Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes
Home » Hiking in Oregon » 17 Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes

17 Breathtaking Oregon Coast Hikes

Sharing is caring!

 

Oregon has almost 400 miles of coastline to explore, with dramatic rock formations, old-growth forests, stunning wildlife, and magnificent views. Each of these Oregon coast hikes offers something out of the ordinary.

Some will take you to the top of a mountain and show you miles of ocean as far as you can see.

Others will lead you across cliffs and tide pools to get an up-close experience of the coast. One thing is for sure: these hikes aren’t mundane walks on dirt paths.

They’ll leave you itching for more, and you may just become obsessed with the Oregon coast.

Oregon Coast Hikes


Our hikes below are ordered from north to south and then our map below will show you exactly where they are so you can plan your trails accordingly. Want to really hike the Oregon coast? Stick around and check out our tips for hiking the Oregon Coast Trail below!

We also have you sorted for camping along the Oregon coast so you can make the most of your trip and camp at some of the trailheads! Under each section, I’ll also list our absolute favorite campgrounds and cabins.

Click the image to view the clickable map of Oregon Coast hikes.

✋ HOLD UP! Don’t Forget…

You need some wheels! It’s nearly impossible to get around the USA and check out the best adventures without a car! Here are our top recommendations…

🚗 Rent a car

If you don’t have your own, renting a car is your best bet!

👉 Find Deals on Cars and SUVs

🚐 Rent a home on wheels

For the more adventurous, rent a van or RV and ditch the hotel.

👉 Find The Best Van For Your Trip

North Oregon Coast Trails

1. Fort to Sea Trail

  • Distance: 6.1 miles
  • Type of Trail: Point-to-Point
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The Fort to Sea Trail gives you the unique opportunity to experience a few different ecosystems on one hike. On this trail, you start at Fort Clatsop near Astoria.

You can explore the visitor center complete with in-costume rangers who can answer questions about Lewis and Clark.

Forest at Fort to Sea trailhead
Fort to Sea Trail

Continuing on the trail, you’ll pass through temperate rainforest, traverse coastal inlets into pastures, and finally reach the ocean at Sunset Beach. One-way this trail is 6.1 miles long, but you can also return the same way and double your mileage.

RECOMMENDED GEAR:

Water FilterRain JacketBackpack
Women's Rain jacketOsprey Skimmer 20 Hydration Pack
Check PriceMen’s/Women’sMen’s/Women’s

2. Tillamook Head via Indian Beach

  • Distance: 9.9 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

We’ll start things off at the north end of Oregon’s coast. Tillamook Head is located between the towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach.

You can access this trail from the cove area in Seaside or from Indian Beach in Ecola State Park.

View through trees to Tillamook Rock Lighthouse surrounded by ocean, one of the most scenic Oregon Lighthouses
Beautiful Tillamook Rock Lighthouse is one of the most scenic Oregon Lighthouses

Starting from Indian Beach, you’ll hike up Tillamook Head through the protected wilderness to some amazing vistas of the ocean. About halfway through you’ll come to a hiker’s camp.

View of Indian Beach with people on the sand see on a Oregon coast hike
Indian Beach

Here, you can see an ocean view that includes the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Known as “Terrible Tilly,” the builders and operators endured harsh conditions while the lighthouse was in use. Near the camp, you’ll also find some old World War II bunkers, covered in moss and sunken into the ground.


RELATED: 7 Tillamook State Forest Hikes to Tackle


3. Cape Falcon Trail

  • Distance: 4.6 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The Cape Falcon Loop Trail is located in Oregon’s gorgeous Oswald West State Park. The park covers 2,484 acres along 13 miles of the Oregon coast.

View of coastal mountain and the ocean from Cape Falcon, our fav Oregon coastal hike
View looking south from the Cape Falcon Trail

It includes two headlands and Short Sand Beach. The beach is popular with surfers and you might be able to spot a few on this Oregon coast hike.

Hiker looking out over the sea and rocks from Cape Falcon
Enjoying the views from the end of the Cape Falcon Trail

This trail links up with the Oregon Coast Trail to bring you out to the edge of Cape Falcon. Keep in mind that this trail can be a bit muddy if you use it outside of the warm summer months. However, the views of the ocean scenery are worth making a muddy trek.


