Heceta Head Lighthouse in Florence, Oregon was named for Don Bruno de Heceta. During 1775 Heceta noticed the rocky headland and shallow water on a voyage he took for Spain's Queen. The mariners that sailed the waters between Newport and Coos Bay asked to have a lighthouse assist them in finding their way a center later and Heceta Head was the perfect spot. The order for a First Order Fresnel Lens was placed during 1892 with Chance Brothers in England. The lens was shipped to Heceta Head where there was a Lighthouse tower and two light keeper's houses in Queen Anne style. The materials were sent in on a single lane road or put on rafts and sent over Cape Cove to be delivered with the tide.
The beam from the lighthouse was seen on the 30th of March in 1894. The first eight years the lighthouse was operational it was difficult to keep a light keeper at the house due to the isolated location. Olaf Hansen served as the head light keeper for fifteen years and was active in making the community sustainable by starting the schoolhouse, a garden and post office in the community.
Guided tours are offered at both the Lighthouse and the Keeper's House with personal tours being available by appointment for civic organizations, educational groups, individuals and historic societies. While there is no cost for the tours donations to assist in interpretive projects and the restoration of the facility are appreciated. Parking for the facilities can be found at Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint with a charge of $3 each vehicle for using the area during the day.
The Interpretive Center can be found on the Keeper's House first floor. Tours of the facility can be taken from the weekend of Memorial Day though Labor Day from noon until 5P.M Thursday to Monday. There are tours of the lighthouse given each day during the months of March through October from 11A.M. until 5P.M. The observation area of the lighthouse is open all year while the park is open to the public.
There is a gift shop at the facility located between the Keeper's House and the Lighthouse in the old generator room. There is clothing, local art, books, nautical faire, models and signature gifts available at the lighthouse. The Keeper's House is directly supported by part of the proceeds from the gift shop. The gift shop can be visited online all year as well as at the Heceta Head Lighthouse itself.
The Keeper's House serves as a Bed and Breakfast that can accommodate fourteen guests. The inn has a full kitchen, six queen size beds and five bathrooms. Guests can relax in one of the parlors with a handcrafted fireplace and view of the ocean.
Additional information about the tours of the Lighthouse and Keeper's House, gift shop or bed and breakfast can be gotten by contacting the facility directly. If you need to arrange a tour for yourself or your group you can do that by contacting the facility as well.
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