The Most-Photographed Lighthouse In The Country Is Right Here On The Oregon Coast
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 28, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Oregonians are well aware of the stunning beauty of our state, and we welcome tourists from all over the world who want to soak in the scenery as well. It shouldn’t be surprising at all to learn that the Oregon coast is home to the most-photographed lighthouse in the country, and if you’ve visited the coast a few times, we’re pretty sure you have a photo or two of this iconic light in your scrapbook.
The Heceta Head lighthouse sits high on a cliff, 205 feet above the waves below. You'll find it halfway between Yachats and Florence.
When it first went into service, the lighthouse was manned by a head light keeper and two assistants. Their families all lived on the property, which included a house for the head light keeper, a duplex for the two assistants and their families, a barn, and two kerosene storage buildings.
In 1963, the lighthouse was automated, and the last light keeper and his family moved out. Most of the buildings were torn down, but the assistant light keepers' duplex remained. It was renovated in the early 1980s, and is now a B&B where guests can stay overnight.