READ MORE: Hiking the Cape Falcon Trail on the Oregon Coast


4. Neahkahnie Mountain Trail

  • Distance: 3.9 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Hard

The Neahkahnie Mountain Trail is also located in Oswald West State Park, just to the south of Cape Falcon. This time, instead of hiking out along a cape, you’ll hike up a mountain.

You’ll notice this spot right away since Highway 101 rises sharply to a lookout point at the edge of the mountain.

Neahkahnie View Point on the Oregon coast
Neahkahnie Mountain Trail on the Oregon Coast

Make sure you’ve got some good footwear for this trail. That’s because the trail goes over many exposed root systems and can also get slick and muddy in spots.

Once you get to the top, you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Manzanita, one of Oregon’s most scenic coastal towns.


RELATED: 19 Must-Visit Oregon Coast State Parks


5. Cascade Head to Harts Cove

  • Distance: 13.3 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Hard

Cascade head is another piece of scenic Oregon wilderness. Though this trail is near the beach, most of it is heavily wooded. However, you do get the chance to see some awesome wildlife. In particular, many people have reported seeing herds of elk in the woods.

View on Cascade Head
Cascade Head

At 13.3 miles, it’s one of the longer hikes on our list. Adding to its difficulty is the 2,762 feet in elevation that you gain on the hike. If you want to make the hike shorter, you can turn around at the midpoint when the trail meets up with a road.

Continuing on to the end, you’ll come out at a lookout point over Harts’s Cove that’s hard to beat.

6. God’s Thumb via The Knoll

  • Distance: 4.4 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Medium

You’ll find the trailhead for the God’s Thumb hike at the north end of Lincoln City. At the end of this trail lies a natural basalt formation that looks like a giant thumb.

God's Thumb
God’s Thumb is a popular Oregon coast hike.

The first part of the trail is relatively easy. However, towards the end, you’ll climb up some steep slopes and cross a thin ridge to get to the viewpoint.

Person standing at viewpoint over beach and ocean on The Knoll
The Knoll viewpoint

As you catch your breath at the top, you can take in a panoramic view of the coastline.


READ MORE: Your Guide to the God’s Thumb Hike in Lincoln City


Where to Stay on the North Oregon Coast

Fort Stevens State Park: Located in northwest Oregon in Astoria, Fort Stevens is a converted military space and is now one of the largest Oregon coast campgrounds with 500 spaces.

Wright’s for Camping: This great little tent-only Oregon coast campground is located near Cannon Beach and the famous Haystack Rock, making a very picturesque spot to set up camp for the night. There are 22 spacious sites, showers, running water, and laundry facilities.

Nehalem Bay State Park
Nehalem Bay State Park Camping

Nehalem Bay State Park: Nehalem Bay State Park is set on a four-mile sand spit that separates Nehalem Bay from the rugged ocean, making it a pretty unique place to spend a night. The park has over 260 electrical sites, as well as 18 yurts available to rent.

Shepherds Cottage Retreat: This cottage retreat is located on a peaceful farm close to Astoria. It has a fully stocked kitchen, an outdoor patio with a fire pit and grill, and great wildlife watching.

Happy Camp Beachfront Cabin: Located right on the beach at pretty Netarts, the Happy Camp Cabin has epic ocean views from the patio, a spacious light-filled interior, two bedrooms, and a full kitchen.

Adorable Seaside CottageThis dog-friendly cottage is close to the beach and town in beautiful Cannon Beach. It offers amenities like a gas fireplace and a flat-screen cable TV.


RELATED: How To Do an Oregon Coast Day Trip From Portland


Central Oregon Coast Trails

7. Drift Creek Falls Trail

  • Distance: 2.6 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

This trail is located about 30 minutes inland from Lincoln City, but it’s worth the extra driving. For one thing, the road up to the trail is beautiful and winds through dense forest.

It is a popular spot, so try to start in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

One of the greatest Oregon waterfall hikes is Drift Creek Falls.
One of the greatest Oregon waterfall hikes—Drift Creek Falls.

The trail will take you through the forest up to a sturdy suspension bridge. From the bridge, you get a great view of the Drift Creek Falls as it plunges down 75 feet into a gorge.

Next, you can continue on and come to a lower viewpoint on a switchback. This second spot offers a bench and makes a good picnic location.

The only downside to this Oregon coast hike is that you walk downhill on the way in and have to climb on the way out.


