Heceta Head Lighthouse — Attraction in Florence

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon

Heceta Head Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located in the state of Oregon. It is situated on a headland about 10 miles (16 km) north of Florence, Oregon, and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state. The lighthouse was built in 1894 and is named after Captain John Heceta, who explored the area in 1775.

The lighthouse is 107 feet (33 m) tall and has a focal plane of 115 feet (35 m) above sea level. The light can be seen for 21 nautical miles (39 km). The lighthouse was automated in 1963 and is now operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The lighthouse is located within Heceta Head State Park, which offers stunning views of the Oregon Coast. The park has a campground, hiking trails, and a visitor center.

The Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination and is a great place to learn about the history of lighthouses and the Oregon Coast.

Here are some interesting facts about Heceta Head Lighthouse:

The lighthouse is named after Captain John Heceta, who explored the area in 1775 it was built in 1894 and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the state. It is 107 feet (33 m) tall and has a focal plane of 115 feet (35 m) above sea level. The light can be seen for 21 nautical miles (39 km).The lighthouse was automated in 1963 and is now operated by the U.S. Coast Guard which is located within Heceta Head State Park, This location offers stunning views of the Oregon Coast. The park has a campground, hiking trails, and a visitor center. If you are planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, I highly recommend visiting Heceta Head Lighthouse.

It is a beautiful and historic landmark that is sure to leave a...

I recently spent several hours photographing the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, and let me tell you — it was everything I hoped for and more. As a landscape photographer, this is the kind of location that makes you believe you’ve stumbled into a living postcard… except better, because the weather has the decency to change every five minutes and give you entirely new moods to capture.

From the moment you arrive, the scene is mesmerizing. Perched high on a dramatic bluff with the endless Pacific stretching into the horizon, the lighthouse stands like a sentinel from another era — weathered, dignified, and practically begging to be photographed from every possible angle.

As the weather shifted throughout the afternoon, each change brought a new personality to the scene. Sunlight broke through clouds to light up the white tower like a beacon of hope. Mist rolled in, softening the forested cliffs and giving the entire scene a dreamy, ethereal vibe. And when the wind picked up? The waves crashed theatrically below like nature’s version of a drumroll.

I honestly lost track of time — always the sign of a perfect photography session. Every frame felt like a story. Wide shots that captured the majesty of the coastline. Close-ups that showed the timeless character of the lighthouse itself. And compositions where light, shadow, and nature danced together like they knew exactly what I needed.

If you’re a landscape photographer, Heceta Head Lighthouse isn’t just a recommended stop. It’s a must. One of those rare places where you don’t just take photos — you create art.

Five out of five stars. I’ll be back, rain or shine....

No tickets needed. Free admission. It was a very long drive to the actual lighthouse from where you enter the park, probably about 30 to 45 minutes. We visited on a Saturday and the parking was packed with vehicles filling the lot and overflowing for about a half mile on each side of a very narrow road. We were very fortunate to be allowed to drive all the way up to the lighthouse for handicapped parking. The lot attendant was very nice and helpful. There are many steep steps to traverse to get down to the actual lighthouse, so that part is not handicap accessible, but there is excellent viewing from the platform above the lighthouse. I was able to move around safeky on even, paved walkways with my rollator walker. Be sure to bring a jacket, no matter how hot it is outside. VERY windy and cold when you get up there! You will need a jacket or sweatshirt!!!! Very interesting to see with good information regarding the history of the lighthouse. Excellent photo ops of the lighthouse and shoreline. Nice little giftshop with postcards, magnets and a few tee shirts. Bathroom lines were horrible. Hundreds of visitors with only two bathroom stalls. Waited about 1/2 hour to pee, which was not pleasant. They should consider adding port-o-potties. Worth the ride, but it does take time and patience to get through all the traffic and pedestrians walking in middle of road, oblivious to vehicles. Be careful and drive slowly! Definitely an interesting...