Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,264 reviews
Excellent
850
Very good
336
Average
57
Poor
14
Terrible
7
Todd I
Durango, CO131 contributions
Jun 2022
You should really check out this historic lighthouse if you're in the area. Heceta Head Lighthouse has a rich history, and the coastal views are spectacular. It's one of my favorite places in the world. The historic bed and breakfast that we stayed in is very charming and beautiful. The short hike from the main parking lot is relatively easy and well worth your time and effort.
We were lucky and spotted 4 humpback whales meandering up the coast.
We are eager to return!
We were lucky and spotted 4 humpback whales meandering up the coast.
We are eager to return!
Written October 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
julijoyeux
Bordeaux, France149 contributions
Sep 2022
Enjoyable 30 minutes walking the cove beach below the lighthouse and seeing the waves and shore crabs. Kinda spooky with mist and clouds...very photogenic with the highway bridge above. Easy access.
Written October 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LisaMNUSA
Saint Paul, MN803 contributions
Sep 2022
The beach is very pretty. 1 mile round trip to see the lighthouse. Pay $5 in a machine. When we were leaving, a ranger was there to help with any questions.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jedimasterkush
Las Vegas, NV1,798 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
First we took the trail up to the lighthouse that had a gift shop half way up. Beautiful view at the top. You can enter the lighthouse but cannot go up the stairs. At the bottom there is a great little beach walk that I recommend you catch near low tide if possible. It made for two great walks and even more memories.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
northernk
Phoenix, AZ11,899 contributions
Aug 2022
this one is a bit of an uphill hike on a nice paved path, with lots of trees for shading. Unfortunately we arrived too late for an up close view but it's a beautiful lighthouse and caretaker home which on this one is not right next to the lighthouse but you do walk past it on way up. Highly recommended and beautiful area.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karie B
4 contributions
Aug 2022
This was our first time hiking the trail up to the lighthouse. It was certainly worth the extra time and energy! Beautiful up close view of Heceta Head. A nice park ranger was also there to point out spots of interest. We'll be back!
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester, UK1,795 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Very scenic spot and lovely beach. From the parking lot you can get a nice photo of the pointed rocks in the ocean with the light keepers house in the background. (Now a B&B). You can't see the lighthouse from here though. You need to walk a well maintained 0.5 mile slightly steep path to get to it. Attractive but not much to see. You can't go up it. Good little gift shop though.
To get a good view of the lighthouse, drive past (travelling from Newport) for about a mile and there are two pull ins situated close together.
To get a good view of the lighthouse, drive past (travelling from Newport) for about a mile and there are two pull ins situated close together.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
swearengen
Colonia, NJ810 contributions
Jul 2022
A little bit of a walk. Nice view along the way. The lighthouse at the top is really nice. They had a ranger on duty to talk some about it. Pretty interesting. Unfortunately you can't go up the steps so it's really just about the outside and views.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ZMAN3411
Westfield, IN332 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We loved hiking around this lighthouse and then reading about the history of it. It’s a beautiful area and loved the gift shop by the B&B as well.
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BoulderNut
Sonoma, CA1,018 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Signs show the way from 101. Pay your $5 for parking and enjoy about half mile walk up to the lighthouse. It’s not open but you can see the light flashing out from it’s lens. Beautiful views outward to sea.
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cvance75
Cleveland, TX73 contributions
Is there a fee to visit this lighthouse ? Do you have to have a reservation to hike to the lighthouse ?
RiverBirch1967
Galveston, TX186 contributions
I have really longed to come and now I'm here and I twisted my knee. Is there a way to drive up or do you really have to do the steep hill? I'm almost in tears because I don't think I can now.
DillyDalli-in
Tempe, AZ56 contributions
I only way I seen to get up there was to walk.
Tansy S
United States8 contributions
What time does the lighthouse light go on each night
MarianReader
College Place, WA2,454 contributions
Yes, Heceta Head is not a working lighthouse.