RELATED: 15 Adventurous Things To Do in Lincoln City


8. Saint Perpetua and Giant Spruce Trail

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Cape Perpetua is a majestic headland that is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. There are quite a few things to explore in Cape Perpetua like Devil’s Churn and Thor’s Well.

Also, you can find many miles of hiking trails in this area. Today, we’ll talk about the Saint Perpetua and Giant Spruce Trail.

On this hike, you can see a variety of wildflowers and local wildlife. In addition to that, you’ll get a great view of the ocean when you get to the top.

Hillside of the Cape Perpetua on the Oregon Coast road trip
Cape Perpetua

It’s a great hike to do in the afternoon since it’s not too long, but you will get a good workout climbing to the top.

Also, it’s more than 500 years old. Going on this hike would provide a great educational experience for young ones.


RELATED: 9 Things to Do in Cape Perpetua, Oregon


9. Cooks Ridge Trail via Discovery Loop Trail

  • Distance: 6.7 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

You’ll climb a good amount during the first couple of miles on this trail. The route gains 1,617 feet and takes you through a beautiful old-growth forest.

Walking through a forest of ancient, towering trees is definitely one of the highlights of this trail. Most of the trail follows Cooks Ridge which opens up for views of the surrounding forested hills on occasion.

Thor's Well

Add on the half-mile Captain Cook loop trail to visit the impressive Thor’s Well, a collapsed sea cave that sprays and churns the ocean waves that crash in and out.


READ MORE: Visiting Thor’s Well in Cape Perpetua, Oregon


10. Heceta Head Lighthouse to Hobbit Beach

  • Distance: 3.6 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

This relatively short trail will give you lots of bang for your buck, with gorgeous coastal views, moss, and fern-covered spruce forest, an iconic lighthouse, and a beautiful beach.

Lighthouse at Heceta head
Heceta Head Lighthouse

You start the hike at the Heceta Lighthouse parking area, and there is a short ascent to the lighthouse from there. Continuing past the lighthouse, you will get breathtaking views of the ocean below and the coastline as the trail winds through the coastal spruce forest.

Hobbit Beach with people walking on the sand in the distance and tree covered headland on a foggy day
Hobbit Beach at Heceta Head

After hiking through this magical forest for a while, you will see a signpost for the Hobbit trailhead which will take you down to secluded Hobbit Beach.

11. Sutton Creek Dunes

  • Distance: 4.1 miles
  • Type of Trail: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy

A trip to Oregon’s central coast wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Oregon Dunes. This section of dunes is the largest in North America and it offers plenty of things to do for the adventurous.

At the north end of the dunes, you’ll find a campground and Sutton Creek.

Walking along the dunes in Oregon
Walking around the Oregon Dunes.

The dunes around the beginning of this hike are very old and covered in vegetation. In other spots, the trail is in the sand and open to the sun.

This easy 4-mile loop is great to do any time of year. Also, it’s good to have a map with you on the trail.

That’s because you’ll go through a campground with a few different turnoffs, and finding the next part of the loop can be a bit confusing.


RELATED: 11 Most Scenic Oregon Coast Towns (And What to Do There!)


12. Siltcoos Lake Trail

  • Distance: 3.5 miles
  • Type of Trail: Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate

A well-maintained trail through a coastal forest of Sitka spruce, Western red cedar, and Douglas fir to the largest freshwater lake on the Oregon Coast.

The first section of this peaceful trail leads uphill on an old logging road before you hit the loop and the trail narrows. Follow the trail over rolling hills to the short of lovely Siltcoos Lake where there are six backcountry campsites if you are interested in staying overnight.

After enjoying the tranquility at the lake, take the remainder of the loop back to the logging road then hike back to the trailhead.

Where to Stay on the Central Oregon Coast

Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area: Downtown Lincoln City is just a few minutes away from this handy campground. Campers can kayak on the lake, explore the coast and enjoy the East Devil’s Lake Day Use Area.

Heceta Beach RV Park: Located on the north side of Florence, Heceta Beach RV Park is just 5 minutes to the beach and a short drive away from lighthouses, dunes, and state parks. The campground has laundry facilities, restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings.

View of Oregon coast and Heceta Lighthouse, a popular Oregon Lighthouse
Heceta Head Lighthouse has a stunning setting on the Oregon Coast

Oregon Coast RV Resort: Just 2 minutes from the Winchester Bay Marina, Oregon Coast RV Resort is a forest campground that is completely surrounded by nature. A stay at the park offers free wifi, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, and more.

