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Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
715.00 ft (217.93 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.80 mi (6.12 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.

Cape Sebastian is the northern gateway to some of the least-visited and most scenic portions of the Oregon Coast. Just a few miles south of Gold Beach and the mouth of the Rogue River, Cape Sebastian gives way to the Pistol River area which leads to the spectacular Samuel P. Boardman Scenic Corridor. Much of this coast can be seen from the viewpoint on Cape Sebastian, but the special attraction here is the magnificent trail down to the beach on the north side of the cape.

Starting at the south parking area, the trail winds down a gradual descent, offering great views to the north for the first half mile or so. At this point the trail heads south along the west edge of the cape and descends steadily to a series of switchbacks that eventually reach the bluff just above the crashing waves. The wave action here is spectacular, and there are many spots to sit and watch the show. Winding around the last curve of the cape, the trail reaches the cliff above Hunters Beach, and the last steep section gets an assist from a rope and posts for the final 50 feet.

The beach at Hunters Cove is wide and extends just over a mile south to the nearest parking turnout on Highway 1. The sea stacks of Pistol River are visible in the distance, and Hunters Island looms just offshore. The long uphill trek must be faced unless a car shuttle has been left at the highway turnout, but the scenery is nice and the trail grade is reasonable, so the hike up is a really pleasant one.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Spectacular scenery. Isolated beach.

Cons

A bit of a climb back out.

Trailhead Elevation

721.00 ft (219.76 m)

Features

Whale watching
Wildlife
Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Fishing

Location

Nearby Adventures

Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon
Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon
Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon
Southern Oregon Coast + Rogue River, Oregon
Ludlum House Recreation Area
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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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