Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse
4.5
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- Melissa DWest Jordan, Utah302 contributionsReally great stop along the Oregon coastSeriously, our favorite stop on our trip up the Oregon Coast. We loved it. There is a small parking lot at the bottom of the hill with extra parking around the corner. We didn't have trouble parking, but it did fill up while we were there so it seems to get busy sometimes. From the parking area you can "hike" up the trail to the lighthouse. It really is a very easy walk, not strenuous or anything. It's maybe a half mile to the lighthouse. The interior was not yet open when we were there thanks to Covid, but the grounds were still lovely and the view is incredible. Our kids had fun playing in front of the building and trying to watch the birds and animals in the ocean. There is a small gift shop along the path about halfway up to the lighthouse. They had a lot of fun things in there and were pretty reasonably priced (for a gift shop at an attraction). The people in the shop were adorable and made it really fun to spend some time there. After visiting the lighthouse, we took some time to walk in the ocean on the beach below the site. There are some small caves (very small, but still fun) along the shoreline and lots of shell bits that you could explore and collect (fun for our kids). We had some wake boards and the kids rode the waves a bit although the water was not exactly warm. There is also a small river that meets up with the water in the cove and that offers a fun place to wade and explore as well. In addition, there is a lovely bridge above the parking lot that just added to the atmosphere. It was just a really great stop for our family.Visited July 2021Written July 22, 2021
- PandaHoustonHouston, Texas6,233 contributionsMost Photographed Lighthouse in Oregon - $5 Day Use FeeDuring our road trip up the Oregon Coast, we drove from Bandon to visit the Heceta Head Lighthouse at around 1 pm on Monday, 7/26. Had no issues finding parking. There is a machine in the parking lot which takes credit cards for you to purchase a day use pass for $5 so you can place this on your dash. The area was somewhat crowded but not too bad. The walk to the lighthouse is less than 1 mile round trip and it was very easy. We spent less than hour here before proceeding to our next stop on the Coast. This is the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon!Visited July 2021Written August 20, 2021
- Don'tWaitForRetirementCalifornia4,929 contributionsA Classic Lighthouse Scene!Tip #1: Heceta Head Lighthouse Viewpoint is included in the Oregon Pacific Coast Passport, so if you have this, you can avoid the parking fee. The passport includes over 15 different sites along the coast. Tip #2: Drive to the viewpoint up the road near the sea lions for a distant view of Heceta Head and Lighthouse. HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE While touring Oregon, we stopped by Heceta Head Viewpoint and Lighthouse, parked the car and walked about 1/2 mile uphill to the lighthouse. You come across a small gift shop and B&B. It's very scenic with trees, flowers and fauna, a bridge and beach/coastal views. We took lots of photos in front of the lighthouse. (It wasn't open late in the afternoon when we were there). Note: There's a porta potty next to it. The restrooms in the parking lot were closed when we were there (Aug '19). If you found this review useful, please click the thank button.Visited October 2019Written September 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,269 reviews
Excellent
852
Very good
338
Average
57
Poor
14
Terrible
8
eatsleeptour
Dallas, TX735 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
A beautiful lighthouse perched on the edge of the gorgeous Oregon coast line. The short hike to the lighthouse gives you breathtaking views. Due to Covid the lighthouse itself was closed for climbing however we were allowed to go inside and look up the staircase and read the information that was available inside the lighthouse. There is a small gift shop near the lake keepers house that has some really cute items and even a cold beer (drinks) which is nice on a sunny day.
Written September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelGoddess61
Chico, CA323 contributions
Aug 2020
There is a parking lot but it could be an issue there depending on the time, as it is not very large. There is a 5.00 fee with a collection box and don't forget to pay it. There is a beach there also but we hiked up the hill to the lighthouse. It is a good trail and it is wide and was easy to self isolate when we went. The lighthouse itself was not open but the views on the way up of the ocean were beautiful and it is very worth hiking up to the top. Bring your camera. Not sure if it would be wheel chair accessible though. There are stops with information about the history, and a small gift shop also on the way up. There is also a very historical house that has tours certain days with an appointment where the lightkeepers used to stay. It looked so pretty from the outside. There is also Heceta beach that you can also visit where you park the car before you hike up. The visit here is so worth doing and it is not very far from Florence Oregon though of course highway 1 can be a bit winding. When we went the weather was beautiful and warm. A must visit if you can!
