This stunning park offers jaw-dropping scenery for miles! Right on the ocean in Cape Cove, Oregon, you are surrounded by beautiful ocean views and stunning cliffs. Not only is the park amazing, but the surrounding area has a lot to offer as well! Take a trip to Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint and you won’t be disappointed.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Tour this picturesque lighthouse and see the engineering and construction of the 1800s. The Heceta Head Lighthouse stands 56 feet tall and overlooks the Oregon coast. The beam of light can be seen from up to 21 miles out on the ocean. Currently a tour gives you access to the outdoor base area of the lighthouse and the ground floor of the inside. The upper levels are undergoing renovations and will reopen to the public for tours once complete.
Things to Do
The Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is a great destination for nature lovers. In addition to the breathtaking coastline and gorgeous ocean water, there is interesting wildlife that inhabits the area. Come and see what you can find here!
Wildlife
Look around Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint for awesome wildlife! Take a look over the rail of the lighthouse and you can see Common Murre, possibly waiting for their eggs to hatch. These birds look a little like penguins and at times behave like them too. They can dive to depths of 97 feet and are very agile in the water! With your eyes trained on the water, watch for migrating gray whales as they can often be seen moving through the area, especially in May. It’s been noted that you can also sometimes observe sea lions sunbathing on the rocks. They even come here to give birth. Above your head you may be able to see a bald eagle soaring by or a brown pelican passing through. Always be on the lookout for an amazing animal native to the area.
Hiking
You can hike from the parking lot of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint past the lighthouse and up to the Carl G. Washburne Campground. During your hike you can explore caves, tide pools, and the beach! Pack a picnic, as you will likely want to enjoy lunch in the surroundings of this great park. There are many picnic areas along the way that will allow you to kick back and take in all of what Mother Nature has to offer.
Beach
Soak up some rays on the beach. You can watch the waves lap the shore and hit the amazing rock formations. This is a great area to fly a kite, build sandcastles, and take a walk or run. Depending on the weather and temperament of the ocean, there are lots of water sports that can be done here. Surfing, paddle boarding, and parasailing are just a few! There are plenty of places around that will rent out equipment if you don’t have your own!
Geocaching
If you’re into geocaching, there is an Oregon State Park challenge out there waiting for you. You may be able to take part in the hunt at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. What’s Geocaching? It’s basically a super awesome scavenger hunt!
Nearby Attractions
After you’re done exploring this magnificent park, check out what the surrounding area has in store for you. There are plenty of marvelous things to see and do in the Florence area!
Cape Creek Bridge
Conde McCullough, a well-known bridge engineer, has created some impressive structures, including the Cape Creek Bridge that runs right past Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. The 619-foot long bridge runs the span of Cape Creek and looks much like a Roman aqueduct. See for yourself why many people are drawn to its splendid architecture!
Sea Lion Caves
Located just north of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Sea Lion Caves is a privately owned wildlife preserve where you can check out sea lions, birds, and whales! Located in a natural cavern, you will learn all about these great creatures and how they live! Get your cameras ready because these sea lions are beyond adorable!
Thor’s Well
Head north of the park for a breathtaking view of a natural wonder! Thor’s Well is a sinkhole that developed in the rocks off the coast. Watch as the water seems to endlessly spill into it! Don’t get to close though! The waves can come in fast. The water moves very fast and the well is made of all rock, which is very unforgiving. So be sure that you view from a distance and use your zoom if you want to get a close up.
Sand Master Park
If you like snowboarding but do not like the cold, this is a great place to visit! Located just a few minutes south of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Sand Master Park offers sandboarding! They have equipment rentals so there’s no need to purchase gear if you don’t have it. They offer sandboarding, sand sledding, lessons, dune buggy tours, and even offer sand sculpting clinics!
Camping
Campgrounds abound in this area. With so many to choose from, where do you start? Here’s some info on a few that are close to Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint.
Carl G. Washburne State Park Campground
Just up the trail from Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint is Carl G. Washburne State Park Campground. Here you will find close to 50 full hookup sites for RVs and a few sites that have just electrical and water for tents! They offer modern restrooms with showers and an RV dump station to clean your tanks on the way out!
Rock Creek Campground
Found just north of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Rock Creek Campground is a bit more rustic. They have potable water and vault toilets available. You’ll enjoy berry picking, access to a creek, fishing, and use of grills at this campground, making it easy to grill up a delicious fish dinner complete with campfire scalloped potatoes.
Horse Creek Campground
Another more rustic campground, Horse Creek is located east of Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint. Horse Creek runs through the area giving you a relaxing view nestled in the trees. They offer potable water, a picnic area, and vault toilets. You can even get in some fishing while you’re here.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and see Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint and make memories you won’t forget!
