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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,100.00 ft (335.28 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
4.00 mi (6.44 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.

At 1,680 feet, Neahkahnie Mountain is one of the highest points on the west coast of the United States. From its location in Oswald West State Park, Neahkahnie offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Tillamook Native Americans considered the mountain to be supremely significant: “Ne” translates as “place of,” and “Ekahnie” as “supreme deity.” Urban legend maintains that the mountain is home to treasures left by Spanish explorers, but not much has come of this in modern times. Legends aside, the hike up to the exposed summit of Neahkahnie Mountain is absolutely incredible, particularly on clear days. Spectacular wildflowers line the trail at the beginning and the end, while the middle section is characterized by gradual switchbacks through a dense Sitka spruce forest. If the 1,100-foot elevation gain is too intimidating, there is also an easier and more frequented eastern approach.  View our map for details.

Once you've returned to the trailhead, you can hike further north on the Oregon Coast Trail to the Devil’s Cauldron viewpoint, then down to Short Sand Beach for a refreshing swim before continuing to Cape Falcon.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Highest point along coast. Panoramic views.

Cons

Peak summer crowds.

Trailhead Elevation

460.00 ft (140.21 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

03/02/2019
It was a perfect, sunny day with gorgeous views! We started at the Southern Neahkahnie trailhead and went to Devil’s Cauldron and back for about 8 miles round trip. The trail was very muddy and grew more crowded in the afternoon.
07/23/2018
We started this Rad Hike at Short Sands Beach (3rd Parking lot S on Hwy 101 Oswald State Park) and ended up doing the Loop!!! An Enchanted Forest, Lush Meadow, a Devil's Cauldron and an Amazing View at the Summit of Neah-Kah-Nie Mountain Trail!
06/08/2018
The view is as pictured above, spectacular place to have your lunch on top of the little rock clearing (access from behind is easier). There isn't a ton of space up there on the rocky viewpoint so it can get a little crowded but I'm sure if you went early you could avoid the big groups. Pretty good work out but not too hard that a kid couldn't do it, my 8 year old had no complaints. Don't wear any brand new sneakers you don't want to get muddy.
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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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