This beautiful park offers beach access, tours of the lighthouse and excellent opportunities for viewing coastal scenery, marine mammal watching, and bird-watching. In addition it offers hiking, picnicking and fishing.

There are picnic tables sheltered from the wind and a great view of the ocean. A short trail leads to the historic Heceta Head lighthouse and lighthouse keepers house. A recently completed trail gives you a spectacular view of the coast north to Cape Perpetua.

Heceta Head trail is part of a 7-mile network. Trails of varying difficulty feature beach and wildlife viewing areas. Wildlife refuge islands feature a view of puffins, cormorants, gulls and other bird nesting areas. Sea lions and whales can be seen from the beach and cliff-top lighthouse.

There are natural caves, tidepools, a sandy beach for building sandcastles and good conditions for surfing. There are plenty of picnic tables for groups and areas to set up volleyball nets.

Vital stats: A small fee is charged to access the park’s day-use areas.

: The Oregon coast receives abundant rainfall, mostly between October and April. July and August bring the best chance for clear days. Summer temperatures are normally moderate and almost never hot. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long.

Location: Heceta Head Lighthouse is located on Oregon's South Coast, off U.S. Highway 101, 13 miles north of Florence.

Contact Info: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department1115 Commercial Street NESalemOR97301-1002800-551-6949