I spent most of my childhood summers hiking at the Oregon coast. Over the course of 20+ blissful years, I’ve had the opportunity to explore some of the best hikes at the coast, and today I’m spilling the beans! Longtime readers know I’m not big on small talk, so let’s just dive in!
Who am I and why should you trust my list of the best hikes at the Oregon Coast?
My name is Antonina and I’m a lifelong Oregonian. I was raised in Portland and spent most of my childhood summers exploring the Pacific Northwest with my family. Shortly after meeting my husband, we embarked on a 2-month road trip across Oregon, visiting every corner of the state and popping off at every small town we passed.
We both thoroughly enjoy hiking (and living in Oregon) and took it upon ourselves to find the best hiking trails at the Oregon coast. P.S. I recently wrote about our Oregon Coast Road Trip Itinerary, if you’d like to see.
Oregon Coast Hiking Tips
Practice Leave No Trace
- If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.
You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)
- I swear by this sunscreen, I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. It works like a charm and doesn’t leave strange residue or smells, you’ll NEVER catch me without it!
Wear hiking boots with good traction
- Even though most Oregon coast hiking trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip on the trail, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes. These are my hiking boots and I’d sleep in them if I could. Although, during my last trip, I wore these and they were great too!
Stick to the main trail
- There’s a lot of “social” hiking trails in Oregon (social trails are created by hikers going off the main trail). These trails cause damage to sensitive areas, so stick to the clearly marked trail to preserve delicate flora and wildlife.
Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast
(Click here for the table of contents)
Oregon Coast Hiking
- Oregon Coast Hiking Tips
- Best Hikes on the Oregon Coast
- #11. John Dellenback Dunes Loop Trail
- #10. Cape Falcon Hike
- #9. Saint Perpetua Trail
- #8. Cape Kiwanda Dune Hike
- #7. Cape Lookout Trail
- #6. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail
- #5. Cascade Head Trail
- #4. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail
- #3. Clatsop Loop Trail
- #2. Fort to Sea Hike
- #1. God’s Thumb via The Knoll | Best Oregon Coast Hike
- Worth Knowing: The Oregon Coast Trail
- Oregon Coast Hikes (Post Summary)
#11. John Dellenback Dunes Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.5 miles
- Elevation: 300 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, but the beach is closed to dogs from March through September.
- Pass Required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day, buy it at pay stations)
Few know the Oregon coast is home to the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in the country (and one of the largest dune fields in the world).
What better way to explore this natural wonder than by hiking the John Dellenback Dunes trail in Florence, Oregon? The trail is found within the confines of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, which is a hot-spot for dune buggies, but John Dellenback Dunes Loop Trail is an exception (only hiking allowed).
This Oregon coast trail offers such a unique hiking experience because of the varied terrain. The hike starts in the woods, takes you past massive sand dunes and meanders through a second forest before spitting you out at the beach.
If you’d like to experience a vast expanse of sand dunes along a pristine coastline overlooking the sea, then this is the perfect hike on the Oregon Coast for you. What’s more, solitude is possible to come by because the trail isn’t heavily trafficked.
Local’s Tip: Hiking dunes is a challenging affair, try to take it slowly. Between the elevation gain and texture of the sand, it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t get too ambitious on this trail, your heart will be pumping in no time!
#10. Cape Falcon Hike
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Distance: 4.8 miles round trip
- Elevation: 250 feet
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
- Pass Required: No
The Cape Falcon Loop Trail is found within Oswald West State Park, one of the most beautiful state parks at the coast. This breathtaking Oregon coast hike passes through impressive vistas and takes you through a striking coastal forest before spitting you out at Cape Falcon which offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.
Between you and me, finding parking is the most difficult part of the adventure. Route yourself to Oswald West Lot 20 (about 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach), it’s an unmarked parking lot that’s easy to miss if you don’t know to keep an eye out for it.
Park your car and then walk 0.2 miles along the highway, once your notice the signs for the Cape Falcon trailhead, you’ll know you’re going in the right direction. But take note, this is one of the most popular hikes at the Oregon coast, so the parking lot fills up quickly.
If you choose to detour to Short Sand Beach (which you should!), keep your eyes out for surfers. Adrenaline-fueled surfers flock to this beach for thrilling waves.
#9. Saint Perpetua Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 2.6 miles out and back
- Elevation: 800 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs welcome on trail
- Pass Required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day, buy it at pay stations)
The Saint Perpetua Trail serves as a connection between the viewpoint at Cape Perpetua and the visitor’s center. Most folks drive the road directly to the viewpoint, but if you’re feeling restless in the car, opt to hike to the top instead.
