Heceta Beach extends south from the dramatic headland crowned by the iconic Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of Oregon's most photographed landmarks, creating a scenic beach destination approximately 12 miles north of Florence where coastal beauty, tide pools, sea caves, and historic lighthouse viewing combine into an exceptional coastal experience. This 549-acre state scenic viewpoint features a sheltered sandy beach easily accessed from the parking area, with the lighthouse perched 205 feet above the ocean on the headland providing spectacular views and serving as America's brightest lighthouse with a beam visible 21 miles out to sea. Day-use parking costs 10 dollars per vehicle and can be purchased at ticket machines in the parking area, from nearby merchants, or State Park offices. The park encompasses the historic lighthouse built in 1894, the restored lightkeeper's house now operating as a bed and breakfast, beach access, extensive tide pools at the headland's base, and connections to the Oregon Coast Trail creating opportunities for extended hiking. The beach's protected position creates gentler conditions than more exposed coastline, while dramatic sea stacks and rocky bluffs part of the Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge provide habitat for nesting seabirds and hauling marine mammals.
The half-mile trail to Heceta Head Lighthouse begins in the parking area and climbs 150 feet in elevation, passing the picturesque lightkeeper's house before reaching the lighthouse and viewpoint offering sweeping ocean panoramas perfect for whale watching during winter and spring gray whale migrations. Tours of the lighthouse provide historical context and access to the light tower during summer months. A more challenging two-mile segment of the Oregon Coast Trail on the north side creates a strenuous hike with 600 feet of elevation gain, offering spectacular coastal overlooks from two different viewpoints before descending to the beach via the steep Hobbit Trail. The seven-mile forested trail network continues behind the lighthouse, connecting to Washburne campground and creating extended hiking opportunities through coastal forest and along dramatic cliffs. Tide pooling proves exceptional at Heceta Beach, particularly at Cape Cove Beach's north and south ends where the north end pools rank among the deepest and most prolific on the Oregon Coast with remarkable concentrations of purple and orange sea stars, giant green anemones, hermit crabs, shore crabs, chitons, mussels, and barnacles. Small sea caves at the headland's base invite careful exploration during low tides. The sandy beach stretches south from the headland perfect for walking, beachcombing, and kite flying. Rocky bluffs and sea stacks host nesting colonies of common murres and other seabirds, while harbor seals and California sea lions haul out on offshore rocks to rest and give birth during pupping season. Whale watching proves productive during migration periods, and Roosevelt elk occasionally appear in coastal meadows and forest edges.
Florence's Old Town waterfront dining sits 12 miles south along the scenic Siuslaw River. The Waterfront Depot occupies a restored train station serving fine dining seafood including pan-seared scallops, wild salmon, Dungeness crab cakes, steaks, and craft cocktails with Siuslaw River Bridge views. Mo's Restaurant extends over the river on a pier, serving famous clam chowder, fish and chips, seafood baskets, burgers, and family fare with dockside seating. International C-Food Market provides the largest waterfront deck seating over 125 people, offering fresh fish tacos, fish and chips, crab melts, award-winning chowder, and pet-friendly outdoor dining overlooking the marina. Bridgewater Fish House prepares fresh seafood in Old Town with grilled salmon, halibut, oysters, seafood pasta, and daily catch specials. Novelli's Crab and Seafood operates from a dockside marina hut run by a commercial fishing family, serving three-time award-winning crab chowder, crab cocktails, smoked salmon, and fresh-caught seafood.
Heceta Beach and the lighthouse trail require appropriate preparation with sturdy footwear for uneven terrain, rocky tide pools, and steep trail sections. The lighthouse trail involves 150 feet of elevation gain over half a mile, while the Oregon Coast Trail segment challenges with 600 feet of climbing. Tide pool exploration should occur one to two hours before low tide for maximum viewing time and safe access, with visitors checking tide tables to avoid being trapped by rising water. The Pacific Ocean presents extreme dangers with cold water, strong currents, undertows, and sneaker waves making swimming unsafe. Never turn your back on the ocean and keep children under close supervision away from the waterline. Wet rocks in tide pool areas become extremely slippery, and visitors should step carefully to avoid crushing marine life or sustaining injuries. Never remove creatures or materials from the protected tide pools. Small sea caves should only be entered during low tide with constant awareness of wave action and escape routes. The headland cliffs present fall hazards and visitors must remain on designated trails. Weather on the Oregon Coast changes rapidly with fog, wind, and rain developing quickly. Day-use parking permits are required year-round. The lightkeeper's house bed and breakfast requires advance reservations. Heceta Beach combines one of Oregon's most scenic lighthouses, exceptional tide pools, sea caves, challenging coastal hiking, and excellent whale watching into a premier Oregon Coast destination showcasing the dramatic beauty of the central coast.
