The Best Oregon Coast Hikes
The Oregon coast is home to some of the best hiking trails in the Pacific Northwest, with miles of trails that wind through old-growth forests, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches. In this article, we'll take a look at seven of the best hikes along the Oregon coast, including the Fort to Sea Trail, Fort Clatsop, Neahkahnie Mountain Trail, Cape Falcon Trail, Sutton Creek Dunes, Cape Lookout Trail & God's Thumb via The Knoll. Additionally, we’ll look at everything you need to get yourself prepared for the most enjoyable hike possible.
Fort to Sea Trail, Fort Clatsop
The Fort to Sea Trail is a 6.5-mile trail that starts at Fort Clatsop and ends at Sunset Beach. The trail takes hikers through lush forests, across open meadows, and over the dunes to the beach. The trail is rated as moderate and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Hikers can expect to see wildlife such as elk and birds along the trail. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is a 2.5-mile roundtrip hike that offers breathtaking views of the Oregon coast. The trail is rated as moderate and takes hikers through old-growth forests and over rocky cliffs. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.
The Cape Falcon Trail is a 4.8-mile roundtrip hike that takes hikers through dense forests and over rocky cliffs to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean. The trail is rated as moderate and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Hikers can expect to see wildlife such as elk and birds along the trail. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.
The Sutton Creek Dunes trail is a 4.1-mile roundtrip hike that takes hikers through a diverse landscape of forests, dunes, and wetlands. The trail is rated as moderate and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Hikers can expect to see wildlife such as deer and birds along the trail. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, but hikers should be prepared for sandy terrain.
The Cape Lookout Trail is a 5-mile roundtrip hike that takes hikers to the end of Cape Lookout, offering stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. The trail is rated as moderate and takes hikers through dense forests and over rocky cliffs. At the end of the trail, hikers can explore tide pools and watch for whales in the distance. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow.
The God's Thumb via The Knoll trail is a 4.3-mile roundtrip hike that takes hikers through forests and over hills to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean. The trail is rated as difficult and offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape. Hikers can expect to see wildlife such as deer and birds along the trail. The trail is well-marked but hikers should be prepared for steep inclines and rocky terrain.
What is the longest hike on the Oregon coast?
The longest hike on the Oregon coast is the Oregon Coast Trail, which spans over 400 miles from the Columbia River to the California border. The trail offers hikers stunning views of the coastline and takes them through forests, dunes, and rocky cliffs.
What is the best time of year to hike along the Oregon coast?
The best time of year to hike along the Oregon coast is during the summer months, from June to September. The weather is mild and dry during this time, and hikers can enjoy the beautiful scenery without worrying about rain or snow.
What types of animals can you see on hikes along the Oregon coast?
Hikers along the Oregon coast can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds. It is important to keep a safe distance from wildlife and not to disturb their natural habitats.
What gear do you need when doing a hike along the Oregon coast?
Hikers should come prepared with the following hiking gear:
Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
Comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing
Rain gear or a waterproof jacket
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Plenty of water and snacks
A map or GPS device
A first aid kit
Bear spray or other means of protection, as there are black bears and cougars in the area.
Some of the most beautiful views of the northwest are along the Oregon coast. Hikers of all ages and experience are sure to find a trail that showcases everything that’s fantastic about the northwest. We hope to see you out on the trails!