The trail ascends through thick canopies of old-growth forest by way of switchbacks before clearing up to meadows and panoramic views of 150 miles of coastline.
Once you’ve had your hiking fill, head back to the visitor center and drive up to Thor’s Well to explore the mesmerizing tide pools in the area. Just make sure you have proper footwear (hiking shoes with great traction are a must here) because slips are quite common on the slick and rocky terrain.
#8. Cape Kiwanda Dune Hike
- Difficulty: Easy/moderate
- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation: 200 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs allowed on trail
- Pass Required: $10 Tillamook County Day Use Access Parking Fee
Cape Kiwanda is one of my favorite coastal hikes in Oregon because it’s fairly easy and the rewarding views are worth the (minimal) effort. There’s a massive dune behind the cape called Great Dune. I remember hiking to the top of Great Dune as a kid and thinking it felt like an impossible feat. As an adult, it’s still a great way to get the heart pumping.
Made of mudstone and sandstone layered in drifting sand, the Great Dune is an excellent short hike at the Oregon coast. Park the car and start your hike towards the dune, once you reach the base of the dune take a deep breath and begin your ascent. From the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic ocean views.
Most impressive is the commanding view of Haystack Rock (same name as the iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach). Originally named, Chief Kiawanda Rock (after the leader of the Nestucca tribe), Cape Kiwanda’s Haystack Rock is 90 feet higher than the one at Cannon Beach, but it’s much further offshore.
Local’s Recommendation: Cape Kiwanda is one of my favorite spots for exploring tidepools at the Oregon coast.
#7. Cape Lookout Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 5 miles out and back
- Elevation: 810 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome on a leash
- Pass Required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day, buy it at pay stations)
Cape Lookout is arguably the most famous cape at the coast, so it’s only fitting that its home to the best hiking at the Oregon coast as well. Jutting an impressive 1.5 miles into the Pacific Ocean, the views from the summit will stay with you for years.
The trail follows a cliff-lined ridge hundreds of feet above the sea. The expansive views make this one of the best spots to see whales at the Oregon coast (time your visit during migration, from late March to early June). But take note, the trail cuts through a forest that gets very muddy and wet during the spring season, so hiking boots with good traction are non-negotiable.
#6. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate/difficult
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Elevation: 1,000 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome
- Pass Required: No
This Oregon coast hike traverses Neahkahnie Mountain from Short Sand Beach (one of the prettiest beaches in Oregon) before descending to Manzanita Beach. You’ll pass peaceful meadows frequented by elk and old growth forests before reaching a jaw-dropping viewpoint.
Since the trail leads directly up a steep mountain, be prepare to get your heart pumping. You’ll also need hiking boots with good traction to avoid slips because this Oregon coast trail is known to get muddy and exposed roots are common.
There’s a shorter 3-mile version of the trail that begins at the Neahkahnie Mountain Trailhead. The shorter trail knocks 2.6 miles off the total hike, but you won’t get same epic views. So, if you have the time, I suggest the longer version of this Oregon coast hike, which is 2.5 miles each way, great bang for your buck!
#5. Cascade Head Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.3 miles
- Elevation: 1,300 feet
- Dog friendly: No, dogs are not allowed on this trail
- Pass Required: No
The Cascade Head trail is arguably one of the most stunning hikes at the Oregon coast. Most of the area is managed by the Nature Conservancy with the primary purpose of protecting the area for conservation and native species, which is why dogs are not allowed on the trail.
The hike begins at Knight Park and passes through private property (follow the clearly-marked trail signs). The trail meanders through a mossy forest and then cuts along the side of a hill that overlooks a large creek.
Head further up the trail and you’ll start to see glimpses of the ocean views and Cascade Head overhead. Reaching the viewpoint, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! Many locals consider this one of the most beautiful hikes at the Oregon coast and I can’t say I disagree.
#4. Natural Bridges Viewpoint Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.7 miles
- Elevation: 62 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs welcome
- Pass Required: No
If we were rating this trail on scenery alone, it’d be number one on my list of best hikes at the Oregon Coast because of the jaw-dropping views. The remote hike itself is rather short and completely worth the effort.
If you find yourself at the south end of the Oregon Coast (right near the California-Oregon border), you would be mistaken to skip this easy hike that’s great for all skill levels. From this vantage point you will see the best of Oregon’s exemplary rocky coastline, it’s downright breathtaking!
This Oregon Coast hike has grown in popularity thanks to Instagram. A lot of hikers choose to hike on top of the natural bridge pictured above but (in my opinion) the social trail is steep and dangerous and not worth the risk.
