Heceta Head Lighthouse has officially reopened and is shining again as of July 23, 2026. After nearly five months of darkness, the beacon was restored following major mechanical repairs to the rotation system that turns its historic 10‑foot‑tall Fresnel lens.
🌊 What Happened
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The lighthouse went dark in March 2026 when staff discovered that the carriage wheels and gears responsible for rotating the lens were worn down and causing misalignment.
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Because no modern manufacturer produces lighthouse parts, Oregon State Parks had to commission custom bronze wheels from Welch’s Machine Works in Eugene.
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The repair also included resurfacing the metal base (the “roadbed”) the wheels travel on.
💡 Cost & Timeline
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Total repair cost: ~$35,000.
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The lighthouse was relit July 23, 2026, with the rotating assembly now functioning smoothly.
🌟 Why It Matters
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Heceta Head is the brightest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast, visible up to 21 nautical miles out to sea.
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It houses the only active Chance Brothers first‑order Fresnel lens of its kind in the United States.
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Locals had been eagerly awaiting its return; park staff say community passion for the lighthouse is huge.
🏛️ Visiting Hours
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The ground floor is open daily, typically 11 a.m.–3 p.m. in summer and 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in winter, weather and staffing permitting.
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The tower itself remains closed due to long‑standing safety concerns.