Derek A
Columbus, OH
How early can you get there to walk the trails? I don't plan on taking a tour, but will be driving by around 8-9 AM. Will I be able to walk the trail up to the lighthouse at this time? Thanks!
Nikki N
Medford, OR38 contributions
Yes, I believe the trail is always open. It is a fair hike up there. The trail isn't really steep, but it does ascend about 1/2 mile in a fairly short distance. The view is well worth it, though, if you can handle the walk.
JimandMarty
Neptune Beach, FL642 contributions
Hi there,
From where did you walk to the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Is there a parking lot or something that indicates the trail to the lighthouse? I ask because other reviews say that you can only view it from afar. Thanks!
Marty
4mr1811
Washington DC, DC348 contributions
There is a parking lot. The exit from Hwy. 101 is well marked. Park in the lot (restrooms and picnic area available) and walk the path up to the lighthouse. Both the lighthouse keeper's house and the actual lighthouse are accessible. The park service conducts tours inside the first floor of the lighthouse, but you won't be able to climb to the top. It's a fantastic view and certainly worth taking an hour or so to make the stop and explore this piece of history.
V5630MNnickb
Boston Bar, Canada
I'm planning on proposing to my girlfriend this October, I saw a picture of the lighthouse with the ocean and cliffs in background (looks like it's from behind on a grassy hill) anyone know if this is accessible? If not any suggestions on the best view that is least busiest? Any suggestions would help!
Thanks
billbreneman
Bend, OR58 contributions
Yes - you can get there via a path which originates from the parking lot at the base of the hill. Heceta Head Lighthouse is at the top (about 1/3 of a mile up the hill with a light-to-moderate incline), with a beautiful 140+ degree view of the ocean and coastline. A note of caution: October will be a time of dubious weather - as it is Oregon, and you will be lucky if the weather is calm, sunny and delightful as it usually is during the period between June and September. It will likely be cool, breezy, partially cloudy/foggy/overcast and the odds of it raining/drizzling are probably better than 50-50. If you wish to take your chances, it's a fabulous place to pop the question. If you wish to have some photos made of the occasion, contact me at 971-732-2690 as I am a professional photographer and I would love to capture the moments before/during/after you ask her to be your lovely wife.
DawnSullivan22
Rockmart, GA
can we go into the lighthouse or keeper's house? is there a tour?
y2ksuzyq
25 contributions
Yes, you can go in from 11 to 3, 7 days a week. However it has been under some maintenance and may only be able to enter the ground level. I'm not sure though. You will need to contact them at
Heceta.h.lighthouse@oregon.gov.
to find out more information.
Kristin P
Hillsboro, OR18 contributions
The forecast is calling for thunderstorms. Is the lighthouse open to visitors if there is thunder and lightening, and would it be miserable to go there with a baby in bad weather?
Todd J
North Bend11 contributions
You have to park and walk up to the lighthouse. Not ideal for taking a baby in bad weather.
Heceta Head Lighthouse (Florence) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Heceta Head Lighthouse
- We recommend booking Heceta Head Lighthouse tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Heceta Head Lighthouse tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Heceta Head Lighthouse:
- (0.01 mi) Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
- (1.93 mi) Carl G Washburne Memorial State Park
- (1.54 mi) Ocean View Retreat, Florence/Yachats, OR
- (5.17 mi) Ocean Haven Yachats
- (6.35 mi) Mercer Lake Resort
- Restaurants near Heceta Head Lighthouse:
- (9.66 mi) Chens Family Dish
- (9.98 mi) Fresh Harvest Cafe
- (7.22 mi) Jerry's Place Bar and Grill
- (9.67 mi) Kathleen and Nina's Pie and Specialty Restaurant
- (8.24 mi) Ocean Grinds Coffee Co.
- Attractions near Heceta Head Lighthouse:
- (1.01 mi) Oregon Coast Highway 101
- (1.93 mi) Hobbit Trail
- (1.21 mi) Sea Lion Caves
- (8.82 mi) Sand Master Sandboarding
- (6.45 mi) Darlingtonia State Natural Site