Cape Lookout State Park is closed for construction into 2027, but the trail to its clifftop view is still open

Cape Lookout State Park is closed for construction, and the best thing in it is still open. That sounds like a contradiction, but the 5-mile Cape Trail has its own parking lot, so the headland walk is still on.

The campground, day-use area, hiker/biker camp and part of the North Trail are shut for park improvements, and state parks expects the work to run through spring 2027. The Cape Trailhead lot, though, stays open with full access to the Cape Trail and the South Trail.

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What the hike is actually like

The Cape Trail runs 5 miles round trip out along a two-mile-long peninsula built from ancient lava flows. Expect roots, rocks and mud, with boardwalks over the wettest bits, and about 930 feet of climbing. Call it moderate: nothing brutal, but not a stroll in flip-flops either.

You start in dripping spruce forest, and then the trees let go and the land simply drops away to the sea. On a clear day, that clifftop view reaches 39 miles south to Cape Foulweather and 42 miles north to Tillamook Head. That’s a lot of coastline for one pair of muddy boots.

Bring binoculars. Gray whales pass this headland on their fall and spring migrations, and I’d put it near the top of the list for watching them without a boat.

The bomber memorial on the trail

In August 1943, a B-17 bomber on a training flight out of Pendleton hit the cape’s slope in fog. Ten men were aboard, nine died, and the bombardier survived.

A memorial along the trail marks the site, and it’s worth slowing down for. The wreckage itself lies in steep, overgrown ravines, so stay on the trail and pay your respects at the memorial instead of going looking.

Before you go

Parking takes a state parks day-use permit, which is $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for out-of-state visitors and is good at any Oregon state park for the day. You can buy a one-day permit on site.

Because crews are working in the park, check the state parks page for current closures before you drive out. The cliff edges are real, so stay on the trail and behind any fencing.

Making a day of it? Our North Oregon Coast guide has plenty more to string together up the road. Have you hiked Cape Lookout before the closure, or is it going on your fall list?

Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, or lock in your hotel in Tillamook or Pacific City before the good rooms are gone.

Rules and fees change — always confirm current requirements before you go.

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