Heceta Head Lighthouse

We decided to head north next, to explore the area between Florence and Newport. The highlight of this area is the most photographed lighthouse in Oregon, Heceta Head. This lighthouse and the keepers house date back to 1894.

The lighthouse stands 205 above the ocean and the frensel lens sends it light out 21 miles at sea. It's the brightest light on the Oregon coast and it's still working. There's a path up from the beach to lighthouse where tours are given.

Since we're so fit we had no trouble walking up the path to the base of the lighthouse. Luckily we had to wait for the tour of the lighthouse itself so we could catch our breath. The lighthouse itself is 54' tall, and we climbed the circular staircase with ease. The view from the top was breathtaking. And the closeup view of the lens and light was interesting.

After we came down, and rested for an hour, someone was nice to take a picture of us.

We then went back down to the beach and explored the cove. We found some sea caves, saw some sea lions swimming in the cove close to the beach, and enjoyed to birds on the sea stacks. It was a great day.