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GPS Coordinates: 44.1387303, -124.1451298
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REGIONS > OREGON CENTRAL COAST
Named for the Basque explorer, Bruno de Heceta (pronounced Ha-SEE-ta), this 1,000 foot high (300 m) picturesque headland is located along the Oregon Coast Highway 101 between Cape Perpetua and the Sea Lion Caves. It is one of the most photographed areas on the Oregon Coast. Heading south, the headland marks the approximate beginning of Oregon's coastal dunes, the north end of which can be easily seen from the cliffs. The headland is popular with tourists for both its scenic beauty and historic structures. The most notable of these is the Heceta Head Lighthouse (described below), which includes the old keeper's house and other outlying buildings. Slightly to the south is the historical Cape Creek bridge, which was originally opened in 1932. |
The Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head as seen from Oregon Coast Highway 101.
This area is popular for one of the coast’s most picturesque lighthouses. The light was built in 1894 as part of the larger effort along the coast to provide better, safer navigation for ships at sea. The strongest light on the coast, its beam can reach up to 21 miles (34 km) out to sea. The old keeper’s house, a beautiful white cottage located below and to the southeast of the light, is now a popular bed and breakfast.
The light is located just above the mouth of Cape Creek. Below are picnic areas and hiking trails that connect to a larger 7 mile (11.26 km) network which will allow you to explore the coastal forest, sea caves, sandy beaches and tide pools. One of the best views of the lighthouse is from the large turnout along Oregon Coast Highway 101 to the south in the Devil’s Elbow State Park.
Related Features: Lifesaving on the Oregon Coast
The light is located just above the mouth of Cape Creek. Below are picnic areas and hiking trails that connect to a larger 7 mile (11.26 km) network which will allow you to explore the coastal forest, sea caves, sandy beaches and tide pools. One of the best views of the lighthouse is from the large turnout along Oregon Coast Highway 101 to the south in the Devil’s Elbow State Park.
Related Features: Lifesaving on the Oregon Coast
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Exploring the Treasures of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint: Youth Correspondents Biwa Tomono-Duval, Konoha Tomono-Duval and Josh Heisler tour the "most photographed place on the Oregon Coast" with Oregon State Park personnel.
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The History of Heceta Head Light: Oregon Parks and Recreation's Paul Reilly discusses the history and importance of the Heceta Head Light with members of our Youth Correspondents Corps.
Lights Along the Coast: A Newport historian shares the amazing and important history of Oregon's numerous lighthouses.
Explore the Heceta Head Area:
Representative Species of the Heceta Head Area:
Suggested Activities for the Heceta Head Area:
