Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
🏆 Oregon’s Most Photographed Lighthouse — Perched 206 Feet Above the Pacific — Updated for 2026 with lighthouse tour hours, B&B availability, Sea Lion Caves info, and trail conditions
The white tower rises from a headland so dramatic it looks invented — 206 feet above the crashing Pacific, framed by dark forest and wild surf, its beam reaching 21 miles into the darkness. Below the cliff, sea lions bark on wave-smashed rocks. Above, gray whales pass on their migration. And next to the lighthouse, a Victorian keeper’s house has been transformed into a bed and breakfast where you can fall asleep to the rhythm of the ocean and wake to a gourmet breakfast with a view that money can’t normally buy. This is Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, and it’s everything the Oregon Coast promises compressed into one staggeringly beautiful point of land.
Located on a rocky headland between Florence and Yachats on the central Oregon Coast, the Heceta Head Lighthouse was first illuminated in 1894 and remains the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. The lighthouse, the original 1893 assistant keeper’s house (now a B&B), and the surrounding viewpoint are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A half-mile trail from the parking area leads through coastal forest to the lighthouse and viewpoint, while the 7-mile Oregon Coast Trail passes through the area. Just one mile north, the Sea Lion Caves — America’s largest sea cave — adds another reason to make this Oregon’s most essential coastal stop.
What Makes Heceta Head Legendary
Most Photographed Lighthouse
The 56-foot tower sits 206 feet above the Pacific — Oregon’s most iconic coastal landmark since 1894.
Keeper’s House B&B
Sleep in the 1893 lightkeeper’s house — 6 rooms, gourmet breakfast, and the Pacific as your nightlight.
Sea Lion Caves
America’s largest sea cave — just 1 mile north. Elevator descent to see Steller sea lions year-round.
Whale Watching
The headland is a premier whale-watching spot during winter and spring gray whale migrations.
The Lighthouse
The 56-foot tower sits on a headland 206 feet above the Pacific, making it visible from far out at sea. Its automated Fresnel lens beam reaches 21 miles — the strongest on the Oregon Coast. The first floor is open to visitors during operating hours:
- Summer (Mar–Oct): 11 AM – 3 PM
- Winter (Nov–Feb): 11 AM – 2 PM
- No reservations needed. Free with parking fee.
Heceta Lighthouse B&B
The 1893 assistant lightkeeper’s house has been lovingly restored into one of Oregon’s most unique bed and breakfasts — 6 rooms, some with ocean views, fireplaces, parlors with a piano, and a wrap-around porch with lighthouse and Pacific views. A multi-course gourmet breakfast sourced from local Oregon artisans is included. Reserve well in advance — this is one of the most popular B&Bs on the coast.
Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🗼 Lighthouse Trail | 0.5 mi | Easy | From parking to lighthouse and viewpoint. 150 ft elevation. Family-friendly |
| 🌲 Oregon Coast Trail | 7 mi network | Moderate | Forested trails with ocean views. Roosevelt elk. Connects to Hobbit Trail |
| 🧝 Hobbit Trail to Beach | 3.2 mi RT | Easy-Moderate | Through enchanted forest to Hobbit Beach. 700 ft elevation gain. Dogs on leash OK |
Sea Lion Caves
1 mile north of Heceta Head, Sea Lion Caves is the largest sea cave in America — over 12 stories high and as wide as a football field, formed over 25 million years ago. An elevator descends 200 feet into the cave where Steller sea lions congregate year-round. Admission: $18 adults, $12 children 5-12. Open 9 AM – 5 PM daily.
Photography Guide
📸 Best Photo Spots & Tips
• Lighthouse at sunset: The golden light on the white tower with the dark Pacific behind is the classic Oregon Coast image. Shoot from the trail approach for the full headland composition.
• From Highway 101 viewpoint: The view of the lighthouse on its headland from the road north of the park is arguably the most famous view on the Oregon Coast.
• Whale watching (winter/spring): Bring a telephoto lens for gray whale spouts from the headland viewpoint during migration season (December-April).
• Keeper’s house in fog: The Victorian B&B in coastal fog creates moody, atmospheric images. Early morning and late afternoon fog is common.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
| Season | Months | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ Summer | Jun–Sep | 60-70°F | 🏆 Best weather, longest lighthouse hours, whale watching unlikely but trails perfect |
| ❄️ Winter | Dec–Feb | 40-50°F | 🏆 Gray whale migration! Storm watching. Dramatic surf. Moody photography |
| 🌸 Spring | Mar–May | 45-60°F | Whale watching continues. Wildflowers. Fewer crowds. B&B easier to book |
| 🍂 Fall | Oct–Nov | 45-55°F | Storm season begins. Dramatic skies. Lighthouse hours reduced |
Budget Calculator
| Expense | Day Visit | B&B Overnight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking | $10/vehicle | Included | Daily parking permit required |
| Lighthouse Tour | FREE | FREE | First floor access during operating hours |
| Sea Lion Caves | $18/adult | $18/adult | $12 children 5-12. Worth the visit |
| B&B (1 night) | — | $200-350 | 6 rooms, gourmet breakfast included. Book early |
| Total (2 adults) | $46 | $250-$400 | The B&B is a once-in-a-lifetime experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go inside the lighthouse?
Yes — the first floor is open to visitors during operating hours (11 AM–3 PM summer, 11 AM–2 PM winter). No reservations needed. Free with parking fee.
How do I book the B&B?
Call (866) 547-3696 or visit hecetalighthouse.com. Book well in advance — this is one of Oregon’s most popular B&Bs. Summer and weekends fill months ahead.
When are the whales?
Gray whale migration passes Oregon’s coast December–April (southbound December-January, northbound March-April). Heceta Head is an excellent viewing platform.
Is the trail to the lighthouse wheelchair accessible?
The 0.5-mile trail has some elevation gain (150 feet) and may not be fully wheelchair accessible. The parking area offers views of the lighthouse and coast.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on leash are welcome on trails. Not permitted inside the lighthouse or B&B.
Should I visit Sea Lion Caves?
Yes — it’s just 1 mile north and takes about an hour. The elevator ride 200 feet down into the cave is dramatic, and seeing Steller sea lions up close is unforgettable. Call ahead to confirm sea lion presence.
Is there camping nearby?
Not at the lighthouse viewpoint itself. Nearby campgrounds include Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (just north, with beach access) and Jessie M. Honeyman State Park (south near Florence).
What’s the ghost story?
The keeper’s house is reportedly haunted by the “Gray Lady” — believed to be the ghost of a former keeper’s wife. The B&B embraces the legend, and some guests report unexplained occurrences. It’s part of the charm.
🗼 Where the Light Meets the Wild
A white tower on a headland 206 feet above the Pacific, its beam cutting 21 miles into the darkness while sea lions bark below and whales pass offshore. The keeper’s house still stands — but now you can sleep in it, wake to a gourmet breakfast, and watch the morning mist burn off a coastline that hasn’t changed much since 1894. Heceta Head isn’t just Oregon’s most photographed lighthouse — it’s one of those rare places where history, wildness, and beauty converge so perfectly that no photograph can fully capture it. But you’ll try. Everyone does.
📍 Address: 93680 US-101, Yachats, OR 97498
📞 Phone: (541) 547-3416
