Introduction
Perched high above the often violent and perilous seas of the Pacific, Heceta Head offers one of the most picturesque lighthouses along the 363 mile Oregon coastline. Constructed from 1892 through 1894, this State Scenic Viewpoint hosts the brightest light along the Oregon coast as well as the only Light Keeper’s Home that is available for an overnight stay as a Bed & Breakfast.
Coastal Highway 101 Scenic Views
Location
Heceta Head Lighthouse is a twenty minute drive up Coastal Highway 101 from the seaside town of Florence. Old Town, along Bay Street, is a historic district of Florence with numerous restaurants and shops.
Between Florence and Heceta Head, a number of pull outs along 101 provide great views of the sand dunes below. A little further North and you will see a tourist attraction for Sea Lion Caves. The last pull out before the turn off for Heceta Head provides a fantastic viewpoint of the headland looking over Devils Elbow and Cape Cove. Finally, a turnoff along the East side of 101 takes you downhill and under the Cape Creek Bridge to the parking area.
The parking area provides restroom facilities as well as great views of the Cape Creek Bridge and access to the beach at Cape Cove. There is a $5 area use fee as of the time of this writing. The trail up to the Light Keeper’s Home and Lighthouse is approximately half a mile uphill. It is a well groomed trail and a fairly easy hike. There is also a small gift shop and facilities up near the Light Keeper’s house.
Once at the lighthouse, a small coastal trail climbs further uphill behind the lighthouse offering fantastic views from a different perspective. This area provides some of the most photographed “postcard worthy” vantage points of the lighthouse. From behind the Fresnel lens, the coastal trail continues another three miles through the headland and down to Hobbit Beach. This is a great hike to enjoy while visiting this rugged headland.
The Lighthouse perched high above the often foggy cliffs (24mm f/8)
The Bed & Breakfast
If waking up and enjoying your coffee to the sounds of the sea and an abundance of coastal seabirds is your idea of the perfect morning, then look no further than Heceta Head Lighthouse. The Bed & Breakfast offers six different rooms accommodating up to fifteen guests. Activities include hiking the densely forested coastal trail, spending time strolling along the beach below at Cape Cove looking for seals and other marine life or simply enjoying the Adirondack rocking chairs along the outdoor wrap around porch.
A number of experiences are available for guests such as The Wine & Cheese Social, a 7 Course Breakfast and finally a Midnight Stroll to the Light Tower. Special occasions and private parties are also possible at this breathtaking property.
Pre-sunrise above Heceta Head Lighthouse (24mm f/8)
In Conclusion
Should you find yourself traveling along the Oregon coast at some point, be sure not to miss this “must see” location. For lighthouse lovers, you won’t find a better example in the State of Oregon. The views are superb during all seasons, but those who are fortunate enough to spend an evening in the Light Keeper’s house will have the greatest of views and memories made during that sunrise or sunset when all is calm. Enjoy!