Sandy beach
Yes
Hike-in Required
No
Surfing
No
Snorkeling / SCUBA
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Nearly everyone who visits Devils Elbow State Park comes to see its iconic Oregon landmark, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and justifiably so, but it also happens to include Cape Cove Beach. The overlooked crescent-shaped beach stretches for nearly 1,000 feet with Cape Creek on its southern end and Heceta Head to the north. Its rocky stacks are also home to thousands of shore birds, predominantly western gulls, Brandt's cormorants, and common murre, but also the occasional black oystercatcher and pigeon guillemot.

Restrooms and picnic tables are located at the parking lot, which also serves as the trailhead for the 1894-built lighthouse. If looking for a more adventurous journey to the beach, consider departing from Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park via the 7.4-mile round-trip Heceta Head Trail.

Note: The lighthouse is open for tours daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heceta Head is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas. This means that there are specific prohibitions against fishing and the harvesting of fish, invertebrates, and seaweed. Check here for specific clarifications on regulations, exemptions, and a detailed representation of the area's boundaries.

Logistics + Planning

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Broad sandy beach. Seashore birdwatching. Trailhead for Heceta Head.

Cons

Often windy. Limited parking.

Features

Crabbing
Lighthouse
Picnic tables
Tide pools
Wildlife

Location

Comments

02/11/2018
A sweet stop along the coast just north of the seal caves. Its cold but thats whats expected of Oregons coast. The light can change quite dramatically in a short period of time but its always beautiful. easy to find and great place to relax and take it easy. Some great tide pools as well.
Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.