Hecata, Yeah!

Spend the Night at Historic Hecata Lighthouse on the Oregon Coast

You’ll have to travel further afield for this lighthouse gem on the magnificent Oregon Coast, but some things are worth the enlightenment! Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, located close to the coastal hamlets of Florence and Yachats, is worth a stop and a stayover, if you’ve always wanted to spend the night at a lighthouse perched at a perfectly stunning vantage.

The lighthouse and viewing area is reached via a 0.5-mile moderate hike from the main parking area, from which you can easily access a sublime sheltered beach. As you wind your way up the Hecata Lighthouse Trail, you’ll pass the historic Hecata Lighthouse B&B—the only remaining assistant lightkeeper’s house on the Pacific Coast.

Constructed in 1893, today you can reserve an ocean-view room and imagine yourself as a lighthouse keeper from times gone by. Or just relish a bucket list overnight escape. Even if you only visit the lighthouse, it’s a historic beauty and a premier place for whale watching during migration seasons.

The hiking trail extends beyond the lighthouse on a 7-mile network of forested trail that’s part of the famous Oregon Coast Trail and leads to Washburne Campground. Be sure to have a map and a plan if you opt for this. Otherwise, return the way you came.

Hiking trail is dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Hecata, Yeah!

    You’ll have to travel further afield for this lighthouse gem on the magnificent Oregon Coast, but some things are worth the enlightenment! Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is worth an overnight stay if you’ve always wanted to spend the night at a historic beacon.

    View
  2. Hike Mori Point Pacifica

    Ah, Good Point

    Ready for a rewarding view? Head to one of the Peninsula’s favorite promontories: Mori Point. Climb your way up the Bootlegger’s Steps to the Mori Point headland for awesome vantages of the San Mateo Coast.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Camp and Kayak at Utica Reservoir in Stanislaus National Forest

    Sleeper Hit

    It's all about the water, and the camping, at Utica Reservoir in Stanislaus National Forest, a High Sierra reservoir perfect for kayak explorations and pitching your tent with the lake in the background.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Nighty Light

    Just 25 miles south of San Francisco on California’s rough-and-tumble coast lies a centuries-old beacon that’s still lighting the way for voyaging ships. Point Montara Fog Signal and Light Station—operating since 1875—has become the distinguished (and well-preserved!) elder statesman of the seaside.

    View
  2. Discover the Dark

    Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are legendary as “the Land of the Giants,” home to the largest trees on earth—giant sequoias—and to the deepest canyon in the U.S.—Kings Canyon. The parks also have some impressive dark sky viewings.

    View
  3. Ciao, Bella!

    Experience the beauty of Italy without getting on an airplane, by taking a scenic stair walk through Castellammare. Originally developed in the 1920s to resemble Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this neighborhood has sweeping views of the Pacific, and plenty more to see.

    View
  4. Bakery to Bakery Urban Art Walk

    With nearly 600 restaurants, Pasadena rivals New York City in terms of establishments per capita. Translation: There’s a lot of food to choose from! French eateries are no exception. In the spirit of the Olympics, take a victory lap on a 3,500-meter (2.2-mile) bakery-to-bakery walk with some beautiful artdoors to see along the way.

    View