As we came through a tunnel on HWY 101, I spotted another lighthouse to our left. I said, "Quick Andra, take a picture before we lose sight of it." Andra whipped out her camera and shot this photo through my bug infested windshield. The immediate giggling indicated something might not be quite right with the photo.

I quickly picked up my camera and pointed it out the driver side window. Without looking through the view finder I captured these two photos.

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Pronounced “Ha – SEE – Ta” by most, “HECK – ah – Ta” by others, yet everyone agrees Heceta Head is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse and Light Keeper’s house are circa 1894. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The lighthouse is a working lighthouse. From a height of 205 feet above the ocean, it’s “first order” Fresnel lens, casts it’s beams some 21 miles out to sea. It is the brightest light on the Oregon coast. It is said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the United States.

The Heceta Head Keeper’s House is perched on a cliff with a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean and the beach below. Paths from the Keeper’s House lead both to the beach and to the lighthouse.

The Queen Anne style Keeper’s House has been restored to its original splendor. It now serves as an Interpretive Center by day and a Bed and Breakfast by night. The B&B welcomes guests year around. Guests are encouraged to view the lighthouse after dark, a rare experience. The awesome sight in the sky while standing at the base of the tower can only be described as “Magical.” It is an experience you will never forget.