Coastal Hiking
There are dozens of designated hiking trails along the Oregon coast. Some take you up to panoramic vistas overlooking the Pacific Ocean, while others descend through dense forests and open up to wide, sandy beaches below. Here, a sampling that we hope will inspire you to hit the trails.
1.
Cape Lookout
You have to see this trail from an aerial perspective to get a true sense of how amazing it is. Cape Lookout is a narrow, two-mile peninsula made of 15-million-year-old Columbia River basalt. Like a mini-Italy, it juts out from the mainland and provides panoramic views from its tip.
Hikers can find the trailhead along the Three Capes Scenic Loop, about 15 miles south of Tillamook, at the far west end of the Cape Lookout parking lot. The trail weaves through dense forests of tall hemlock and spruce as it makes its way west to the coast. About a mile and a half in you'll get your first ocean view - of Three Arch Rocks, and Cape Mears. From there, you'll walk along a few narrow stretches atop cliffs that drop straight down hundreds of feet to the ocean below, so be extremely cautious. Finally, you'll arrive at the end of the cape where there is a small meadow, railed viewpoints and endless blue ocean.
MILES: 4.5 miles
DURATION: 3 to 3.5 hours
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy
2.
Cape Perpetua near Yachats
In the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area (part of the Siuslaw National Forest) you'll find more than a few hikes ranging in length from short jaunts to longer, multi-mile adventures. Giant Spruce Trail, for example, is just one-mile and can be picked up at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center, which is perched on a cliff high above the ocean and offers absolutley stunning views.
3.
Ecola State Park to Indian Beach
Lewis & Clark first came across Ecola State Park in search of a beached whale way back in the winter of 1805. Today, you'll still find the rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and windswept treetops of this north coastal area. Also you'll find a number of hiking trails that will lead you to some amazing viewpoints.
One such trail is the Ecola State Park to Indian Beach. This winding, three-mile dirt path leads you through dense coastal forest that opens onto impressive ocean views. The trail, which is well groomed and easy for most hikers, ends at Indian Beach, a popular spot among local surfers.
MILES: 3
DURATION: 1 to 1.5 hours
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Easy