cascade head trail

Let me explain. There are two trails to the beautiful views of Cascade Head. At the crest of the mountain on Hwy. 101 is a side road with a gate which is locked much of the year. If you are lucky enough for it to be open, you have an easy hike out to the head. If it is locked, you go to the south side and take the steep trail up.

The Most Beautiful Place on The Oregon Coast.Mom and I decided to drive over to Lincoln city and do this hike, and we are sure glad we did. We hit the first part of the upper trailhead point which was a mile in and my mom decide to go back because her knees couldn't take going down the hill and backup it. So I went a little further down towards the cliff area, and I'm glad I did because the view was breathtaking and the Kool ocean breeze was nice on this hot day, I also got a great view of the Three Rocks area and Salmon river running inland from the Pacific ocean. Now the hike back up really sucked and I was stopping every 20 feet or so to take a break..................Lol, but in the future I would like to hike from the top all the way down to the bottom to the Three rocks park and do the whole 5 miles if I'm able to, but that's just a thought.

Considering we passed a NO DOGS sign at parking lot, at trail head and another as you entered the upland area, we were surprised how many people had their dogs with them. There should be a fine and a number to call to report those with dogs. Otherwise, it will just continue as there are always those who think rules dont apply to them.

Caught this place on a clear day. Took the upper trail and hiked down a bit from the upper overlook. The view alone was worth the hike back up. The upper trailhead is perfect for young children and those not up to the long slog uphill, and for those with time limitations. Glad some of the locals recommended this hike.

Mom and I decided to drive over to Lincoln city and do this hike, and we are sure glad we did. We hit the first part of the upper trailhead point which was a mile in and my mom decide to go back because her knees couldn't take going down the hill and backup it. So I went a little further down towards the cliff area, and I'm glad I did because the view was breathtaking and the Kool ocean breeze was nice on this hot day, I also got a great view of the Three Rocks area and Salmon river running inland from the Pacific ocean. Now the hike back up really sucked and I was stopping every 20 feet or so to take a break..................Lol, but in the future I would like to hike from the top all the way down to the bottom to the Three rocks park and do the whole 5 miles if I'm able to, but that's just a thought.

One of the most enjoyable things we did on our trip to the Oregon coast. Really enjoyed the hike through the trees. It was foggy that day so we didn't get the great view of the ocean, but the forest just beyond the top of the hike seemed like something out of the Hobbit movie - it was awesome!

One gorgeous spot. We didn't explore all the trails, but went to end of road, checked out the river by where it enters the ocean, and walked the shores by the boathouse and vacant summer homes along the river. Many birds, shells, fish, crabs and signs of other larger land animals. On a future trip we plan to brind a kayak, or other floater to check out the other shore, inacessable by walking.

We visited OR in September of 2013 for our 25th anniversary. We flew into Portland, rented a car, drove to the coast and spent several days touring from Pacific City to Florence. I had read about the Cascade Head Trail, so on our way from Pacific City to Newport we stopped to check it out. We started the hike but soon realized that this was not a hike my wife was going to enjoy so we turned back and drove on to Newport. That evening I couldn't get this trail out of my head and we decided to do separate things the next day. She would shop in Newport and Nye Beach and I would drive back to hike Cascade Head. And am I glad I did! A few miles north of Lincoln City turn left onto 3 Rocks Road. A couple of twisty turny miles west along the Salmon River to the trail head which is well marked. The trail starts off along a road which leads to some private properties then cuts sharply into the woods. The climb is gradual at first that leads through some old growth forest with trees that are enormous. Spend some time appreciating how grand these old fellows are. I have only seen larger ones (Redwoods) in the Muir Woods National Park of Sausalito, CA. The trail becomes steep,your heart begins to pound and you will need to stop and drink water (and catch your breath) 30 minutes on the trail (about 3/4 mi), roughly 500 feet of gain you will come to a sign post. This is where I wondered if I could keep going. I rested for 5 minutes and decided that I didn't come this far to turn back. Another 15 minutes on the trail and another 100 feet of gain and the canopy begins to open up. All of a sudden the trail levels out, turns into a meadow and the most beautiful classic Oregon coastline scene is on your left. I spent about 10 minutes taking pictures and re-hydrating when I noticed large piles of scat. Very large piles and lots of them. Hmm, I wondered what that could be from and decided it was time to head back down. I didn't see anyone all the way up and it wasn't until I was about 100 yards from the trail head that another group was heading to one of the most picturesque scenes of the Oregon coast. Sorry if the picture doesn't look right - it's a panoramic shot - the only way to capture this site.

