VIRTUAL TOUR OF FLORENCE
Heceta Head Lighthouse

 
 
 

This beatuiful structure is located at milepost 179, just a few miles from the absolute center of the Oregon Coast (located just north of Florence).

Here, in an untamed, rugged chunk of coastline, Heceta Head is a 200-foot-high basalt cliff that boasts a 56-foot-high lighted tower in white and red. The keeper's quarters sits just below, which now serves as a charming B&B.

In 1892, construction of the lighthouse began, with lumber coming from local mills and other materials from near Oregon City and from San Francisco. It kicked into life in 1894. The first-order Fresnel lens was made by Chance Brothers of London, who only manufactured two other lights in the U.S. That original lens still remains, with eight panels and 640 prisms that are two inches thick.

These days, it's still visible 21 miles out to sea.

Tours are available daily from Memorial Day Weekend through September. It is a fascinating place to visit. In spite of its sturdy construct, you can feel the tower shake during storms and high wind. It's also known as the most photographed lighthouse in the world. (541) 547-3416.

It's a part of Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint, formerly Devil's Elbow State Park. Although Devil's Elbow is still the tract of land south of Cape Creek.

 

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photos & text by Andre' Hagestedt