Description: Just north of Florence, OR, on US101 we went past the Sea Lion Caves and stopped at the scenic overlook on the left. From here you can get an excellent view of
Heceta Head Lighthouse and the keeper's house. Located in the middle of a steep tree filled mountain side 205' above the sea this beacon of light, coming from a first order Fresnel lamp, has been sending its signal since 1894. I counted a flash at ten second intervals. It is a sister and a duplicate to the Umpqua River Light in Winchester Bay, OR.
The lighthouse opens on Memorial Day and closes on Labor Day so we weren't able to go inside. The keeper's house is open year round and is a bed and breakfast. Rooms start at $150. per night. It's a good idea to make reservations in advance. It's a beautiful big house with luxurious rooms with a great view of the sea. It would be exciting to see the light lit at night. There is a gift shop in the keeper's house.
Once you leave the scenic overlook go north on US 101. Go through the tunnel and over the bridge. The turn for Heceta Head Lighthouse Park is on the left not too far after the bridge. The park is a great way to enjoy the day when you're out in the area and it is also necessary to park there and climb the trail leading to the lighthouse if your intending to go to see it or stay in the keeper's house.
In the park right next to the ocean there is a nice beach. Driftwood is everywhere. I noticed a park ranger putting out a campfire made from driftwood. Someone had started it illegally. Forest fires were a real hazard at that time. I asked her if picking up driftwood and taking it home was allowed. She said it was but you have to be able to carry it. You can't use heavy equipment to pick it up. Some of the driftwood is exceptionally pretty because it's twisted and gnarled.
In this park there are picnic tables and public restrooms. Some people were out in the ocean surfing.
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