Heceta Head is named after the Spanish explorer Bruno de Heceta, who explored the Pacific Northwest during the late 18th century. Before him, Heceta Head was a spot of frequent fishing and hunting by the Native American tribes.
The 56-foot tower sits atop a 205-ft. bluff blasted from the surrounding hillside. The 56-man crew built the tower in 1893 with materials brought in by sea (during calm weather) or by wagon from Florence. because the area is so rugged, the light keeper needed a house for himself and his family. just a short distance from the lighthouse is the keeper's house, which is now a bed an breakfast operated by the Oregon State Parks commission through a concessionaire.
The Keeper's house is reported to be inhabited by a ghost going by the name of Rue. She never seems to bother anyone, she rather prefers to clean house--often during the night.
The automated beacon is still in use today, but the lighthouse tours have been suspended due to structural problems. the lighthouse and keeper's house are best seen from highway 101 about two miles south. It is from this point that countless calendar photos have been taken and published around the country and world.
Pictures of the inside of the lighthouse are on the Central Coast Video found at www.rmkproductions.org
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