Sunset behind the lighthouse at Heceta Head on the Oregon Coast.
By Jeff Clinton
If you are a lover of lighthouses, Heceta Head on the Oregon Coast should be your first stop.
The lighthouse is situated on a cliff overlooking a picturesque cove.
There is a winding half-mile trail leading to the lighthouse and a short side trail goes up to an overlook behind the lighthouse. It is the perfect place to sit and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean with the lighthouse and a gnarled tree in the foreground.
Nearby is a Bed and Breakfast in the former assistant light keeper’s home that provides fantastic views of the ocean.
It is rumored to be haunted by the wife of a former light keeper. Her name is Rue and she keeps an eye out for her children, one of whom drowned.
Several occupants have reported items in their rooms being moved. However, her presence is said to be a peaceful one as she watches over the lighthouse quarters.
The brick and stucco Heceta Head Lighthouse was first activated on March 30, 1894 and it was automated in 1963.
The light of its First Order Fresnel Lens can be seen from 21 miles out to sea. Part of the great distance can be attributed to the fact the lighthouse is situated 205 feet up the headland and has a 56 foot high tower.
Heceta Head (pronounced huh-SEE-tuh) honors Bruno de Heceta, the Portuguese captain of a Spanish ship who first sighted the cape in 1775.
There is ample parking but it can fill up fast. Restrooms are on site and there is a parking fee of $5 to be paid via credit or debit card.
The park is open year round for day use and the ground floor of the lighthouse opens for visitors as weather and staffing permit. The top floors are closed to the public.
How to get there:
The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is located just off Highway 101 at 725 Summer Street, Florence. OR 97439.
It is 13 miles north of Florence and 13 miles south of Yachats.
You can cut over to Highway 101 into Florence on Highway 126 out of Eugene, or on Highway 20 and 34 out of Corvallis into Waldport just north of Yachats.
Call 800-551-6949 for information, or call the park at (541) 547-3416. School and tour groups should email ahead to heceta.h.lighthouse@oregon.gov.
For Bed and Breakfast reservations call 866-547-3696 or go to hecetalighthouse.com.
Northwest Vistas 