One Very Beautiful Scenic Viewpoint
Stop #6 of our day-long trip along the Oregon Coast Highway ended up being our favorite. Who knew one beautiful scenic viewpoint could offer so much!
The turnout is impossible to miss. It features one of Oregon’s most striking landmarks along the coastal highway—the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
At this roadside stop, you can see Lighthouse from a distance perched high above the Pacific Ocean. But that’s not all you see from here. Read on to find out what else you can see….and why this stop was a favorite.
The sign gives one of several names the highway is called.
See the Lighthouse and More
Standing high above the rolling surf, history and nature combine as you take in the beautiful scene. We noticed several, well—7 to be exact, other impressive features of the area.
#1 - Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse can’t help but catch your eye first. The bright white 56-foot-high tower is in stark contrast to its surroundings. It’s like a crown set atop a rugged bluff.
The lighthouse is 205-feet above the ocean on a rock formation named “Heceta Head.” The outcropping received its name in 1775 from Spanish captain, Don Bruno Hezeta.
The lighthouse sits atop Heceta Head outcropping in the distance.
#2 – Lighthouse Keeper’s Home
Just east of the lighthouse in another large clearing you'll see a large white, red-roofed building. Constructed circa 1894, the Queen Anne style house once served as a home for two assistant light keepers. Currently, the home is a highly rated, 6-room bed and breakfast. We hear they serve a 7-course breakfast!
#3 – Secluded Beach
The 3rd very noticeable feature is a secluded, windswept beach. The ¼-mile long beach sits within a large cove between the overlook and “Devil’s Elbow.” According to the map, it’s called Muffin Beach. Here, you can enjoy watching layer after layer of waves roll into the cove.
Caught one of the seagulls strolling nearby.
#4 – Seagulls, Sea Lions, and Cormorants
Do you enjoy the sound of seagulls? We noticed plenty of them gliding above the beach plus walking around the parking area.
From this viewpoint, others have spotted sea lions and cormorants on the rocky ledges as well as migrating whales in the ocean. That would be a sight to see!
Heceta Head Lighthouse surrounded by spruce trees above and craggy rocks below.
#5 – Sitka Spruce Forest
Next, you’ll spot a dense, evergreen forest rising above the jagged coast along the highway. The trees are Sitka Spruce. An extensive root system and size allows the world’s largest spruce to tolerate continuous coastal wind. Averaging 125-180 feet tall, the trees grow 3-5 feet in diameter.
Devil’s Elbow, flanked by Cape Cove and Muffin Beach, got its name from early mariners. They said currents surrounding it were “devilish.”
#6 – Ancient Volcanic Rock Coastline
For ones unaccustomed to an uneven coastline, we definitely noted the rocks below. The craggy boulders are remnants of ocean floor lava flows formed millions of years ago. There’s a beauty and majesty in the rough contours that have survived eons of time.
#7 - Crashing Waves
Last but not least, you can observe the incredible power of water. It’s all around. Simply lapping up or crashing against the rocks below. The sight is captivating. The sound is relaxing.
Caught this view looking straight down from the wall along the parking area.
Our Favorite Stop
How many roadside turnouts have you taken that have become a trip favorite? While we enjoyed every stop on our Oregon Coast Highway drive, this definitely topped them all. From the vastness of the Pacific to the rocky shoreline to the lighthouse and dense forest beyond, the scenic viewpoint offers plenty to enjoy.
(FYI…if you want to see the lighthouse up close, drive ¾-mile north to the State Scenic Viewpoint. The B&B is ¼-mile up the trail and lighthouse is ¼-mile further up on the bluff. There is a $5 daily use parking fee.)
Rock formations below the lighthouse.
A Little Lighthouse History
- Lighthouse construction began in 1892
- 5-wick oil lamp first illuminated March 30, 1894
- Original Fresnel lens had 392 prisms
- Staffed by light keeper and two assistants who worked in shifts
- Oil lamp replaced by electricity in 1934
- Staffed until computers automated the process in 1963
- Restored 2011 - 2013
- Light beacon seen more than 20-miles out to sea
- Brightest light on Oregon’s coast
- Ground floor open daily, depending on weather and staffing
About the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint
The 550-acre state park, named for the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, includes a 7-mile hiking trail network, sheltered beach, picnic tables, gift shop, lighthouse, and historic bed and breakfast. Parking permit, purchased on-site, is $5 for single day use. The park is open year-round.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
