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Stop here. Go here. Heck, stay a while. Heceta Head is one the most prominent sites on the amazing Oregon coast. The combination of Pinnacle & Parrot Rocks, the inlet with a walkable beach, and the iconic lighthouse & viewing spot makes it simply sensational. It is another fantastic Oregon state park, so be sure to pay your parking & visit fees to help keep this state as gorgeous as possible. The 'climb' (it's really like a long ramp) from the parking lot up to the lighthouse is a little over 1/4 of a mile, and it is paved with a very walkable, even wheelchair accessible, gravel. Even the Oregon rain doesn't make this a muddy, sloppy mess and the walk pales in comparison to the views. About halfway up the slope, there is a gift shop with plenty of keepsakes, souvenirs, and even a few snacks & drinks. The shop is open pretty much every day with limited hours, but it's a wonderful opportunity to commemorate your visit. When you get to the top near the lighthouse, the view of the rocks down below will almost always have wildlife. Cormorants and other seabirds will nest on the rocks and if you're lucky, you might see some California sea lions hanging out on the southwest part of Parrot Rock. Park rangers will frequent the lighthouse area in nicer weather, and sometimes will have scopes set up for a birds-eye view of, well, birds. My lovely wife couldn't get enough of the view of the nesting seabirds and their littles during hatch season. What a magic memory! Be mindful of the tides, and if your visit happens to coincide with King Tide season, then take the opportunity to view from above. The sea gets ANGRY, the winds get crazy, and it is a humbling reminder of how powerful Mother Nature can be. Heceta Head is still a functioning lighthouse, and when the ocean is super choppy, then you can certainly see how valuable a light can be to warn ships along the coast. The mariner's friend is always a beacon in a storm, communicating safe haven or dangerous rocks, dependent on tides and winds. The turn to the state park comes up quickly off the 101, so keep your eyes sharp. There's plenty of parking, there is an accessible restroom, and if you don't make the climb up to the lighthouse, then the beach is a wonderful alternative. If you have the time, then just don't miss it. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the beautiful western edges of a beautiful state.
As we visit the coast of Oregon, the Mrs & I enjoy seeing museums, state parks & places like the Heceta Head Lighthouse. You have a bit of a hike from the parking lot, (you have pay) to get to the lighthouse that sits 206 feet above the ocean. We were told it was first illuminated in 1894 & is still in use, albeit as an unmanned station. Its beacon can be seen for 21 miles! About half-way to the lighthouse, you'll pass the assistant light-keepers house, built in 1893, which is now a bed & breakfast & is not open for public viewing. There is also a small gift shop near the house. You can only get into the first floor of the lighthouse, but that was fine with me. After trudging up the trail from the parking lot, I wasn't interested in climbing stairs. We enjoyed our visit & recommend you stop by if you're in the area, you won't regret it. It's open daily.
We were exploring the Florence area when we stumbled upon the beach below looking for tide pools. This beach has ample parking but there was a fee for us non residents. The beach has views of the bridge you pass over with the stream that leads out to the ocean. It's probably the closest thing I got to see on our trip that compares to my other trip location Haystack Rock. There were kids playing on the beach and in the water but it was too cold for us. We explored the beach with our kids looking in the tide pools, finding sea anemones and star fish. The beach had little cave alcoves as well as a hike up the ridge to the light keepers house. We don't end up doing the hike to the lighthouse which would have been pretty fun. The waves were crashing hard onto the rocks and there was a lot of beautiful views between the fog rolling in. The wind kept this beach visit shorter than we would have liked since it was windy and cold.
The lighthouse is located in a nice area with a trail up to the lighthouse from the beach area. The parking lot was full but they had an overflow lot. The trail was about half a mile to the lighthouse but you can continue further on the trail to another beach. There was a gift shop on the way to the lighthouse which made for a nice break. At the lighthouse, there were some telescopes you could look through to see the seals or scenery. There was a building with some photos and history of the lighthouse as well as the other lighthouses of the Oregaon coast.. It was a nice area to view the coastal area. There were also benches you could sit on to enjoy the scenery.
So Beautiful!!!! Worth the hike to the top!!! Just the most beautiful light house I have ever seen. There is a fantastic gift shop at the bottom with great finds. Parking was easy Pea-see and it's dog friendly except for inside the lighthouse. There are tours inside but check the house as they do change. It's an off ramp you can easily miss so be ready before gps tells you to turn. My favorite part was seeing the actual light moving around!
Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of many landmark tourist attractions along Highway 101 going up and down the Oregon Coast. Google Maps says the lighthouse is located in Florence, OR, but within my itinerary, it was situated 11 miles south from Cape Perpetua, Thor's Well and Spouting Horn. The Entrance Sign mentions that Heceta Head Lighthouse is also a State Scenic Viewpoint with beach access and hiking half a mile up to and inside the actual lighthouse. It's $5 parking fee for Day Use between the hours of 6am - 9pm. The payment machines only accept credits cards and instructions said to leave your receipt on the front dashboard of your car. When I checked on Google, visiting inside the lighthouse is open daily from 11am - 2pm. There is also an old-fashioned Bed and Breakfast sitting right beside the lighthouse. According to details on Google, there are 6 rooms within the B&B. Stateparks.oregon.gov says "the inn is operated by a concessionaire of the U.S. Forest Service and reservations can be made by calling 866-547-3696 or going to hecetalighthouse.com". I visited at 8am over the summertime and making the half mile walk up a hill was casual within a vista point setting beside the Oregon coastline. Only issue was the dense fog still hanging around from overnight. The lookout views from the lighthouse appeared to have potential for photogenic moments when the sun shines, but because of the fog, visibility was diminished. Overall, the 19th-century lighthouse has a rustic looking appearance, is 56 feet tall and stands 1000 feet above Heceta Head according to stateparks.oregon.gov. The light atop the tower was illuminated starting back in 1894. It took me 45 minutes to walk up to the lighthouse, take a few pictures and soak up the quiet surroundings for early morning before departing. In the end, a lot of the big highlights beside Highway 101 only take an average of 1 hour to visit, so making time for Heceta Head Lighthouse is worthwhile and doesn't take much effort. I'd suggest stopping by even though it may not be too dramatic looking when the weather isn't cooperating.
Beautiful the hike behind was beautiful. The lens in this location is active. The lens was made in England many years ago one of the few in operation in USA.
Traveling thru Oregon has been not only beautiful but another bucketlister that has come true! I couldn't go close to the ocean without stopping at a few lighthouses. They have quite a few easy assessible one, some you you have to climb or walk abit. But, that's why we went on the nature journey to exercise and enjoy fresh nonpolluted fresh air. There is plenty of parking $5 and clean bathrooms at this location. Yes you will have to walk up hill. Its nestled in between trees up a gravel road up hill. So keep that in mind before you start walking. You can actually see the lighthouse from the parking lot and the beach. The lighthouse is actually a bed and breakfast currently. Check the website for prices, looks like it would be a great experience. Don't forget to take a walk along the beach. The tide was low when I viisted, so you can go out pretty far walking. I really enjoyed the peace and serenity along my Oregon journey! Great photo opportunities along the way. @glampedlife
I've walked by the bed and breakfast next to the lighthouse many times and finally took a tour a couple of months ago. The volunteer who ran the tour was very nice and knowledgeable and shared a lot of stories with us. The actual nightly rate to stay in the bed and breakfast is expensive but I bet it's super nice. There's a gift shop next to the bed and breakfast that has some really nice gifts, including pins and stickers which I've bought a couple times. The lady who runs it is very nice! The lighthouse itself is gorgeous and had a beautiful view of the ocean. You can't climb to the top but you can go to the bottom of the lighthouse when there is a volunteer working there. They'll tell you some stories about the lighthouse and the keepers who used to run it. There is a porta potty up there but nowhere else to go to the bathroom. The bed and breakfast doesn't have a public restroom and the bathrooms at the beach are a study in stench. Either go before you drive there or hold it until you're elsewhere, trust me.
A very cute private feeling little beach! I came at sunset so not many people were there, the lighthouse was closed, and I just parked and fed my dog and left. Perfect stop for the sunset.
This is a fun lighthouse to visit. Usually plenty of parking. They even have picnic tables by the parking lot. We brought a picnic last time we visited. The walk up to the lighthouse is short and easy. It's beautiful with a gorgeous and amazing view of the ocean.
