Hiking the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 3.0 miles / 4.8 km
The Heceta Head Lighthouse can be visited from either one of two ways.
First, you can drive directly to the paid parking area at Heceta Beach and walk the short path to the lighthouse, or you can hike the moderate Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail, as shown in this post.
Hiking the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail is what I recommend, not only because it's free, but also because there are some stunning views of both Heceta and Hobbit Beach that you just won’t see without hiking the trail.
Heceta Head Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail is located at the Hobbit Trailhead on the side of Highway 101 just before Heceta Beach if you’re driving south.
Google Maps Directions: Heceta Head Lighthouse Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Hiking the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail
The Heceta Head Trail start across the highway from the parking area shown in the photos above.
Immediately after starting the hike, the trail will split for both the Heceta Lighthouse and Hobbit Beach Trails.
Go left to reach the lighthouse only 1.5 miles from the trailhead.
The Heceta Lighthouse Trail will climb a few sets of stairs, but the hills on the hike were always very mild.
Hobbit Beach Overlook
At about 0.8 miles into the hike, the view opens up to the north, revealing the beautiful Hobbit Beach down below.
Shortly after the Hobbit Beach overlook, the Heceta Head Trail will start descending a number of switchbacks all the way until the lighthouse.
Heceta Lighthouse
In my experience, the Heceta Lighthouse only had a few visitors in the early morning, but it made for a very quiet visit at an otherwise popular location.
Know that unlike other lighthouses on the Oregon Coast, the Heceta Lighthouse is not open to the public.