Whale Watch: This gorgeous seaside cottage in Lincon City has amazing ocean views from the patio, an outdoor grill, and a wood-burning fireplace.

Huckleberry Cottage: This cozy cottage in Florence is surrounded by trees and is close to Heceta Beach. It has a full kitchen, an outdoor deck with a grill, and a quiet backyard with a fire pit.

Fisherman’s Cottage: Located close to the beach in Florence, the Fisherman’s Cottage is a cute tiny cottage that is perfect for two people.


RELATED: 21 Cool Yurts in Oregon for a Memorable Stay


South Oregon Coast Trails

13. Sunset Bay to Cape Arago

  • Distance: 8.5
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Easy

Located by Coos Bay, this hike is a gem of the Oregon Coast. You get to see three Oregon Coast state parks along the way: Sunset Bay, Shore Acres, and Cape Arago.

Starting at Sunset Bay, the trail takes you along a cliffside forest that opens up to the gardens at Shore Acres. Shore Acres has a few different types of gardens and is a great place to include on an Oregon coast road trip.

View from the top Cape Arago
Cape Arago

Continuing on, you’ll get to two different spots where you can see sea lions. Hiking along 90-foot craggy cliffs also gives you some great views of the ocean, and you might even spot some seals as well.


RELATED: Southern Oregon Coast: 13 Epic Stops—Bandon to Brookings!


14. Floras Lake Waterfall Trail

  • Distance: 5.3 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Moderate

The Floras Lake Waterfall Trail starts off by taking you around the edge of Floras Lake. This lake also has trout and is a nice spot for fishing.

Rocky beach on the Floras Lake Waterfall Beach Coastal Trail in Oregon
The beach will eventually lead to the waterfall

As you continue on, you’ll walk through a forested area. Next, you’ll come across an overgrown turnoff that leads to the beach.

Follow the shoreline south and you’ll find a rocky area with archways and a gorgeous waterfall.

View of beach and sea cliffs at Floras Lake State Park on the Oregon Coast
Floras Lake State Park on the Oregon Coast

RELATED: Your Guide to Exploring Floras Lake State Park


15. Humbug Mountain Trail

  • Distance: 5.1 miles
  • Type of Trail: Loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Here’s another great hike to do for the climb. On this Oregon coast trail, you’ll hike up 1,876 feet to the top of Humbug Mountain. The first mile is the most difficult part of the climb through the forest. At the top, you’ll get a marvelous view of the area.

Birdge over path near beach at Humbug Mountain State Park
A short walk takes you down to the beach in Humbug Mountain State Park

In the spring of 2019, the state cleared some trees at the top and opened up the view even more. Now, you can see for miles along the coastline and gaze at the sparkling ocean far below.

Here’s another great hike to do for the climb. On this Oregon coast trail, you’ll hike up 1,876 feet to the top of Humbug Mountain. The first mile is the most difficult part of the climb through the forest. At the top, you’ll get a marvelous view of the area.

Humbug Mountain
Humbug Mountain, Oregon coast trail

Here’s another great hike to do for the climb. On this Oregon coast trail, you’ll hike up 1,876 feet to the top of Humbug Mountain. The first mile is the most difficult part of the climb through the forest. At the top, you’ll get a marvelous view of the area.

In the spring of 2019, the state cleared some trees at the top and opened up the view even more. Now, you can see for miles along the coastline and gaze at the sparkling ocean far below.


READ MORE: Your Guide to Humbug Mountain State Park


16. Redwood Nature Trail

  • Distance: 1.1 miles
  • Type of Trail: Loop
  • Difficulty: Easy

The Redwood Nature Trail is a short and easy loop trail through a lush grove of old-growth redwoods and some Douglas fir.

The trail climbs gently through the forest with small cascades and moss-covered redwoods, then turning left just before a small bridge.

You pass through Douglas fir and huckleberry and the trail starts to climb again, entering a flat area with small redwoods. The trail then enters the most scenic section, through a ravine with larger redwoods, lush groundcover, and a lovely creek.

The trail crosses over to another ravine and then descends through small redwoods, emerging at a waterfall.


RELATED: A Legendary Oregon Coast Road Trip—35 Stops & 3 Itineraries


17. Cape Sebastian Trail

  • Distance: 2.7 miles
  • Type of Trail: Out-and-Back
  • Difficulty: Medium

Cape Sebastian is a headland that juts out of the coast south of Gold Beach. There’s a viewpoint at the top, but the fun really starts when you hike down to the point of the cape.