Damn it man I love Oregon!!! This place is beyond beautiful. We came just for the lighthouse but discovered there was a trail nearby. Parking is $5 but well worth it. The trail is along the cost line nestled among the trees. It was very muddy during our visit in March. Bring your waterproof hiking shoes you'll be fine. Plan to get a little muddy!
1 month ago
On our quest to see all the available lighthouse stations on the Oregon Coast. This was part of it. Great lighthouse , The keepers home is now a short stay rental with a fenced yard. What a spot. read more
For us out of staters it costs $12 to park. There was a Park Ranger on site so there's no escaping it. It's quite a hike up to the lighthouse. It's definitely not recommended for people with disabilities. We stopped a couple times to catch our breath on the way up. They do have a gift shop, but as expected, it was overpriced. Once you get to the top, there are beautiful views of the coastline. The lighthouse itself isn't much. When we were there, there was a volunteer who was there to answer questions. If you're looking for exercise, this is the ticket. read more
Stop here. Go here. Heck, stay a while. Heceta Head is one the most prominent sites on the amazing Oregon coast. The combination of Pinnacle & Parrot Rocks, the inlet with a walkable beach, and the iconic lighthouse & viewing spot makes it simply sensational. It is another fantastic Oregon state park, so be sure to pay your parking & visit fees to help keep this state as gorgeous as possible. The 'climb' (it's really like a long ramp) from the parking lot up to the lighthouse is a little over 1/4 of a mile, and it is paved with a very walkable, even wheelchair accessible, gravel. Even the Oregon rain doesn't make this a muddy, sloppy mess and the walk pales in comparison to the views. About halfway up the slope, there is a gift shop with plenty of keepsakes, souvenirs, and even a few snacks & drinks. The shop is open pretty much every day with limited hours, but it's a wonderful opportunity to commemorate your visit. When you get to the top near the lighthouse, the view of the rocks down below will almost always have wildlife. Cormorants and other seabirds will nest on the rocks and if you're lucky, you might see some California sea lions hanging out on the southwest part of Parrot Rock. Park rangers will frequent the lighthouse area in nicer weather, and sometimes will have scopes set up for a birds-eye view of, well, birds. My lovely wife couldn't get enough of the view of the nesting seabirds and their littles during hatch season. What a magic memory! Be mindful of the tides, and if your visit happens to coincide with King Tide season, then take the opportunity to view from above. The sea gets ANGRY, the winds get crazy, and it is a humbling reminder of how powerful Mother Nature can be. Heceta Head is still a functioning lighthouse, and when the ocean is super choppy, then you can certainly see how valuable a light can be to warn ships along the coast. The mariner's friend is always a beacon in a storm, communicating safe haven or dangerous rocks, dependent on tides and winds. The turn to the state park comes up quickly off the 101, so keep your eyes sharp. There's plenty of parking, there is an accessible restroom, and if you don't make the climb up to the lighthouse, then the beach is a wonderful alternative. If you have the time, then just don't miss it. It is one of the most beautiful spots on the beautiful western edges of a beautiful state. read more
As we visit the coast of Oregon, the Mrs & I enjoy seeing museums, state parks & places like the Heceta Head Lighthouse. You have a bit of a hike from the parking lot, (you have pay) to get to the lighthouse that sits 206 feet above the ocean. We were told it was first illuminated in 1894 & is still in use, albeit as an unmanned station. Its beacon can be seen for 21 miles! About half-way to the lighthouse, you'll pass the assistant light-keepers house, built in 1893, which is now a bed & breakfast & is not open for public viewing. There is also a small gift shop near the house. You can only get into the first floor of the lighthouse, but that was fine with me. After trudging up the trail from the parking lot, I wasn't interested in climbing stairs. We enjoyed our visit & recommend you stop by if you're in the area, you won't regret it. It's open daily. read more
1 year ago
We were exploring the Florence area when we stumbled upon the beach below looking for tide pools. This beach has ample parking but there was a fee for us non residents. The beach has views of the bridge you pass over with the stream that leads out to the ocean. It's probably the closest thing I got to see on our trip that compares to my other trip location Haystack Rock. There were kids playing on the beach and in the water but it was too cold for us. We explored the beach with our kids looking in the tide pools, finding sea anemones and star fish. The beach had little cave alcoves as well as a hike up the ridge to the light keepers house. We don't end up doing the hike to the lighthouse which would have been pretty fun. The waves were crashing hard onto the rocks and there was a lot of beautiful views between the fog rolling in. The wind kept this beach visit shorter than we would have liked since it was windy and cold. read more
