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Heceta Head Lighthouse, Florence, OR

Photo: Ian Sane from Oregon, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingIconicHistory BuffOutdoor Adventure

Heceta Head Lighthouse

92072 US-101 · Florence, OR

Why you should go…

Heceta Head Lighthouse is a 56-foot tower standing 206 feet above the ocean, first lit in 1894 and still shining through a first-order Fresnel lens. A half-mile trail climbs from the parking area by the beach, passing the 1893 assistant lightkeeper's house, which now runs as a bed and breakfast. When weather and staff allow, you can step into the ground floor of the tower. From the viewpoint, look for sea lions, seabirds and migrating whales in winter and spring.

  • #lighthouse
  • #oregon coast
  • #scenic viewpoint
  • #whale watching
  • #coastal trail

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Heceta Head Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Sea Lion Caves

    Under $25

    An elevator descends into a coastal cave where visitors can view wild Steller sea lions on the Oregon coast.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

    Under $25

    Hike old-growth forest to tide pools and watch Thor's Well and Spouting Horn erupt below an 800-foot headland.

    10 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    C&M Stables

    $50+

    Guided horseback rides along Oregon Coast beaches and dunes near Florence.

    11 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Newport

    Free

    Oregon coast city known for fishing heritage, beaches, whale watching, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

    31 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Outdoor Adventure

    Oregon Coast

    Free

    The full Oregon coastline of beaches, lighthouses, aquariums and small towns, promoted by the region's tourism association.

    33 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Newport Visitor Information Center

    Free

    The official visitor center for Newport, Oregon, on the central Oregon coast.

    34 mi awayMore like this