16 Apr 2018 2 min read Oregon

Sunset on the Oregon Coast Trail

Capturing a fleeting moment along the Oregon Coast Trail: sunset over the Pacific Ocean at the base of Heceta Head, home of the famed Heceta Head Lighthouse, north of Florence, Oregon

Heceta Head from the Oregon Coast Trail

During our visit to Oregon this fall, we stayed at the Heceta Lighthouse B&B. On my way back down the trail from photographing the Heceta Head Lighthouse, I spotted an Oregon Coast Trail sign on side of a post.

The trail turned toward the Pacific Ocean before reaching the B&B. It was nearing sunset and time for our group's scheduled dinner.

I threw caution into the wind - there is plenty of wind at Heceta Head - and decided to try and reach the beach on the Oregon Coast Trail for what I hoped would be a great sunset photo opportunity.

After a couple of long switchbacks, I stood on an almost deserted beach. The clouds may have obscured my sunset photo, but the light illuminating them and reflecting off the beach and water made the trip worthwhile. I may never get to hike the rest of the 382-mile Oregon Coast Trail, but this short visit was a perfect glimpse into the beauty and the ruggedness of the trail.

Sunset on the Oregon Coast Trail — Sunset over the Pacific Ocean on the Oregon Coast Trail at the base of Heceta Head

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