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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
144.00 ft (43.89 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.00 mi (1.61 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.

This state scenic viewpoint is truly one of the Oregon Coast’s best stops. From the dramatic Cape Creek Bridge at the south end to the tide pools and sea caves towards the north, the cove and beach at Devils Elbow would be worth appreciating even without the addition of one of Oregon’s most iconic structures. Built in 1894, the Heceta Head Light is still the strongest light on the Oregon Coast in spite of its humble appearance. Both the lighthouse and the keeper’s house are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the keeper’s house is run as a bed and breakfast. At the lighthouse you will find a small room with informative displays about the history of the building and the area. The lighthouse was reopened in June 2013 after two years of renovation work. Tours of the tower are given daily between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The trail up to the lighthouse is a short climb with plenty of views of the bay and surrounding headlands. These are perfect vantage points to view the cove and to search for sea lions, Brand’s cormorants and the occasional puffin. This trail is part of a network that totals 7 miles; you can also take the trail across Heceta Head to connect Hobbit Trail or try several other sections that extend into Washburne Memorial State Park. If the walk to the lighthouse is too short, consider stringing together a few legs of this longer network.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Excellent views. Historic lighthouse. Scenic beach.

Cons

State park fee. Crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

36.00 ft (10.97 m)

Features

Historically significant
Lighthouse
Lodging
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

11/15/2014
An iconic feature of the Oregon Coast, for sure!
11/22/2014
Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Oregon Coast. It's also a great time to view wildlife like the California sea lions who frequent the rocks near the lighthouse.
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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.

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