Heceta Head Lighthouse in Oregon is One of America’s Favorites

Heceta Head Lighthouse
Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast / Facebook

The Oregon Coast is stunning year-round and a popular place to escape the rigors of work and city life. Some play in the sand, hike or bike in the coastal rainforests, or relax and take a deep breath. One of our favorite places on the Oregon coast is the Heceta Head Lighthouse, where you can stay the night at the Lightkeeper's Cottage. This bed and breakfast boasts stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, cozy rooms, and charm to spare.

A Guide To Hecata Head Lighthouse

This lighthouse is said to be one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States, and with good reason: it's gorgeous. The lighthouse light sits 205 feet above the ocean and shines 21 miles to sea lions. The Heceta Head Lighthouse is the brightest light on the Oregon coast, just 13 miles south of Yachats.

History of the Heceta Head Lighthouse

This working lighthouse and the Light Keeper's home are from circa 1894 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When the Heceta Head Lighthouse was built it was isolated from the nearby communities, and the lightkeepers brought their families to stay with them while they kept the lighthouse up and running. The Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast are located in the original Light Keeper's home and is perched on a cliff with magnificent views of the ocean and surrounding area.

Guests love to walk down the path that leads from the Light Keeper's home to the lighthouse or beach and imagine what the solitary life of the lighthouse keeper must have been like.

Ghosts On The Coast

This bed and breakfast is loved by all who come to stay, and it's rumored that one special woman never left, even after she died: a resident ghost named Rue. Rue is thought to have been the lightkeeper's wife, though no one has been able to confirm it because no list was ever kept of the women and children who stayed in the cottage. People say that one of Rue's daughters drowned, and after Rue died, she returned to the lighthouse and stayed, forever, looking for her daughter. An unmarked grave on the hillside by the lighthouse has remained undisturbed for all of this time. No one knows who is buried there.

While a few strange things have happened at the cottage, indicating an otherworldly presence, guests and staff don't feel threatened and report the apparition never does anything scary or harmful. They feel like Rue is watching over the cottage and looking for her daughter.

Heceta Head Is A Destination For The Romantic And Adventurous

You'll love to nestle into one of the cozy rooms in the Lightkeeper's cottage. This bed and breakfast has charm in abundance, down to the smallest detail. From the handcrafted wooden staircase leading up to the rooms to the warm-down duvets and unique antique furnishings, you'll never forget your visit.

lighthouse keeper's house, historic bed, gift shop, ground floor
The Cape Cove Room. Photo via Heceta Head Lighthouse

After a peaceful night in a comfy bed guests will enjoy a seven-course breakfast with foods from the Pacific Northwest.

heceta head lighthouse, lighthouse state scenic viewpoint, head lighthouse state scenic, forest service, cove south, coast guard, heceta head lighthouse state, devil's elbow state park
The Cape Cove Room. Photo via Heceta Head Lighthouse

The Keeper's cottage also offers intimate parlors with amazing ocean views, original handcrafted fireplaces, and a wrap-around porch with lighthouse views.

heceta head lighthouse
The Cape Cove Room. Photo via Heceta Head Lighthouse

I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend than cozying up under a blanket with a loved one and watching the ocean and lighthouse from the porch.

You can learn more about the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast and book your stay here.

Have you ever been to the Heceta Head Lighthouse? Share your photos with us and tag the friends and family you want to go to the Oregon Coast with! We hope this article inspired your next adventure. Here is an article covering all lighthouses in Oregon

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How far is the Heceta Head Lighthouse from Portland, Oregon?

A: The Heceta Head Lighthouse is about 180 miles (290 kilometers) south of Portland, Oregon.

Q: Where can I stay near the Heceta Head Lighthouse?

A: The Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast are located in the original Light Keeper's home and provides guests with magnificent ocean views and the surrounding area.

Q: Are there any ghost stories associated with the Heceta Head Lighthouse?

A: It is rumored that one special woman never left; a resident ghost named Rue. People say that she returned to the lighthouse after her daughter had drowned and stayed forever, looking for her daughter. Some people have reported strange things happening in the cottage, indicating an otherworldly presence. However, no one feels threatened, and guests report that Rue never does anything scary or harmful. It is believed she is watching over the lighthouse and looking for her daughter.

Q: What amenities are offered at Heceta Head Lighthouse?

A: Guests can enjoy cozy rooms in the Lightkeeper's cottage with warm-down duvets and unique antique furnishings, a seven-course breakfast featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine, intimate parlors with amazing ocean views, and an outdoor wrap-around porch with lighthouse views.

Q: What other activities are close to the Heceta Head Lighthouse?

A: The area surrounding the lighthouse offers numerous outdoor activities, including whale watching, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. There is also a small beach nearby where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful coast views.

Q: Do I need to make reservations at the Heceta Head Lighthouse?

A: Yes, all reservations should be made in advance. You can learn more and book your stay here.

We hope this article answers your questions about the Heceta Head Lighthouse! Have you ever been to the Oregon Coast? Share your photos with us and tag any friends or family you want to go with. It's time to start planning your next adventure!