Hiking the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 3.0 miles / 4.8 km
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, on the central Oregon Coast, is a historic lighthouse built in 1894 atop a rugged 1,000-ft. (305 m) high headland. The lighthouse, which was originally constructed to guide mariners along the treacherous Oregon coastline, can be visited today in either one of two ways.
First, there is the option to drive directly to the paid parking area at Heceta Beach and walk the short path to the lighthouse, or you can hike the fairly easy Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail, as shown in this post.
That said, I recommend hiking the Heceta Head Lighthouse Trail not only because it’s free, but also because it offers stunning views of both Heceta and Hobbit Beach—views that simply can’t be seen 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 (2.4 km) 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 (1.3 km) 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.
