Head to Heceta for the holidays
Victorian Open House returns to Yachats area lighthouse
Photo by Dayna Law
By Naima Baker
For the TODAY
Planted on the pinnacle of Heceta Head, a beacon of prismatic light simultaneously warns vessels and welcomes visitors to the Victorian Christmas Open House at the Heceta Head Lighthouse. The old Keeper's Home will be open this weekend and next for the 29th anniversary of this special holiday event.
Guests will be greeted with hot beverages like cocoa, coffee and apple cider, and plied with homemade cookies, all while listening to live tunes from a bevy of talented musicians, spanning the genres of jazz, bluegrass, classical and caroling. History buffs can get a lesson in the life of the lighthouse and its keepers, and those that appreciate traditional clothes and costumes might spot some Victorian garb or feel free to wear their own best vintage outfit. Break out the red ribbons, shiny buttons, bowties and lace. This is the time and place for anyone who needs an excuse to play dress up.
From its humble and isolated beginnings in 1894, the Keeper’s Home went on to house the US Lighthouse Service and the Coast Guard, and even served as one of the dreamiest dormitories imaginable for Lane Community College.
Today, it welcomes visitors for overnight stays as an historic boutique bed and breakfast surrounded by surreal views.
During the day, a short jaunt takes visitors to the lighthouse from Alana Beach, where the Pacific Ocean and Cape Creek meet. There is no need to hike, though, as a complimentary shuttle will be available to taxi visitors from the viewpoint parking lot to the Keeper's Home. Or, jump on the Yachats Area Trolley, the town’s new public transit option.
Approaching the top of the cliff, stop by the old oil storage building for a view of the stately haystack rocks standing in the cove below. This is why Heceta Head is not only one of the most photographed locations on the Oregon Coast, with its perfect postcard aesthetic, but a currently functioning lighthouse, signaling sailors to safety more than 20 miles from shore. Visitors can walk the path up to the 56-foot-tall illumined tower and stand at its base as the Fresnel lens revolves, a bright sight to behold at night. When skies are clear, myriad stars mirror the shining bulb, and when there is cloud cover, the beams take on a solid appearance like rays over the waves. No matter the weather, the spectacle is magical.
The love of lights continues with Christmas cheer covering the Keeper’s Home in ropes of sparkles, wreaths and bows. Even without Rudolf's red nose, Santa's sleigh will guide its way safely to this event, so he can listen to children of all ages, including adults, sharing wishes in this season to be jolly.
Those who lament the end of Halloween season and seek spooky stories might relish Rue, the fabled ghost of a late lightkeeper's wife who keeps watch over the house. But not to worry, as any sightings or tales of the phantom in Victorian dress, while startling, are also completely benign. Besides, with Santa present among all the festivities, even a phantom would feel the holiday spirit.
Get into the spirit of giving and take a gander at the lighthouse giftshop, packed with nautical goodies for those special people in your life, including yourself. Cross off some Christmas shopping with offerings of tree ornaments, octopus art, miniature beacons, glass floats and jellyfish, plus much more memorabilia that is sure to get you on this year's nice list. While enjoying the generous mood, consider a donation to the real Christmas elves and angels, the volunteers selflessly working to provide a seamless and unforgettable experience at no charge. "There is a two-day long decorating process where we drag boxes of Christmas stuff down from the attic, which is only accessible by ladder," said Misty Anderson, event coordinator for 10 years. “People stand outside to help visitors at night, and some of the musicians drive from more than an hour away.”
Traveling from near or far, it's easy to make a day of this outing. With sea lions directly south and Cape Perpetua's perpetually stunning views to the north, there is plenty of nature's abundant beauty to behold in the surrounding areas. Some are drawn to the mystical scenery, or carrying on a tradition, as people who visited as children now bring their own. This attractive lighthouse is well loved.
"People call it their lighthouse and visit for all different reasons, but also for the same reason,” Anderson said. “I love seeing the happiness and memories made. And this is an all-weather event. Rain or shine, the warmth of the Keeper’s Home welcomes you."
The Keeper’s Home at Heceta Head Lighthouse will be open from 4 to 7 pm this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 13 and 14, as well as Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21, at 92000 S Hwy. 101, south of Yachats. For more information, go to hecetalighthouse.com.