The lighthouse is located in a nice area with a trail up to the lighthouse from the beach area. The parking lot was full but they had an overflow lot. The trail was about half a mile to the lighthouse but you can continue further on the trail to another beach. There was a gift shop on the way to the lighthouse which made for a nice break. At the lighthouse, there were some telescopes you could look through to see the seals or scenery. There was a building with some photos and history of the lighthouse as well as the other lighthouses of the Oregaon coast.. It was a nice area to view the coastal area. There were also benches you could sit on to enjoy the scenery. read more
9 months ago
So Beautiful!!!! Worth the hike to the top!!! Just the most beautiful light house I have ever seen. There is a fantastic gift shop at the bottom with great finds. Parking was easy Pea-see and it's dog friendly except for inside the lighthouse. There are tours inside but check the house as they do change. It's an off ramp you can easily miss so be ready before gps tells you to turn. My favorite part was seeing the actual light moving around! read more
Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of many landmark tourist attractions along Highway 101 going up and down the Oregon Coast. Google Maps says the lighthouse is located in Florence, OR, but within my itinerary, it was situated 11 miles south from Cape Perpetua, Thor's Well and Spouting Horn. The Entrance Sign mentions that Heceta Head Lighthouse is also a State Scenic Viewpoint with beach access and hiking half a mile up to and inside the actual lighthouse. It's $5 parking fee for Day Use between the hours of 6am - 9pm. The payment machines only accept credits cards and instructions said to leave your receipt on the front dashboard of your car. When I checked on Google, visiting inside the lighthouse is open daily from 11am - 2pm. There is also an old-fashioned Bed and Breakfast sitting right beside the lighthouse. According to details on Google, there are 6 rooms within the B&B. Stateparks.oregon.gov says "the inn is operated by a concessionaire of the U.S. Forest Service and reservations can be made by calling 866-547-3696 or going to hecetalighthouse.com". I visited at 8am over the summertime and making the half mile walk up a hill was casual within a vista point setting beside the Oregon coastline. Only issue was the dense fog still hanging around from overnight. The lookout views from the lighthouse appeared to have potential for photogenic moments when the sun shines, but because of the fog, visibility was diminished. Overall, the 19th-century lighthouse has a rustic looking appearance, is 56 feet tall and stands 1000 feet above Heceta Head according to stateparks.oregon.gov. The light atop the tower was illuminated starting back in 1894. It took me 45 minutes to walk up to the lighthouse, take a few pictures and soak up the quiet surroundings for early morning before departing. In the end, a lot of the big highlights beside Highway 101 only take an average of 1 hour to visit, so making time for Heceta Head Lighthouse is worthwhile and doesn't take much effort. I'd suggest stopping by even though it may not be too dramatic looking when the weather isn't cooperating. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful the hike behind was beautiful. The lens in this location is active. The lens was made in England many years ago one of the few in operation in USA. read more
3 years ago
Traveling thru Oregon has been not only beautiful but another bucketlister that has come true! I couldn't go close to the ocean without stopping at a few lighthouses. They have quite a few easy assessible one, some you you have to climb or walk abit. But, that's why we went on the nature journey to exercise and enjoy fresh nonpolluted fresh air. There is plenty of parking $5 and clean bathrooms at this location. Yes you will have to walk up hill. Its nestled in between trees up a gravel road up hill. So keep that in mind before you start walking. You can actually see the lighthouse from the parking lot and the beach. The lighthouse is actually a bed and breakfast currently. Check the website for prices, looks like it would be a great experience. Don't forget to take a walk along the beach. The tide was low when I viisted, so you can go out pretty far walking. I really enjoyed the peace and serenity along my Oregon journey! Great photo opportunities along the way. @glampedlife read more
2 years ago
