Visiting Heceta Head Lighthouse: Yachats Oregon
Perched high above the Pacific on a dramatic headland, Heceta Head Lighthouse is one of the most iconic—and most beautiful—lighthouses on the Oregon Coast. The first glimpse alone is enough to stop you in your tracks: a white tower rising from lush green cliffs, framed by old-growth forest and endless ocean.
Located between Yachats and Florence, this historic site feels both grand and surprisingly intimate, blending rugged coastal scenery with a deep sense of history.
A Short Hike With Big Rewards
Reaching the lighthouse requires a short but scenic hike from the parking area at Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint. The trail is less than half a mile, but it packs in a lot—towering spruce trees, ferns, moss-covered slopes, and occasional ocean peeks through the forest.
As you round the final bend, the lighthouse suddenly appears, standing tall against the sky. It’s a moment that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.
The trail can be steep and slick after rain, so sturdy shoes are a good idea, especially in fall and winter.
The Lighthouse & Its Legendary Beam
Completed in 1894, Heceta Head Lighthouse was built to guide ships along one of the most dangerous stretches of coastline. Today, it still boasts one of the strongest lighthouse beams on the West Coast, visible up to 21 nautical miles offshore.
While the tower itself isn’t always open, guided tours are offered seasonally and are well worth timing your visit for. Standing inside the lantern room, looking out over the Pacific, gives you a powerful sense of what life must have been like for lighthouse keepers over a century ago.
The Lightkeeper’s House
Just uphill from the tower sits the beautifully preserved Lightkeeper’s House, which now operates as a charming bed-and-breakfast. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth walking up to admire the architecture and imagine life here in the late 1800s—isolated, windy, and completely tied to the rhythms of the sea.
During special events and open houses, you can step inside and explore the interior, adding another layer to the experience.
Wildlife, Waves & Coastal Views
The real magic of Heceta Head isn’t just the lighthouse—it’s the setting. Below the cliffs, waves crash against jagged rock formations, while seabirds soar overhead. Gray whales can often be spotted during migration seasons, especially from the viewpoints along the trail.
In spring and summer, wildflowers brighten the headland. In winter, storms transform the scene into something wild and cinematic, with mist, roaring surf, and dramatic skies.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring & Summer: Clear views, wildflowers, and guided tours
- Fall: Fewer crowds and moody coastal light
- Winter: Storm watching and powerful waves (from safe viewpoints)
Sunset is especially stunning here, when the cliffs glow gold and the ocean stretches endlessly toward the horizon.
Visitor Tips
- Parking: Limited roadside parking at the state scenic viewpoint
- Trail length: Short but moderately steep
- Footwear: Non-slip shoes recommended
- Weather: Windy and cool year-round—bring layers
- Restrooms: Available at the parking area
Nearby Stops
Heceta Head fits perfectly into a coastal day trip. Combine it with stops at Cape Perpetua, Thor’s Well, or a beach walk near Yachats. To the south, the charming town of Florence makes a great lunch or dinner stop.
There are plenty of lighthouses along the Oregon Coast, but Heceta Head is different. The hike, the history, the views, and the ever-present sound of the ocean come together to create a place that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
