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QuickTake:
The 4-mile round trip features coastal forest, rhododendron tunnels, a wide sandy beach, panoramic views and a historical lighthouse.
About 12 miles north of Florence stands the most photographed lighthouse on the Oregon Coast: the 56-foot-tall, red-and-white Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Perched on a 206-foot cliff, it overlooks the Pacific with its matching assistant light-keeper’s house below. First lit in 1894, its now-automated beacon can still be seen 21 miles out to sea.
Park in the day-use area at the beach below the lighthouse. A half-mile walk up a gravel trail leads to the lighthouse and a stunning ocean viewpoint. Bring binoculars for a chance to spot seabirds, whales and sea lions.
Many hikers turn around here. But look for a trailhead on your right just before the lighthouse for a section of the Oregon Coast Trail that continues north to Hobbit Beach.
Shortly after setting out on this dirt path, you’ll come to a striking view of the lighthouse, nearly eye-level with its golden, rotating signal.
For the next mile, the trail winds through cool, moss-draped forest with gentle climbs along the rolling coastline. Ferns line the path and even sprout from the twisted branches of trees.
Several benches and viewpoints offer rest along the way, including at about the halfway point, where you’ll crest a ridge and get your first full glimpse of Hobbit Beach, below through the trees.
As you descend toward the junction with the Hobbit Trail, the vegetation shifts to shrubbier, grassy growth. This stretch can be slick when wet, with roots and a steep decline, so watch your footing.
You’ll begin to hear traffic on Highway 101 before reaching the Hobbit Trail trailhead, where there is a small parking area across the road. Don’t worry: The hum of traffic soon fades into the rhythmic roar of the Pacific.
Many hikers to Hobbit Beach start from this trailhead, as it’s only a half-mile walk to the beach from here, through a uniquely lush environment, so expect more foot traffic beyond this point.
The final stretch winds through rhododendron tunnels, gnarled trees and evergreen huckleberries (which were ripe for picking in mid-September when I last visited).
The trail transitions from dirt to sand as you near the crashing surf. A scatter of crab shells marks the final approach to the beach, where soft, pale sand stretches wide and inviting. Rest on a driftwood log and soak in the scenery before retracing your steps.
Know before you go
- Location: 725 Summer St., Florence
- Parking & permits: Day-use parking passes are available from onsite ticket machines: $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for nonresidents. You can also use an Oregon Coast Passport permit from Oregon State Parks.
- Length: Approximately 4 miles round-trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate. Expect some steep sections and areas that can be slick when wet.
- Alternative route: For a shorter hike to Hobbit Beach, park at the Hobbit Beach Trailhead (91892 Oregon Coast Highway, Florence). Use caution when crossing Highway 101 from the parking area. The out-and-back distance to the beach is about 1 mile, mostly on flat terrain with gentle inclines.
- When to visit: A great hike for any season.
- What to take: The 10 essentials.
- Amenities: Pit toilets are available in the main parking area. A small gift shop near the assistant lightkeeper’s house sells snacks and beverages. Overnight stays are available at the bed and breakfast in the assistant lightkeeper’s house. Benches are located along the trail, but there are no other facilities between the lighthouse and Hobbit Beach.
- More information: Visit the Oregon State Parks website.
