KAPTN KEN
KAPTN KEN
Heceta Head Lighthouse Oregon
Heceta Head was named after the Portuguese explorer, Don Bruno De Heceta who observed in 1775 that the waters opposite the headland was fairly shallow. Congress approved $80,000 to contruct the light station which consisted of the lighthouse, a single dwelling for the head keeper and a duplex for the two assistants. Completed in 1894, the tower is 56 feet tall, is constructed with brick from San Fransisco and iron fittings from Portland. The lighthouse still boasts the beautiful first order Fresnel designed lens which was made by Chance Brothers in England and is atill in operation. The lens was originally turned by a clockwork mechanism which had to be wound by cranking up a 200 pound wieght every four hours, but now an electric motor provides the power.
Heceta Head lighthouse is situated in one of the most picturesqe and photographed areas along the Oregon Coast. Driving north along Highway 101, just past the Sea Lion Caves, you can see the lighthouse across the bay. Go down the hill and through the tunnel and on the left side of the road is Lighthouse State Park. For a small fee, you can park your car and walk the path past the old assistant lightkeepers house, now a Bed and Breakfast establishment, and on up to the lighthouse.
It is open for tours during the summer months (May - August) and you will be guided up the stairs to see at close quarters, the first order Fresnel Lens. The 1000 watt light emits a white flash every 10 seconds and can be seen 21 miles out to sea. The view from the lighthouse is spectacular.
Perhaps you might go on a tour of the lighthouse with Kaptn Ken!
Assistant
Lighthouse Keeper's House
Built in 1894, it has been restored and furnished with period
furniture.
Heceta House Bed & Breakfast - Reservations
(541) 547-3696
Web site WWW.Pioneer.net/~keepers
Thank you for visiting this site.