Heceta Head Lighthouse

Heceta Head is my favorite lighthouse along the Oregon Coast. It's a beautiful structure located on what has to be one of the most scenic coastlines in the world. Some say its the most photographed lighthouse in the country, and if my camera has anything to say about it, it would probably agree. The old lighthouse keeper's house, Heceta House, is said to be haunted by a ghost named Rue. Regardless of local ghosts, the area is rich in history (http://www.geocities.com/rscarpen/Lb/US/OR/Coast/Heceta/history.html), scenery, and other attractions (such as the nearby Sea Lion Caves!), and well worth the effort to visit.

Directions

There are two ways to get to the letterbox. The easy way involves driving down Highway 101 twelve miles north of Florence. Just beyond a tunnel, turn downhill to Heceta Head Lighthouse Viewpoint (aka Devils Elbow State Park). You'll have to pay $3 to get in from here, but the hike to the lighthouse and back is about a mile with a 200 foot elevation gain.

The second but longer way avoids the crowds and fees. Drive one mile north of the tunnel on Highway 101 to a paved pullout on the right signed "Overnight Camping Prohibited." Walk across the road to find a Hobbit Trail post. Shortly down the trail, turn left at a signed fork for a 2.6 mile round-trip hike with a 600 foot elevation gain.

Clue

From Heceta Head lighthouse, head up a trail overlooking the lighthouse. At a fork, go right 30 to 35 paces. The letterbox is hiding on the backside at the base of the tree on your left.

Hike Length: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 300 feet