📷 Photo by Melissa Askew on UnsplashHeceta Head Lighthouse
Florence, OR
A white lighthouse on a green headland above the Pacific, with a keeper’s house and sea lions below.
Heceta Head Lighthouse stands on a green headland 13 miles (21 km) north of Florence. The 56-foot (17 m) tower was built in 1892 and first lit in 1894. Its light sits about 205 feet (62 m) above the sea and can be seen up to 21 nautical miles (39 km) away. It is considered the strongest light on the Oregon coast. The assistant keeper's house, built in 1893, is now a bed and breakfast.
A half-mile (0.8 km) trail leads from the parking area to the lighthouse, climbing 150 feet (45 m). The ground floor of the tower is usually open in the late morning and early afternoon, and no reservations are needed; a day-use parking permit is required. In winter and spring this is one of the best places on the coast for whale watching. Sea Lion Caves is about 2 miles (3 km) away.
- Nearest town
- Florence, OR
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.1374, -124.1281
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Rock Creek CampgroundCampsite3 mi from Heceta Head Lighthouse · 15 pitchesTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- Sutton CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Heceta Head LighthouseTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterToilets
- Heceta Beach RV ParkCampsite7 mi from Heceta Head LighthouseCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Port of Suislaw CampgroundMotorhome stopover12 mi from Heceta Head LighthouseMotorhomes
- Beachside State Recreation SiteCampsite17 mi from Heceta Head LighthouseTentsCaravans
- McKinley's RV Park & MarinaMotorhome stopover21 mi from Heceta Head LighthouseMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Heceta Head Lighthouse is in Florence, OR, at GPS 44.1374, -124.1281. It is about 10 mi from Cape Perpetua.
Can you camp near Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Carl G Washburne State Park Campground, about 2 mi away; within 25 mi there are 41 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Heceta Head Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oregon Coast on US-101.
What is there to see near Heceta Head Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Thor’s Well (10 mi), Oregon Dunes (18 mi), Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (37 mi) and Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area (42 mi).
When is the best time to visit Heceta Head Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)