Cape Sebastian beach and headland at sunset on the Oregon Coast

This hike is pretty much downhill all the way there and uphill all the way back.

Even though it’s not a long hike, you’ll climb about 718 feet in elevation on the way back. Along the hike, you’ll see some great views of the ocean and experience different kinds of wildlife.

At the end of the trail, there’s a steep descent to the beach. However, there’s a rope that can help you get through this section—both down to the beach and back up. On the beach, you’ll find tide pools with more life.

If you’re in the area, you could spend a whole day explore the nearby Samuel H Boardman Scenic Corridor as well!


RELATED: 17+ Badass Bend Hikes to Conquer During Your Visit


Where to Stay on the South Oregon Coast

Sunset Bay State Park: Sunset Bay State Park is a beautiful place to camp, with towering cliffs and sandy beaches, and it has sites available by the beach. Choose to stay in a tent, RV, or for something a little fancier, there are a few yurts available to rent.

Honey Bear by the Sea: As one of the largest Oregon coast campgrounds and RV resorts on the Pacific Coast, Honey Bear by the Sea has a lot to offer. This campground has a restaurant, bar, and country store spread over 50 beautiful acres.

View out to ocean with rocky coastline in the foreground at Harris Beach State Park on the Oregon Coast
Harris Beach State Park on the Oregon Coast

Harris Beach State Park: Located only a short distance to the beautiful Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, Harris Beach State Park has magnificent ocean views. There are tent sites and full hookup sites available, as well as a few yurts to rent.

Tanbark Shores Guest Suite: This self-contained guest suite is within walking distance to the beach and downtown Brookings, and has a garden, barbecue facilities, a terrace, and free WiFi.

Gold Beach Country Cottage: This adorable cottage has views of the Rogue River and has an open floor plan with vintage beach decor. Enjoy the hot summer days on the patio which has a grill, and a free gourmet breakfast every morning.

Captain’s Quarters: Located on the southern Oregon Coast in Brookings, Captain’s Quarters is a cute cottage with a hot tub. It is conveniently located close to the beach and downtown.


RELATED: 21 Amazing Yurts on the Oregon Coast


One Trail to Rule Them All: Oregon Coast Trail (OCT)

  • Distance: 382 miles
  • Type of Trail: Long Distance Thru-HIke
  • Difficulty: Varies between sections

The Oregon Coast Trail is a long-distance trail route that winds along the entire coast of Oregon. It stretches from the mouth of the Columbia in the north all the way to the border with California.

It’s the ultimate way to experience everything the coastline has to offer.

Oregon Coast Trail is an epic thing to do in Oregon!
Oregon Coast Trail, Oregon

On this trail, you’ll trek through almost 400 miles of national forests, beachheads, cliffs, and state parks. Also, you’ll walk through a number of beach towns and travel along roadways at times.

At many points along the journey, you get from trailhead to trailhead via open beaches.

If you’re considering taking the whole trip in one go, it’s important to leave at the right time. Summertime (June through September) is the best time to go.

Views on a Oregon Coast Hike
Somewhere overlooking Bandon Beach

However, temperatures in the wintertime are mild so it’s possible to do the trail year-round. If you have the right gear, a hike during the off-season can reveal some gorgeous drizzly vistas.

Just be aware that you will get wet.


RELATED: 17 Cool Oregon Coast Campgrounds to Stay At


How Long Does Hiking the Oregon Coast Trail Take?

So how long does it take to hike the whole coastline? Well, if you keep a moderate pace every day, it takes about one month. But, if you want to stop in various towns along the way you might want to plan for some more time to do this mega Oregon coast hike.

If you’re planning on doing the whole hike, make sure that you have some experience with long-distance hiking. The daily trek can take a toll on your body if you haven’t trained for it.

Also, remember that you won’t be hiking on soil the whole time. You’ll traverse many miles on the beach, and walking on sand takes more energy.

Of course, you could hike any section of the Oregon Coast Trail that you want. You could do the southern coast from Reedsport through to the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.

Or, you could hike a shorter section between Tillamook and Lincoln City. However you choose to do it, the OCT offers an experience filled with wonder and adventure.

Check out more posts on the Oregon Coast and even more adventures around the state.

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *