Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
- Status
- Open (per official listing)
- Entrance fee
- $10 per vehicleAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Statewide rule — see below
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- stateparks.oregon.gov(541) 547-3416
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is a scenic site in Lane County, about 10 miles north of Florence.
Things to do include fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach.
Pets
Pets must be physically restrained (held or on a leash no longer than six feet) except in designated off-leash areas or inside a vehicle, tent or pet-friendly yurt/cabin; owners pick up after pets.
Statewide rule from Oregon's park system (source). This park’s page doesn’t state its own pet rules, so check for local restrictions.
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily parking permits are | $10 · vehicle |
Official wording
Day-use parking permit required (purchase 1-day permit on site) Do I need a day-use parking permit to see the lighthouse? No, but you do need a day-use parking permit to park in the parking area. This charge is a parking fee and not a charge for recreational purposes under ORS 105.672 to ORS 105.696. The immunities provided under ORS 105.682 apply to use of state park land for recreational purpose. If you´re not camping and don´t have an annual permit or are a special access pass holder, you need to buy a daily parking permit. Daily parking permits are $10 per vehicle, per day. You can purchase them at a park that charges a day-use parking fee or the same day online before arrival. Most are dispensed from cute, little yellow machines near the park entrance or parking area, but some are sold by QR code or in person at the park booth or office. The daily parking permit is good for parking the entire day at any state park (you can leave one day-use parking fee park and travel to another).
Oregon park passes
- 12-month day-use parking permit — $60 Oregon residents; $75 non-residents. Day-use parking at parks that require a day-use parking permit Details
- Daily parking permit — $10 per day per vehicle (residents); $12 (non-residents). Parking for the day at any state park that requires a day-use parking permit Details
From the Oregon state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com)
- Phone
- 800-452-5687
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Cabins and lodging
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Inside the Lighthouse
- Heceta Lighthouse B&B
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse sits 206 feet above the Pacific Ocean. The iconic 56-foot tower, and stunning setting, make it one of the most photographed on the Oregon Coast. The light atop the tower was first illuminated in 1894. Its automated beacon, seen 21 miles from land, is rated as the strongest light on the Oregon coast.
A half-mile trail to the lighthouse begins in the parking area and passes the lightkeeper’s house on its way up to the lighthouse and viewpoint.
Inside the Lighthouse
Visit the first floor of the lighthouse from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. in the summer (March through October) and 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the winter (November through February), weather and staff permitting. Reservations are not required for public access inside the ground floor of the lighthouse. School and tour groups may schedule ahead by e-mail to heceta.h.lighthouse@oprd.oregon.gov.
Read more from the park
Upper levels are closed to the public. The trail just before the lighthouse will take you to a viewpoint of the lens.
Heceta Lighthouse B&B
Built in 1893, the assistant lightkeeper's house is one of the last remaining on the Pacific Coast. Visitors can book a room with ocean views and imagine the life of a lightkeeper. The inn is operated by a concessionaire of the U.S. Forest Service. For reservations, call 866-547-3696 or go to hecetalighthouse.com.
Is it possible to drive to the lighthouse?
No, there is no public vehicle access to the ligthouse.
Can we get married in the lighthouse?
No, but you can get married outside of the lighthouse. Please contact the park for further information.
I am attending a wedding at the keeper's house, do I need to pay for parking.
Yes, all visitors parking in state park parking fee areas must have a valid permit.
How long is the trail to the lighthouse?
The trail is 1/2 a mile long and climbs 150 feet in elevation to get to the lighthouse.
Things to do
FishingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingPicnicking
Trails
Hiking and Wildlife
The lighthouse viewpoint is among the best on the coast for spotting whales during the winter and spring migration, as well as sea lions and many species of birds. Common murres lay their eggs on the rocks below the viewpoint railing. The park and surrounding ocean are part of Oregon’s largest marine reserve, the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve.
The Heceta Lighthouse Trail continues behind the lighthouse and descends steeply on its way to Washburne campground and the beach. This 7-mile, forested trail network is part of the Oregon Coast Trail. Hikers are rewarded with ocean views and the chance to see Roosevelt elk, marbled murrelets and other wildlife.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Vault or pit toilets
- Picnic areas
- Parking
Water
- Swimming beach
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Rules and permits
Can I fly my drone at Heceta Head?
No. Drone use is not permitted at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint due to the historical nature of the building as well as the presence of wildlife in the area.
Getting there
- Nearest town
- Florence — about 10 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 44.1365, -124.1220
- Phone
- (541) 547-3416
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Oregon State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Apr 14, 2026
- Oregon State Parks park finder JSON (services/park.cfc?method=getAll), used by the Find a Park page
- Wikidata
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology