed in the assistant lightkeeper’s house, which was built in 1893. Visitors can stay in a room with some awesome ocean views.
Why Visit Heceta Head Lighthouse
If you’re looking to explore all that the Oregon Coast has to offer, a trip to Heceta Head Lighthouse is a great spot. During your visit to the most photographed lighthouse, enjoy the beach, hiking, picnicking, wildlife, and more. This scenic viewpoint is definitely worth the visit!
FAQs
Yes, tours are offered for inside the lighthouse!
This lighthouse is 56 feet tall.
Yes! There are pit toilets by the parking lot.