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
billk2345678
Reno, NV667 contributions
Aug 2021
A stunning spot. The caretaker's home which you can glimpse from the road is truly in a dramatic spot. Views must be incredible.
It's a good spot to stretch your legs on a coastal drive, find a spot for a picnic, take a short hike.
It's a good spot to stretch your legs on a coastal drive, find a spot for a picnic, take a short hike.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TipsFromABellman
Las Vegas, NV1,257 contributions
Feb 2021
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 .
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 .
Written March 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jedimasterkush
Las Vegas, NV1,809 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerri L
Johnston, IA2,116 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We visited on a Tuesday late afternoon and there were a few people on the beach, but not many making the hike to the lighthouse. There is a $5 fee for parking. There are restrooms at the start of the trail to the lighthouse as well as outhouses at the top and in the beach. Reviews I read warned they were not clean and I did not check on this.
The beach is beautiful. There are rocky shores with caves one direction, and lots of sandy beach with smooth water washed pebbles the other direction toward where Cape Creek meets the ocean. Cape Creek Bridge is an awesome architectural structure there as well. We enjoyed wading in the cool water both in the creek and the ocean and took in the views and the sound of the waves.
When we visited there were no indoor tours available due to maintenance, but we wanted to get a closer look and walk around anyhow. We walked the short uphill trail (maybe 1/4 mile or so) to the lighthouse and read the information posted along the way. There is a small gift shop which is open until 6pm with items related to the lighthouse and the area.
The views from up around the lighthouse are amazing! The light keepers house which you pass on the trail nearby is a bed and breakfast and people book it for weddings. It was very well kept with a beautiful front porch, with chairs and flowers.
Glad we stopped and made the hike up and looked around. Worth the time and the $5 parking fee!
The beach is beautiful. There are rocky shores with caves one direction, and lots of sandy beach with smooth water washed pebbles the other direction toward where Cape Creek meets the ocean. Cape Creek Bridge is an awesome architectural structure there as well. We enjoyed wading in the cool water both in the creek and the ocean and took in the views and the sound of the waves.
When we visited there were no indoor tours available due to maintenance, but we wanted to get a closer look and walk around anyhow. We walked the short uphill trail (maybe 1/4 mile or so) to the lighthouse and read the information posted along the way. There is a small gift shop which is open until 6pm with items related to the lighthouse and the area.
The views from up around the lighthouse are amazing! The light keepers house which you pass on the trail nearby is a bed and breakfast and people book it for weddings. It was very well kept with a beautiful front porch, with chairs and flowers.
Glad we stopped and made the hike up and looked around. Worth the time and the $5 parking fee!
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carrie N
Eagle Grove, IA462 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
The lighthouse was very pretty and there were good views all around! We parked by a beach in a lot that was $5 and Hiked the trail up to the lighthouse. There are a lot of resting areas and picnic tables and a gift shop halfway up. When staffed, you can go in the bottom of the lighthouse. It's a very small area but you can see the spiral stairs and learn some information.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline J
Kalispell, MT36 contributions
Aug 2020
we just stayed down at the beach and looked at the tide pools. it was an otherworldly experience!!! The air temp was 64 where all the inland areas were having terrible heat waves. The fog was out at sea waiting to roll in but we had sun and blue waters to enjoy while we were there.The entire place is wonderful.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hendersoned
Las Vegas, NV886 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Great destination we hiked from the Hobbit trail, about a 6 mile loop. Amazing views. The county keepers house is a bed-and-breakfast but it’s closed right now that looks like a great place to stay.
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim C
La Crosse, WI723 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a great beach, for starters. Loved just playing in the water! The hike to the lighthouse is not too strenuous, but be aware that it's all uphill. There are plenty of places to park and porta-potties available. (thank you) Super friendly workers and volunteers will tell you all about the lighthouse and the people who lived there for years to man the place. The view is spectacular! We're thinking about renting the caretaker home in the future - it was that great.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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, WA2,473 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.
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Claim your listingHeceta 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
- (9.88 mi) Thor's Well
Heceta Head Lighthouse Information
| Excellent Reviews | 851 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 338 |
| Heceta Head Lighthouse Photos | 1,062 |








































































