Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
900.00 ft (274.32 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
5.40 mi (8.69 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Located on Cascade Head, Hart's Cove is the lesser known of the two great hikes along the headland’s bluffs (the Cascade Head hike tends to be more popular).  The headland is named for the numerous creeks that dramatically spill into the Pacific Ocean. The switchback trail down to Hart's Cove is the only path that will provide a view of one of the headland's numerous waterfalls. Descending nearly 900 feet, the trail to Chitwood Creek Falls travels through one of Oregon’s classic old-growth coastal forests of giant Sitka spruce. After cutting across several creek valleys the trail finally opens up into a wild meadow full of flowers, including pearly everlasting, common yarrow and cow parsnip.  The meadow is perfect for a day picnic, laying out a blanket and reading a book or simply catching a summer sunset.

Note: The Hart's Cove Trail is closed seasonally from January 1 through July 15 to protect threatened species. Also, Chitwood Creek Falls slows to a dribble in late summer, so visit earlier in the year or in late fall/winter to see the cascade in all its glory.

Hart's Cove is part of the Cascade Head Marine Reserve and Marine Protected Areas. This means that there are specific prohibitions against fishing and the harvesting of fish, invertebrates, and seaweed. Check here for specific clarifications on regulations, exemptions, and a detailed representation of the area's boundaries.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Old-growth. Wildflower meadow. Panoramic vistas.

Cons

Limited views until the end of the trail.

Trailhead Elevation

1,100.00 ft (335.28 m)

Features

Waterfalls
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Comments

07/16/2018
A Beautiful Experience! We parked at Knight's Park and did both Cascade Head and Hart's Cove...11.2 miles total. Many Wildflowers and Wildlife!!!! 92 Degrees in Portland and topped out at 72 on this Amazing Hike!!!!
11/11/2015
A spectacular little nook on the Oregon coast!
12/05/2015
A bit of a drive from Portland, but paired with Drift Creek Falls (very short, very easy), well worth it! The trail is fairly muddy and a couple small streams had washed out bridges. Dogs on leash are allowed, though I would not recommend dogs that tug or kids that are not well behaved. At several points you're standing on a (wet) cliff's edge several hundred feet above crashing surf. Hundreds of sea lions were barking in the next cove, a hawk was circling over head, and only two other people on the trail.
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