A nice hike through some old growth to a wide vista of the ocean. Easy hike. Good for kids too. Great place to fly a kite once you get to the top.

No restrooms, plan accordingly. Trail narrow in places, but very beautiful. Be sure and take your camera, for some pictures you will treasure. Elk, eagles, views of Salmon River and Lincoln City beaches are all there.

There is a long way to hike to the Cascade Head viewpoint, and an easy way. You can drive up most of the way on a decent gravel road (we don't have a 4WD vehicle, and it was a piece of cake), and do the relatively easy 1-mile hike (about 150 vertical feet) to the same viewpoint that others are describing with the 1,200 foot vertical. This option is a good alternative if you have small children, or people in your party which can't handle the longer hike.Either way, it's an absolutely spectacular view of the Salmon River estuary and the Lincoln City Beach, for miles and miles to the south and southeast. While there wasn't a fee, there was a donation box for the Nature Conservancy, which we happily contributed to.Watch your hat, though -- the breeze can be pretty strong, and once your hat heads down the slope, you're not going to be able to retrieve it!

This hike wasn't that long, just pretty steep to the upper viewpoint. But what a reward! We were there in the middle of the week and met a few people on the trail but had the top to ourselves for lots of picture taking. It was a beautifully sunny day with just a few clouds. Also near the top we could hear sea lions barking like crazy but due to the steep drop-offs we couldn't get a good view of them. Make sure you bring water and wear layers. Bug spray/lotion is also a must if during summer for the forested part of the hike. Oh - and there must be good tower reception because we passed TWO people who were talking on the phone while going up - crazy!!

Thanks to Nature Conservancy, we can enjoy one of most awe-inspiring coastal hikes in Oregon. First, you'll walk from Knight Park on the Salmon River, which is the only place to park. Then, after a quite-steep trail through old-growth forested trail, you come out on a gorgeous headland meadow with stunning views. (After you hike Cascade Head, you'll notice photos of this coastline view in many Oregon calendars.) The trail has gradual elevation gain to the lower viewpoint. You can turn around here or proceed uphill to the upper headland and more sweeping views. This trail is very popular in summer, and on weekends/holidays year-round. It's a rewarding hike in every season. We've seen herds of elk on the headland in the winter. If you have time & energy, continue into the alder forest to the north at the top and hike an old logging road. This comes out at a trail-head accessible north of here, from 101. If you have lots of energy and more time, continue on the gravel road a mile or so to the Hart's Cove trail-head. The Hart's Cove hike through deep sitka and hemlock (mostly old-growth) forest comes out at a meadow & view of the cove. You can drive to the Harts Cove trail-head from a narrow, winding access road off of 101. The gate to the access road is open July 16 to Dec. 31. Caution: do not take large vehicles or trailers on this one-lane road. Drive cautiously; there are many blind curves and almost no pull-over space. The only toilets are at Knight Park. Carry water. Trails are often muddy if it's been raining (which is most of the year.) On the Hart's Cove trail, wear sturdy shoes. You cross a couple of creeks and climb over logs.Trekking poles are helpful! No dogs allowed on Cascade Head Tr.; dogs on leash ok on Harts Cove Tr.

6-7 miles up and back, 1200 foot climb. Starts out at the mouth of the Salmon River, winds through rain forest, then up a hill. Hikers are rewarded with Spctacular views of the ocean, coast and river valley for more than half of the hike. The day we were there, we could see for miles down the coastline. The weather was beautiful, and there was a crowd at the top of the mountain (but we saw very few people while on the trail).We took 1 hour and 15 minutes to the top, and are middle aged (I'm 50, but can't share my wife's age), and are in decent shape.The trail is maintained by the Nature Conservancy.Great day hike!

Not a terribly challenging hike and a great views of the Pacific Ocean! I caught it at a busy time (Memorial Day) but it was worth the trouble! Worth the time!