I've walked by the bed and breakfast next to the lighthouse many times and finally took a tour a couple of months ago. The volunteer who ran the tour was very nice and knowledgeable and shared a lot of stories with us. The actual nightly rate to stay in the bed and breakfast is expensive but I bet it's super nice. There's a gift shop next to the bed and breakfast that has some really nice gifts, including pins and stickers which I've bought a couple times. The lady who runs it is very nice! The lighthouse itself is gorgeous and had a beautiful view of the ocean. You can't climb to the top but you can go to the bottom of the lighthouse when there is a volunteer working there. They'll tell you some stories about the lighthouse and the keepers who used to run it. There is a porta potty up there but nowhere else to go to the bathroom. The bed and breakfast doesn't have a public restroom and the bathrooms at the beach are a study in stench. Either go before you drive there or hold it until you're elsewhere, trust me. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
We first took a guided tour, great helpful employees !!Larson was our guide....He is very knowledgeable about the dunes & he's cool!! Came back 2 days later for a 2 hour/two seater....we had a great time! read more
This is a fun lighthouse to visit. Usually plenty of parking. They even have picnic tables by the parking lot. We brought a picnic last time we visited. The walk up to the lighthouse is short and easy. It's beautiful with a gorgeous and amazing view of the ocean. read more
Damn it man I love Oregon!!! This place is beyond beautiful. We came just for the lighthouse but discovered there was a trail nearby. Parking is $5 but well worth it. The trail is along the cost line nestled among the trees. It was very muddy during our visit in March. Bring your waterproof hiking shoes you'll be fine. Plan to get a little muddy! read more
2 years ago
It's a very scenic stop next to Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean. There was a beach for walking and picnic. We saw two campfires, so we guess that acti ity was allowed. A trail led us up to the lighthouse. The paved trail was not too steep and relatively short. At the time of our visit, the lighthouse and gift shop were not opened. The view of the Pacific Ocean, the beach, a bridge, and the surrounding hills were magnificent. We even saw two whales swimming around. I was too slow in capturing the whales on my phone. Bathrooms were clean. Paid parking spaces were plentiful. We were very happy that we visited. read more
A must stop for the gorgeous views alone! There is a $5 parking fee for day use, but it's well worth it. There are vault toilets available off the parking lot. The walk up to the keeper's house and then onto the lighthouse is a continuous incline, not too steep though. Seemed like about a mile round trip. Once you get to the keeper's house, it's nice and flat as you walk around and take in the views. It's actually a Bed and Breakfast now. Looks like a fabulous place to stay...made a mental note to check it out for a future trip! The lighthouse was cool too. You can walk inside and look at the neat brick and spiral staircase. You can't go up the stairs though. Covid restrictions are in place, so you need to wear a mask inside the lighthouse. The views from the grass in front of the lighthouse are spectacular! You can see the rock cliffs, beach and bridge below. Overall an awesome stop! So many photo opportunities. Highly recommend. read more
This has always been my favorite hike!! You can start from either end of it (lighthouse or hobbit trail) and it has never disappointed me. I recommend going on a week day, in the morning. otherwise, it can get pretty busy. this trail allows for a nice and cool (shady) hike up and then back down. the top of the hill is the halfway point! I recommend turning around at the top because if you keep going you will end up at the other entrance (which is far from the car haha) We had someone pick drop us off at one side and pick us up on the other. the hike ended up being around 2 miles long, and the lighthouse was beautiful!! There is a cute little gift shop by the light house as well, with a small history lesson. We were lucky enough to see a whale in the water as well!! They do not offer tours of the lighthouse, you can NOT go up inside the lighthouse. P.S. if you like foraging, this trail has plenty of mushrooms, berries, flowers, ect! read more
Not as dramatic as Yaquina, but you still understand why this lighthouse is needed. It is built precariously on a cliff overlooking a historic bridge. There is one trail and not much to explore, but the docents are enthusiastic! An automated parking machine, $5. Careful entering and exiting with narrow entrance ramp. Tip: Best view is actually up the road across the bridge. Pull over to one the scenic overlooks. read more
2 years ago
Very nice walk up to the lighthouse! 10/10 would recommend, saw a couple people dump ashes into the river flowing into the ocean from a couple sand buckets which made it all that more memorable. read more
I absolutely loved this lighthouse park ! We almost didn't stop here because we had did the Umpqua River Lighthouse tour and Coast Guard Museum in Winchester Bay back in 2019 . We were headed north up the coast , but the road was closed due to road repairs . I'm so glad we came back . Unfortunately the lighthouse tours are not being done due to Covid restrictions and the lighthouse keepers house which is a bed and breakfast was also closed . The walk up the trail is not very difficult and is about a mile up . The views are magnificent ! I took lots of pictures and video even though it was overcast , but the sun would break through at times giving you better light and views . I do lots of travel videos for YouTube . My channel is under Tips From A Bellman , so if you would like to see my video , I would love you to watch it . Just click the link : https://youtu.be/3Z1xlL6Gfow read more
4 years ago
This is one of my favorite beaches in all of Oregon. The lighthouse tour is cute and fun but the beach is the real treat. It's a little pocket that occasionally traps the only sun on the coast. You can fish and frolic, climb rocks, nature watch, poke around in tide pools, sunbathe, picnic, get married, practice your hula hoops or take amazing pictures I assume for all the professional photographers I see on the regular. The bathrooms are usually clean and easily available and there's a very fair amount of parking if you include the overflow lot. Get on it and make some memories! But do not leave food out, the birds pity no one. read more
Definite must-see on any Oregon's Coast trip! This Victorian-era lighthouse is supposedly the most photographed lighthouse in the US, and I can see why! I took a ridiculous amount of pictures as it was the perfect place to experiment with my new camera! There's plenty of paved parking near another photogenic area with a huge bridge at the end of a short windy road. It's $5 to park for the day. There's a couple of bathrooms next to the parking lot too. I used one of them and it was fairly decent but no running water...it's a chemical toilet with hand sanitizer, but was ok. The short walk up to the lighthouse (about 1/2 mile) is a paved walkway with a slight elevation gain. Along the way you can stop and see what's left of the light keepers' homes as there's only one of three buildings left on site. The building is now a beautiful B&B! I'm definitely dreaming of coming back and staying here someday! The grounds are so beautiful and serene! There are also plaques scattered around that tell you about the history and other information about the area and the lighthouse, etc. Continue up the path and check out the lighthouse itself! Wish we could go inside! It was lovely with its moss-covered red rooftops and bright, "first-order" fresnel lens, still in use and the brightest on the Oregon coast, projecting 21 miles out! We continued up the trail and got some great shots looking down onto the top of the lighthouse as well! The trail continues on for 2 miles total and takes you all the way to hobbit beach. It was an absolutely fascinating hike! I felt like I was walking through the Shire in LOTR! Highly recommend doing the while hike but be aware that it's 4 miles total with just over 1,000 feet elevation gain...but you'll do that twice. There a lot of narrow pathways with steep steps and hills and roots and rocks! So worth it though! See my review of The Hobbit Beach Trail for more info! read more
4 years ago
The walk up to the Keeper's house and then on to the lighthouse is pretty easy for most folks. The ascent is gradual with great views the entire away. Volunteers were in the lighthouse on the day we visited, so we also got to see the inside of the base of the lighthouse. After our visit to the lighthouse, we stopped and took the free Keeper's House tour of the first floor. The tour prior to ours lasted well beyond the advertised 15 minutes, as did ours, so plan accordingly. My daughter is fairly certain she had an encounter with a ghost while we were there. For $5 in parking, this can't really be beat! read more
3 years ago
Visited here for the first time over the weekend. There are 2 parking lots by the beach. Parking is $5 for the day. You walk a half mile up to the lighthouse. Along the way you will walk by the head keeper's house and the gift shop. The view of the beach and the ocean is so beautiful. You can go into the lighthouse but only the first floor. You cannot walk up the steps. It was super cute and a nice thing to do for a day on the coast. There is a small trail that gives you the perfect view of the lighthouse and the ocean. You can see the light going off every 10 seconds. Not sure if I'd come back again though - maayybeee a different time of year, but once you see it there really isn't much to go back for. read more
Haceta Head is not only a lighthouse, it grants you access to a nice strip of beach, too! There is a $5 fee, but you can pay via credit card (and do not be tempted to be sneaky - a park ranger arrived as we were leaving). The walk up to the lighthouse is on an incline, but it is not too intense and only a half mile or so. There is a bench looking out to the ocean about half way up if you require a break. SO MANY wild blackberries edge the trail, along with luscious ferns, trees, and all the moss covered plants and rocks. We spotted 10 or so bitty brown bunnies hopping about, and many birds. The interior of the lighthouse was closed when we visited, and I'm not sure when it's meant to be available again, but the grounds are open, and you'll still find a visit worthwhile. The views are wide spanning and breathtaking from that vantage point, and there are some additional hiking paths that commence from the area. Back at the beach, you'll discover tide pools teeming with green and red anemones, mussels, snails, crabs, and interesting varieties of sea algae. Several caves make up the backdrop of the beach, some quite large, and I don't know what exactly it is about caves, but they bring me such joy, never failing to inspire some childlike delight and excitement of adventure upon encountering them. It was not busy, and while we only made a brief hour or so detour here, I could have easily spent half a day exploring. read more
4 years ago
I love lighthouses and this is one of the best and one of the most photogenic in the world. It's a working light with a first order lens visible about 20 miles. To get to the lighthouse house, you have to park at sea level in the day use lot for $5 and take the was hike up to first the keepers house, now a bed and breakfast inn and then up to the lighthouse itself. Once at the lighthouse, there's a trail that goes behind that puts you right at the lens level and even higher to look down on it. The view can be spectacular and depending an incredible sunset in the background. Abundant wildlife in the area. I happened to see a bald eagle on my visit along with gulls and other birds. Tours were closed due to COVID, but I'm sure they will be back when they are able. I only came for the lighthouse, but there is a small beach area too, I expect it would be crowded under normal conditions so I'd probably head for another beach area if that's what you want. Added bonus is sea lion caves is nearby and there's a picture opportunity from there as well. If you love lighthouses, then be sure to stop by. read more
4 years ago
We have started really enjoying going and seeing the different lighthouses up and down the Oregon coast. This one has a little .5 mile hike but worth it for the view alone. Great for those that are into history and adventure. read more
The brightest light on the Oregon Coast. The Haceta Head Lighthouse ranks up there with Haystack Rock as one of the most photographed and iconic images in our state. There are several scenic pullouts along Highway 101 for the classic shot of the lighthouse and keeper's house which operates as an interpretive center during the day and bed and breakfast at night. But these structures really take a beating and the lighthouse is not a sight that is as beautiful up close. It is scheduled to be refurbished in 2011 so the interior may be closed to the public next year. When it is open, you can take a free guided tour with a docent to see the Fresnel lens up close. Each Oregon lighthouse has a distinctive lens and signal pattern and this one has a yellow glow. To visit this area you pay a $5 day use fee at the parking lot below. There is a beach and hiking trails and if you are lucky you might see some migrating whales or sea lions. We spent time on the beach and enjoyed the gradual 1/2 mile uphill walk to the lighthouse because the path was filled with wildflowers in August. I'm sure there is fascinating history and possibly a ghost, but our guide wasn't terribly informed so our tour was quite boring. The interpretive center was also closed for a special event (it is a popular spot for weddings), so that was also a disappointment. Although it is scenic, if you can only visit one lighthouse in Oregon, I'm not sure I would recommend this one. Although, from a distance... outstanding. read more
8 years ago
Beautiful views, interesting history, challenging but do-able uphill climb-- DEFINITELY worth a visit!! read more
9 years ago
See this area. Such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. You can really wander around quite a bit over here. Bring your good camera though... You are going to want to take pictures of everything. The View really took my breath away. Not just of the lighthouse, but the Cape Creek Bridge View is absolutely breathtaking as well. And when the fog rolls in just right you seriously feel like you were in a painting! Be warned though... The wind on the Oregon coast can be a cruel mistress. Your umbrella and Hoodie will not help you. read more
This light house has a history. If you come at the right time (every hour in the summer time) they have a tour of the light house. Of course its not free!. I highly recommend visiting this place. you do have to walk up quite a distance. Once you are up there you see a big house and a small house. There is a board that tells the story. I personally like the walk and the beautiful scenery. Its amazing to see the view of the Coast. read more
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Ask the Community - Heceta Head Lighthouse
Can I bring my dog to the outside area of the lighthouse?
When we were there, dogs were allowed in the outdoor areas. They were not permitted on the tour inside the lighthouse itself. I found the below info on a related site:…
Review Highlights - Heceta Head Lighthouse
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
3 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
15 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
