Hobbit Trail to Heceda Head
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This beautiful hike from Hobbit Beach to Heceta Head is the perfect outing even if it is cloudy or raining off and on. The parking is located on the side of Hwy 101 (there is a very small gravel outcrop that has a small hiking sign by it). You have to cross the Hwy to get to the trailhead.
After crossing Hwy. 101 you enter thick mossy woods and come across a sign. You can either go right to Hobbit Beach or left to Heceta Head. Since both hikes are extremely short combining them makes for a nice 3 mile hike.
Especially if it is earlier in the day, it is recommended to take Hobbit Trail to Hobbit Beach first, as the crowds tend to come in throngs starting late morning. This trail is gorgeous, mossy trees everywhere and at the end the trail takes you underneath the thick bushes, which creates a little tunnel. The whole trail is magical and you half expect a gnome to pop out at any moment.
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Hobbit Beach is beautiful and has lots of seashells, crabs and drift wood to look at. On the side of the dunes people have carved faces in the sand which adds to the mystical feel of Hobbit Beach.
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(the view from the highest point of the trail looking out over Hobbit Beach)
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After exploring Hobbit Beach, you will take Hobbit Trail back to the sign at the trailhead, and head up the hill to Heceta Head Lighthouse. The trail is uphill most of the way, and if it has rained this part can become slippery. But it was absolutely gorgeous, so green and lush, and the views are breath taking!
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The Heceta Head lighthouse is very cute (much smaller than you imagine), and there are personal tours that run every 20 minutes that take you inside the lighthouse. From the lighthouse viewpoint you can look out on this amazing view of Heceta Head. It can be very windy at the lighthouse, so bundle up! |
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Overall, this hike is recommended to everyone just because of the stunning icon beauty of the Oregon coast! There are gorgeous views and lots of plant variety everywhere along this hike, which makes it fun and entertaining for kids.
Approximate hike time: 1 hour 50 minutes w/ an average pace of 2.2 mph
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This trail is great during all times of the year. Whale watching is during the month of January).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: If you are coming from Florence you will travel 12 miles north on Highway 101. If you are coming from Yachats you will go 15 miles south. You will see the roadside parking approximately .5 miles from Heceda Head Lighthouse Scenic State Viewpoint (formerly known as Devils Elbow State Park).
Suggested seasons: Spring, summer, fall, winter
(This trail is great during all times of the year. Whale watching is during the month of January).
Trail usage: Heavy
Directions: If you are coming from Florence you will travel 12 miles north on Highway 101. If you are coming from Yachats you will go 15 miles south. You will see the roadside parking approximately .5 miles from Heceda Head Lighthouse Scenic State Viewpoint (formerly known as Devils Elbow State Park).
*All pictures are taken by Franziska Weinheimer
*Disclaimer: the trail descriptions, mileage, GPS tracks and difficulty ratings depicted on this website are never 100% accurate. Always hike at your own risk, using your own knowledge, equipment and common sense. Franziska Weinheimer/Hike Oregon are not responsible if you or anyone in your party gets injured or lost while attempting one of these or any other hikes.