Post Summary: Exploring Heceta Head Lighthouse and The Innkeeper’s House Nearby
When you think of the Oregon Coast, what comes to mind first? Craggy cliffs, lighthouses, crashing waves?
What if we told you there’s a place along the coast that has all of these features? (Would you even be surprised? haha)
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most popular stops on an Oregon Coast road trip for so many good reasons!
From epic views and photo opportunities to an amazing trail system, this place has a ton to offer visitors.
In this post, we’re sharing the best features of Heceta Head Lighthouse, what you can expect on your own visit, and tips to elevate your experience (like staying the night!).
Let’s get exploring!
Visiting The Heceta Head Lighthouse On The Oregon Coast (+ The Innkeeper’s House)
Where is the Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Lighthouse Coordinates: 44° 8′ 14.5788” N 124° 7′ 41.1852” W
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is located on the Oregon Coast, about 12 miles north of the quaint town of Florence, Oregon.
Another nearby town is Yachats, Oregon (pronounced “yah-hots”), a 14-mile drive north.
Both Oregon coast towns have quaint seaside restaurants and basic groceries. It’s worth a trip to check out both!
The largest nearby city is Eugene, Oregon. If you’re wanting the comforts and amenities of the big city, taking a day trip from Eugene to the Heceta Head Lighthouse is a perfectly doable adventure!
Trail Systems at Heceta Head Lighthouse
One of the best activities to do at Heceta Head Lighthouse is to explore the many Oregon coast hikes around the area.
Hiking around will give you multiple perspectives of the lighthouse, as well as views to other features like the Cape Creek Bridge, Devil’s Elbow (the cliffside name), and Hobbit Beach to the north.
The most accessible and popular route to the lighthouse would be starting from the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint Parking Lot. Coordinates: 44.1344555, -124.1247736
Note that you will need an Oregon State Park Pass to park in the area. A yearly pass is $30, otherwise, it’s $5 for a day-use pass.
From the parking lot, you can take several trails around the area for perspectives of the coast, as well as make the steep climb up to the base of the lighthouse. The short trail is 1/2 mile long, with an elevation gain of 150 feet.
Another Epic Oregon Coast Hike: God’s Thumb Hike in Lincoln City, OR
Want to see Heceta Head Lighthouse from another perspective? Try and take the trail up behind the lighthouse and explore the many trails that branch off in the area.
We discovered amazing views of the coast to the north, as well as close-up lighthouse photos with the cliffs in the background!
Love Photography? Read these 8 Tips To Enhance Your Travel Photos
History of Heceta Head Lighthouse In Oregon
The lighthouse was built out of necessity. Mariners from the northern Oregon coast to Coos Bay were asking for guidance to help them navigate the dark water offshores, so, in 1892, plans began to establish one at this ideal location.
The lighthouse officially began operations on March 30, 1894, when the lighthouse cast its first beam across the ocean with its powerful fresnel lens technology.
Many of the first families that operated the lighthouse felt isolated from the rest of society, so lightkeepers set up a garden, a schoolhouse, and other buildings to keep the families occupied. However, that isolation all was relieved in 1930 with the construction of Highway 101.
From 1925-1950, the Coast Guard used the area for military purposes, and in 1963 the lighthouse lights were turned over to automatic computers.
Passed on from private hands, the military, and eventually the U.S. Forest Service, this historic building is now for the enjoyment of the public.
Currently, the Innkeepers House is now a running Bed and Breakfast, lovingly run by Michelle, the daughter of Mike and Carol Korgan.
Daily tours of the historic home are available at their interpretive enter.
Staying At The Innkeeper’s House
Not ready to leave this amazing spot on the Oregon Coast? We don’t blame you!
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, try staying at the Innkeeper’s House, just steps away from the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
As stated above, this home was one of two original homes on the property. In 1995, the U.S. Forest Service appointed Mike and Carol Korgan as the first Innkeepers of the Bed and Breakfast, which is currently run by their daughter Michelle.
Like Cool Places To Stay? Try sleeping in a Fire Lookout!
Unique Features Of The Heceta Head Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast
The Innkeepers House is part of the Unique Inns Directory, which is a curated group of boutique hotels, historic stays, and exceptional B&Bs.
Therefore, exceptional stays mean exceptional service! Here are some of the unique things that the Innkeeper’s House provides their guests:
- The Wine & Cheese Social: A selection of local wines and cheeses available for sipping in the West Parlor Every day at 4:30 pm.
- The Seven-Course Breakfast: Served every day at 8:30 am family-style with a selection of locally sourced produce and goods from the garden just steps away.
- Visiting the Lighthouse At Midnight: Nothing beats seeing the beam of light across the ocean in the middle of the night! Flashlights are provided with your reservation.
- Read a Selection of Ghost Stories: A guest-contributed book of spooky stories and paranormal happenings on the property. It’s one of the most haunted lighthouses in Oregon!
- Beautiful Wrap-Around Porch With Ocean Views: No better place to watch the sunset that out on the front porch!
What’s Near The Heceta Head Lighthouse?
If you’re exploring the Heceta Head Lighthouse (or staying the night!) chances are you will be looking for more things to see in the area.
We’ve got a LOT of resources and amazing places for you to check out nearby! Here are some of the best places to see along the Oregon Coast:
- All The Best Stops On An Oregon Coast Road Trip
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
- God’s Thumb Hike (Lincoln City, Oregon)
- Florence, Oregon
- Cape Perpetua State Scenic Area
- Sea Lions Caves
- Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
- Biggest City Nearby: Eugene, Oregon
- Longer Adventure? Read Our Entire Pacific Coast Road Trip Route!
Have you ever visited Heceta Head Lighthouse? What was your experience like? Tell us in the comments below!
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