#3. Clatsop Loop Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation: 900 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs welcome on trail
- Pass Required: Oregon State Park Pass ($5/day, buy it at pay stations)
- ADA accessible: Not beyond the Indian Beach viewpoint
The Clatsop Loop Trail is an iconic Oregon trail that leads through old-growth forests and rewards hikers with sweeping vistas overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Found within Ecola State Park, the hike is notorious for being muddy so bring hiking shoes with good traction (that you don’t mind getting dirty).
The trail starts on the north side of Indian Beach and ascends 900 feet before reaching a viewpoint that overlooks Tillamook Head Lighthouse, known as Terrible Tilly (here’s why). I consider this a great introduction for hiking at the Oregon Coast because the views are guaranteed to impress.
Good to know: Ecola State Park got its name from the Chinook word for whale, “ekkoli.”
#2. Fort to Sea Hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 13 miles out and back
- Elevation: 500 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs allowed on trail
- Pass Required: No
Of all the Oregon coast hikes mentioned on this list so far, the Fort to Sea Hike is the most unique. Following the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, the trail starts at Fort Clatsop, a replica of the winter encampment used by Lewis & Clark during their expedition. From there, the hike meanders through the ancestral lands of the Clatsop Indians en route to Sunset Beach.
For the historical significance alone, there’s no other Oregon coast hike quite like it. The trail clocks in at 6.5 miles one way, totaling 13 miles in all. I suggest making this the main event for the day (I wouldn’t tackle a second hike after this).
Local’s Recommendation: Afterwards, head to Astoria (here’s a roundup of the best things to do in Astoria) to enjoy the city’s top-notch brew scene. If you’d like some advice, I’d start at Fort George Brewery, one of my favorite breweries at the Oregon coast.
#1. God’s Thumb via The Knoll | Best Oregon Coast Hike
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.3 miles out and back
- Elevation: 1,000 feet
- Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs welcome
- Pass Required: No, park at NE Devil’s Lake Blvd (official parking area)
God’s Thumb via The Knoll is an iconic Oregon coast hike. The steep cliff that juts out towards the sea is shaped like a giant thumb, earning the colorful moniker “God’s Thumb.”
Knowing where to park your car is the most confusing part about the hike. Here’s coordinates to the closest parking lot, which is in an empty cul-de-sac. Note: None of the trail signs read “God’s Thumb” because this hike is officially known as “The Knoll.” Follow signs that lead toward The Knoll.
The trail meanders through a dense spruce forest known for being extremely muddy after rainfall. Continue down the trail until you reach the God’s Thumb viewpoint and soak in the views before beginning the sharp ascent to the summit.
From the top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled breathtaking views of Oregon’s vast coastline and large stretches of Lincoln City. It’s an incredible experience, which is why this is easily one of the best hikes at the Oregon coast.
Note: Good hiking boots are a must on this hike because the trail is steep and gets slippery even during dry days.
Worth Knowing: The Oregon Coast Trail
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 363 miles
Alright my friends, we’re saving the BEST for last! If you’d like to see everything the breathtaking Oregon coast has to offer than the Oregon Coast Trail is the right hike for you.
This hike spans an impressive 383 miles and covers the entire length of the Oregon coastline. This Oregon coast hike is no easy feat and the trail is challenging to follow in certain parts. You’ll need to walk along the shoulder of U.S. 101 (which gets dangerous) and ask for boat rides to cross rivers are various points.
If you’re looking for a challenge, this is without a doubt the most challenging hike at the Oregon coast. Here’s a helpful trip report on hiking the Oregon Coast Trail (you thrill seeker, you).
Oregon Coast Hikes (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the best hikes at the Oregon Coast:
- God’s Thumb
- Fort to Sea Trail
- Clatsop Loop Trail
- Natural Bridges Loop Trail
- Cascade Head
- Neahkahnie Mountain Trail
- Cape Lookout Trail
- The Cape Kiwanda Trail
- Cape Perpetua Hike
- The Cape Falcon Trail
- Dellenback Dunes
- Bonus: The Oregon Coast Trail
Map of the BEST Oregon Coast Hikes
And there you have it my friends – a quick roundup of the best hikes at the Oregon Coast. I hope you enjoyed the post!
Further Reading
- 12 EPIC Campgrounds at the Oregon Coast
- 10 Quaint Oregon Coast Towns You Can’t Help But Love
- 7 Wonders of Oregon
Until next time,
Antonina
Thanks for the list!
My pleasure!