Heceta Head Lighthouse and Beach

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is probably the most photographed lighthouse in the United States, according to USA Today. It sits perched 205 feet above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean along Oregon's rugged coast. Built in 1892, it was named after the Spanish Explorer, Bruno de Heceta, who explored the Pacific Northwest in the 18th Century. Construction of the lighthouse began in 1892 by a crew of 56 hardy souls. Because of the site's seclusion, building materials were either shipped in if the weather and tide permitted, or brought from  Florence by wagon, which usually took four or five hours. Stones were brought from the Clackamas River and bricks came from San Francisco, California. Completed in August 1893, the entire project cost $80,000 which included the lighthouse, houses for the head caretaker, two assistants and their families, a barn and two kerosene storage buildings. The project encompasses 19 acres of land. It was first lit in 1894 and automated in 1963. Today, only the lighthouse, several small outbuildings and one of the original houses remain. When the lighthouse was automated in 1963 the caretakers were not needed and the houses were vacated. Eventually one of the structures was auctioned off and sold for $10. It was demolished and the lumber was used to construct a cafe/bookstore in nearby Mapleton. That bookstore/cafe is still in use today. If possible, take a short run out Oregon 126 East of Florence to Mapleton. You'll see the Alpha-Bit cafe/bookstore right on Hwy 126.

To get to the lighthouse parking lot, you must exit Hwy101 on the right, make a circular drive under  the highway. This shot is of the Cape Creek Bridge. 

The Cape Creek Bridge is an arch bridge, 619' long with a main span of 220'. Built in 1932 it resembles a Roman Aqueduct with a single parabolic arch spanning half it's length.

Once in the lower parking lot, the beach is a short 50 yards away. We love this beach as the surf is mild, the sand clean and lots of shells and, if you're lucky, you can find sand dollars here. We picked up about 15!

Another shot of the beach area. Perfect for wading and enjoying the water. We spent almost an hour enjoying this beach. As with most beaches in Oregon, leashes are optional for your dogs on the beach. We allowed Jasmine to run but kept the leash close as there were other people on the beach and we don't let her become a nuisance.

Besides the main beach where Cape Creek meets the ocean, there are many rock outcroppings and coves to explore. Many of these caves are only accessible during low tides.

Yes, even though it was sunny, it was still a bit chilly so Debi had her sweatshirt on. Behind her is one of the caves you can explore.

Looking out of one of the monstrous caves in the area.

The strand of trees to the right is on the cliff overlooking this beach from the lighthouse which is right above the trees.

After enjoying some time on the beach, we decided to walk up to the lighthouse. We visited the lighthouse in 2011 so we were not interested in touring it again, but we wanted to do the hike anyway.

The lighthouse trail winds up the hillside and is an easy to moderate hike on a groomed trail. The trail take you to the gift shop, caretaker's house, (which is now a bed and breakfast) and the lighthouse itself.

About half way up the trail, we got our first glimpse of the lighthouse.

Looking back toward the beach we could see the Cape Creek Bridge.

The fencing you see in the foreground surrounds the caretaker's residence.

Once at the top near the lighthouse, you're treated to the beautiful view you see in this picture and the two following it. 

Imagine working here and having this view everyday!

This picture was taken from a viewpoint along Hwy 101 just south of the lighthouse.
The last remaining caretaker's home is the red roofed home on the right.