We would have loved to explore the Oregon
coast further south and see Crater Lake, but we decided to save that for a
future trip where we will also explore California. So we headed back north.
We saw the Heceta Head lighthouse from the road a few days
ago (see Oregon Coast), but now
stopped to check out the park and lighthouse. From the beach, we got a good
view of one of the many historic bridges that dot the Oregon coast.
The lighthouse is situated above another lovely cove.
The former duplex for the two assistant lighthouse keepers
is now a Bed & Breakfast.
The lighthouse is very similar to the Umpqua Lighthouse we
saw a few days ago, but its location and restoration give it more charm.
A great group of volunteers give free tours inside the
lighthouse. We got a closer look at the
light and first-order Fresnel lens. The lamp is now electric, but even with a
kerosene lamp, the light through the lens was visible 21 miles away.
Then Bill hiked up above the lighthouse and got this picture
just as the light rotated in his direction.
We’re staying at Cape Lookout,
another ocean-side campground, so ended our day with a short walk to the beach.
