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Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,200.00 ft (365.76 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.20 mi (6.76 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.

The trail up to Cascade Head is one of the Oregon Coast's best year-around hikes.  From the wildflower meadow at the top you'll catch incredible views to the south that include the 529-acre Westwind Stewardship Conservation Area and Camp, the Salmon River estuary, Lincoln City, and the Pacific.

The headlands were purchased in 1966 by The Nature Conservancy, which saved the lands from development and now stewards the 270 acres of protected grasslands. In partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lewis and Clark College, and the Oregon Zoo, The Nature Conservancy actively researches and monitors the preserve’s sensitive habitat. The partnership has reintroduced the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly and actively maintains the trails and removes invasive species such as Himalayan blackberry.

Cascade Head is named for the numerous waterfalls that spill into the Pacific just north of this hike. To get the full taste of the headlands, extend your adventure and hike down to Harts Cove to get the best view of Chitwood Creek Falls, or consider a view of the headlands from below.

Note:  Dogs are not allowed in the area due to the sensitive nature of the headlands, and it is critical that visitors stay on the established trails.

Cascade Head 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)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Incredible views. Resident herd of Roosevelt elk.

Cons

No dogs allowed.

Trailhead Elevation

40.00 ft (12.19 m)

Features

Big Game Watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

02/29/2016
Worked a trip up Cascade Head in along with Drift Creek Falls on a rainy February Day. Trail was in pretty poor condition but the views were still awesome despite the rain.
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A profound concept originally envisioned by governor Oswald West, in 1967 the Oregon legislature ultimately realized his vision of making the entire Oregon Coast forever open to the public in a piece of landmark legislation titled the Oregon Beach Bill, officially making all 363 miles public land. "The People's Coast" is truly a one-of-a-kind coastline, a unique blend of mountains and rocky stacks, towering old growth forests, marine sanctuaries, tide pools and kelp forests, charming towns, historic fishing communities, world-class golfing, breweries, and simply jaw-dropping scenic beaches. We encourage you to plan your next trip at visittheoregoncoast.com or by calling (541) 574-2679.

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