Light the candles
Heceta Head Lighthouse celebrates its 128th birthday
Whether you choose to pronounce it “Ha–SEE–ta” or “HECK–ah–ta,” there is no question that the Heceta Head Lightstation is a heck of a nice place to see.
The working lighthouse is perched 205 feet above the ocean, with a Fresnel lens that can cast beams as far as 21 miles out to sea, making it the brightest light on the Oregon Coast.
It is also one of the most photographed lighthouses in the US and on Wednesday, March 30, this historic site will celebrate its 128th birthday.
This family-friendly event takes place at the Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast in the Keeper's Home.
Taylor's Sausage will be grilling up free hot dogs while live musicians play. Local agency representatives will talk about the outstanding natural features of the area, and volunteers from the Heceta Lighthouse Interpretive Center at the Keeper's House and Oregon State Parks will be available to answer questions.
The birthday celebration also kicks off the summer fundraising raffle for the non-profit “Keepers of Heceta Head Lightstation.” Donate to win prizes from Heceta Lighthouse B & B, Ona Restaurant and Lounge, the Sea Lion Caves and many other businesses.
During the event, guests can tour the grounds, which include a scenic walking trail leading from the beach to the Keeper’s House and lighthouse tower.
And while inside the Keeper’s House, keep your eyes open for the ghost of the keeper’s wife, rumors and reported sightings of whom have entertained staff and guests for decades.
Dubbed “Rue” by local kids who used a Ouija board to divine what her name was, her true name and cause of death have been lost to history. But tales of butt indents on freshly-made beds and general noisy mischief continue to the present time.
The area and lighthouse are named for Bruno de Heceta y Dudagoitia, a Portuguese explorer who sailed along the Pacific Northwest coast in the late 1700s.
Heceta died in 1807 and also has an Alaskan island named after him. If you're in that area and want to sound like a local, go with “HECK–ah–ta.” Here in Oregon, you can get away with either pronunciation–just don’t say, “Ore-EE-gone.”
The Wednesday, March 30, event will run from 4 to 7 pm. The park is located on Hwy 101, 14 miles south of Yachats. For more information, go to hecetalighthouse.com or call 866-547-3696.