Heceta Head Lighthouse
HECeta Head Lights is a unique sight to see in the Pacific Northwest. A traditional Spanish fort, it sits at the head of Heceta Head Light. This original structure was built in 1889 and serves as a reminder of the history and culture that have become part of Oregon’s history. You can view beautiful sunsets from the observation deck of this historic structure. It is open to the public seven days a week, year round.
HECeta Head Lights is a historic lighthouse on the Oregon Coast. It’s located at Heceta Head Lighthouse, a scenic state park, just midway up a 404-foot high headland. The trail to this lighthouse begins at the south end of the Heceta Head Trail. It’s a challenging and exciting hike. The path climbs gradually and includes lots of views of the ocean and Pacific Ocean.
It starts out by turning left and heading straight up to the lighthouse. You’ll soon get a good view of the trail that leads you up to the lighthouse. From here you’ll be walking along a trail that meanders along the shoreline of Heceta Head Lighthouse.
After the trail continues along the shoreline, it turns right and goes across a small bridge over a small creek. You will soon come to a T-shaped bend in the trail. To your immediate left is a bench. There’s a sign for the lighthouse staff box, which is open every day from seven a.m. to four p.m. You can use the mailbox to get your maps or directions to the lighthouse.
The trail continues along a trail under a palm tree with a picnic table in the center. It’s easy to miss this trail as it passes through an area heavily forested with tall grasses. In one location you will see two small cottages on either side of the trail. One cottage has a firewood rack and a grill. The other cottage is more rustic with an outdoor fireplace and picnic tables.
Just past the third cottage on your right is the lighthouse. The path comes to a small stone building with restrooms and a boat ramp. At this point, you need to make a decision. Do you want to continue to walk towards the lighthouse and possibly get bitten by the mosquitoes? Or do you want to cross the path to the boat ramp to the right to get into the marina?
If you choose to cross the path to the boat ramp you will find it very difficult to maneuver. Fortunately there is a large boardwalk with lots of safety measures in place. This boardwalk has steps leading down to the boat ramp and then walks you across to the boat. If you have never been to the Heceta Head lighthouse, you may not know where to enter the marina.
Once you are safely on the boat the path back to the lighthouse is very easy. It starts with turning left as you approach the lighthouse. From the lighthouse you can take a left turn to reach the pier and then make a right turn to return to your car. A short hike back to the light will lead you back to your boat and your hike back to the coast. Enjoy Heceta Head!
Be sure to check out the lighthouse gift shop for interesting Heceta Head memorabilia. There is one really great item in particular that I found. It’s a limited edition hardbound book with over thirty high quality photographs and one-of-a-kind designs of the Heceta Head Light House and the Caribbean panorama beyond. This is one of the best things I’ve seen in an eco-book and the photographs really do depict the true Caribbean flavor.
When you return to the dock you’ll be treated to the lovely sight of two firemen tending to the boat. They are entertaining local children with a pirate show. It’s truly one of the most happening and fun places to be! But don’t forget to take some pictures! The Heceta Head Lighthouse is definitely one of the most photographed locations in the entire Caribbean! There is just something about standing at the base of the lighthouse looking out into the clear blue ocean water that I just love!
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is definitely not the most luxurious resort on this side of the Dominican Republic. That title belongs to the Santo Domingo hotel which certainly offers more class and atmosphere. But when you’re here, the Heceta Head lighthouse is the perfect place to kick back and relax. There is plenty to do at the lighthouse other than admiring its magnificent structure! There is even a playground to play on and other fun activities for all ages!