Although they are no longer tended by resident light-keepers, the Oregon coast is still illuminated by a string of lighthouse spaced along the entire length of the coast. One of these survivors is rated as the strongest light on the coast, limited only by the curvature of the earth. Heading north from Florence, visitors may first spot the lighthouse from the Lighthouse and Sealion Beach Vantage Point. This popular pullout looks across Cape Cove and mouth of Cape Creek toward Heceta Head Point and the light-station. It's not long before a chorus of sea lions begins to attract sightseers' attention from the Sea Lions Caves below.
   Heceta Head, named by a Spanish expedition in 1775, still carries the surname of Don Bruno Heceta. Construction on the 56 foot tower began in 1892, with the light-keepers quarters following. The Queen Anne style keeper's house now doubles as a bed and breakfast (serving up a gourmet breakfast), and the Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint interpretive center. Tours of the Keeper’s House are given Saturdays and Sundays during Oregon's Spring Break, and from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. A pathway from the cove parking lot lead up to the lighthouse, the keeper's quarters and many spectacular west coast sunsets. Near the lighthouse, a hiking trail winds up the mountainside to close-up views of the lantern room and lighthouse below.
   After a 1.6 million dollar restoration project, the historic lighthouse is open to the public for tours. Overnight stays at the keeper's quarters are offered all year. Maintenance and development projects are partially funded from lodging fees, donations and gift shop sales. Day-use parking permits are five dollars per day, per vehicle, and are machine dispensed at end of the parking lot.

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