Perched 205 feet above the Oregon coast, Heceta Head Lighthouse has guided mariners since 1894 and remains one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses in the United States. Located just south of Yachats on Highway 101, the lighthouse and its beautifully preserved lightkeeper’s cottage sit within a stunning stretch of the Oregon Coast that draws photographers, hikers, and history lovers from around the world.

Walk the trail through coastal forest to reach the lighthouse tower, take in sweeping views of the Pacific, and watch for sea lions, whales, and seabirds along the rocky shoreline below. The surrounding state park offers beach access, picnic areas, and some of the most dramatic coastal scenery on the West Coast.

For those who want to linger longer, the historic lightkeeper’s home operates as a bed and breakfast — one of the last remaining on the Pacific Coast — making Heceta Head a rare destination where you can both visit and stay the night inside a living piece of history.