You are here

Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,000.00 ft (304.80 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
7.40 mi (11.91 km)
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.

The Heceta Head Trail is centrally located in the Siuslaw National Forest just north of Heceta Head and 10 miles south of Cape Perpetua. The route to the Heceta Head Lighthouse is actually a combination of two hiking trails. This hiking journey begins on the Valley Trail at Carl G. Washburne State Park and follows China Creek to a meadow. Stay right at a trail junction with China Creek Trail Loop and continue on the Valley Trail. The trail slowly begins to gain elevation as you climb through the forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock, Douglas fir and shore pine. After 2.5 miles the trail emerges at an upper parking lot located alongside Highway 101.

Cross over Highway 101 to the west side of the road and start down the Hobbit Trail, which leads to the beach. Watch for the junction with the Heceta Head Trail. Stay left at the junction and climb 1.2 miles. This steep, winding path leads up and over Heceta Head. Great views to the north and west are the reward for the climb. Continue descending briefly before reaching the lighthouse.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse is perhaps the most photographed lighthouse on the Oregon coast. The lighthouse sits 205 feet above the Pacific. The dramatic cliffside setting is also accessible via a short hike from Devil's Elbow State Park, a day-use area with picnic sites and an inviting beach and tide pools. Bring a snack and explore the lighthouse site before returning using the same route.

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

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Great views. Easy access. Lighthouse.

Cons

Possible crowds. Rough trail.

Trailhead Elevation

30.00 ft (9.14 m)

Features

Lighthouse
Wildlife
Whale watching
Bird watching
Big vistas
Geologically significant

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.

A profound concept originally envisioned by governor Oswald West, in 1967 the Oregon legislature ultimately realized his vision of making the entire Oregon Coast forever open to the public in a piece of landmark legislation titled the Oregon Beach Bill, officially making all 363 miles public land. "The People's Coast" is truly a one-of-a-kind coastline, a unique blend of mountains and rocky stacks, towering old growth forests, marine sanctuaries, tide pools and kelp forests, charming towns, historic fishing communities, world-class golfing, breweries, and simply jaw-dropping scenic beaches. We encourage you to plan your next trip at visittheoregoncoast.com or by calling (541) 574-2679.

More content from The People's Coast