Heceta Head Lighthouse
HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE
Central Oregon Coast
Image by tvirbickis
Heceta Head Lighthouse - you would think with the vast amounts of shoreline along the Oregon coast you would be able to find tons of great lighthouses to photograph. I have not found that to be the case, but luckily there is Heceta Head Lighthouse. This is a nice location with easy access and multiple ways to shoot.
Heceta Head Lighthouse is a working lighthouse (it beams 21 miles out to sea) and is the brightest light on the Oregon coast. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States. I have seen good shoots from behind the lighthouse, down on the beach, but my favorite spot is from the highway north of the bridge. There are also lots of good times to shoot this classic lighthouse: fogged in, the middle of the day, sunset, or just before dusk when the light is visible.
Location summary by Tim Wier
Trail Difficulty - EASY
I would rate the difficulty of this trail as a 1 on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being most difficult). There are 2 locations to shoot the Heceta Head Lighthouse: 1) on the beach or 2) on a highway pullout located 0.7 mile south of the main entrance, over the bridge and up the hill.
If you shoot from the beach, it is an easy 100yd. walk from the parking lot, but you may have to wade through some water. If you shoot from the highway pullout, it is an easy 20 ft walk from your car.
GPS Coordinates & Elevation
254 Ft Elevation
View In Google earth
Directions
CLICK HERE to get driving directions the Heceta Head Lighthouse parking lot.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse is 11 miles north or Florence, OR, and 13 miles south of Yachats, OR.
From Florence, OR, drive approximately 11.7 miles north on US 101 and just past a large elevated bridge, then turn left down to the lighthouse parking area.
Photography Tips
There are a few different places to shoot the lighthouse: 1) on the beach, behind the lighthouse and 3) on a highway pullout located 0.7 mile south of the main entrance, over the bridge and up the hill.
If you shoot on the beach, the best place is on the far left of the beach up against the cliff. To get to this spot you may have to wade through some water, but it provides a nice vantage point for evening or sunset.
My favorite location to shoot the lighthouse is on one of the pullouts south of the entrance. There are 2 separate pullouts. A larger one (holds 2-3 cars) and a very small one about 100yds. down the hill. I believe the smaller pullout provides the best angle for an evening/sunset shot.
Best Time of Day to Shoot
The ocean/beach is not greatly affected by the time of year. The sunset is to the left in the fall /winter/spring and center right in the summer. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is on the Oregon coast, with the shot facing northwest. For this reason, the best time to shoot would normally be late afternoon/evening or sunset. However, the Oregon coastline is sometimes “socked in” with a marine layer (dense fog), which can alter normal shooting times.
Best Time of Year
The ocean/beach is not greatly affected by the time of year. The sunset is to the left in the fall /winter/spring and center right in the summer.
Lens(es) Needed
The above shot was taken with a 50mm lens. Depending on the composition you are looking for, you can use anything from a 24mm to a 135mm lens.
Birds-Eye View
Permits
There are no permits required - but there is a daily fee of $ 5 per vehicle.
Direction of the Shot
The direction of the shot is north at 350°.
Equipment Needed
You will need a tripod and if you wish to lower your shutter speed to create movement in the ocean, you will need a neutral density (ND) filter.
If you shoot on the beach, you may consider waders/wet shoes, as you might need to walk through some water to get to your location.
Number of Other Photographers to Expect
The Heceta Head Lighthouse at times has tourists and photographers on the beach area. If you are going to shoot from the beach, there may be other photographers there. If you shoot from the highway pullouts, you would rarely see another photographer.
Weather
The weather on the Oregon coast is mild in the spring, summer, and fall, and it rains about 75 inches a year. Winter can be cold, wet, and produce strong storms/waves.
The Oregon coastline can often be totally “socked in” from the marine layer (dense fog). Be sure to bring rain gear.
Cell Service
I use Verizon, and the cell service is spotty along the Oregon coast – and is hit or miss.
Lodging & Camping
The closest town is Florence, OR, which has an abundance of lodging and restaurants.
There are 2 nice locations for camping near Heceta Head Lighthouse: Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park (2 miles north) and the Heceta Beach RV Park & Mini Mart (11 miles south). Carl Washburne is a state park with 65 campsites and Heceta Beach RV is privately owned with internet, showers, and a mini mart.
Nearby camping and lodging
Camping - click on the campground below for directions
Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park – 2 miles north
Heceta Beach RV Park & Mini Mart – 11 miles south
Lodging - click on the lodging below for a TripAdvisor review
Three Rivers Casino & Hotel
(877) 374-8377
5647 Oregon 126, Florence, OR
Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center
(541) 997-8263
188416 1st Ave, Florence, OR
Nearby Restaurants
Florence, OR, is a nice size town with lots of places to eat. The Old Town area has plenty of good food choices. My personal favorites are the 1285 Restobar and the Waterfront Depot. The 1285 Restobar is a nice local place with good food and nice folks. The Waterfront Depot is a little more upscale and right on the water. Good grub and a very relaxing atmosphere.
Area Guides and Workshops
None