Cape Cove Beach

Nearly everyone who visits Devils Elbow State Park comes to see its iconic Oregon landmark, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and justifiably so, but it also happens to include Cape Cove Beach. The overlooked crescent-shaped beach stretches for nearly 1,000 feet with Cape Creek on its southern end and Heceta Head to the north. Its rocky stacks are also home to thousands of shore birds, predominantly western gulls, Brandt's cormorants, and common murre, but also the occasional black oystercatcher and pigeon guillemot.

Restrooms and picnic tables are located at the parking lot, which also serves as the trailhead for the 1894-built lighthouse. If looking for a more adventurous journey to the beach, consider departing from Carl G. Washburne Memorial State Park via the 7.4-mile round-trip Heceta Head Trail.

Note: The lighthouse is open for tours daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heceta Head is part of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas. This means that there are specific prohibitions against fishing and the harvesting of fish, invertebrates, and seaweed. Check here for specific clarifications on regulations, exemptions, and a detailed representation of the area's boundaries.